15 Best Things to Do in DeLand, Florida (From a Local)
Heading to central Florida and curious about things to do in DeLand? I’ve grown up in this small (and now growing) Florida town. While there are more options than when I was a kid, it still holds its small town charm!
DeLand has a cute and historical downtown and beautiful nature and springs. This West Volusia gem has more to offer than you might expect. Here’s my list of 15 things to do in DeLand!
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1 Stroll Around Downtown DeLand
Downtown DeLand is super charming and has come a long way since I was a kid. There are more quality shops and restaurants than ever! Whether you’re looking for a random, vintage store or a boutique home store, a good meal or ice cream, DeLand has you covered.
Grab some coffee at Boston Coffee or Trilogy, peruse the shops, capture the murals, and take in the charm of this historic downtown. If you’re wondering the best area to stay in DeLand, downtown would top the list!
The below is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good place to start when considering things to do in DeLand.
Shops
- Anna Bananas Home Market – Cute home store.
- Baker & Co. Home Mercantile – my favorite home store downtown.
- Marketplace at Rivertown – 3 story quirky vintage store.
- Shellsea Downtown Deland – cute boutique.
- Cherry Street Factory – offers permanent jewelry by appointment.
- Victor & Rose – Home goods
- Sidecar Market and Bar – cute store with a bar and other pop-up goodies on offer.
- The Anointed Olive – who doesn’t love olive oil.
- Newfangled Modern Market – cute plant store
Restaurants
- Bake Chop – my favorite farm to table downtown
- Chicas Cuban Cafe – good Cuban food
- Boston Coffeehouse – they serve breakfast and lunch if you’re wanting something a bit more basic.
- De La Vega -Wine, Tapas & Sangria – Latin fusion that is good and popular.
- The Elusive Grape – if you want wine and a light dinner.
- Santorini Greek Cuisine – popular and good Greek restaurant.
- El Taco Amigo – my favorite hole in the wall, Mexican food.
- Tony’s New York Pizza – good pizza spot.
Coffee + Ice Cream
- Whit’s Frozen Custard – I love this creamy custard ice cream!
- Boston Coffeehouse – good coffee and if you want a frappuccino, frozen Yankeedoodle is my recommendation!
- Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co – good traditional coffee shop.
- Pat & Toni’s Sweet Things – they have chocolate and ice cream if you’re feeling indecisive.
- Buttercup Bakery – delicious bakery!
- BerryVille DeLand – frozen yogurt, but I haven’t been.
Wondering where to stay? Best Area to Stay in DeLand Florida: Local’s Guide to Top Places
2 Athens Theatre
Athens Theatre is hard to miss if you’re walking around downtown DeLand. The theatre is over 100 years old and it is still used to this day. One of the unique things to do in DeLand is enjoy a play at Athens Theatre!
Of course, if they don’t have any on offer while you’re here, at least grab some photos in front of this iconic spot. The theatre sits at the end of Indiana Avenue and is a beautiful site to see even as you’re strolling through DeLand.
3 Walk Through Stetson
Stetson University has a beautiful campus just down the street from downtown DeLand. The courtyard with the palm trees and fountains is especially beautiful. Stetson dates back to 1883 and seamlessly offers the same historical vibes of downtown.
If you’re up for a sporting event, check their game schedules.
4 Discover Local Art at the Museum of Art – DeLand
I have to admit, I’ve never visited the art museum. However, the entrance fee is small and covers both locations, so I may have to visit soon! If you like art, this is a must!
5 Explore Blue Spring State Park
Blue Springs State Park is technically in Orange City, but it’s just over the border of DeLand. This is one of the most popular springs to see manatees in the winter. However, if you want to swim with Manatees in Florida, there is only one county where it’s allowed and it’s on the west coast.
How to Swim with Manatees in Florida | My Experience & Top Advice
Blue Springs is absolutely beautiful! They don’t allow swimming in the winter since the manatees seek refuge in these waters, but you can swim in the summer. There is also kayak and canoe rentals as well as a boat tour!
