🌴 Exploring the Scenic Ormond Loop

April 21, 2024

A Journey Through Nature, History, and Coastal Charm

Last time you joined us, we uncovered the best free things to do in Ormond and Daytona Beach. Today, we’re diving into one of Florida’s best-kept secrets: the stunning Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail.

🚐 Why the Ormond Scenic Loop Belongs on Your Florida Itinerary

This 30+ mile loop delivers everything we love about Florida:

• 🌿 Lush landscapes

• 🏛️ Historic landmarks

• 🏖️ Quiet beaches

• 🚴‍♂️ Outdoor recreation

• 🐾 Pet-friendly adventures

Whether you're in an RV, a car, or on a bike, this drive is packed with memorable stops.

🏕️ Starting Point: Tomoka State Park

Our base camp for this journey was Tomoka State Park.

• 💲 Entry Fee: $5 per vehicle

• 🚶 Hiking, 🚴 biking, 🛶 paddling

• 🌳 Former site of the Timucua village of Nocoroco

• 🏕️ Campground surrounded by towering oaks

“Back-in was tight—but once settled, it was like camping in a peaceful cathedral of trees.”

🌳 Old Dixie Highway & Pine Tree Drive

The Start of the Loop

This leg of the drive is pure magic:

• Live oak canopy roads

• Spanish moss-draped trees

• Ideal for smaller vehicles

“We were glad to miss Bike Week—400,000+ motorcycles would change the vibe completely!”

🌲 Bulow Creek State Park & The Fairchild Oak

• 🌳 Home to one of the oldest living oaks in the South (400–600 years old!)

• 🚶‍♂️ Free admission and shaded walking trails

• 📸 Great photo ops and historical ambiance

🏛️ Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

• 🏚️ Ruins of a sugar mill plantation

• 📜 Educational signage on enslaved labor and the Seminole War

• ⚠️ Narrow access road – not ideal for large rigs

“It’s one of the most powerful and educational stops on the loop.”

🌊 North Peninsula State Park

• 🌾 Scenic 3-mile hiking trail to the beach

• 🐾 Dog-friendly and peaceful

• 🚴 Bike maintenance station on-site

🛣️ Ocean Views Along A1A

• 🌅 Uninterrupted views of the Atlantic

• 🐶 Dog-friendly beach access

• 🅿️ Easy roadside parking for quick beach walks

“Unlike much of Florida’s coast, this stretch remains undeveloped and raw.”

🎸 Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

• 🎶 Tribute to a folk hero who died saving another

• 🛶 Kayak launch + beachfront campground

• 🎻 Local jam session happening when we visited—pure Florida charm!

🕵️ WWII Submarine Watchtower

• 🏗️ Built in 1942, restored in 2003

• 👀 Used by civilians to scan for enemy submarines

• 📍 A hidden historical gem along the loop

🏁 Birthplace of Speed Park

• 🏎️ Site of America’s earliest beach races (since 1903!)

• 🏚️ Replica of the original Ormond Garage

• 🏁 Great stop for motorsport lovers

🏠 The Casements – Rockefeller’s Winter Estate

• 🕍 Stunning architecture with hand-cut casement windows

• 💐 Cultural events and free tours

• 🎨 On our visit: flower show in full bloom

🌺 Final Stop: Bailey Riverbridge Gardens & Ormond Yacht Club

• 🌉 Located by the Granada Bridge

• 🌳 Riverfront boardwalk + peaceful garden paths

• 🛥️ Historic yacht club (est. 1910)

“A serene ending to a journey filled with beauty, history, and discovery.”

💡 Final Thoughts: Why We Love the Ormond Scenic Loop

This loop truly delivers:

✅ Diverse Scenery – Forests, marshes, beaches, and rivers✅ Budget-Friendly – Most stops are free or low-cost✅ Deep History – Native villages to 20th-century motorsports✅ Outdoor Fun – Hiking, biking, paddling, camping✅ Pet-Friendly – Plenty of places to explore with your dog

📍 Plan Your Own Adventure

Whether you tackle the loop in a day or stretch it over a weekend, this road trip offers something for every kind of traveler.

👉 Next Up: We're heading north to explore St. Augustine—don’t miss it!

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