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26 Best & Fun Things to Do in DeLand (FL)

DeLand is a beautiful city in and the county seat of Volusia County, Florida State, United States.

After the 2020 census, DeLand had a population of approximately 37,351. Also commonly referred to as The Athens of Florida, DeLand was incorporated in 1876 and has become a popular tourist destination.

DeLand is popular for being the location of Florida’s oldest college, Stetson University. The city is characterized by red-brick buildings, spectacular oaks, and Greco-Roman columns that give off a similar ambiance to a quaint New England college town.

You will find unique attractions like Stetson University, the Reptile Discovery Center, DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, Volusia County Farmers Market, Hontoon Island State Park, and more.

Planning to explore DeLand? Here are the top things to do in DeLand, FL.

Things to Do in DeLand, FL

1. Hontoon Island State Park

Credits: Kelly Verdeck / Flickr
Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island State Park is a large Park that sweeps across 1,600 acres of land throughout the Hontoon Island of Volusia County.

The Park is easily accessible through a personal boat launch or ferry service about six miles on the western side of Deland.

This attraction features gorgeous natural palm hammocks, oaks, bald cypress swamp habitats, and pine flatwood.

Hontoon Island State Park offers many recreational opportunities, such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, but with a permit.

You can also engage in wildlife watching, cycling, and hiking. The Park is also an excellent place for photography. Visiting this Park is one of the fun things to do in DeLand, FL.

Address: 2309 River Ridge Rd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

2. Stetson University

Credits: Steven Martin / Flickr
Stetson University

If you genuinely want to explore the city, visiting Stetson University should be on your list of places to visit in DeLand, FL.

Stetson University, established in 1883, was named after its founder and a philanthropist based in New York as DeLand Academy, Henry Addison DeLand.

The University, also known as DeLand Academy, currently manages four branches throughout Central Florida.

You will be allowed to visit the historic buildings of the University, which serve as the Stetson University Campus Historic District.

Stetson University also conserves the oldest collection of advanced educational structures in the state. It features Gillespie museum featuring several exhibits and rotational displays.

Address: 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32723, United States

3. The Athens Theatre

Credits: Kelly Verdeck / Flickr
The Athens Theatre

One of the best places to visit in DeLand, FL, is the Athens Theatre. The Theatre is one of the most important historical buildings to be preserved in Florida.

The Athens Theatre was designed in 1921 by architect Murray S. King in an Italian renaissance-inspired style.

Henry DeLand, DeLand city’s founder, initially planned the city as The Athens of Florida before it was changed, so the Theatre was named after the initial plan.

This Theatre was active throughout the 20th century, offering spectators exciting performances, community events, film showings, and more.

The Athens Theatre was thoroughly refurbished in 1994 by the MainStreet DeLand Association. Now, you can visit for some classic movies and theatrical presentations.

Address: 124 N Florida Ave, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

4. Bill Dreggors Park

Credits: Creative Cat Studio / Shutterstock

Bill Dreggors Park is named after William J. “Bill” Dreggors, Jr.-a historian and preservationist.

The Park features a beautiful butterfly garden managed by the DeLand Garden Club, showcasing foreign and local flora with active sensory for physically challenged persons and visitors with neurological disabilities.

There is a well-paved loop trail of 7/16-mile, which serves as a path for joggers and walkers, and a Freedom Playground, a paradise for little children to have fun.

Bill Dreggors Park features four picnic pavilions for rentals for any special events and massive birthday packages made available by the Parks and Recreation Department of DeLand.

The Park also features a 1920 memorial Hospital Building with an extensive collection of museum exhibits relating to the cultural and economic history of the city. 

Address: 230 N Stone St, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

5. Clark Bay Conservation Area

Credits: Jens Ottoson / Shutterstock

Clark Bay Conservation Area, a 4,795 acres of conserved land, is one of the best places to visit in DeLand, FL, especially for nature lovers.

Clark Bay Conservation Area is home to wet flat woods and mesics, including endangered wildlife from the old days usually attacked by wildfires and farming activities.

There are several outdoor opportunities for all visitors, such as wilderness hiking, as you enjoy the beautiful environment.

 Watch out for Florida’s wildlife, including sandhill cranes, black bears, bald eagles, deer, songbirds, swallow-tailed kites, and more.

Address: DeLand, FL 32724, United States,

6. The Reptile Discovery Center

Credits: ENEKO GUERRA RODRIGUEZ / Shutterstock

If you are wondering what to do in DeLand, FL, visit the Reptile Discovery Center.

The Reptile Discovery Center offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to witness nature more intimately.

You meet some of the most feared reptiles in Florida State up close. If you’re an animal lover, you will love it here.

