While in Daytona Beach, Florida we made our way to do a tour of the Casements, the former winter home of John D Rockefeller. As we had arrived a little early, we decided to spend the time exploring the amazing grounds called the Rockefeller Gardens.
Apparently the Casements area was originally nine acres that stretched east from the Halifax River to the present day Halifax Drive. It contains a private trail and right-of-way to the Atlantic Ocean. Rockefeller employed a Swedish landscape designer to develop the gardens to his own specifications.
Extensive renovations were done in 2009 to create Rockefeller Gardens. A promenade along the river entices people to stroll or take their daily exercise. An outdoor stage is used for weddings, and free movies are shown there on the first Friday of the month.
It is such an amazing area but looks more like a park than gardens, in my opinion anyway. We both commented on what a perfect place it would have been to sit and have a little picnic lunch. However, we didn’t have the opportunity as we had already lunch. We hope to the next time we are in the area.
Besides the amazing water views of the Halifax River, they also have paved walks, restrooms, fishing docks, boat launch and a small beach. We set at the end of one of the fishing docks for a while and talked to some people fishing. They hadn’t caught anything, but were enjoying themselves on the beautiful, but hot, June day.
We also passed many people with their dogs and it made me miss ours. I could easily imagine walking around with them and watching them explore a new area. Maybe if we drive to Florida sometime we will have to visit with them and maybe catch a movie.
We had a great time walking about the Rockefeller Gardens. I later found out that many people have been able to see dolphins while sitting on one of the many benches or picnic tables. Sadly we didn’t see any while we were there. I guess it’s another good reason to return one day. If you are in the area, make sure to check out the Casements Tour as well as the Rockefeller Gardens. Both are amazing and free. Here is a link to their website with more information, hours, tour times, etc. Happy Travels.
Great info!
If one can limit going to the theme parks, Florida is really a reasonably priced travel destination.