Located just north of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach is a lovely coastal city filled with history, culture, beaches, and nature. Easily accessible from I-95, Ormond Beach is quieter and more family-friendly than its more well-known neighbor just to the south. With miles of pristine beaches, multiple state parks, and plenty of shopping and restaurants, Ormond Beach is the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway or a day trip from Orlando. Read on to discover our Ormond Beach travel guide with tips for the top things to do in this scenic beach town, including where to eat and where to stay.
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1.) ANDY ROMANO BEACHFRONT PARK
Ormond Beach has 23 miles of sandy white beaches along the Atlantic coastline, and one of our favorite access points is at Andy Romano Beachfront Park on South Atlantic Avenue. This park is perfect for families because in addition to four acres of beautiful coastline, Andy Romano Beachfront Park also offers a splash pad, playground, pavilion, and grills in addition to restrooms and free parking. You can easily spend several hours or a whole day here.
2.) ORMOND MEMORIAL ART MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens was founded at the end of World War II due to the vision of artist Malcolm Fraser, who wanted to establish an art museum that honored veterans. Fraser donated his own artwork and the citizens of Ormond Beach worked together to raise money and bring his vision to life.
Today, the museum showcases a variety of unique artwork, including rotating exhibitions as well as the permanent collection of Malcolm Fraser’s oil paintings. The museum is also home to beautiful gardens that include a gazebo, waterfalls, and native and exotic plants. The gardens provide a peaceful oasis to stroll right in the middle of town.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from Noon-4pm. The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset every day. General admission is $8 for adults; $5 for seniors, college students, and military members; and $3 for kids ages 6-17. U.S. Veterans receive free admission.
3.) THE CASEMENTS
Just down the street from Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is The Casements, a historic 9,000 square foot mansion that used to be the winter residence of American oil magnate John D. Rockefeller. The property is now owned by the city and serves as a museum and cultural center. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers free tours and events throughout the year.
Some of the historical displays include the Rockefeller Period Room, a Boy Scouts of America memorabilia collection, and a collection of Hungarian festival costumes. The property also includes the restored Rockefeller Gardens on the Halifax River, which is now a two-acre riverfront park featuring a promenade, streams, and citrus trees. Touring the mansion and strolling the park are perfect activities for a leisurely afternoon.
4.) TOMOKA STATE PARK
If you are a nature lover looking for ways to get outside and discover the real Florida, Ormond Beach offers not one but three state parks all within easy driving distance of each other. Located on a peninsula in Ormond Beach at the intersection of the Tomoka and Halifax rivers, Tomoka State Park is a true hidden gem. The site has been occupied for at least the last 5,000 years, and is the former location of both the substantial Timucuan village Nocoroco and a British indigo plantation. Today, Tomoka State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities to spot Florida’s native wildlife in habitats such as salt marshes and hardwood hammocks. For more information about things to do at this park, check out our Tomoka State Park article here.
5.) BULOW CREEK STATE PARK
Bulow Creek State Park is a nature preserve in Ormond Beach that protects one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest in east Florida. This park is home to the Fairchild Oak, one of the largest and oldest oak trees in the South, estimated to be between 400 and 600 years old. When we visited, we saw almost every visitor pausing to take a photograph with this ancient tree–it really is impressive!
Admission to Bulow Creek State Park is free and amenities include picnic pavilions and restrooms. This park is a great location for wildlife viewing, with common sightings including white-tailed deer, barred owls, raccoons, and various wading birds. This park is also popular for hiking, with two trails: Wahlin Trail, a short 0.3 mile loop behind the Fairchild Oak; and Bulow Woods Trail, a nearly 7 mile trail that connects Bulow Creek State Park to neighboring Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park.
6.) BULOW PLANTATION RUINS HISTORIC STATE PARK
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is technically in Flagler Beach, but since you can literally walk to it from Bulow Creek State Park, we are including it in our Ormond Beach travel guide. This state park is not only beautiful but also provides a glimpse into the history of sugar plantations in Florida. Here you can explore the ruins of BulowVille, a plantation owned by the Bulow family, which at one time was the largest producer of sugar, rice, cotton, and indigo in east Florida until it was destroyed during the Second Seminole War.
