North Peninsula State Recreation Area

The relative lack of development north of Ormond Beach had had eloquent repercussions on its beachfront. N. Peninsula State Recreation Area is a prime example of this, featuring 900 acres of pristine shoreline and protected dunes. Created as part of a massive, multi-state effort to save the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, the state park is primarily a nature preserve and refuge. No parking is allowed along the road and no dune crossovers are provided. Visitors can park at a free lot along Highway A1A or hike north from Ormond-by-the-Sea and have one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches - two miles in length - all to themselves.

The sheer beauty of the park more than makes up for its lack of amenities. There are no facilities at the park, so be sure to bring a cooler of drinks with you. Parking is free at the lot on A1A or along the road in Ormond-by-the-Sea to the south. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, fishermen will delight in the state park. Surf casting along this stretch of coast is enough to make an angler's eyes well up with salt water. Fish get trapped inside the offshore bars, and fishermen have a field day casting for them.