The Center houses numerous exotic and dangerous snakes such as King cobras, mambas, Burmese pythons, and so on.

The Reptile Discovery Center also offers visitors views of lizards and alligators in their various habitats through the nature trail located within its facility.

Address; 2710 Big John Drive, Deland, FL 32724, United States

7. The DeLand House Museum

Credits: Ebyabe [CC BY-SA 2.5], Wikimedia Commons
DeLand House Museum
The DeLand House Museum was constructed in 1886 and is owned by Henry Addison DeLand.

The beautiful mansion built in a Victorian-Style was given up to DeLand City in 1988 to preserve the undying history of the home.

The Museum is open throughout the week for guests as they tour the entire facility with a docent available for better explanation.

The DeLand House Museum consists of period furnishings showcased in the beautifully restored interiors with regional photography, which enlightens the public about the cultural and social history of Volusia County.

Address: 137 W Michigan Ave, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

8. Lake Beresford Park

Credits: moreimages / Shutterstock

For a family day out filled with fun and excitement, add a visit to Lake Beresford Park to your list of fun things to do in DeLand, FL.

Lake Beresford Park, nestled just along Lake Beresford Greenway, encompasses 211 acres and is open to everyone.

The Park is a popular place for runners, walkers, and cyclists because of the multi-use trail of 1.8-mile which goes along the Park’s perimeter.

Two nature trails in the Park are great for hiking featuring beautiful local wildlife and natural habitats. Lake Beresford Park consists of two playgrounds for children, offering them a safe environment for them to play.

Address: 2100 Fatio Rd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

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9. Blue Heron River Tours

Credits: Irina Wilhauk / Shutterstock

Blue Heron River Tours is a touring company that guarantees visitors an exceptional experience as they explore Hontoon Dead of DeLand ecosystems, including St. Johns River.

The tour company is famous for offering amazing boat trips and eco tours all year round using its customized Blue Vessel, which was exclusively built to Passover slightly deep backwater territories in Central Florida.

The tour company offers visitors fascinating information about the ecosystems and habitats of the region as they also get to explore other areas.

Blue Heron River Tours offers you the chance to view wildlife such as wading birds, turtles, and alligators in a beautiful environment that is great for pictures.

Address: 2999 West State Road 44, St. John’s Marina and Resort, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

10. Highland Park Fish Camp

Credits: Rocksweeper / Shutterstock

Highland Park Fish Camp is a campsite nestled on the banks of the great Norris Dead River that showcases the original Florida style.

Aside from being a fishing location, Highland Park Fish Camp is excellent for those who want to stay overnight.

Highland Park Fish Camp also offers boats for rentals, including bait & tackle, which are available for purchase.

The attraction has six campsites and 50 RVs open to everyone, and seven cedar cabins featuring charcoal grills, kitchenettes, and more.

Address: 2640 W Highland Park Rd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

11. Stetson Mansion

Credits: – Jaco – Jahluka / Flickr
Stetson Mansion

Stetson Mansion is a beautiful estate in DeLand, which John and Elizabeth Stetson initially built in 1886.

The estate, which many distinguished families have occupied, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the first elegant estate in Florida state.

The mansion has served as home for people like Thomas Edison, President Grover Cleveland, King Edward VII, and members of the Carnegie and Vanderbilt families.

Stetson Mansion is a three-story home designed in a victorian-style, currently managed as a museum that is open for tours that last 60 to 90 minutes.

During the tours, you can explore all the rooms featuring an authentic Edison Light Fixture, stained glass windows, Dali lithograph, and more.

Address: 1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

12. DeLand Naval Air Station Museum

Credits: Rob Bixby / Flickr
DeLand Naval Air Station Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about the Naval Air Station DeLand, add a visit to DeLand Naval Air Station Museum to your list of the top things to do in DeLand, FL.

DeLand Naval Air Station Museum focuses on preserving and promoting the Naval Air Station DeLand, which functioned from 1942 to 1946 as the United States Naval Air Station.

After World War II, the one-time airport space was transformed into DeLand Municipal Airport, featuring some facilities used during the 20th century by the Florida Military School.

You will find large exhibits concerning the operations of the air stations during World War II, including aircraft collections such as a USN Nasty-class PTF3, F-14 Tomcat, a Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber, and more.

DeLand Naval Air Station Museum offers guided tours based on prior reservations from Wednesday to Sunday.

Address: 910 Biscayne Blvd, DeLand, FL 32724, United States

13. Urban Brick

Credits: El Nariz / Shutterstock

Urban Brick is a popular pizza location in DeLand known for serving delicious pizzas prepared with only natural ingredients.

These pizzas are crafted with the highest quality ingredients imported from Italy, including San Marzano Tomatoes, Cheeses, and meats.