Today you can still see the towering coquina walls of the sugar mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, as well as peruse an interpretive center which showcases artifacts from the area. An easy, shaded 0.7 mile trail leads from the parking and pavilion area to the ruins. In addition to hiking and touring the ruins, Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park also has a boat ramp where you can launch a canoe or kayak to paddle along the panoramic Bulow Creek.
7.) ORMOND SCENIC LOOP AND TRAIL
The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is a designated Florida Scenic Highway that covers 34 miles with dramatic views of historic oak canopies, barrier island dunes, and the Atlantic Ocean. This drive provides access to four state parks, including Tomoka State Park, Bulow Creek State Park, and Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, as well as plentiful opportunities to spot Florida’s native wildlife. There are no tolls along the loop, which makes it both a scenic and economical way to explore the east coast of Florida!
WHERE TO EAT
WILD RABBIT BISTRO
We love Wild Rabbit Bistro and always eat here when we are visiting Ormond Beach. This cozy restaurant focuses on healthy, organic dishes, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. We love the relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and diverse menu with tasty options such as the Rockefeller Chicken Wrap, the Blue Dream Acai Bowl, the Bistro Grassfed Burger, the BBQ Quesadilla, and their delectable sweet potato biscuits! They also offer an extensive array of raw juices. The last time we visited I tried the Florida Sunshine, made from oranges, carrots, apples, and ginger. Wild Rabbit Bistro is conveniently located near Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens and The Casements. We highly recommend grabbing breakfast or lunch if you are in the area!
RIVERGRILLE ON THE TOMOKA
RiverGrille on the Tomoka is a popular waterfront restaurant known for its “Old Florida” atmosphere and scenic views of the Tomoka River. It specializes in Florida seafood with a Cajun twist, offering unique dishes such as Gator Bites, the Florida Reuben, Key Lime Chicken and Shrimp, and Florida Sunshine Cake (made with Florida orange juice). Come on the weekend to enjoy live music, and sit on the deck for the chance to spot turtles and alligators. Be advised that they do not accept reservations and are very popular, so arrive early and be prepared to wait.
THE BEACH BUCKET
Located right on the beach on South Atlantic Avenue, The Beach Bucket is an oceanfront bar and grill that offers stunning views and a casual atmosphere. This family-friendly spot offers live entertainment on the weekends and is known for popular dishes such as Key West Chicken sandwiches, Shrimp Tacos, and Conch Fritters, a Florida staple. If you want to enjoy a tasty menu while listening to the soothing sounds of the sea, then check out this hidden gem!
WHERE TO STAY
HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON
Home2 Suites by Hilton is an all-suite hotel located directly on the beach and highly rated for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and ocean views. All rooms include full-size refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and kitchenettes, which is perfect for guests who do not want to eat out for every meal. This hotel also offers complimentary breakfast and an outdoor pool and fire pit.
CORAL SANDS INN AND SEASIDE COTTAGES
Coral Sands Inn and Seaside Cottages is a beachfront resort that offers traditional hotel rooms with outside entrances that are all angled to provide ocean views, as well as studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom cottages that feature full kitchens and private patios. A unique feature of this resort is that it also includes a RV park right on the beach. This pet-friendly inn also includes oceanfront gazebos and a heated pool.
HILTON VACATION CLUB THE COVE ON ORMOND BEACH
Hilton Vacation Club The Cove on Ormond Beach offers apartment-style accommodations with private balconies and full kitchens. Guests have access to an outdoor pool with a water slide, a lazy river, and a splash pad, in addition to a fitness center, a game room, and an outdoor BBQ area. We also love that it offers complimentary use of beach chairs and umbrellas, so no need to pack your own!
Ormond Beach is a beautiful area with immaculate beaches, historic sites, and plenty of natural areas to explore. If you are looking for a quieter, more family-friendly alternative to Daytona Beach or a day trip from Orlando, we encourage you to explore this charming town!
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Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
