Ormond Beach: Andy Romano Park

11/4/2021

Picture of people with umbrellas on Ormond Beach

What's Amazing About Ormond Beach

VIBE: Family Friendly
839 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32176

Sometimes a community just does a beach park right, and this time it's Ormond Beach! Andy Romano Beachfront Park at 839 S. Atlantic Avenue has something for everyone. It is beautifully designed. From little kids to older folks, you will find the amenities here delightful. With plenty of free parking in the lot and the ability to drive on this beach, make time for a visit. It is open from sunrise to sunset. No dogs are allowed (on any Volusia County beach). Ormond Beach can get busy, but not as crowded as Daytona Beach. So slip off your sandals and walk on the warm, firm sand.

The Sand

Ormond Beach has much more red in its sand than Daytona Beach. As you go further north into Flagler County, it gets even more colorful with coral contributing to its hue. Sometimes it appears orange! But it is the same flat sand you find on Daytona Beach which makes it great for biking, walking and driving for miles. Firm sand is this area's best characteristic: no sinking or struggling to get around on the beach and no big drop-offs into the sea.

The Water

Ocean surf in Ormond Beach

In our opinion, Ormond Beach water seems a little less clear than locations further south. The darker sand is what makes it look murky. But we are very picky, so don't let our opinion discourage you from visiting. The water is still clean and full of fun waves. When it's hot in Florida and there's room at the beach...count us in!

Beach Parking & Facilities

Picnic Area Andy Romano Beach Park, Ormond

Covered play area for kids

This is where Andy Romano Park really excels. There is plenty of free parking in the large lot and many bathrooms. There are places to grill food right near picnic tables in the shade. You can purchase snacks here and eat while you watch your kids (or grandkids) frolic in the splash pad. It overlooks the beach. Wash the sand off your feet at any of the shower stations. It is just an all-around great family park that every city should offer.

Andy Romano Park Ormond Splash Pad

Beach Activities

Boogie Boards Ormond Beach

The beach usually has a lifeguard. In the Atlantic ocean waves you can have a lot of fun with a boogie-board. Why not ride a bike or Onewheel? You can walk for miles without cutting your feet on shells. When you need a snack, there is a place to buy food or start up the BBQ grill in the shade. This is pleasant beachside park and there is always a cool breeze to enjoy. Just sitting and watching people can be the best activity of all.

Look Out! This Could Happen...

The only downside to Ormond Beach is that the traffic is a little crazy trying to get to it. Add in the louder motorcycles (which the area is known for) and the drive can get frustrating. Since the pandemic, many northern folks have moved permanently to the area, and ALL roads to beaches are busier (on both Florida coasts). Still, compared to the west coast of Florida, Ormond Beach is easier to get to: no lift bridges or single lane roads. Parking is plentiful and you can choose to drive on the beach if your vehicle can handle it and you pay for a pass.

Trucks at This Beach

We saw this big beast in the parking lot. A Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. What made it really stand out was the very high lift riding on those custom, gleaming custom chrome alloy rims. Those rims included 10 spikes per matched with lower profile tires. Spikes! What do you need spikes for in Florida? You tell us! Easily the hottest-looking pickup in the beach lot this day!

What We Really Think...

Bike riding on Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach is far enough from Daytona to escape wild crowds, but close enough to have plenty to do. If you're like us, watching the cars on the beach can provide plenty of entertainment. It's clean and full of great restaurants and hotels. If you have kids or grandkids, this is the beach park you want to visit. Even after Labor Day the water is warm. We will continue to visit Andy Romano Park to enjoy all it has to offer.