10 Fun things to do in Ormond Beach 2025

Ormond Beach delights visitors with countless activities along its stunning coastline. Adventure seekers can discover everything from The Casements, John D. Rockefeller's former winter home, to a spectacular 34-mile scenic loop that showcases the region's coastal habitats.

Nature enthusiasts will love the 2,000-acre Tomoka State Park and Central Park's 150 acres of winding trails and serene waterways. The city offers something for everyone - families can enjoy Andy Romano Beachfront Park's splash pad and playground, while art lovers can appreciate the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens.

The top 10 attractions that make Ormond Beach a must-visit destination in 2025 deserve a closer look, and you'll find some hidden treasures worth discovering.

1. The Scenic Ormond Loop and Trail

The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail stretches 34 miles in a double loop of roadways that showcase the most pristine coastal scenery in central Florida. Tree-canopied roads blend with untouched natural beauty on this remarkable route that attracts motorcyclists, motorists, and bicyclists. It is also just a short walk from Plantation Oaks of Ormond Beach!

Must-See Stops Along the Way

The loop features remarkable stops in a variety of landscapes. Old Dixie Highway boasts a magnificent 9-mile stretch under oak canopies. Bulow Creek State Park's pride is the Fairchild Oak, standing as one of the largest live oak trees in the southern United States. High Bridge Road provides clean restrooms, covered picnic tables, and a boat ramp for visitors.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Wildlife viewing on the loop is exceptional year-round. North Atlantic Right Whales swim with their calves along the coast from December through March. Marine turtles nest between May and September. Tomoka State Park becomes a haven for bird watchers, especially during spring and fall migrations.

Photography Tips for the Loop

Beautiful photo opportunities await in the loop's natural settings. The best spots include:

• Covered docks with Halifax River views

• Gardens along the Halifax River overlooking the Granada Bridge

• Natural barrier island and dune habitats on John Anderson Drive

  
  

The early morning sun lights up the blue Florida coast, creating perfect conditions for photography. The route's minimal commercial development gives you clear views of natural scenery, especially on A1A between Ormond Beach and Flagler Beach.

2. The Historic Casements

The Casements mansion stretches across 9,000 square feet along the Halifax River and stands as one of Ormond Beach's most cherished landmarks. Reverend Dr. Harwood Huntington built this architectural gem in 1913. The mansion's distinctive hand-cut casement windows gave it its memorable name.

History of The Casements

John D. Rockefeller's purchase of the mansion in 1918 marked its most illustrious chapter. Rockefeller, who became the world's first billionaire in 1916, chose the Casements as his winter sanctuary at age 78. He hosted grand Christmas parties and welcomed distinguished guests like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Edward VIII. The mansion remained Rockefeller's winter home until his peaceful passing in 1937.

Guided Tour Highlights

The Casements Guild welcomes visitors with informative tours throughout the year. Summer tours operate Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Winter hours run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

Beautiful Rockefeller Gardens stretch across two restored acres, creating perfect settings for community gatherings and private celebrations. Groups of 10 or more should plan ahead with reservations, and a modest $1 per person donation helps preserve this historic treasure.

3. Pristine Ormond Beach

Golden sands stretch endlessly along Ormond Beach's pristine Atlantic coastline, where crystal-clear waters meet firm shores ranked among America's finest beaches.

Best Beach Access Points

Andy Romano Beachfront Park welcomes beach lovers with four acres of thoughtfully designed amenities.

Beach Activities and Rentals

Dreams of sun-soaked adventures come alive at Beach Rentals and Refreshments of Volusia County. Beach essentials include:

• Umbrellas and beach chairs

• Surf boards and boogie boards

• Paddleboards and beach games

  
  

Beachfront Dining Options

Ocean breezes complement memorable meals at local waterfront restaurants. Charlie Horse Restaurant and Jimmy Hula's Food Nirvana create unforgettable dining experiences. Casual beach fare awaits at Pines to Palms Cafe, while Fun Coast Food Tours reveals hidden culinary treasures.

4. Tomoka State Park Adventures

Natural wonders await at this 2,000-acre sanctuary, where the Tomoka and Halifax Rivers create perfect settings for outdoor adventures just minutes from downtown Ormond Beach.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Gentle waters beckon paddlers in the park's protected basin. The welcoming Tomoka Outpost provides kayak and canoe rentals, plus camping essentials for outdoor enthusiasts. Paddlers discover two delightful routes along the Tomoka River - peaceful forests and marshy plains unfold to the left of the launch, while open waters stretch to the right. Seasoned canoeists recommend sticking to rivers and creeks on windy days, as the Tomoka Basin waters can become challenging.

