Everyone loves the beach, but it’s even better when there’s a wonderful little town to explore nearby. If you want to visit a quiet Florida beach town and still vacation like a Rockefeller, we have the perfect destination for you.
Ormond Beach is a charming town on Florida's east coast, conveniently located just north of Daytona Beach and an hour's drive from Orlando. Next time you're visiting one of these big attractions, consider staying here for a more relaxing trip.
Besides being close to some of Florida's action-packed cities, this town has plenty to offer on its own. In fact, this was once a retreat for John D. Rockefeller, where he entertained famous friends such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. His impressive winter home, The Casements and its beautiful grounds sit right on the Halifax River. The home offers both guided and self-guided tours six days a week.
For a leisurely scenic drive, take the Ormond Scenic Loop, more than 30 miles of some of Northeast Florida's most beautiful scenery, including tree tunnels, marshes, beaches, and historic buildings.
If you enjoy the outdoors, you can stop at one of the excellent state parks along the route. At Bulow Creek State Park, you can view the ancient Fairchild Oak and take a seven-mile hike to these historic sugar mill ruins.
For shorter hikes or excellent boating and fishing opportunities, visit Tomoka State Park, also on The Loop. This park is also a wonderful spot for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching.
With all of this adventure, you're sure to work up an appetite, so we recommend heading to Crabby Chris Beachside BBQ and Sweets, located at 1760 Ocean Shore Boulevard, in nearby Ormond-by-the-Sea.
