Ormond Beach, Florida: Birthplace of Speed

Ormond Beach, nicknamed the Birthplace of Speed, is a city in Volusia County on Florida’s east coast. It is located along the Halifax River, north of Daytona Beach, about 61 miles northeast of Orlando and 84 miles south of Jacksonville. Ormond Beach is part of the Daytona Beach metropolitan area. The city was incorporated as a town on April 22, 1880, and later as a city on April 25, 1950. The area was originally inhabited by the Timucua people and was settled in the 19th century by immigrants from New Britain, Connecticut. Ormond Beach is served by the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport, U.S. Route 1, and Interstate 95.

Top attractions in Ormond Beach include several historic sites and natural areas. The Ormond Hotel was a historic hotel and a well-known landmark, located on East Granada Boulevard. Designed by George Penfield, it opened on January 1, 1888, and was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, located on East Granada Boulevard, features gallery spaces, memorial gardens, and a gift shop, showcasing works by local and national artists.

The Casements is a cultural center on Riverside Drive. Built in 1913 in the Shingle architectural style, the riverside mansion is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and once served as the winter home of businessman John D. Rockefeller. Nearby are the Rockefeller Gardens. The Anderson–Price Memorial Library Building, constructed in 1915, is a historic library and event venue on North Beach Street and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The Dix House, built in 1876 by Colonel Dix, is another historic home listed on the National Register.

Ormond Beach is also known for its outdoor attractions. Bulow Creek State Park, established in 1981, covers more than 3,200 acres and features hiking trails, historic sites, ancient oak trees, a campground, and picnic areas. Tomoka State Park, established in 1945, spans about 2,000 acres and offers trails, campsites, picnic areas, and bird-watching opportunities. Andy Romano Beachfront Park provides beach access, a gazebo, a splash pad, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, along with free parking. Birthplace of Speed Park, located on Ocean Shore Boulevard, is a seaside park with picnic facilities and commemorates the first automobile race held on the nearby beach in 1903.