The cold weather at the moment undoubtedly has many people wishing they were on a warm beach somewhere. Since our minds are already there, I thought this would be a good time to talk about one of my favorite lesser known beaches.
Daytona Beach, FL is well known for many reasons. The fact that it is well known obviously means that it is going to be very crowded. More popular beaches, such as this one, also tend to be a little less fun in my opinion. While I don’t particularly mind crowds, I also don’t want to get trampled while trying to enjoy the beach.
Ormond Beach, FL
Ormond Beach is the neighbor of Daytona Beach. It is smaller, less crowded, and has an overall smaller beach town feel.
Where to Stay
While there are no shortages of options when you are looking for a place to stay in Ormond, I’d like to share with you my personal favorite. The Lotus Boutique Inn & Suites has always treated me well. It isn’t crazy expensive, yet it is right on the beach. It has a “beach hotel” feel, which I love. The rooms are nice, there is a pool, and the hotel is pet friendly. I couldn’t really ask for more.
What to Eat
While you will of course have your options of the usual chain restaurants, there are also some great local places that you may want to check out.
Things to Do
If you want a little break from the beach, here are some other things you can check out in the area!
The Casements
The Casements mansion is know as “The Jewel of Ormond Beach.” Once home to the writer John D. Rockefeller, it has been restored and now functions as the Cultural Center for the City of Ormond Beach. Open Monday – Saturday.
Andy Romano Beachfront Park
This four acre park stretches across the beach. A great place to relax that offers picnic tables, gazebos, outdoor grills, a splash pad and of course beach access.
Ormond Brewing Company
Stop by to sample some locally brewed beer. There is no food served here, but they encourage you to bring your own! They have a large outdoor patio and beer garden for you to enjoy. Friday and Saturday nights feature live music.
Have you visited Ormond Beach? What’s your favorite lesser known beach?
-Haley
We’ve only been to Florida once as we are on the West side of Canada and Florida is a bit of a trip for us. Not much for simply laying on a beach, but enjoy walks and scenery from beach as well as the local culture, which Ormond seems to have. If you ever want to find a place with miles and miles of deserted beaches, try New Zealand. The variety of beaches and scenery on both islands is stunning. Our favourite walk there is Mangawhai (pronounce Mong-a-fie) Heads. It starts on the beach, climbs along a high scenic cliff line and then drops back down to the beach where you can watch the cormorants dive. Here is the link to my 2014 post, if you are interested.
https://wordpress.com/post/retiredanddownunda.wordpress.com/109
Thanks so much for sharing! I most definitely have to visit New Zealand one day! 🙂
Your sentiments about quieter beaches and small time beach towns, mirror mine exactly. I’m putting this one on my go-to list!
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Great post–informative and succinct.
Years ago we visited the area near Saint Augustine. Coming from California I was shocked and disheartened to see cars driving up and down the beach. Does this still happen?
I love Ormond beach! We rented a condo on the beach in 2016 and it was so much fun, especially with my two little cousins!
We went to the opposite coast yesterday, cedar key, but next weekend it may be ormond or st augustine. Just the sound of the waves is so relaxing
I love St Augustine too! I hope you have fun whichever you choose! 🙂
The National Seashore is incredible.