beach access walkway at North Peninsula State Park. Photo: Gamweb, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you love beaches that come with a healthy dose of serenity then you should pay a visit to North Peninsula State Park.
Boasting almost three miles of pristine, golden Floridian sand, the park is a haven for those who enjoy water based recreational pursuits like swimming, surfing and fishing. All of which take place in the invigorating waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Beach walking, shelling, hiking, birding and picnicking are also popular activities here too. In the months of May to September, the park is renowned for being a nesting place for green, loggerhead and the odd leatherback turtle.
Situated just a 25 minute drive from Daytona Beach on State Road A1A, North Peninsula State Park doesn’t have any camping facilities for visitors to stay at. However if you need overnight accommodation to visit it, you will find plenty of options within easy reach.
Activities
Visitors to this Florida state park can enjoy the beach’s tranquil surroundings and spectacular scenery in a range of different ways.
Showcased below is a brief overview of some of the main recreational activities you can partake in during your time there.
Beach at North Peninsula State Park
The beach is a terrific place to spend the day as it offers excellent opportunities for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, walking, running and shelling.
If you do venture into the water you will have to do so at your own risk as it is not lifeguarded. That said, park staff patrol it on a regular basis, so you should be able to negotiate the Atlantic swell and waves with some confidence.
You can access the beach via a number of different boardwalks, some of which have ramps for wheelchairs. When shelling on it there are plenty of colorful and unusual sea beans and shells to look out for.
If you happen to be on the beach at sunset, the hues created by the sun dipping below the horizon are quite mesmeric.
Fishing at North Peninsula State Park
The North Peninsula State Park is known to offer outstanding fishing. So it is no surprise that anglers from all over Florida come here for the opportunity to cast a line.
Fishing can take place either in the surf or on the banks of the park’s various intracoastal waterways.
Please note, you may need a valid license to do so and you also must adhere to the park’s rules and regulations with regards to number, size, season and method of capture of the fish.
For further information, it might be a good idea to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Picnicking at North Peninsula State Park
Many visitors to the park take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic among its beautiful surroundings.
You will find picnic tables dotted throughout the park, many of them come with grills and shade.
Whilst enjoying your al fresco meal please dispose of your trash accordingly. Be mindful too that the consumption of alcoholic drinks is strictly prohibited.
Birding at North Peninsula State Park
As the park lies within the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail it is a popular destination for bird watchers.
Many of whom flock from all round the state for the chance to see a range of migratory breeds, as well as those who reside at the park permanently.
During your time at the North Peninsula, depending on when you visit there, you can expect to see shorebirds like ring-billed gulls, royal terns and laughing gulls.
You may also catch glimpses of great blue herons, great egrets and yellow-crowned night herons around the intracoastal waterway and salt marshes.
Further within the park, robins, sapsuckers, cardinals and woodpeckers are prevalent too.
Nature & Wildlife
As well as the birds the park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife.
This includes the likes of white-tailed deer, the gopher tortoise (which is protected), indigo snakes and the Florida bobcat – which is rather elusive.
Between May to September, loggerhead, green and the occasional leatherback turtle come to the park for nesting.
Be sure to bring your camera with you in case you see any of these animals.
Pets at North Peninsula State Park
Your dog can join you on your visit to North Peninsula State Park. However, they must be well behaved at all times.
They also should be kept on a hand-held leash which is no longer than six feet in length and must be cleaned up afterwards.
Unfortunately they are not permitted on the beach or inside any of the park buildings. The exception to this is service animals who are allowed to accompany you to all areas of the park.
Accessible Amenities at North Peninsula State Park
The park provides a range of accessible amenities for those who require it.
This includes accessible restrooms and picnic tables. There is also an accessible creek overlook and boardwalk that leads you down to the beach.
Camping at North Peninsula State Park
While there is no camping available at the park, within easy driving distance of it you will find several campgrounds that offer a range of accommodation options.
These include the Bulow RV Resort, Holiday Travel Park, Sunshine Holiday Daytona and Tomoka State Park Campground among many others.
Whether you are looking for cabins, RV or trailer sites with full hookups or primitive tent sites that are most suitable for self-sufficient campers, there will be something for your preference at one of these destinations.
Depending on where you stay, amenities at these campgrounds should include hot showers, flush toilets and a dump station. There may also be a playground, laundry, swimming pool, boat ramp or games room there too.
Park Location
North Peninsula State Park
40 High Bridge Rd,
Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Phone: 850.487.7989
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at North Peninsula State Park:
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