Ormond Beach is part of Volusia county, and the northern neighbor to world-famous Daytona Beach. Ormond BeacOh has a laid-back Old Florida vibe, and one of the coolest historical attractions in Florida. Here are six things to love about Ormond Beach that really solidified my trip.
Ormond’s Beautiful Beach
One of the most amazing things about Ormond Beach, is that a hilly embankment (great for parking your car) is alongside the beach, and there are no high-rises or huge hotels overtaking the scenery. Parking is free and plentiful, and you are steps from the sandy beach.
Having been to the neighboring beaches, I found Ormond Beach quite tranquil and definitely more relaxing them its counterparts. Be sure to look for coquina shells; there are an abundance on this gorgeous beachfront.
Waterfront Attractions
Ormond Beach has excellent views of the Halifax River, which you can see beautifully from Fortunato Park, a 2.6 acre park with a historic building and gorgeous gardens. There is also a winding pier to walk out on or fish from.
The Casements
Sitting on the Halifax River bank is an amazing historic home on the National Register of Historic Places called The Casements. This 9,000-square-foot historical structure was the winter home to magnate John D. Rockefeller near the turn of the century.
The Rockefeller home is utterly grand, and touring it is absolutely free. Take a self-guided tour and see pictures and the rooms where lavish parties were held, business deals, and private moments for the well-known family. The Casements has been restored and looks better than ever.
Watch for special events year-round at this lovely attraction.
Tasty Restaurants
For breakfast, Peach Valley Cafe is all that and a bag of chips. This Ormond Beach staple has two locations, attractive scenery and Instagram-worthy murals, and excellent food.
Be sure to try the orchard fresh apple fritters, fried hot, added to a brown bag of cinnamon sugar, and tossed for just the right mix of sweetness and deliciousness. The Peach Valley Picker’s Skillet is one of the specialties and a good, hearty breakfast option.
To read a more in-depth review of these restaurants, check out our Ormond Beach dining guide.
Another delicious beachfront restaurant is The Beach Bucket, on South Atlantic Avenue. Parking is free and the ocean views are second to none. The Eggs Benedict is top-notch, and the omelets with toast and fried potatoes is fantastic, as well.
For lunch, try Rose Villa or 31 Supper Club, next door to one another. My husband and I enjoy appetizers on the covered patio at 31 Supper Club, and maybe one of their sheer perfection craft cocktails. The 31 Roasted Ciabatta Bread and Caesar salads are highly recommended.
At Rose Villa, a former Speakeasy, you are in for a treat, from the original decor and attractive dining rooms to the tempting meals and delicious desserts, it’s all good here.
My top dinner recommendation for Ormond Beach is the European Cafe and Schnitzel House on Atlantic Avenue. You are instantly transported to Germany when you walk in this authentic eatery. Our server was so professional and was the only person attending the whole restaurant, but doing it with ease and care.
My Jaegerbratin was fantastic, paired with homemade spaetzle and the best red cabbage I’ve ever had. And my husband enjoyed every bite of his chicken Schnitzel.
Go Camping
My husband and I parked our RV at Sunshine Holiday Daytona RV Resort. We were enjoying the area so much that we extended our trip two more days to soak up the sun and fun. Sunshine offers tent and RV camping and has bocce ball, mini-golf, a great playground, volleyball, and a beautiful and fun, heated swimming pool.
The Sunshine Holiday Daytona campground is peaceful and offers some shaded areas, perfect for riding bikes and walking. I will note that the grounds needed some attention; grass cut, washer/dryers fixed, and funbrellas pressure cleaned.
Tomoka State Park is another fascinating place to explore, bike, hike, or stay. The Florida State Park offers ocean front campsites and a former Native American settlement. Besides typical park features, Tomoka is home to a plethora of diverse birds, some say 160 species, making it a bird lovers paradise. You don’t have to go far into the park before seeing gorgeous, photograph worthy species.
Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail
Drive through a bevy of live oak trees cascading into soft canopies of the road, while the roadsides are often marshland and almost dangerous looking protectors of the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail (OSLT). Referred to as “The Loop”, this scenic road is a must-see when visiting Ormond Beach.
My husband and I drove it three times, both ways, because the sun reflects differently on the landscape and adds to the photos.
The thirty-mile trail winds itself through state parks, prestigious neighborhoods, historic attractions and homes, and canal-looking creek areas. I witnessed many men out in the canals fishing, standing chest deep in the water and making magic with their fishing nets.
Learn more about Florida’s Atlantic Coast:
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