Ormond by the Sea
A quiet beach community on the barrier island north of Ormond Beach, with small streets of beach cottages between the ocean and the Halifax River and miles of state parks just to the north.
You surf fish at North Peninsula State Park in the morning, bike the Ormond Scenic Loop under the oaks, and watch the sunset from the Highbridge Park dock.
The scorecard
Tap any score for the local's take.
Nightlife1
Low key. There are a couple of oceanfront grills and neighborhood bars on A1A, and for a real night out you drive about 15 to 20 minutes to Ormond Beach or Daytona.
Meet people2
It is mostly residential, so social life happens on the beach, at the boat ramps and in the parks. Clubs, classes and bigger events are in Ormond Beach, a short drive south.
Peace and quiet4
Calm most of the year. Daytona's big event weeks, like Bike Week and race weekends, bring more traffic and noise up A1A.
Walkability2
You can walk to the beach from almost anywhere, since the island is only a few blocks wide. For groceries and most errands you drive into Ormond Beach.
On the water4
Good. The Halifax River is on the west side, with a boat ramp, kayak launch and fishing pier at Highbridge Park and fishing from the small bridges along the Loop.
Beaches4
A long, natural looking Atlantic beach, with nearly three miles of undeveloped shore at North Peninsula State Park. FDOT finished a buried seawall under the dunes here after A1A washed out in earlier storms.
Dining and arts2
Thin on the peninsula, mostly casual seafood and breakfast spots. Ormond Beach and Daytona have the variety, about 15 to 20 minutes away.
Outdoors and wellness5
This is the big draw. North Peninsula, Bulow Creek and Tomoka state parks, the Coastal Strand Trail and the Ormond Scenic Loop are all close, with oaks, marsh and lots of birds.
Affordability4
One of the more affordable beach communities in Florida. Redfin put the median sale around $343K in Sept 2026, though flood and wind insurance close to the ocean can add a lot.
Airport access3
Daytona Beach (DAB) is about 25 minutes away with a few airlines and direct flights to some hubs. Orlando (MCO) is about an hour and 15 minutes.
Scores last checked October 2026. Scores rate what the town offers, never who lives there. How we score
Community and social scene
A beach walk at dusk, then dinner at a casual spot on A1A or a drive into Ormond Beach. It is a quiet, early night kind of place.
Community at a glance
Tap any row for places and times.
PickleballOn the map
See pickleball courts near Ormond by the Sea on the mapTennisOn the map
See tennis courts near Ormond by the Sea on the mapGolfOn the map
See golf courses near Ormond by the Sea on the mapLive musicOn the map
See live music near Ormond by the Sea on the mapTrivia nightsOn the map
See trivia nights near Ormond by the Sea on the mapPro sportsTeams nearby
No major league team within 50 miles. The closest is Orlando City (MLS) in Orlando, about 60 miles away.NASCAR at Daytona International Speedway, 10 miles awayMiles are in a straight line, so the drive is longer.Places of worshipOn the map
See places of worship near Ormond by the Sea on the mapWe don't list or rate congregations. The map shows what is in and around town.More ways to meet people
Highbridge Park
A small riverside park with a boat ramp, kayak launch and fishing pier where regulars gather.North Peninsula State Park
Free beach and trails with the Coastal Strand Trail starting at Smith Creek Landing.Ormond Scenic Loop
A popular route for cycling groups, walkers and birders under the oak canopy.Tomoka State Park
Camping, kayak rentals and fishing a short drive away, a good spot for group paddles.We write about places and events, never about who lives there. Times and dates change, so confirm before you go.
Things to do
The honest details
- Home prices
- About $343K median sale price (Redfin, Sept 2026)
- Nearest hospital
- AdventHealth Daytona Beach, about 7 miles. Nearest trauma center: Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach (Level II), about 9 miles. Straight line distance, so the drive is longer.
- Airport
- Daytona Beach (DAB), about 25 minutes
- Season
- Quiet most of the year, busier during Daytona event weeks
- Heads up
- A1A washouts in past storms (a new buried seawall was finished around early 2026), hurricane and flood exposure, few shops on the peninsula
- Insurance
- Florida averages about $10,384 a year for $250K of coverage (MoneyGeek, 2026). Get a quote and check the flood zone for any address. Read more
- Why people love it
- Beach life at a lower price than most of the coast. State parks, marsh and the Scenic Loop right next door.
- Know before you go
- Very few restaurants and shops on this stretch of A1A. A1A has washed out in past storms.
- Schools
- See official grades and district info on the Florida Department of Education site.
Common questions about Ormond by the Sea
Is Ormond by the Sea walkable?
Not really. You will drive for most things. You can walk to the beach from almost anywhere, since the island is only a few blocks wide. For groceries and most errands you drive into Ormond Beach.
Does Ormond by the Sea have a good beach?
Yes, a very good one. A long, natural looking Atlantic beach, with nearly three miles of undeveloped shore at North Peninsula State Park. FDOT finished a buried seawall under the dunes here after A1A washed out in earlier storms.
Is Ormond by the Sea affordable?
Yes, it costs less than most of the Florida coast. Home prices: About $343K median sale price (Redfin, Sept 2026). One of the more affordable beach communities in Florida. Redfin put the median sale around $343K in Sept 2026, though flood and wind insurance close to the ocean can add a lot.
What is the nightlife like in Ormond by the Sea?
Very quiet. Most of town is dark early. A beach walk at dusk, then dinner at a casual spot on A1A or a drive into Ormond Beach. It is a quiet, early night kind of place.
How busy does Ormond by the Sea get?
It is quiet most of the year. Calm most of the year. Daytona's big event weeks, like Bike Week and race weekends, bring more traffic and noise up A1A.
Is Ormond by the Sea good for boating and fishing?
Yes. This is a strong boating town. Good. The Halifax River is on the west side, with a boat ramp, kayak launch and fishing pier at Highbridge Park and fishing from the small bridges along the Loop.
Which airport is closest to Ormond by the Sea?
Daytona Beach (DAB) is about 25 minutes away with a few airlines and direct flights to some hubs. Orlando (MCO) is about an hour and 15 minutes.
What should I know before moving to Ormond by the Sea?
The main things to plan for: A1A washouts in past storms (a new buried seawall was finished around early 2026), hurricane and flood exposure, few shops on the peninsula. Florida homeowners insurance averages about $10,384 a year for $250K of dwelling coverage (MoneyGeek, 2026). Get a quote and check the flood zone for any address before you commit.
The closest matches to Ormond by the Sea across our ten scores.
Hobe Sound
Also strong on the outdoors and peace and quietA low key village between Stuart and Jupiter, surrounded by a big state park, a wildlife refuge and some of the prettiest beaches on the coast.
Englewood
Also strong on the outdoors and peace and quietA laid back Gulf town with a small old downtown and beaches on Manasota Key, known for shark teeth.
Palm Coast
Also strong on the outdoors and peace and quietA planned city of saltwater canals and more than 130 miles of trails, between St. Augustine and Daytona.
CompareBeverly Beach
Also strong on peace and quiet and the outdoorsOne of Florida's tiniest towns, a few blocks wide between the ocean and the Intracoastal just north of Flagler Beach, with an RV resort, beach cottages and homes on canals.