Ormond Beach, Florida

Ormond Beach sits on Florida’s Atlantic coast at the northern end of the Daytona Beach area. Known for its wide sandy beach, scenic riverfront, oak-canopied neighborhoods, and easy access to parks and preserves, the city offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with deep motorsports roots and abundant outdoor recreation.

The Ormond Beach shoreline at sunrise. — Ormond Beach’s Atlantic shoreline stretches north and south beside the coastal road, with homes and businesses close to the ocean. The beach’s long, open coastline is part of the appeal of the greater Daytona Beach area, where visitors can pair a beach day with nearby dining and attractions. This aerial photograph captures the coast at sunrise. Photo credit: Matthew Rigsby, licensed.

About The Community

Ormond Beach developed into a noted winter destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally called New Britain by settlers from Connecticut, the community was renamed in 1880 for plantation owner James Ormond III. After rail service reached the region, the Ormond Hotel and its golf course helped establish the area as a fashionable retreat for affluent seasonal visitors. Among the most famous residents was John D. Rockefeller Sr., who made The Casements his winter home. Today, The Casements remains one of the city’s best-known historic landmarks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Aerial view of bridges crossing the Halifax River in the greater Daytona Beach area. — Bridges over the Halifax River connect the mainland with the barrier-island communities of the greater Daytona Beach area. The waterway runs parallel to the Atlantic coast and is used by boaters as well as crossed by daily traffic. The ocean and shoreline are visible beyond the riverfront skyline. Photo credit: Rod Clement Photography, licensed.

Ormond Beach is widely known as the Birthplace of Speed because early organized automobile racing and land-speed trials were held on its hard-packed sands beginning in 1903. Those beach races helped cement the area’s place in motorsports history and influenced the evolution of stock-car racing in the Daytona Beach area. The city continues to celebrate that legacy through antique car events, historic markers, and Birthplace of Speed Park on the beachside, where interpretive displays and race-car replicas recall the earliest competitors. Event schedules and special programs may vary by season.

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Vicinity of Ormond Beach

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Today, Ormond Beach has roughly 40,000 residents and appeals to families, retirees, seasonal visitors, and weekend beachgoers alike. Recreation centers on the Atlantic Ocean, the Halifax River, nearby waterways, city parks, golf courses, and athletic facilities. Lodging options in and around the city include oceanfront hotels, classic motels, condo-style stays, and vacation rentals. Beach access, parking rules, and driving availability may vary by location and date.

A historical information board for visitors at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach, Florida. — This interpretive sign at Tomoka State Park introduces visitors to the Timucua, the Indigenous people who lived in this region before European colonization. The park preserves part of the landscape surrounding the Tomoka River, where archaeological evidence and historical interpretation help explain the area’s earlier inhabitants. Visitors can explore the park’s natural setting while learning about its human history. Photo credit: Sean Loring, licensed.

Visitors are also close to dining, shopping, and everyday services along Granada Boulevard, beachside routes, and the greater Daytona Beach area. Cultural highlights include The Casements and Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, while local preservation groups help interpret the community’s historic character. Landmarks such as the Cupola, Pilgrim’s Rest Primitive Baptist Church at Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, and the MacDonald House reflect different chapters of Ormond Beach history, while community events add arts and entertainment throughout the year.

A scene during Bike Week at Destination Daytona in the Ormond Beach area. — Bike Week brings motorcycle riders and visitors to the greater Daytona Beach area, including nearby Ormond Beach. Street vendors, food stands and crowds contribute to the event atmosphere, while riders travel between local gathering spots and area attractions. The scene pictured reflects the festival’s busy street-side energy. Photo credit: Edie Ann, licensed.

Ormond Beach also serves as a gateway to eco-tourism and outdoor exploration. Tomoka State Park offers paddling, fishing, trails, and birdwatching in a scenic setting along the Tomoka River, while the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail remains one of the area’s signature drives and rides. This roughly 30-mile route passes marshes, riverfront vistas, canopies of live oaks, and Atlantic shoreline views, making it a favorite for cyclists, motorcyclists, photographers, and day-trippers. Together, these attractions highlight Ormond Beach’s distinctive mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

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