A gentle breeze blows in from the Atlantic at the oceanfront Birthplace of Speed Park. Take a break from the beach and busy sightseeing activities to enjoy the serene ambiance of this tree-lined park. Snap photos of the views, read a book and watch the sunrise.
The park gets its name from the automobile races that began on the hard-packed sand of Ormond Beach in 1903. Stone markers and memorial plaques honor the world-famous races and drivers, including Alexander Winton and Ransom E. Olds. Read about when motorcyclist Glenn Hammond Curtiss set a land speed record of 136.4 miles per hour (219.5 kilometers per hour) in 1907. Look for the replica of a garage that was used to service the cars during the early races.
Arrange a day out at the park with family and friends and make use of the pavilions and picnic tables. Barbecue enthusiasts can put their culinary talents on display at the free-to-use grills. Bring food with you or purchase drinks and takeout from the cafés and restaurants at the nearby Granada Plaza Shopping Center.
Spread out a blanket on the grassy lawns under towering palm trees. Or, rest on one of the benches, feel the cool breeze in your face and gaze out across the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Dawn is a special time at the park, when the sun rises from the ocean horizon and bathes the beach in a gentle light. A dune walkover takes you down onto the sands once raced upon by pioneering drivers.
The park sits on Ocean Shore Boulevard and at the center of Ormond Beach’s long coastline. It’s a 5-minute drive and a 25-minute walk from the city’s downtown district. Park for free at the Granada Plaza Shopping Center and then cross the street to the park.
Birthplace of Speed Park is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. It has public restrooms and a small bicycle parking area.