The elegantly decorated restaurant features seasonal outdoor and nice indoor seating for every visitor regardless of age.

Urban Brick offers pizzas with toppings, including candied figs, prosciutto, portabella, chicken artichoke, and more.

You’re also offered an extensive option of delicious wines, beverages, and imported beers to choose from and enjoy along with your pizza.

Address: 112 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

14. The Gillespie Museum

Credits: Kelly Verdeck / Flickr
Gillespie Museum

The Gillespie Museum is a standard public museum owned by Stetson University, initially established in 1958 for the collection of the environmental sciences of the University.

The Museum houses one of the vastest minerals and a collection of gems in Southeast America, featuring over fifteen thousand specimens.

There are galleries showcasing artifacts such as the various ecosystems of Florida and volcanic rocks and fluorescent minerals collection.

 The Gillespie Museum features rooms for workshops and classrooms at the Hatter Harvest Garden. At the same time, the Native Florida Plant Landscape offers extra spaces for educational programs throughout the year.

The Museum is usually open to everyone from Tuesday to Friday but also offers extra tours in the early hours of Saturdays.

Address: 234 E Michigan Ave, DeLand, FL 32724, United States

15. Museum of Art – Deland

Credits: Lisa Habermehl [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Art – Deland
The Museum of Art – Deland was founded by the American Association of University Women in 1951.

Museum of Art – Deland is a non-profit organization linked to the American Alliance of Museums and fully dedicated to preserving and promoting the fine arts in Central Florida.

The Museum features a permanent collection of over 750 pieces, including rotational exhibits made by artists like Fernando Botero, Sandro Chia, and Stephen Althouse.

Museum of Art – Deland also features Evans C. and Betty Drees Johnson Children’s Art Center, established in 2010, offering innovative workshops and programs.

Address: 600 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

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16. The Stockton-Lindquist House

Credits: Macropicman [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Stockton-Lindquist House
If you are looking for what to do in DeLand, FL, then visit the renowned Stockton-Lindquist House. 

The Stockton-Lindquist House, erected in 1870, is the oldest preserved home in DeLand.

The House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and is mentioned on the Volusia County Register of Historic Places.

This historic home is open for tours every day of the week displaying the original exterior and interior of the House.

The home is managed by the Stockton-Lindquist House Foundation for Historic Preservation. The House is the hub for many unique occasions all year round, including haunted tours.

Address: 244 E Beresford Ave, DeLand, FL 32724, United States

17. Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company

Credits: Nitr / Shutterstock

Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company was founded in 2014 by two home brewers, Robbie Carelli and Andy Sistrunk, who had a dream of establishing a brewery.

The brewery offers you a chance to get weird while also drinking responsibly, as you are offered a wide variety of unique brews to enjoy.

Aside from the Company’s tap room, you can also get these drinks from various restaurants and bars within Daytona Beach and Orlando.

Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company offers drinks like Three Guys Wise Coffee Porter, Daytona Dirty Blonde Ale, Beach Hippie IPA, Lake Time Lager, and more.

This destination is a pet-friendly Company, so you’re allowed to come with your pets and also bring them into the tap room. The taproom is open throughout the week.

Address: 111 W Georgia Ave, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

18. The Volusia County Fair and Youth Show

Credits: Renee Foskett / Shutterstock

No list of best things to do in DeLand, FL, would be complete without attending the Volusia County Fair and Youth Show.

The Volusia County Fair and Youth Show are held every year as a community festival of Volusia County on the first week of November.

The event is held at the Volusia County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, offering many exciting games and rides.

Here, local vendors offer a wide variety of classic festival foods, including corn dogs, funnel cakes, cheese curds, and more.

The Volusia County Fair and Youth Show feature farmers’ competitions, photography contest, music, fine art, and more.

Address: 3150 E. New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32724, United States

19. Boston Coffeehouse

Credits: auns85 / Shutterstock

What’s better than starting your day with a delightful cup of coffee? So add a visit to Boston Coffeehouse to your list of best things to do in DeLand, FL.

Boston Coffeehouse is the actualization of the dreams of Joe Valente, a graduate of Boston University who moved to the city in 1996.

The coffee shop has about five different branches all over the Central Florida region, in addition to the two branches in the DeLand downtown area.

The shop offers outstanding food and drinks, for breakfast or lunch, including mochas, coco mocha joy, mocha mint lattes, and more.

Boston Coffeehouse offers delicious and healthy smoothies, chai teas, freshly brewed coffee, and breakfast burritos and eggs Benedict.

Address: 109 E. New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32724, United States

20. Spec Martin Municipal Stadium

Credits: Mcsweeney [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Spec Martin Municipal Stadium
Are you a football fan? Here is something for you to do in DeLand, FL.