Hiking Trails

Stories of the past whisper along a half-mile interpretive trail, winding through hardwood hammock where the Timucuan village of Nocoroco once thrived. Nature's treasures line the path:

• Wild coffee plants dotted with bright red berries

• Magical resurrection ferns changing from brown to vibrant green with each rainfall

• Maritime oak trees sculpted by coastal winds

  
  

Camping Facilities

Peaceful nights await at 100 campsites tucked beneath shady hammocks, complete with modern comforts:

Wildlife Spotting Guide

Bird enthusiasts delight in spotting over 170 species that call the park home. Winter brings majestic American White Pelicans, Common Loons, and soaring Bald Eagles. Spring and fall welcome Black-throated Blue and Cape May warblers during their seasonal journeys. Year-round residents include graceful white-tailed deer, ancient gopher tortoises, elusive bobcats, and various snake species. Cool winter months offer prime wildlife viewing as migratory birds paint the skies.

5. Daytona International Speedway Experience

Racing history roars to life at the legendary Daytona International Speedway, just minutes from Ormond Beach. Since 1959, this iconic venue has thrilled generations of racing fans with heart-pounding action and unforgettable moments.

Tour Options and Pricing

Racing dreams come alive daily from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM through two extraordinary experiences:

Speedway Tours sweep visitors through the massive infield and along breathtaking 31-degree high banks. True racing enthusiasts cherish the VIP Tour's exclusive access to the NASCAR Archives & Research Center and Press Box.

Race Day Events

Thunder echoes through 2025's most thrilling race days:

• Rolex 24 at Daytona (January) - Two days of non-stop action from $105

• DAYTONA 500 (February) - Experience "The Great American Race" from $120

• Coke Zero Sugar 400 (August) - Summer night racing thrills from $50

The NASCAR Tracks App transforms race days into seamless adventures, guiding fans to parking, gates, restrooms, and concessions. Verizon's free guest Wi-Fi keeps everyone connected to the excitement.

Motorsports Hall of Fame

Racing legends live forever in this spectacular 10,000-square-foot shrine to speed. Open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, treasured machines tell stories of courage and innovation:

• Dale Earnhardt's mighty stock car

• "Big Daddy" Don Garlits' fearsome Swamp Rat Dragster

• Sir Malcolm Campbell's magnificent Bluebird Land Speed Record Car

Adults step into racing history for $13, while young fans ages 5-12 enter for $8. Bronze plaques honor 230 racing heroes, their stories told alongside the machines that made them legends.

6. Shopping at Tanger Outlets

Palm trees sway gently along pristine walkways as beautiful mosaics guide shoppers through Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, minutes from Ormond Beach's sandy shores.

Popular Stores

Treasure hunters discover amazing finds among 75 stores offering savings up to 70% off retail prices. Shopping adventures await daily from 10 AM to 9 PM, with plenty of convenient parking for everyone.

Dining Options

Delicious aromas drift from the food court, tempting shoppers with wonderful choices. Quick bites like Rise Pies Handcrafted Pizza and Auntie Anne's pretzels satisfy hungry visitors, while sweet treats beckon from:

• Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlor

• Planet Smoothie

• JuJu Boba and Bites

7. Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS)

Wonder fills every corner of MOAS, where 100,000 square feet of discovery space nestles within a peaceful 90-acre Florida nature preserve. This prestigious Smithsonian-affiliated museum houses over 30,000 treasures, creating magical moments for curious minds of all ages.

Permanent Exhibits

Stories unfold through remarkable collections across themed wings. The Dow Gallery of American Art sparkles as one of the Southeast's crown jewels.

Planetarium Shows

Stars dance overhead in the Lowell and Nancy Lohman Family Planetarium, where space adventures await. Modern marvels include:

• A Barco F80 projector painting the dome with 5.7 million pixels

• 94 comfortable reclined seats for perfect sky viewing

• Immersive Dolby 5.1 Surround sound

Winter 2025 brings celestial delights:

• Monday-Friday: Dinosaurs (1 PM), Sky Tonight Live (2 PM), Wings Over Water (3 PM)

• Saturday: Extra shows light up at 12 PM and 4 PM

• Sunday: Birth of Planet Earth (12 PM)

  
  

Children's Activities

Young scientists flourish at the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum, the region's only hands-on science center between Jacksonville and Orlando. Imagination soars through:

• Life-like medical adventures at the "I Want to be a Doctor" station

• Eight fascinating exhibits at the Radiology station

• Creative play at the Pizza Place

• STEM discoveries with electric circuits and laser harps

Special events spark young minds through curriculum-based science programs and Family Science Nights exploring Newton's Laws of Motion. Tiny explorers ages 3 and up soon join Saturday Morning Story Time adventures. Planetarium dreams come true for just USD 7 (adults) and USD 5 (children) with regular museum admission.

8. Marine Science Center

Ocean wonders come alive at the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, where 5,000 square feet of aquariums and educational displays create perfect settings for marine discovery. Here, dedicated teams work tirelessly to rehabilitate sea creatures while teaching visitors about ocean conservation.

