Daytona Beach is a coastal Florida city known for its long, sunny, 23-mile stretch of beach, for the fast cars that fire their engines up each year at the Daytona 500, and for its friendly people, abundant sunshine, lively party scene, and plenty to see and do. Even better, it has a smaller, but thriving LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in the Sunshine State, you’ll find plenty to love about this coastal city!
A Look at Daytona Beach's History
Daytona Beach was initially founded in the 1870s, becoming officially incorporated as a city in 1876. Most agree that it was named after its founder, Matthias Day, who was a business tycoon from Mansfield, Ohio. He purchased 3200 acres of land in the area that later became Daytona Beach in 1870 for only $1200. The city, which was always popular for its beautiful beaches, eventually became well-known first for high-speed automobile testing, and later, for racing. It remains so to this day, and is also a very popular tourist destination, offering plenty to see and do for visitors and residents alike.
A Few Fun Facts About Daytona Beach
Read more fun facts about Daytona Beach here.
Daytona Beach’s LGBTQ Community
Daytona Beach is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG New Smyrna/Volusia
PFLAG New Smyrna/Volusia is the Daytona Beach area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Equality Florida is a Florida group constantly working to promote equality for all in Florida. The group offers networking opportunities, events, resources, and plenty of opportunities to become involved, as it works toward the celebration and advancement of LGBTQ groups across the state.
What's the Weather Like in Daytona Beach?
Those who live in Daytona Beach can expect plenty of the year-round warmth and sun that the Sunshine State is known for. Temperatures are warm throughout the year Daytona Beach gets 51 inches of rain, on average, each year, and no snow. Temperatures range from a low of around 47ºF in January to a high of around 90ºF in July.
Can’t-Miss Events in Daytona Beach
Volusia Pride is the Daytona Beach area’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it's one event that you will definitely want to put on your calendar. This annual festival supports the LGBTQ community in the entire Volusia County area, and includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Daytona 500 is definitely one of the annual events that Daytona Beach is best known for. This iconic race of some of the fastest cars in the world is attended each year by thousands, and it’s certainly one event to put on your calendar if you love racing, or simply want to have a great time having fun with friends on a beautiful Daytona Beach day.
The Best Neighborhoods in Daytona Beach
Unlike some larger cities that have one specific "gayborhood" where most of the LGBTQ population tends to live, the LGBTQ community in Daytona Beach tends to be a bit more spread out through a variety of neighborhoods. This isn't a negative thing though – it simply means that there are lots of wonderful neighborhoods to choose from and finding a home will largely be a matter of style, budget, and personal preference. There are a wide variety of homes available in Daytona Beach, from condos to beach bungalows, to larger luxury beach homes, suburban areas, and everything in between.
The median sale price of homes in Daytona Beach over the last year was approximately $205,00.
Arts and Entertainment
Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art is a beautiful, bright, airy art museum featuring a huge, impressive collection of Florid-themed paintings and other art, as well as a gift shop and café. It’s a wonderful place to spend a day learning, feeling inspired, and having fun.
Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier
The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier is iconic Daytona Beach. Filled with activities, restaurants, souvenir shops, and beautiful views, it's a perfect place to enjoy a beautiful Daytona Beach day.
Parks and Recreation
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is Florida's tallest lighthouse at 175 feet, and it is well worth a visit on a beautiful Daytona Beach day. The grounds upon which the lighthouse sits are beautiful, and the museum is full of fascinating history, not only of the lighthouse but also of Daytona Beach itself.
It's almost impossible to talk about Daytona Beach without talking about its beaches! There are miles and miles of beautiful coastline in the Daytona Beach area, and whatever your preference – quiet stretches of sand, bustling beaches packed with partying, or something in between, you can find it here.
Daytona Beach Nightlife
The Terrace on Main Street is one of the most popular LGBTQ nightspots in Daytona Beach, and one that you’ll definitely want to put on your list for a fun night out. It overlooks Daytona Beach's lively Main Street and is well-known for its karaoke, excellent DJs, strong drinks, and friendly crowds.
The Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Club
Though not specifically an LGBTQ nightspot, The Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Club is nevertheless very friendly and welcoming to all, and one of the best spots to enjoy Daytona Beach nightlife. It’s a fun, friendly place where all are sure to have a good time.
Contact a Daytona Beach Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Daytona Beach, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Daytona Beach, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Daytona Beach gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
