Ormond Beach is weirdly quiet compared to its noisy neighbor down the street. If you drive just a few miles south, you’re in the middle of the Daytona neon chaos, but here, things slow down. It’s different. Right on the sand, you'll find the Driftwood Resort Ormond Beach, a spot that basically defines that "old Florida" vibe everyone says they want but can rarely find anymore. It isn’t a gleaming glass skyscraper with a lobby that smells like expensive perfume and regret. It’s a timeshare-style resort that feels more like a beach house your cool aunt owns.
Most people overlook Ormond. They really do. They see the "Birthplace of Speed" signs and keep driving toward the boardwalk. But if you actually stop at the Driftwood, you realize you're standing on some of the most stable, beautiful cinnamon-colored sand in Volusia County.
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What Actually Sets Driftwood Resort Ormond Beach Apart?
Let's be real for a second. You aren't booking this place for a five-star spa experience. You’re coming here because you want to open your door and hear the Atlantic Ocean without a parking garage blocking your view. The property sits directly on the oceanfront. This is key. In many parts of Florida, "oceanfront" is a legal technicality that involves crossing a four-lane highway. Not here.
The layout is refreshingly simple. You have studio units, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. Most of them come with kitchenettes or full kitchens. This matters. Why? Because eating out in Ormond Beach every single night gets pricey, and honestly, sometimes you just want to make a sandwich and sit on your balcony.
The pool is the heartbeat of the place. It’s heated, which is a lifesaver in February when that Atlantic breeze turns sharp. You'll see families who have been coming here for thirty years. Seriously. The "timeshare" aspect of the Driftwood means there is a deep sense of community. You aren't just guest #402; you’re sitting next to a guy named Larry who has stayed in the same unit every July since 1994.
The Room Situation: Expect Function Over Flash
If you're expecting minimalist Scandinavian design, you're in the wrong zip code. The rooms at Driftwood Resort Ormond Beach are comfortable, clean, and unpretentious. Think sturdy furniture, floral patterns that feel surprisingly at home by the sea, and tiled floors that can handle a bit of tracked-in sand.
One thing you’ve got to check when booking is the view. Not every room stares directly at the waves. Some have "city views," which basically means you’re looking toward A1A. It’s still fine, but if you’re coming all this way, try to snag an oceanfront suite. The sunrises in Ormond Beach are legendary. The sky turns this incredible bruised purple and orange, and watching it from your own private balcony with a coffee is basically the whole point of the trip.
Surviving the Drive: A1A and Local Logistics
Ormond Beach is incredibly accessible, but it has its quirks. The resort is located on Ocean Shore Boulevard.
Parking is usually included, which is a massive win. If you’ve ever tried to park in South Beach or even downtown Daytona, you know that a free parking spot is worth its weight in gold.
- Groceries: There’s a Publix just a short drive away. Go there. Get a Pub Sub. It’s a Florida rite of passage.
- Dining: If you want a break from the kitchen, check out Lagerheads Bar & Grill. It’s right down the road. It’s literally a shack with high-quality fish tacos and live music. It’s exactly what a beach bar should be.
- The Beach: The sand here is packed hard. You can walk for miles. You can even bike on it if the tide is low enough.
The "Timeshare" Elephant in the Room
Let's talk about the business model. The Driftwood is a Gold Crown Resort under the RCI umbrella. This means a lot of the people there are owners.
Does this mean you’ll get hit with a high-pressure sales pitch the moment you check in? Usually, no. If you’re renting a unit through a third-party site or directly from the resort management, you’re just a guest. The staff is generally laid back. They have that "beach time" attitude—friendly, but not hovering.
The benefit of the timeshare structure is the maintenance. Because people own these units, there is a vested interest in keeping the place from falling apart. The grounds are manicured, the pool is clear, and the elevators actually work. That’s more than you can say for some of the aging motels nearby.
