Daytona Beach Revives Nostalgia: Pepp's Pool Expansion on Boardwalk!

Daytona Beach, Florida - Daytona Beach is setting its sights on a future filled with more attractions and experiences as plans for expanding the Boardwalk surface. This endeavor aims to draw in even more visitors, enhancing the beloved coastal charm of this iconic Florida city. With a rich history behind it, including the once-famous Pepp’s Pool, Daytona Beach offers a glimpse into the past while paving the way for the future.

Pepp’s Pool, a treasure from the 1920s, was a large saltwater pool located just off the Daytona Beach Pier, where the Breakers Oceanfront Park stands today. Built by Harry Pepper, this pool opened on April 25, 1925, during the vibrant Great Florida Land Boom. Measuring a generous 100 by 60 feet and holding an impressive 325,000 gallons of water, it became a local hotspot, featuring a diving tower, changing rooms, and even hosting swim meets and beauty pageants. Interestingly, it offered summer swimming lessons for children, waiving the 25-cent entrance fee that came with access to its waters. As the News Journal reports, it sourced its water through an 8-inch cast-iron pipe directly from the nearby ocean.

The Rise and Fall of Pepp’s Pool

After changing ownership, Pepp’s Pool transformed into the Tropical Pool in 1933. However, like many local businesses, it fell victim to the Great Depression, closing its doors in 1937. The city condemned this piece of history in 1946, leading to its demolition by 1948, marking the end of an era in Daytona Beach’s recreational landscape.

Along with the pool’s history, the area around Rockefeller Drive offers a glimpse into Daytona Beach’s vibrant past. Vintage photographs capture lively scenes, featuring the Halifax Pharmacy, old cars, and even children playing horseshoes, showcasing a community spirit long embedded in the town’s fabric. The Go Antiques site highlights striking imagery—one photo shows a young girl being pulled from the empty pool while men in straw hats assist her, a moment frozen in time, depicting the fashion and social ambiance unique to the 1920s.

Daytona Beach Today

Today, Daytona Beach isn’t just about its historical anecdotes—it’s a city bustling with life. The iconic Daytona International Speedway continues to be a major attraction, celebrating its racing roots, while attractions like the Daytona Lagoon and Ponce Inlet Lighthouse attract families and history buffs alike. As detailed by Don’t Worry, Go Travel, the city’s unique districts offer rich cultural experiences, ranging from vibrant arts to enticing dining options.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to indulge in, from scenic hiking trails to thrilling water sports along the coastline. Whether exploring the cultural depths at the Museum of Arts & Sciences or reliving the roaring twenties with a Prohibition Tour, Daytona Beach caters to everyone.

As plans to expand the Boardwalk move forward, it’s clear Daytona Beach is not just resting on its storied past. There’s something to be said for honoring history while looking boldly to the future, as this lively city continues to welcome both new visitors and those drawn to its enchanting history.