Salty air. Palm trees. Miles of Atlantic coastline. Ormond Beach has all the makings of a classic Florida beach town.
Look past the shoreline, and there is even more to explore. Spend time outdoors. Discover local history. Or browse the shops and attractions that give the area its character.
It’s the mix of coastal living and year-round good weather that keeps visitors coming back. Some even decide to stay for good in 55+ communities like Bear Creek Village. Experience the Ormond Beach lifestyle with these top things to do when visiting the area or looking for your future home.
Where is Ormond Beach?
Ormond Beach is located along Florida’s Atlantic Coast just north of Daytona Beach. The city stretches from the ocean to the Tomoka River with Granada Boulevard connecting both sides of town.
Spend the morning at the beach before heading inland for lunch or shopping. Ormond Beach makes it easy to enjoy the coast while staying close to other popular Florida destinations.
The Ormond Beach weather and plenty of sunshine make outdoor activities possible throughout most of the year.
Things to Do in Ormond Beach
1. Spend the Day at Andy Romano Beachfront Park
Ready for a beach day? Take advantage of free off-beach parking at Andy Romano Beachfront Park before settling in for a day by the water. This four-acre park is a family-friendly spot for anyone visiting Ormond Beach.
Kids can cool off at the splash pad or spend time on the playground. The park also has picnic areas, outdoor grills, and pavilions for taking a break from the sun.
Head down to the sand for swimming and time by the water. Outdoor showers and restrooms make it easy to clean up before heading home.
2. Explore Tomoka State Park
Trade the Atlantic Ocean for the Tomoka River at Tomoka State Park. This Florida state park takes you away from the busy coastline and into a quieter side of Ormond Beach.
Explore the river by kayak, canoe or boat. Anglers can cast a line while paddlers make their way through the surrounding landscape. Boat rentals are also available at the park store.
Prefer to stay on land? Walk the half-mile nature trail and keep an eye out for local wildlife. Birdwatchers can discover more than 160 species throughout the park.
Make the drive part of the outing with the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. The scenic loop winds through 34-miles of natural Florida scenery and passes right by Tomoka State Park. The drive takes about 45 minutes and passes oak trees, marshes, rivers, and coastal scenery.
Spend a few hours on the water or make an afternoon out of exploring the park.
3. Shop Around Historic Ormond Beach
Find something worth taking home in Ormond Beach. Head to Granada Boulevard for some of the best vintage and antique shopping on Florida’s east coast. It’s a popular spot for residents living in Bear Creek Village nearby.
Start at Georgie Studio for a curated mix of vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture, and home décor. Then walk across the street to Dunn’s Attic, where rooms of secondhand furniture and collectibles make treasure hunting part of the fun.
Visiting on a Thursday? Stop by the Ormond Beach Farmers Market at City Hall Plaza. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, plants, art, and handmade items from local vendors.
Make time to browse. You never know when an old record, piece of artwork, or one-of-a-kind find will be coming home with you.
4. Tour John D. Rockefeller’s Winter Home
Step into Ormond Beach history at The Casements. John D. Rockefeller spent his winters at this historic home along the Halifax River.
Tour the estate and learn more about Rockefeller’s time in Florida. Visit the Rockefeller Period Room and see pieces of local history throughout the property. Free guided and self-guided tours give visitors a closer look inside the former winter home.
There is still plenty happening at The Casements today. The estate serves as a cultural center with exhibits and community events throughout the year. Get involved with art, dance, exercise, and cooking classes inside the home.
Head outside to Rockefeller Gardens for stunning views of the River. Take a walk along the wide paths or find a spot to enjoy the waterfront. You can also visit the nearby Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens before exploring more of Granada Boulevard.
5. Discover the Birthplace of Speed
Did you know Ormond Beach helped shape Florida’s racing history? Long before Daytona Beach became famous for motorsports, drivers were racing automobiles across the hard-packed sand here.
Those early races earned Ormond Beach the nickname “Birthplace of Speed.” The Ormond Garage opened in 1904 and gave race cars and mechanics a place to gather during the competitions.
A fire destroyed the original Ormond Garage in 1976. Today, visitors can see a small replica at Birthplace of Speed Park with replica race cars on display.
Stop by to learn more about the city’s racing history. Then walk toward the beach and picture drivers chasing speed records along the shoreline more than a century ago.
Ormond Beach Property: Homes for Sale at Bear Creek Village
There is no shortage of things to do in Ormond Beach. It’s why some visitors start looking for ways to make the beach town part of everyday life.
Explore your options at Bear Creek Village. This 55+ manufactured home community sits just minutes from the Atlantic Coast. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities like swimming pools, sports courts, three clubhouses, fitness activities, and a full social calendar.
With so many Ormond Beach things to do nearby, residents can enjoy the best of the area without traveling far from home. See homes for sale in Ormond Beach and take the next step toward making Ormond Beach your forever home.