This park gets super busy on summer weekends or cold weekends when the manatees are there, so go early or during the week. There is a cap on how many can enter the park, so if you don’t make it, you’ll have to wait for people to leave. There is a fee to enter, but it is very reasonable.
Book the Top Rated St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park
6 Paddle or Hike at Hontoon Island State Park
Hontoon Island State Park is one of the best nature related things to do in DeLand. You will need to take the free ferry to the island, which sits on the St. Johns River and Lake Beresford. There are beautiful nature walks, but take appropriate shoes as it can be muddy.
Similar to Blue Springs, you can rent a kayak and explore the river. There are some swings overlooking the river and if you like camping, that is an option here!
7 Rent a Boat and Enjoy the St. Johns River
There are plenty of boat rental places, but Holly Bluff Marina is very close to Hontoon Island. If you rented from here, Blue Springs isn’t far up the river or for a full day, head to Silver Glen Springs. I still remember seeing the clear waters at Silver Glen as a kid on one of our boat days!
The St. Johns River goes all the way to Jacksonville, so there is plenty of river to see! Of course, it’s Florida so there are alligators and snakes in the rivers and lakes, so keep that in mind. If you’re looking for unique things to do in DeLand this one is worth considering!
8 Go Skydiving
I remember watching the skydivers as a kid during soccer practice, so I’ve always known about Skydive DeLand. However, I recently learned DeLand is a bit of a hub for skydiving and was once considered the “north shore” of skydiving.
I have no plans to ever jump out of a plane, but my cousin recently took up skydiving and has racked up over 300 jumps! Whether you want to jump one time (with a professional), or take classes to start jumping on your own, Skydive DeLand is legendary!
Which Island Getaway
Fits You Best?
9 Bike or Walk Around Lake Beresford Park
On the other side of the lake from Hontoon Island, you’ll find Lake Beresford Park. There is a small playground, a trail that loops and the trail that is part of the central Florida bike trails called the Spring to Spring Trail. I’ve walked, jogged, roller bladed, and biked here over the years!
When walking, I didn’t notice, but once on a set of wheels, the hills are very obvious! The longer trail is connected to Blue Springs and eventually will connect to DeLeon Springs, which is why it’s called the Spring to Spring Trail. I’ve managed to ride past Blue Springs on my bike, but it is very hilly and intimidating for a newbie on a road bike!
Overall, this trail is beautiful! There are small walking trails that will take you to the lake and sometimes you’ll see the train going by. If you’re looking for a bike or walking trail, this is a great park to visit!
10 Take a Dip in DeLeón Springs State Park
DeLeon Springs State Park sits just past the DeLand border and is another beautiful state park! This one has a big swimming area that is man made around the springs, and then it flows into the river. I went here a lot as a child, but the 72 degrees year round water was cold for me as a kid, much less an adult!
If you don’t want to take a dip, there is a pancake house that’s enjoyable! Just note, there is no air conditioning here and it’s a cook your own pancakes situation, so if you have young kids it may not be a relaxing breakfast.
Another option is to rent kayaks and explore the river! It’s beautiful in this area and the river really gives you a taste of nature.
11 Tour the Historic Stetson Mansion
Switching gears to an indoor option, in case of rain. I have not toured the Stetson Mansion, but I’ve heard good things about both the normal tour and the Christmas one.
It’s not open year round, so be sure to check their site. Considering how many times I’ve passed it over the course of my life, I’ll have to visit soon! It’s worth noting, I was told the Christmas tour is not the same as the normal tour, but both are good!
12 See Venom Extraction at the Reptile Discovery Center
My cousin was in town recently and took her kids to this Reptile Discovery Center. She said it was interesting and the kids enjoyed it! If watching venom get extracted sounds interesting or fun to you, then this is one of the things to do in DeLand with your group!
