The park is such a hidden treasure. I've been to many state parks and some have basic amenities but…read morethis park has it all (in regard to trails and things to do). Beautiful scenery, historic monuments, charming beach area, clean restrooms, and a unique eclectic onsite store.

At one time, this used to be a very nice park to come for a family picnic and perhaps a kayak ride…read moreon the river. Now, they have eliminated the grills from the family picnic areas. There are very large grills at the pavilions and grills out family picnic areas that are not near the water and do not have views. The picnic area we had to settle on was in a Sandy clearing with too much sun. The grill could not be turned to adjust the flow of smoke. We drove 40 minutes to get here and paid the five dollar entry fee thinking that we would get the same thing we got last time we were here... Unfortunately, even though the picnic tables are new, they are filthy too sunny and little compensation for the lack of grills and views. It is a real shame. They have bathroom facilities, boat, launch facilities, and so many other nice things, and they choose to eliminate the grills.

This is a truly wonderful place with beautiful decor. It has come such a long way! I absolutely…read morelove coming here to enjoy the peace and nature. Plus, Andrew who works there is always respectful and so helpful with loading me in and out safely.

I've paddled the Emerald Cut a few times now. Initially I didn't like the idea of paying to launch…read moremy own paddleboard. However, it's only $10 now that I have my own life jacket (saving me additional cost of $5 to use one of theirs, as required). Well worth the low cost for some soul-enriching, communing with nature. I have never made a reservation. I normally arrive around 10:30, most recently on a Friday. Parked for free on Baptist Camp Rd. Just a bit of a walk from there with my inflated paddleboard, but I don't mind the extra exercise. You can unload your stuff closer, if preferable. There are port-a-potties available. You can count on there being a line in the check-in office. Various recreation supplies are available there for purchase. The process moves reasonably enough. A reservation will guarantee your entrance, however, and possibly aide quicker personal info collection. I always plan to do the Emerald Cut in roughly 3 hours round-trip, allowing myself several stops to enjoy the surroundings. You do run into (quite literally at times) novice paddlers along the way, which can be a bit tricky, yet not a real nuisance for me. In general, there's friendliness along the waterway. Slighty rowdy, party vibes in some spots, but also opportunities for solace and zen in various nooks. Encountering wildlife, fragrant elderberry, and other captivating flora along this stretch is always gratifying. It's a popular recreation destination for good reason.

Loved the experience - we went on a whim. Weather tried to be temperamental which impacted the…read moreexperiences fully but stand up company and our all worth it!

I love fishing with these guys so today I tried jet skiing for the first time. I'm 75 and was a…read morebit nervous but Cameron was very patient and made it so easy for me to get on and off and enjoy the ride. The feeling of flying across the water was pure joy and freedom. I can't wait to do it again.

The Pacetti Hotel and Museum opened to the public in November 2024. I'm so glad I overheard someone…read moretalking about the museum when I was visiting the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. It is across the street from the lighthouse but be on the lookout because you may miss it as you can't see the house from the street. You can walk over from the lighthouse or drive as there is a parking lot. You enter the museum from the front of the house by the water. Stepping up on the porch and looking out over the water helps to better understand why the house was built in this location as it is a gorgeous waterfront property! Be sure to start by watching the video as it will give you some background before you take the self-guided tour. You could spend hours inside reading and checking out all the different rooms. One of the things that stood out to me the most were the gorgeous wood floors;) And something that struck me as odd were the two sets of staircases. The museum volunteer explained that the front part was the original house and the back was an addition for the hotel. They were originally two separate buildings but were combined to one. The two rooms upstairs in the front would have been the best rooms to rent as they had the most gorgeous views. The hotel was a fishing resort at one time and later hosted the Cincinnati Reds as the last owner also owned the team. If these walls could talk lol! I highly recommend checking out this museum as it is also one of the oldest structures in Florida. So much history! Your entry fee to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse also includes entry to the museum.

Did a neat personal field trip here after a day at the beach. I never knew it was tucked away back…read morethere and they even have different sea animal sanctuary shelters next door. I will definitely be back to check it out. The lighthouse is a must see when coming to FL being the 2nd highest in the Country. How am I local and just finding all these things out? Such a cool way to teach us some history and the hotel museum is more cool! Just don't tell your lil one(s) there's a ghost like I did or they will be extra spooked out.. it's all fun and games until spooky things start happening inside! Haha

This a my favorite spot to access the beach. There is always parking, on a quieter side of the…read morebeach. It is so peaceful in the morning for a good walk or bike ride. Beautiful sunrises if you get there early enough

The park is named for the late Frank Rendon, a long-time community leader. In 2003, the park…read morecelebrated the completion of a three-acre addition and in 2016 the playground was replaced. Volusia County provided the land and paid most of the $850,000 in expansion project costs. The project was funded in part with grants from the Volusia ECHO program and the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District. The park and beach area are ADA accessible. There are sheltered picnic areas, grills, children's playground with padded ground, disability-accessible restrooms, water fountain, outdoor showers, 134 off-beach parking spaces, handicapped parking and a wooden observation deck. The Shores Hotel and the covered walkway across Atlantic Avenue is just north of the park and a nice place for food and drinks as well.