The Boardwalk
The beachside fun has returned to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and along with it a bit of nostalgia. Many locals have fond memories of the Midway Fun Center in its heyday. They didn't want the rides to leave in the first place, and are glad to once again see them return.
The old menagerie of amusement rides disappeared four years ago when the Fun Center was torn down to make way for a multimillion dollar beachside redevelopment project. However, the proposed condos, timeshares and chic restaurants never got past the drawing board after the real estate market took a plunge. So, whether it was chance or fate or simply a spat of good luck, the people got what they really wanted this time. The got their seaside fun back.
While there is still some construction going on, the project is taking shape and is open for business. Earlier this month, small circles of kiddie rides joined the Ferris wheel, Slingshot, Hurricane and Tilt-O-Whirl; and, go-carts could start racing as soon as next week. A state permit is pending for a roller coaster simulator; and, if the attractions’ owners have their way, more rides and attractions will be coming.
The Boardwalk is open seven days a week. The rides, which cost between $3 and $5 per person, are open from early afternoon to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. In addition to the rides, there are an abundance of gift shops full of souvenir t-shirts, beach towels and gift items. A must stop is Zeno’s Sweet Shop, home of the world’s most famous saltwater taffy, which also has great homemade ice cream and fudge. Also, if you’re looking for something more than a snack, you can grab pizza by the slice or pie at Boardwalk Pizza, sit under an umbrella on the Boardwalk and enjoy watching the surf on the beach and the people go by.
Those seeking a substantial meal, will want to try the Cruisin’ Café, where you eat in a race car and every table in the restaurant is dedicated to a Daytona 500 race winner. It is just a a block away on the southwest corner of A1A and Main Street.
The Pier
The adjacent Daytona Beach Pier is closed this summer for renovations. Although signs indicate it will reopen in the fall, the Daytona Beach News-Journal has reported the reopening now isn’t slated until at least January, 2011. Closed since last fall, no one denies that the 745-foot-long, 85-year-old structure needed some work. What everyone is asking is, “What is taking so long?”
Since the City of Daytona Beach bought out the pier leaseholder last fall, there have been some legitimate delays — asbestos removal in the pier’s buildings has been one of them and another was caused when the piling repair company backed out before signing a contract. While it was hoped that repairs would take only a few months, time has marched on and plans for the structure have yet to be finalized. Many decisions are up in the air. Will the new pier feature a glass-floor raw bar where diners can watch fish swimming below, or will it feature a roof deck bar with live entertainment? Why not both? Will pets be allowed? Will fishing return to the pier? All these are questions that won’t likely be answered until the City Commission’s July meeting when they choose a group of investors and what that group envisions for the pier. What is clear is that this is one extreme multi-million dollar makeover that won’t be completed soon. Where is ABC’s Extreme Makeover’s team when you really need them? They'd have it done in a week!
Directions
The Daytona Beach Pier is located at 1200 Main Street and the Boardwalk amusements are located just north along the Boardwalk. Access to the Daytona Beach Pier and Boardwalk is off Hwy A1A and Main Street. Limited two-hour free parallel parking is available on Main Street and limited metered on-street parking is available on Ocean Avenue (quarters needed). Also, there is a parking lot on Ocean Avenue offering unlimited parking for $8 day.