Marine Life Exhibits

Underwater worlds unfold through interactive displays in the center's main gallery. The spectacular 5,000-gallon Artificial Reef Exhibit tells the story of 60-plus artificial reefs built since 1970, now teeming with marine life. Ocean treasures await at every turn:

Rehabilitation Programs

Since 2002, healing hands at the sea turtle hospital have touched countless lives:

• Over 27,000 sea turtles, from tiny juveniles to magnificent adults

• More than 22,000 precious hatchlings and washbacks

• Above 2,400 gopher tortoises, box turtles, and snakes

Eight turtle hospital pools sparkle along the Turtle Terrace, giving visitors glimpses of recovery in action. Modern veterinary equipment - from X-rays to ultrasound and endoscopic procedures - ensures each patient receives outstanding care.

9. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Majestic red brick walls soar 175 feet skyward at Florida's tallest lighthouse, standing proud at the peninsula's southern tip. Since 1887, this noble sentinel has watched over mariners along Florida's coast, sharing more than 135 years of maritime history.

Climbing the Lighthouse

Adventure seekers discover 203 steps leading to breathtaking views, with thoughtful rest landings every 22 steps. Stories come alive during the special "Climb with the Keeper" experience, where costumed docents guide intimate after-hours explorations. Eight fortunate guests share this two-hour journey for USD 35 per person.

Historical Exhibits

Maritime history glows through one of the world's finest collections of restored Fresnel lenses. The crown jewel, a first-order fixed Fresnel lens crafted in Paris in 1867, commands attention in the permanent collection. History whispers through:

• Three lovingly restored keepers' dwellings filled with maritime treasures

• World-famous Ayres Davies Lens Exhibit Building

• Oil Storage House housing authentic equipment

Pride of preservation earned the lighthouse National Register of Historic Places recognition in 1972, with all original buildings standing strong. This dedication led to National Historic Landmark status in 1998.

Best Photo Spots

Perfect lighthouse portraits await patient photographers:

1. Golden Hour Magic:

   • Dawn's first light

   • Sunset's farewell

   • Warm rays painting perfect illumination

2. Weather's Canvas:

   • Misty mornings create mysterious moods

   • Storm clouds build dramatic backgrounds

   • Clear skies reveal architectural grace

     
     

Creative spirits capture special moments using step-down lenses or lens-effect star filters for magical sunburst effects. Nature's moods can change quickly, but thoughtful staff provide rain checks when climbing conditions become unsafe.

10. Central Park Recreation

Natural beauty unfolds across 149.1 acres of Central Park, where four distinct parks blend into a peaceful oasis in the heart of Ormond Beach. Pristine lakes mirror the sky while wildlife sanctuaries and modern amenities create perfect settings for year-round adventures.

Park Amenities

Thoughtful design brings endless possibilities for recreation and relaxation:

Peaceful moments await at the Joyce Ebbets fishing pier, where anglers cast lines while paddlers launch canoes and kayaks into sparkling waters. Family memories bloom around outdoor grills and picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds.

Walking Trails

The magnificent G.F. Althouse Trail winds like a ribbon through natural Florida landscapes. This 3.4-mile adventure offers:

• Smooth paved paths blending concrete, asphalt, and wooden boardwalks

• Wide, welcoming routes perfect for wheelchairs and strollers

• Peaceful rest areas with benches and picnic tables

Gentle grades welcome visitors of all abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy nature's wonders. Lake views sparkle from observation decks, where wildlife watching opportunities await along four of the park's five lakes.

Events Calendar

Community spirit soars through more than thirty annual celebrations orchestrated by the Leisure Services Division. Earth Day brings special magic to the Environmental Discovery Center:

• Residents take home free trees

• Minds grow through educational activities

• Local environmental groups share nature's stories

Year-round programs at the Environmental Discovery Center reveal secrets of Central Park's diverse ecosystems. Spring and fall paint perfect weather for outdoor adventures.

Modern climate-controlled spaces ensure comfort in any season. Miles of trails and diverse amenities welcome both active adventurers and peaceful nature lovers. Natural beauty joins hands with thoughtful design, making Central Park shine as an Ormond Beach treasure.

Conclusion

Sunshine and smiles await visitors discovering Ormond Beach's treasures. Each day brings new adventures, from peaceful morning drives along the 34-mile scenic loop to afternoon explorations of The Casements' historic halls.

Nature paints perfect pictures at Tomoka State Park, where wildlife thrives among pristine shores. Racing hearts pound at Daytona International Speedway, while minds grow at the Museum of Arts & Sciences and Marine Science Center. Shopping dreams come true at Tanger Outlets, where palm-lined walkways lead to wonderful finds.

Peaceful moments unfold in Central Park's natural beauty, while history touches the sky at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Each corner of Ormond Beach tells unique stories, creating perfect vacation memories for families sharing laughs, couples walking hand in hand, and solo travelers following their dreams.

The Florida sunshine calls, promising adventures that will fill cameras with photos and hearts with joy. Ormond Beach welcomes everyone home to paradise.