Exploring Beyond the Seawall
If you stay at the Driftwood Resort Ormond Beach and never leave the property, you’re doing it wrong. Ormond is historically significant.
John D. Rockefeller used to live here. His winter home, The Casements, is just across the bridge on the Halifax River. It’s free to tour. It’s wild to think the richest man in the world chose this specific stretch of Florida for his retirement. He knew something we often forget: the air here is better.
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Then there’s Tomoka State Park. It’s about a ten-minute drive from the resort. If you get tired of the salt water, go there to kayak. The river is glass-calm, draped in Spanish moss, and full of manatees if the timing is right. It’s the perfect antidote to the "tourist trap" feeling of the bigger Florida cities.
Is It Good for Kids?
Kinda. It depends on what your kids like. If they need a massive water park with slides and characters in costumes, they might get bored. But if they like digging holes, swimming until their fingers prune, and hunting for ghost crabs at night with a flashlight, they’ll love it.
The resort often has small activities planned—think shuffleboard tournaments or poolside BBQs. It feels safe. It’s the kind of place where you can let the kids run to the ice machine without worrying.
Common Misconceptions About Ormond Beach Resorts
A lot of people assume Ormond Beach is just "Daytona Light." That’s a mistake.
First, the driving on the beach is much more restricted here. In many parts of Ormond, cars aren't allowed on the sand at all. This makes the beach much safer for families and significantly quieter. You don't have to worry about a minivan driving over your sandcastle.
Second, people think it's an "old person" town. While it’s true that the pace is slower, the demographic is shifting. You see a lot of young remote workers these days, tucked away in cafes with their laptops, taking "surf breaks" at lunch. The Driftwood reflects this mix—a blend of retirees, young families, and people just trying to escape the I-4 corridor madness.
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The Weather Reality
You’ve got to be smart about when you visit. August is brutal. The humidity is like a wet wool blanket, and the daily thunderstorms are no joke.
The "sweet spot" is usually late March through May, or October through November. The water is still warm enough to swim, but you won't melt the moment you step outside. If you come in the winter, just know the Atlantic is cold. Really cold. The pool will be your best friend.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay
To really enjoy the Driftwood Resort Ormond Beach, you have to embrace the simplicity.
- Stop at the local surf shop. Pick up a cheap skimboard or a kite. The wind at Ormond is consistent, and it's a great spot for kite flying.
- Hit the river side. Cross the Granada Bridge at sunset. There’s a park right there with a pier. The sun sets over the Halifax River, not the ocean, so this is where you get those fiery red sky views.
- Check the rocket launch schedule. You can see launches from Cape Canaveral clearly from the beach at the resort. It’s a surreal experience to see a Falcon 9 streak across the horizon while you’re sitting in a lounge chair.
- Avoid the "Main Street" madness. Unless you love motorcycles and crowds, stay away during Bike Week or Race Week. Prices skyrocket, and the quiet vibe of the Driftwood gets drowned out by the roar of engines.
Actionable Steps for Planning Your Trip
Don't just click "book" on the first site you see.
- Call the resort directly. Sometimes they have last-minute cancellations or "owner rentals" that don't show up on the big travel sites.
- Verify the unit type. Make sure you know if you're getting a full kitchen or just a kitchenette. If you're staying for more than three days, the full kitchen is a game-changer.
- Pack light but smart. You don't need fancy clothes. You do need extra sunscreen, a good hat, and maybe a pair of binoculars for dolphin watching from your balcony.
- Plan your arrival. Check-in times at timeshare resorts are often strict because the cleaning crews have a massive turnover on certain days. Don't expect an early check-in on a Saturday.
The Driftwood isn't trying to be the Ritz. It’s trying to be a reliable, comfortable home base for people who actually love the ocean. It’s about the sound of the surf, the salt in the air, and the feeling of finally being able to breathe. If you go in with that mindset, you'll probably find yourself becoming one of those regulars who comes back year after year.