When you’re relocating—especially for work or family—finding a house is only part of the equation. What really makes a place feel like home is discovering where you’ll grab dinner after a long day, take a morning walk, or spend a lazy Saturday exploring.
That’s why, whenever I tour new residents around town, I focus on what I love most about the area. Here’s a peek at some of my favorite stops that truly capture the coastal charm, community spirit, and relaxed luxury that make our stretch of Florida so special:
📍 Downtown Daytona Beach
You might know Daytona for the speedway, but Downtown is where the real magic happens. I always swing by the Riverfront Shops and the brand-new Riverfront Esplanade—perfect for a scenic stroll. The new waterfront park, marina views, and charming restaurants on Beach Street show a softer, more artsy side of Daytona.
Fun bonus: Just across the bridge, Daytona Beach is one of the rare places where you can actually drive onto the beach—yes, your car, right on the sand. It’s iconic, it’s convenient, and it’s part of what makes Volusia County living so different from anywhere else. Local tip: Pack a beach chair and make it a whole afternoon. Don’t forget to take a walk on the perfectly packed sand that is absolutely ideal.
📍 Historic Main Street, Ormond Beach
This is one of my favorite walkable areas—lined with restaurants locals rave about and home to Hull’s Seafood Market (a must for anyone who loves cooking fresh catch at home). If you have a free evening, stop by a few of my favorites: 63 Sovereign, Alexander’s Prime, and the Grind Gastro Pub and Tiki Bar in the back. It’s the perfect place for date night restaurant hop.
The nearby Granada Bridge offers stunning views for your morning jog or evening unwind, complete with walkable docks under the bridge on both sides of the river. The historic charm of Main Street with the riverfront breeze gives Ormond its heartbeat.
📍 East Granada + John Anderson Drive
Next stop: The Casements—the old Rockefeller winter estate-turned-community space hosting art shows, markets, and outdoor concerts all year long. Take a cruise down John Anderson Drive, a river-hugging road lined with beautiful homes that would cost 10 times the price in most areas and shady oak trees. This is Ormond Beach living at its finest.
📍 A1A up to Flagler Beach
For a breezy coastal adventure, head up A1A to Flagler Beach. The Atlantic rolls to your right, while casual cafes, beach bungalows, and surf shops line the left. It’s all salty air, oceanfront porches, and a laid-back lifestyle that’s nearly impossible not to love.
📍 Under the Dunlawton Bridge
On the east side of the Intracoastal in Port Orange, you’ll find a hidden gem for fresh seafood with unparalleled sunset views, dolphin watching, and one of the best local breweries around. It’s got that “locals only” vibe—and when you know, you know.
📍 Ponce Inlet & the Islands
If you’re a water baby, you absolutely have to make a trip to Ponce Inlet—a boater’s paradise with charming marinas, seafood dives, and tiny islands only accessible by boat. If you have time, I definitely recommend the Funcat Arabella Sunset Cruise. Watching the sun dip behind the mangroves is one of those “yep, this is home” kind of moments.
Thinking About Moving This Way?
Whether you’re launching a new career, planning for retirement, or looking for a better way to live, this area delivers. I’d love to show you around—no pressure, just a chance to explore what life could look like here on the coast.
📩 Reach out to schedule a custom tour—or check out my digital Coastal Relocation Guide and start exploring from wherever you are ➡️ Relocate to Daytona Beach, Local Living Guide
