Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park — Attraction in Florida

Used to be a fantastic beach, however the greedy trolls in Volusia County’s government have decided only the privileged should be allowed at the beach. As of Jan 1st, 2025, the parking went from free to $20. If you’re unfortunate like us and missed the sign, you get a lovely $70 fine. We got there at 3:30 pm and were fined at 4:45. There is no short term parking option. You pay $20 for 10 minutes or 10 hours. They are also now locking the bathrooms 1 hour before sunset. While they say this, it was actually locked at 5pm (sunset was 6:20 today), so no one in our group could change before leaving. Since there’s no where else to change in the area, you’re left taking a long and uncomfortable ride home. Unfortunately this is now the case for all Volusia county beaches. If you can’t afford these excessive fees, you no longer get to go to the beach. While I can currently afford it, I was raised in a family that couldn’t and this type of greed would have resulted in us not being able to go to the beach. I feel bad all the families this will impact and prevent from enjoying the beach. Volusia County has ruined what were fantastic beaches. Going forward, I’ll plan on going to beaches in other counties and spending my money at businesses in other areas. I find this even funnier given that this beach was purchased and made to provide access to beaches for African Americans who were not allowed on “white” beaches. Now Volusia is removing access for poor people, who unfortunately are largely made up of African Americans in this area. Way to disgrace the name of the very person who donated this beach to you Volusia. I hope you’re all ashamed of...

This is a beautiful beach, pristine coastline, amazing place to walk.

I went on a day it was sunny but also Mist and fog was coming in- it was still stunning. I loved watching the fisherman who was there, loved watching them catch bait and just enjoy the day.

There's a ton of ground shells and sand- it feels wonderful to walk in but beware- I walked through my house with it on my shoes and the next morning a piece literally sliced my foot! Brush your shoes off before going home! Otherwise I was fine walking barefoot all day.

Around 3 or 4ish the surfers came- it was fun watching them stretch and paddle out to catch waves. It's a beautiful site to watch them surfing, the waves coming in, and seeing people walk along the beach so they can enjoy the surf.

The parking along the walkway is good, a few one way streets but the sand and wheels are probably 6- 12 inches deep. That's an actually parking lot at the park worth shaded places to sit- is really pretty too.

We brought a pucnic lunch to eat, as did several others. I'm not too sure if there's a lot of restaurants but i did see quite a few on the other side driving out. If you want some rest and rekaxation, being a blanket or chairs and plan on exploring. It's a Great free way to spend the day...

I love this beach! We fish here a lot. I wish they would fix that handicap ramp (closed due to storm damage) that happened a while ago last year!! I guess they forgot, but we'll give you a ticket if you forget to pay that $20 to park, just saying. All the ramps and stairways are full of sand. It's not stable to walk on for those with balance issues. And the sand itself is soft with broken shells so wear those beach shoes either way and it's not a flat beach by far. Many people go there to view the beach but only see it from the parking lot because of the access to the beach. $20 for parking and can't use some of that money they collect to fix things. That's sad. 😕 I'm happy they do have public restrooms, sometimes they have soap.. sometimes only in the handicap stall. It does have a outside shower in front of the bathrooms to rinse off in. Be careful, water maybe hot! It's in the sun all day. They have covered areas for parties and picnics or just to get out the sun. I know it's sounds like a lot of complaining in the beginning but Seriously, I love this beach! Mrs. Mary, Thank you! Lord rest her soul, she would be so unhappy knowing a beach named after her...