Last Updated on March 26, 2024
The area that is now DeLand was once known as Persimmon Hollow due to the wild persimmons that used to grow there.
The town was later named after Henry Addison DeLand, a man who visited the area and fell in love with the land.
He bought 159 acres and began thinking of the community that could exist there.
Today, the City is approximately 19 and a half square miles large, a small town with a population of about 32,000.
Located in Central Florida, roughly 32 miles southwest of Daytona Beach and 34 miles north of Orlando in Volusia County, this city is known as the “Athens of Florida” because its founder envisioned it to be a place of culture and education like Athens, Greece.
There are many authentic things to do, from antiquing to touring historical sites. You will find plenty to do during a visit to DeLand.
Best Things To Do in Deland, FL
We’ve narrowed our list to these 15 not-to-be-missed items.
Athens Theatre
Athens Theatre first opened a hundred years ago, in 1922. The city’s founder envisioned the city as the “Athens of Florida,” that vision inspired this theater’s style with its Italian Renaissance architecture.
Located in the historic district, the theatre hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and community events, so make sure to check its calendar before your visit.
Athens Theatre Address: 124 North Florida Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720-4208
Main Street Deland
Walk, eat, and shop on Main Street, a historic downtown area with many stores and restaurants to check out.
The Mainstreet DeLand Association manages the area and hosts local events and outdoor activities. There are always fun things to do throughout West Volusia County.
Mainstreet DeLand Address: 100 N Woodland Blvd # 4, DeLand, FL 32720
Marketplace at Rivertown
The Marketplace at Rivertown is an antique mall in the city with 7,000 square feet of retail options to explore.
Shop antique furniture, clothing, jewelry, and more throughout three floors of treasures.
The Marketplace at Rivertown Address: 114 S Woodland Blvd, Deland, FL 32720
Hontoon Island State Park
Hontoon Island State Park is a park with no entry fee that is only accessible by boat or the park ferry. It is located on the St. Johns River.
The park offers canoe rentals, hiking trails, campgrounds, barbeque grills, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to see and appreciate the natural Florida environment and diverse wildlife.
Hontoon Island State Park Address: 2309 River Ridge Rd, DeLand, FL 32720
Stetson Mansion – Only Open for Christmas
Stetson Mansion was built in 1886 and is known as Florida’s first luxury estate. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States.
The mansion was a winter home for hat maker and philanthropist John B. Stetson.
You can book tours that take you through the mansion and teach you about the history of this 19th-century home and its architecture.
Stetson Mansion Address: 1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720
Stetson University
Stetson University is a private university founded in 1883 and established in 1887. It is the state’s oldest higher educational institution.
Walk around and explore the campus. There are many things to do in the city and the university’s museums and historic buildings are a must. Go, Hatters!
Stetson University Address: 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, Florida 32723
Museum of Art – DeLand
The Museum of Art is a non-profit art museum dedicated to the fine arts. They have two gallery locations to visit – one near Stetson University and one in Downtown.
You can wander the museums at your own pace or schedule a guided tour to learn more about the art on display.
Museum of Art Deland Address: 600 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720
Reptile Discovery Center
The Reptile Discovery Center is full of a wide variety of reptiles. Check out the indoor exhibits, which include many dangerous and exotic snakes you can safely view, like king cobras and Burmese pythons.
Outside the center, you can walk through a lovely nature trail where you can see more reptiles, like alligators and tortoises.
Reptile Discovery Center Address: 2710 Big John Dr, DeLand, FL 32724
Skydive DeLand
If you are a thrill-seeker, book a reservation at Skydive. It is a well-known facility that welcomes first-time skydivers.
The jump from the place includes a 60-second freefall and 3-5 minutes of canopy flights with lovely aerial views of the area.
Tandem Skydive Prices
| Number of Jumpers | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 – 3 People | $219 each |
| 4 – 6 People | $195 each |
| 7 or More People | $185 each |
| Stetson, UCF, ERAU, UF students – With Valid ID | $170 each |
Skydive DeLand Address: 1600 Flight Line Blvd, DeLand, FL 32724
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. is a taproom located in downtown. They serve up a variety of different draft beers to try.
Enjoy the great location, staff, and selection of drinks at this brewery, known for its welcoming atmosphere and sense of community.
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company Address: 111 W Georgia Ave, DeLand, FL 32720
Bill Dreggors Park
Bill Dreggors Park is one of the many family-friendly attractions in the city. The park has a walking trail, Sensory Butterfly Garden, and picnic pavilions to enjoy with family members.
Little ones will love the Freedom Playground.
Bill Dreggors Park Address: 230 N Stone St, DeLand, FL 32720
African-American Museum of Arts
The African American Museum of the Arts is an admission-free museum and the only one in the area dedicated to African American art and culture.
Check out its impressive collection, which includes artifacts, sculptures, and masks from different African countries.
African-American Museum of Art Address: 325 S Clara Ave, DeLand, FL 32720
DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market
If you are in the city on a Friday evening, you will want to visit the Artisan Alley Farmers Market, which features over 40 vendors and farmers.
The marketplace is a great place to shop for produce, sweet treats like cookies, bath products, art, and many other things!
This is a great opportunity to support local farmers and businesses while also purchasing quality foods and items.
DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market Address: 104 Artisan Alley, DeLand, FL 32720
Lake Beresford Park
Lake Beresford Park is another park to visit in the area, known for its trail that connects to the Spring-to-Spring Trail, an easy path to follow 3 miles down to Blue Springs State Park.
The park itself also has restrooms, pavilions, and playgrounds.
What’s the closest city to DeLand, Florida?
| 41 miles: | Orlando |
|---|---|
| 73 miles: | Saint Augustine |
| 63 miles: | Kissimmee |
| 99 miles: | Gainesville |
| 23 miles: | Sanford |
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