Daytona 500 - 2011 (Jacksonville: camp, restaurants, shop)

[HatesWinter2118]

My boyfried and I will be visiting his brother in Jacksonville in February. We will be attending the Daytona 500 one day, but in Jacksonville the remainder of the week. I have a few questions...

-Are there any exciting events in Jacksonville during Feb?

-If anyone has made the trip from Jacksonville to Daytona is there excessive traffic due to the race? How long can we expect the drive to be?

-Restuarant suggestions for either Jacksonville or Daytona, preferably nothing chain, and not too expensive?

-Any other suggestions, i.e. must to do, must see places/things.

This will be our first time visiting these places of Florida and are hoping to get as much out of the trip as possible. Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated

[jsimms3]

Went to the Daytona 500 maybe 6 years ago. Yes, 250,000+ people decend on Daytona for one day. There is traffic! Also, leave the 500 early unless you want a 4 hour drive back to Jax (should be an hour drive). BTW, the 500 is sooooo much fun. Boring on TV, an adrenaline rush with lots of beer and cigars in person And no, it's not all rednecks. You'll see celebrities and all sorts of people. It's definitely a huge event.

I'll answer your other questions when I can think of something. Where will you be staying in Jax? I would hardly want to recommend you to a restaurant or event that will be totally out of the way.

[bativac]

There is quite a bit of traffic and like jsimms said, a quarter of a million people in Daytona for the 500 - this is their big event after all. There are some great places to eat in Daytona but expect long waits and the good places will be packed.

I can't think of any big events going on in Jax during Feb. What kinds of things do the two of you enjoy - shopping? Being outdoors? The beach? (Maybe a little cool for the beach but there are still lots of neat beachfront parks worth checking out.)

[kcj]

For the 500, plan to cook out after the race. By the time you are done eating, the traffic will be clear. They have come a very long way in traffic management and it is not nearly the nightmare that it used to be to get out of there.

[jimbo13]

i used to camp out and party in the infield all weekend for the 500 back in the day. wow, was it a fun time...

[FlyiMetro]

Ive never been to a Nascar Race. Never had anyone to go with. Seems interesting.

[HatesWinter2118]

Thanks all for the postings. As a followup, when in Jacksonville we will be staying near Pointe Vedra Beach, and we are mid 20's who like fun places to eat and drink

[navychica]

When in Daytona, try to hit up Beach St. They have fun bars and little, unique restaurants. It will be a complete pain trying to get there after the race though.

[SlickP]

I've been to the race the last five years. If you don't plan on leaving the race early, get there early, tailgate and pay the ($20-$40) to park as close as possible to I-95 North Entrance Ramp. If you park in some lot and catch a bus to the track you will be in for a 4hr trip back to Jax. If you haul ass out of the stands right when the race ends, being parked by I-95 you can beat the traffic. Being in your 20s, head north to Jax Beach, 3rd Street for a Good Time. Have Fun!

[FlyiMetro]

Its fun race.