386-677-3454 There are few road trips more gorgeous than a drive along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The Scenic Ormond Loop & Trail is particularly pleasant, because it circles two rivers, barrier island dunes, state parks, historic dwellings and, of course, plenty of Florida beaches. The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail includes four state and six local public parks, as well as ten miles of gorgeous Florida beachfront. The byway loops around the inland waterway on both the barrier island (on A1A and John Anderson Dr.) and on the mainland (on Old Dixie Highway and North Beach St.) providing spectacular views along old Florida trails. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to visit three “Old Florida” environments while driving, biking, or hiking along a connected figure-eight shaped corridor.
Recreational opportunities abound with numerous parks and trails offering boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, bicycling, beach walking and much more. Vast expanses of water and natural Florida scrub vegetation create beautiful scenic vistas waiting to be photographed. Northern right whales and humpback whales can be seen offshore during migration seasons. Dolphins are a common sight. Loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles use the sandy beaches along A1A for nesting.
The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is an easily navigated loop of roadways traversing some of the most beautiful and diverse natural scenery remaining in all of Florida. There is ready access to the Atlantic Ocean and North Peninsula and to several state and public parks. If you're seeking a cultural and/or historic experience, you can find museums and historic public buildings and homes along the corridor, in Tomoka State Park, and in locations just off the corridor. Recreational opportunities also abound, with numerous parks and trails offering boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, bicycling, beach-walking, and much more. Vast expanses of water and natural Florida scrub vegetation create beautiful scenic vistas waiting to be photographed. With all it has to offer, this byway is truly a national treasure.
A key stretch of the journey is Old Dixie Highway, a 9-mile stretch of road going through an oak canopy and into open marshes. A paddling trip through Tomoka State Park, once the site of the Timucuan Indian village of Nocoroco, is just one of many ways to slow down in this area just 8 miles north of speedy Daytona Beach.
Also make time to check out Ormond Beach, a family-friendly destination with plenty of shopping, cultural and dining options. Peach Valley Cafe is a great way to start the day, then unwind with a steak dinner at Stonewood Grill and Tavern. Oil magnate John D. Rockefeller had a winter home in Ormond Beach, where he died in 1937. To see how the other 1 percent lived back in the day, take a free tour of the home. Also in Ormond is the Historic Ormond Beach Fire Station. While it is now a private business, it is a great opportunity to see some unique architecture. Alongside the historic destinations that are plentiful along the byway, be sure to check out the unique shopping opportunities along the classic Main Streets.