Conveniently located between Daytona Beach and Orlando, the town of DeLand was founded in 1876 as a home to a number of Gilded Age magnates like John Stetson.
The downtown historic district has plentiful shops and restaurants as well as a few boutique and chain hotels. The stunning campus of Stetson University is also here.
While visiting DeLand, make sure to visit the nearby towns in west Volusia County, including DeBary, Cassadaga, and Deltona. You can split your time or make day trips from DeLand. The beaches of New Smyrna Beach are also close by.
What to Do in DeLand
Blue Springs State Park– The state park on Volusia Blue Spring is one of the largest in the area and is a great spot to see manatees. They offer scuba diving, walking trails, camping, and swimming. 2100 West French Avenue, Orange City
De Leon Spring State Park– The 600+ acre park has a large pool fed by natural springs that remain a constant temperature year-round. The park offers boat tours and has a restaurant where diners can cook their own pancakes on griddles. 601 Ponce Deleon Boulevard, De Leon Springs
St. John’s River Tour– A number of operators provide boat tours of the St. John’s River, which runs inland nearly the entire length of Florida. Here you’ll spot birds, alligators, and maybe even manatees. 488 W. Highbanks Road, DeBary
Museum of Art DeLand– Admire the changing exhibits on American art in two locations, including paintings and photography. One ticket price gains entry into both. 600 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand
Stetson University– Renamed after the iconic hat manufacturer and school benefactor, the school was founded in 1883. The beautiful campus is on the National Register of Historic Places. 421 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand
Stetson Mansion– The lavish 1886 home belonged to John Stetson and has been restored as a private residence. The tours at the Stetson Mansion can’t be missed, one of the finest homes in Florida built before the 20th century, especially during the holidays. 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand
Skydive Deland– Adventure lovers can even go skydiving at Skydive Deland. It’s a popular spot for first-timers since they have tandem jumps and classes. 1600 Flightline Boulevard, DeLand
Craft breweries– Craft beer lovers can sip brews at Persimmon Hollow Brewery in DeLand and Central 28 Beer Company in DeBary.
DeLand Wings– There are a number of “Wings of the West” murals around the county that you can pose in front of, including one in downtown DeLand, another at Cassadaga, and in Deltona.
Where to Eat in DeLand
Airport Restaurant– Set next to the municipal airport, the restaurant has a large patio to watch the planes land. It’s known for its extensive bar and juicy burgers. 1120 Airport Terminal Drive, DeLand, (386) 734-9755
Mr. Bill’s Donuts and Sandwiches– Start your day at the downtown DeLand restaurant, which has homemade doughnuts and biscuits. Later in the day, there are burgers and sandwiches. 138 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, (386) 943-8616
Byte– The restaurant serves modern American fare with a patio for sidewalk dining. It’s known for dishes like the fried green tomato BLT and chicken and waffles. 145 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, (386) 507-2005
De La Vega– This eatery is equal parts restaurant and art gallery with Latin-inspired dishes. Owned by a pair of siblings from Mexico, the menu weaves in Costa Rican and Venezuelan flavors. 128 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, (386) 734-4444
Twisted Chopstick– Located inside The Deland Hotel, the sushi restaurant serves traditional rolls as well as funky interpretations like the sushi doughnut. 442 East New York Avenue, DeLand, (386) 490-6537
Boston Coffeehouse– Grab a cup of coffee at this student favorite. They have hearty sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. They have four other locations nearby. 109 East New York Avenue, DeLand, (386) 738-2326
Sinatra’s– The restaurant inside the Cassadaga Hotel is one of the only dining options in the area. They offer Italian-inspired dishes like flatbreads and pasta. 355 Cassadaga Road, Lake Helen, (386) 218-3806
Old Spanish Sugar Mill– Set in a former mill inside De Leon Springs State Park, guests sit at tables with griddles to cook their own pancakes for breakfast. Expect to wait during warmer months and weekends. 601 Ponce Deleon Boulevard, De Leon Springs, (386) 985-5644
Where to Stay in DeLand
The Deland Hotel– Built in 1925, the property is decorated in antique furnishings. The lobby has a guest lounge where coffee is set out in the morning and wine in the afternoon. 442 New York Avenue, DeLand
Courtyard by Marriott DeLand Historic Downtown– The chain hotel is in the heart of downtown with conveniences like free WiFi, a fitness center, and an onsite restaurant. 308 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand
Artisan Downtown– The boutique hotel in a historic building offers rooms and suites with stylish furnishings. They have flat-screen televisions, plush bathrobes, and in-room coffee and tea. 215 South Woodland Boulevard, DeLand
Hampton Inn Debary-Deltona– Convenient to the communities south of DeLand, this modest hotel is right off I-4 on Lake Monroe. It has free hot breakfast and WiFi and can be accessed via the Orlando airport or the SunRail train. 308 Sunrise Boulevard, DeBary
Cassadaga Hotel– The only hotel in Cassadaga, the 1920s property has its own Psychic Center with mediums and seances. There are also cozy rooms and an onsite restaurant. It’s also rumored to be haunted. 355 Cassadaga Road, Cassadaga
Rentals- There are plenty of places to stay in the area south of Orlando, including this cozy cottage in Orange City, a comfortable home in downtown DeLand, and the farmhouse in DeBary.
Camping– Visitors can stay at the campgrounds at both De Leon Springs and Blue Springs. There are also private campgrounds in the area.
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