In the previous post in our series about Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, we looked at some of the things that you can see and do in Tomoka State Park, if you stop off there during your Florida car hire holiday. In this post, we look at some of the attractions further along the route.
Once you’ve explored Tomoka State Park, if you head south and then drive across the Granada Bridge, you’ll arrive at Ormond Beach. The city has a number of attractions, and there are also hotels, shopping malls and restaurants, so it’s a great place to stay for a few days.
Ormond Beach is known as “the birthplace of speed”, as it was here that the automobile races that were the forerunners to NASCAR racing took place more than a century ago. In 1906, Fred Marriott set the land-speed record for a steam-driven car in the Stanley Rocket on the sands of Ormond Beach, a record that still stands today. Although the racing later moved to Daytona, there are still many racing-related events held in Ormond Beach in order to celebrate its history and you can drive on the beach for a small fee.
Historic attractions in Ormond Beach include The Casements (25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach), which was the winter home of John D. Rockerfeller between 1918 and his death in 1937. The Casements was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was later bought by the City of Ormond Beach for use as a cultural centre. The building is currently undergoing extensive renovations.
Other attractions in Ormond Beach include the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens (78 E. Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida). The museum holds regular temporary art exhibitions and you can also explore the gardens. There is a parking lot at the south end of the gardens, so you can leave your hire car there while you are visiting the museum.
If you fancy wandering around the shops, head for one of the city’s shopping centres and malls, which include Trails Shopping Center (300 N, Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida). There are many restaurants in Ormond Beach, including La Crepe En Haut Restaurant (Fountain Square, 142 E. Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach), which specialises in French Nouvelle Cuisine, and the Charlie Horse Restaurant (810 South Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach, Florida), which is known for its “all-you-can-eat” crab legs specials.
Ormond Beach’s hotels include The Cove on Ormond Beach (145 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach, Florida) and the Jameson Inn (175 Interchange Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida).
Once you’ve explored Ormond Beach, head north along the coast road back to Flagler Beach via the small town of Ormond by the Sea to complete your tour of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail.
Image: Ebyabe
Tags: car hire, car rental, Charlie Horse Restaurant, florida, Le Crepe En Haut Restaurant, Ormond Beach, Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, The Casements, The Cove on Ormond Beach, Tomoka State Park, Trails Shopping Center, USA
I love visiting Ormond Beach. It is quiet, relaxing, and peaceful. Great blog. All the best.
[...] Let us walk the wisdom of understanding and … Mail (will not be published) (required) …Great American Roadtrips – Florida's A1A – Ormond Scenic Loop …In the previous post in our series about Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, we looked at some of the [...]