🌴 Coastal Explorations: Tomoka State Park, Ormond Beach & Daytona Adventures
- Switching Gears RV Diary
- Apr 14, 2024
- 5 min read
We left Griffin State Park behind, soaking up Central Florida’s hidden gems—and now it’s time for a fresh taste of coastal living. Our RV home for the next few days is Tomoka State Park, nestled on Florida’s east coast between Ormond Beach and Daytona. From sandy sunrises to historic hikes, and flea markets to wildlife chats, this trip has it all.
🏕️ Arriving at Tomoka State Park
Pulling into Tomoka State Park, the first thing that struck us was the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility—just a few minutes from urban conveniences, yet tucked among palmettos and oaks. Our site was impressively private, but backing in was one of the trickiest we’ve tackled yet. Still, once we were nestled in, it felt worth every maneuver!
Tomoka sits in a tropical oasis surrounded by neighborhoods and marshes. Here’s what made it our ideal base:
Proximity to beaches, towns, and historic sites
Wildlife like osprey, turtles, and gators living comfortably nearby
A launch pad for kayaking on the Halifax River or exploring hidden waterways
Best part? We did it without spending a fortune—Tomoka is one of Florida’s 175 state parks offering discounted rates and cottage rentals to boot!
⛱️ Ormond Beach: Sun, Sand & Canines
The moment we settled in, we raced to the Atlantic shoreline—the Hubs grew up camping near the ocean, and you could see his excitement when he felt the sand again.
The highlight? Dog-friendly beach access on Ormond Beach—a recent pilot program allowing pup-friendly fun at three entrances. Sadie, our Labrador mix, was all over it.
Why this matters for RVers & travelers:
Dog parks are rare in Florida—this lets pet owners enjoy the coast too
Sandy walks, swims, and sunrise runs—no leash, no stress
Easy access spots—no hidden parking hassle
It turned out that even a simple morning walk became a special memory for our little crew.
☔ Rainy Day Diversions: Daytona Flea Market
The next day dawned overcast and drizzly—not ideal for beach lounging. Instead, we shifted gears and headed north to Daytona’s Education Place Flea Market.
This wasn’t just a weather plan—it was a hidden gem with surprising depth. Inside, we found:
One-of-a-kind artwork, vintage signs, funky décor
Beach wear bargains (the Hubs even broke his rule to get a wild new shirt!)
Vendors from out of town—no ‘Florida tourists only’ vibes—wide diversity of goods
Even if you don’t buy, flea markets are a budget-friendly way to explore local life indoors. We ended up bringing home a conversation piece and a smile.
🚗 Touring Historic Ormond Homes & Hidden Launches
We love kickstarting mornings with local drives—and Ormond Beach impressed once again:
Serene residential streets that whisper “year-rounder”, not just seasonal tourist
Beautiful older homes and glimpses into how real people live here
Early one morning, the Hubs came rushing in: “You have to come see this.”
We discovered a fantastic kayak launch behind the Tomoka Clubhouse—an ideal spot for a quiet sunrise paddle next morning. Sea air and fresh water were calling!
🌆 Daytona Boardwalk & Main Street Surprises
Later, we returned to Daytona for a proper rainy-day outing. Following the beach, we found the Daytona Beach Boardwalk—and were pleasantly surprised.
Gone were the cheesy souvenirs. Instead, we encountered:
Thoughtful memorials to motorsports legends
Artistic sculptures and signage honoring racing heritage
A clean, relaxing oceanfront stroll—even with brisk wind whipping the waves
Next we wandered to Daytona’s Main Street entertainment district. Think motorcycles, beer stops, and biker-friendly venues—hinting at the area’s legendary Bike Week (300k–400k riders attend!) and Daytona 200 race roots from 1937.
Instead of tacky, we found character, culture, and confidence—Daytona knows who it is.
🛴 Biking Tomoka Trails & Preventing Electric Bike Failures
Back at the RV, we took a moment for a maintenance lesson: the Hubs needed a new battery for his electric bike—$800, ouch! Lesson learned: don’t let your e‑bike battery fully die (hint: charge early, not late).
The payoff came quick. With juice restored, we cycled through lush trails winding past Spanish moss, waterfront vistas, and birdlife—another way to experience Tomoka’s natural beauty without crowds.
🗿 Timucua Roots & Kayak Calm
Tomoka State Park stands on land once sacred to the Timucua people, especially the Nocoroco village. We read about Chief Tomokie, remember the last stand, and felt grounded in that deeper story. The historical marker (a striking statue by the clubhouse) gave context to every paddle on the Halifax River.
One afternoon, we took those kayaks out—quiet water stretching out into the creek. Because the Hubs and I have traded off roles (he paddles, I shuttle), it’s become a sweet teamwork routine—and one of our most cherished travel-by-water activities.
🌅 Sunrise, Sand Driving & Shark Stats
Mornings were made for sunrise. With coffee in hand, we watched the orange hills meet a bright Atlantic horizon.
One of the quirks: you can drive a vehicle on Ormond Beach at low tide, for a $20 day pass (includes a second entry if you leave). That same compact orange beach sand also makes a surprisingly great bike lane.
After breakfast, the Hubs grabbed a bodyboard to ride the waves—sizeable today due to winds, which sadly made swimming unsafe. One surprising (and slightly terrifying) fact we discovered: Ormond Beach is ranked among the top three deadliest beaches in the U.S. when it comes to shark and surf fatalities. But the Hubs? Not a deterrent—classic go-with-the-flow energy.
🚲 Exploration & Effortless Advice
That easy tide-friendly sand made biking a breeze. Push pedals, feel the breeze, take in the beachscape—pure freedom.
We also biked to the kayak launch site and spent a magical hour exploring the inlets leading to the Halifax River. Nature, water, and quiet—the perfect getaway.
Why this matters: Tomoka’s mix of recreation, views, history, and convenience—is why state parks make the best homebase. They’re affordable, sustainable, and packed with variety.
🌟 Why You Should Book A Florida State Park
Here’s what draws us—and we think might draw you too:
Privacy and nature’s calm, even near highways
Affordable rates with true value ($20–$30/night, plus cottage rates)
Wildlife galore – birds, turtles, not-so-freemily alligators
Easy beach access – walk, bike, or drive
Mix of activities – boardwalks, boating, history, biking
If camping isn’t your thing, many parks also offer cottages. But even tent or RV sites pack a serious punch for exploration and recharge.
🚀 What’s Next?
We’ll spend the next few days easing deeper into scenic Florida, taking one of the state’s most beautiful coastal drives, and sharing stops, cafés, and secret beaches along the way. Expect boat docks, coastal sunsets, and maybe another bike battery saga.
✨ Final Thoughts & Takeaways
Plan, explore, repeat: State parks are full of hidden perks
Talk with park staff: local insight goes a long way…especially about wildlife!
Charge gear before breaking: avoid bike/e-bike ouch moments
Try “water peace”: kayak quiet, bike loud, walk sunrise-soft
Go beyond tourist traps: history, homes, and local culture await
If you’re craving a low-cost, high-quality escape on Florida’s coast—with sand beneath your toes, hidden launch spots, and perfect sunrise moments—this trip is it.
Let us know on Instagram or in the comments: where should we paddle next? Have you camped, biked, or driven on Ormond’s early-morning beach? Let’s hear your stories!
Quick Links & Resources:
🌊 Tomoka State Park info: floridastateparks.org/tomoka
🐶 Dog-friendly beach guide: visitormond.com
🛠️ Electric bike battery tips: check your owner's manual!
Happy trails and safer travels—see you on the road (and water).
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