Ormond Beach

Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park provides guests with a unique look at the 19th-century history of Florida, focusing in particular on the Seminole wars. The park is home to the former plantation home of John Addison, a building that found its heyday in the early 1800s. The house was destroyed by fire during the wars and then used as a defense site against attacks by the Seminoles. Today, the rock structure is a ruin that sits in flatwoods located to the left of the beautiful Tomoka River. Despite its dilapidated state, the blockhouse nonetheless creates a picturesque view within the natural park setting.

2099 N Beach Street, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, Phone: 386-676-4075

Andy Romano Beachfront Park gives outdoor fun seekers the best of both worlds by offering them a chance to enjoy the recreational facilities of a park right alongside the sand and surf of the beach. Andy Romano contains a total of 4 acres of territory that hits right up against the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is equipped with a number of convenient facilities, including parking, restrooms, and a picnic area with covered pavilions. The little ones can have a blast here at the park’s splash pad and playground or take a dip in the waves while friends and relatives relax on the sand.

839 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach, FL 32176, Phone: 386-676-3250

If you are traveling with kids:

The city of Ormond Beach owes its name to the sandy shores lining its coast. Located a short distance north of the more famous Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach is a tranquil treat compared to the raucous atmosphere of its neighbor. This setting is aided by the fact that the shoreline lacks hotels and high rises, which gives it a more down-to-earth feel. What one can find on Ormond Beach is an abundance of coquina shells, soft sand, and lapping waves. Lifeguard stations are scattered along the beach to make swimming safe, while the dunes protect the city from the Atlantic Ocean’s rolling tides.

Bulow Creek State Park covers a 5,600-acre territory full of interesting wildlife and flora. About 20% of the park includes submerged lands, which makes it a unique example of an East Florida ecosystem. The gem of Bulow is the Fairchild Oak, a gorgeous southern live oak and one of the largest members of this tree family. The park sits next to the site of the old Bulow Plantation, an estate that was viciously destroyed during the Second Seminole War, which took place in 1836. Bulow Creek State Park is a hiker haven, with its 7-mile-long Bulow Woods Trail leading out to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park for a dose of historical interest.

3351 Old Dixie Highway, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, Phone: 386-676-4050

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is much more than simply a space to display beauty; rather it serves as a community gathering place for members of the neighborhood and guests in town for a short trip. Founded in 1946, the museum shows off works of art made by local Floridian and international artists in a constant rotation of temporary and permanent exhibits. Outside, Ormond Beach Memorial Gardens serve as a monument to the veterans of World War II and other wars, who fought bravely to uphold the value of freedom. In addition to its exhibition halls, the museum also provides a place for lectures, master classes, and other educational programs.

78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32176, Phone: 386-676-3347

Central Park is actually an amalgamation of four separate parks, which total 149.1 acres in area. In addition to the park’s numerous green and natural spaces, it also has many areas for gathering together friends and family, such as picnic pavilions and gazebos. Central Park also includes a large lake, with opportunities for fishing and swimming as well as a canoe and kayak launch. Outdoor tennis and basketball courts and jogging and bicycle paths make the area a space for fitness and recreation, with a playground providing a play space for the little ones. Finally, Central Park is home to a full-sized labyrinth and Ormond Beach’s Environmental Discovery Center.

601 Fleming Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, Phone: 386-676-3250

In addition to access to the Atlantic Ocean, the gorgeous city of Ormond Beach also includes a number of smaller, but equally noteworthy, bodies of water. One of these is the Tomoka River, a stunning river that is canopied by palms and other tall trees. This river has been designated by the state as a Tomoka River Paddling Trail, specifically meant to be enjoyed and observed from a boat’s-eye view. The river runs around Tomoka State Park, which was formerly the site of Nocoroco, a village of the Timucuan Indian people. The remnants of this site are some of the region’s most important archaeological treasures.

One of the most striking features of Ormond Beach is its abundant wildlife and verdant ecosystems, and the Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center shows them off in their full glory. The center focuses on Central Park, which is where it is located, highlighting its flora and fauna on a 2,000-square-foot campus. The EDC presents visitors with a number of informative exhibits and classes, all of which focus on the natural sciences and their relationship to the Ormond Beach community. The outside area includes a pond with fish and turtles, a special treat for young patrons, as well as a porch from which to take in the scenery.

601 Division Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, Phone: 386-615-7081

Ormond Brewing Company is a beer lover’s paradise, as it brings a host of craft ales to this city and the surrounding area. Ormond Brewing Company runs the gamut of delicious brews, with samplings of light and dark beers, as well as those infused with fruit and other flavors. The taproom always has 18 brews on tap, sometimes featuring a guest beer from another local brewhouse. Food is not served, but guests are encouraged to bring their own as they enjoy the taproom and outdoor beer garden. Local food trucks often stop by, and special events, such as open mic nights and concerts, are regularly on the calendar at Ormond Brewing Company.

301 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, Phone: 386-256-3904