Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail

State: Florida
Length: 36 miles / 57.9 km
Time to Allow: Allow at least an hour to drive this byway.

Check out the shorter Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail Byway along the eastern coast of Florida, driving distance from Jacksonville. The 36-mile byway focuses on Ormond Beach and the Bulow Creek State Park, along with the Tomoka River. Find history along this route with World War 2 sites and, of course, enjoy the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. From here, you can take the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, which takes off where this one ends.

Expect to drive through tropical tree-canopied roads and the bluest water available. The beach offers a beachfront park with a playground, vendors, restrooms, and a splash pad. It’s the perfect beach to take the entire family. Make sure to check out the historical World War 2 submarine watchtower built in 1942. Several local hotels make the perfect place to enjoy several nights by the water. Grab some Greek food at the Greektown Taverna with vegetarian options available. Nearby you can visit the winter home of John Rockafeller, known as the Casements on the Halifax River.

At Tomoka State Park, you can bike, boat, fish, geocache, hike, paddle, and view wildlife. It’s the perfect location to camp with the family, especially if you have a boat. Take the family pet and a tent or RV to enjoy a grill, restrooms, hot showers, and electricity. The campground even offers water and laundry facilities for extended stays.

Continue north to Ormond-by-the-Sea with more beaches and parks. You can charter a boat for fishing or visit the Nocoroco Historic Site to see a unique statue honoring the Timucua Indian Village. Visit the local Seadrift Tavern for a drink in the evening or grab a meal at Alfies Restaurant for a fabulous all-American meal.

Continue to the Bulow Creek State Park with access to the river and inlets. Enjoy over five thousand acres of nature and tons of outdoor activities, including camping. The park is perfect for hiking and watching birds with tons of options to view other wildlife as well. Mind you, this area only offers primitive camping perfect for backpackers. Otherwise, stay at the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach, where you can camp on the beach and by the river with electricity and pets.

Along the route, history buffs will love checking out the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historical Park to view the remains of a huge sugar mill that look like a ruined castle to those with a little imagination. You can also visit the magnificent Fairchild oak that managed to grow gigantic despite hurricanes, floods, wars, and many moves, making it between 400 to 600 years old!

People in RV’s or on bikes can camp at the Holiday Park camping resort near some small lakes but not connected to the river or the ocean. The byway sits close to the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport, perfect for those traveling from far away. Several state parks and campgrounds make this a haven for those looking for outdoor adventure. With all the beauty and nature, you can enjoy this easy-to-follow byway and enjoy history and every outdoor activity imaginable.

More Florida Byways

You can check out additional Byways in Florida by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Florida Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.