13 Friday Night Artisan Alley Market
It’s been a while since I last went, but the Artisan Alley Market every Friday night is one of the fun things to do in DeLand. There are stalls selling food, crafts, or jewelry. The last time I was there, I tried a delicious dessert, so if you have a sweet tooth, it’s a great place!
My favorite meal was the empanadas! I love this little market and many people got their start here that were later able to expand their business.
14 Nature Walk at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
One of my favorite places to walk during the cooler months is Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. It’s free and you really feel transported! I like the winter months as alligators are more chill and yes, you can see them up close if they decide to sun themselves (be careful and don’t EVER feed them)! Plus, there is no shade, so the summer would be brutal.
There are various trails of differing lengths. I’ve walked most of them including the longer trail to the river. The shortest trail has a lookout halfway through, which is fun to pause and enjoy the views.
15 Attend Seasonal Festivals & Events
When it comes to things to do in DeLand, there always seems to be something going on in this small town! The biggest parade of the year is definitely the Christmas parade, followed closely by the Mardi Gras Dog Parade in February.
There are art festivals and craft shows! Ice Cream or restaurant events and even a classic car cruise. You never know what event might be held downtown, so be sure to check the mainstreet calendar.
Day Trip to Nearby Attractions
There’s only so many things to do in DeLand and you can’t blame a small town for its limits. One thing I liked about DeLand growing up was it had the small town charm but also had the beach and Orlando within driving distance!
DeLand is also a great base for exploring east central Florida! There’s everything from Disney to more beautiful springs, so let’s review a few day trip options.
Theme Parks
A one hour drive in normal traffic and you can be at Disney! Universal is even closer! Pick the park you want, or you can simply enjoy downtown Disney and the drive is only one hour, give or take.
The Beach
From DeLand, you can be at the beach in 40 minutes or less! Whether you want to visit Daytona Beach or head to New Smyrna, the drive isn’t far at all!
Daytona Beach
A Daytona Beach itinerary is an easy add-on since it’s only thirty minutes by car. You can visit the Daytona Speedway or learn more about the impressive Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Stroll down Beach Street and get a tour at Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory or enjoy a chicken biscuit and coffee at Copperline.
Silver Springs
An hour northwest and you’ll be at Silver Springs State Park. It’s famous for the glass bottom boat tours, but I really loved paddle boarding here and I think it’s one of the best paddle board spots in Florida! There is no swimming at Silver Springs, but it’s a beautiful park to visit and you should definitely see some wildlife! We saw countless gators on our paddle!
My friends and I did the downstream paddle and loved it. However, this Silver Springs Paddle Board Adventure is perfect if you’d prefer a guide!
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is about an hour and fifteen minutes north of DeLand. I’ve gone on many day trips to the oldest city, with my last visit being to see the Christmas lights. It’s fun to explore this historical city and it’s an easy day trip from DeLand.
Small Downtowns
If you want to explore more small downtowns, there are plenty around! Only thirty minutes and you can be in Sanford. Keep going down I-4 and you can enjoy Winter Park. Both of these are also accessible on the Sunrail.
Mount Dora is another cute, historical town about 40 minutes west of DeLand. Head east and enjoy Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
I remember seeing the launches (from DeLand) as a kid and I also remember enjoying Kennedy Space Center! As an adult, I think I’d still enjoy it, but I haven’t been able to get back there yet. My friend did go recently and she said it was great! It’s just over an hour from DeLand, making it a perfect day trip to the complex or to see a launch up close.
Things to Do in DeLand
If you are planning a visit, I hope this post helps you find things to do in DeLand. Whether you want to skydive or stroll mainstreet DeLand, this small Florida town can leave a memorable mark. While I’ve grown up here, I definitely take its charm for granted, but as I travel more and more, I see the beauty of DeLand.
I hope you have a great time in DeLand and wherever else in Florida you decide to visit!
Now that you know what things to do in DeLand, check out the Best Area to Stay in DeLand Florida: Local’s Guide to Top Places!
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