You might expect the "birthplace of speed" to be somewhat noisy, but Ormond Beach leaves that to its more-famous southern neighbor, Daytona Beach. Instead, this quiet, beachfront city offers white-sand beaches, the natural beauty of Tomoka State Park, and a fascinating history.

In 1643, a group of Quakers headed to New England were blown off-course. They ran ashore near Ormond Beach, and decided to settle there. They did okay until 1704, when a group of Timacuans raided the camp and killed the settlers. After that, the area was tossed back and forth between Spain and Britain until 1821, when the US acquired the land from Spain. It was nicknamed the "birthplace of speed" around 1900 -- the packed, smooth sand was ideal for automobile inventors to "test out" their vehicles.

Today, Ormond Beach is a palm-tree-filled, coastal community ideal for those who want lazy days on the beach, swimming, surfing, and beachcombing.