Spec Martin Municipal Stadium, a highly recognized sports venue in DeLand, is the venue of the Central Florida Warriors rugby team, the Stetson University Hatters football team, and the DeLand High Bulldogs football team.

This Stadium, with a seating capacity of six thousand persons, was built in 1942. However, it was refurbished newly with the latest modifications.

Now, the press box has been upgraded as well as the seating areas of spectators into a standard seating area that is handicapped accessible.

Spec Martin Municipal Stadium is popularly known for serving as a shooting scene for The Waterboy film in 1998, attracting numerous people.

Address: 260 East Euclid, DeLand, FL 32724, United States

21. The African-American Museum of Arts

Credits: Ebyabe [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
African-American Museum of Arts
The African-American Museum of Arts was founded as the premium museum of Central Florida in 1994. The Museum is solely concerned with the art and culture of African-American populations.

Irene and Maxwell Johnson established the Museum to create an avenue for mostly young African-Americans in DeLand city to let loose their artistic spirit.

Group tours are offered to visitors on reservation from Wednesday to Saturday.

The African-American Museum of Arts features a gallery that showcases artworks by professional and upcoming artists.

You will find a permanent collection of 150 artifacts, such as the African continent’s anthropological artifacts.

Address; 325 S Clara Ave, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

22. De La Vega Restaurante y Galeria

Credits: De La Vega – Deland / Facebook
De La Vega Restaurante y Galeria

De La Vega Restaurante y Galeria is a restaurant that offers the people of DeLand authentic Latin fares without them having to travel far away.

The restaurant offers a variety of options to ensure that everyone finds something that satisfies them, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The restaurant, open from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, serves mouthwatering gourmet entrees.

De La Vega Restaurante y Galeria also offers a wide variety of craft beers sourced from Florida at their full-service bar.

Address; 128 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

23. St. Francis Trail

St. Francis Trail is a beautiful trail of 7.9 miles that goes by the St. Francis Dead Rivers and St. Johns floodplains.

St. Francis Trail is an excellent place for history enthusiasts and hikers, offering them a combination of the two. St. Francis Trail travels through the areas formerly used by St. Francis’s ghost town established in 1887.

The area was recognized as the Old Town, featuring a general store, hotel, health spa, newspapers headquarters, and post office.

After the commissioning of railroads in the area by the end of the 20th century, the town was almost gone, leaving just remnants.

On any of the six Florida ecosystems, you will find several species of birds, such as pileated woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and more.

Address: 45914-45978 River Forest Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

24. Angelina’s Pizzeria

Credits: Angelina’s Pizzeria / Facebook
Angelina’s Pizzeria

If you’re looking for the best pizza plug in the city, visiting Angelina’s Pizzeria is a must-do in DeLand, FL.

Angelina’s Pizzeria has been serving the people right from 1998 with all-natural gourmet pizzas, which are delicious and healthy.

The pizzas are carefully prepared using good-quality imported cheese, non-hydrogenated oils, and grass-fed meats.

Whatever toppings you desire, Angelina’s Pizzeria will be ready to serve you. You’re also allowed to build your pizza using ingredients like barbecue chicken, alfredo variants, and more.

Angelina’s Pizzeria is also the best for the local Italian pasta, baked ziti, eggplant parmesan, clam sauce linguine, and fettuccine alfredo.

Address: 2687 S. Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

25. Cook’s Buffet

Credits: Madelyn Mcleod Fulsang / Facebook
Cook’s Buffet

Cook’s Buffet, a fantastic restaurant in DeLand, is housed in the historical building of Holiday House Restaurant, founded by Bob and Willa Cook in 1959.

Cook’s Buffet has been serving the people since 1983 and was refurbished by the 2nd generation of the Cook family, Michael and Star.

The restaurant offers delectable lunch and dinner weekly, including seasonally offered vegetable and salad meals.

Try some of their sandwiches and soups, especially roasted beef and pulled pork sandwiches.

Address: 704 N. Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720, United States

26. Volusia County Farmers Market

Credits: Barry Neal / Shutterstock

Volusia County Farmers Market, which is open from 7 am to 2 pm on Wednesdays. is the biggest Market in the county.

The Market features several local vendors & farmers as a way to promote local businessmen and women.

You can shop for various products, including seasonal produce, crafts, artworks, housewares, native food, vintage clothing, and more.

Address: 3050 E New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32724, United States

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Plan Your Trip to DeLand

DeLand is a beautiful city with lots of things to offer. There are endless outdoor recreation activities, especially for outdoor lovers.

Visit with your friends and family, as it intensifies the fun experience. Start planning your trip today!

The post 26 Best & Fun Things to Do in DeLand (FL) appeared first on The Tourist Checklist.



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