Best Things to Do in DeLand, Florida: An Underrated Central Florida Getaway
If I only had one free weekend in Central Florida, I’d choose DeLand. Just 20 minutes from I-95 and Daytona Beach, this charming West Volusia County town combines history, culture, outdoor adventure, and an excellent food scene without the crowds. It’s one of Florida’s most rewarding—and overlooked—weekend escapes.
Between the manatees, historic architecture, thriving restaurant scene, and walkable downtown, DeLand reminds me why I love discovering smaller destinations. One minute you’re touring the magnificent Stetson Mansion, and the next you’re browsing independent shops, admiring colorful murals, or enjoying a meal at a locally owned restaurant.
Just minutes away, Cassadaga—often called the Southern counterpart to Lily Dale, New York—offers psychic readings, spiritual healing, and a fascinating glimpse into one of Florida’s most unique communities.
DeLand also knows how to celebrate. Annual favorites include the Fall Festival of the Arts, Krewe of Amalee Mardi Gras, the MainStreet DeLand Dog Parade, the DeLand Craft Beer Festival, and the spectacular Stetson Mansion Christmas Celebration. Best of all, the city feels authentic, welcoming, and refreshingly free of the crowds found in many Florida hotspots.
What surprises first-time visitors most is the variety. DeLand pairs one of Florida’s best small-town downtowns with an excellent Museum of Art, a beautifully restored historic theater, and outdoor adventures like airboat rides and manatee viewing. I’ve visited several times, and every trip leaves me wondering why more travelers aren’t talking about it.
If you’re looking for a Florida destination with personality, memorable experiences, and plenty of reasons to return, DeLand belongs on your travel list.
Quick Take
Perfect For:
- Empty Nesters
- Food Lovers
- Small Town Explorers
- Multi-Generational Families
- Florida Road Trippers
Worth Your Vacation Time?
★★★★★
What You’ll Find:
- One of Florida’s best downtown districts
- Incredible wildlife encounters
- Historic attractions
- Surprisingly good and affordable restaurants
- An easy weekend getaway from Orlando or Daytona Beach
Why DeLand Is Worth Your Vacation Time
DeLand is the kind of weekend getaway I recommend again and again. With wildlife encounters, excellent restaurants, historic attractions, and a lively, walkable downtown, it offers plenty to see and do without the traffic or theme park crowds. Instead, you’ll discover why this charming Central Florida city continues to surprise visitors who give it a chance.
Why DeLand Surprised Me
I’ve visited plenty of Florida towns over the years, but DeLand remains one of my favorites. It blends the culture of a college town, the charm of a historic downtown, and enough outdoor adventures to keep nature lovers happy. One minute I was touring the magnificent Stetson Mansion, and the next I was spotting manatees at Blue Spring State Park.
Throw in a thriving restaurant scene, quirky shops, colorful murals, vinyl stores, and nearby Cassadaga, and you have a destination that offers far more than you’d expect for its size.
- DeLand doesn’t get the attention of Orlando, Winter Park, Mount Dora, or Daytona Beach.
- The downtown (MainStreet) is one of the best in Florida.
- The food scene punches way above its weight.
- You can see manatees, tour a mansion, airboat through wetlands, and enjoy a thriving arts scene all in one weekend.
Experiences Worth Planning Around
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is one of the top things to do near DeLand, especially during manatee season. And it may be THE place to see manatees, period. Hundreds of manatees gather in the spring’s warm waters each winter, creating one of Florida’s best wildlife viewing experiences.
Accessible elevated boardwalks allow visitors to safely observe the gentle giants up close.
Stetson Mansion
Built in 1886 by famed hat maker John B. Stetson, the lavish Stetson Mansion estate remains one of Florida’s most impressive historic homes. Between the stained glass, intricate woodwork, and fascinating history, the guided tour is worth every minute.
If you visit during the holidays, don’t miss the mansion’s spectacular Christmas decorations.
Airboat Adventure
I’ve taken airboat rides throughout Florida, including several in the Everglades, and Airboat & Gator Charters remains one of my favorites. Captain Josh’s wildlife knowledge and photography skills elevate the experience beyond a typical ride through the marshes.
Cassadaga
Known as the Psychic Capital of the World, Cassadaga is unlike anywhere else in Florida. Whether you book a reading, browse crystal shops, or simply wander beneath the giant oak trees, it’s a memorable side trip from DeLand.
If you can afford the splurge, go for a psychic reading which you can schedule at the Hotel Cassadega (355 Cassadega Road).
Athens Theatre
This beautifully restored 1921 theater anchors downtown DeLand and hosts everything from Broadway-style productions to concerts and comedy shows. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the architecture alone is worth seeing. Check the current season schedule before your visit.
De Leon Springs
Come for the crystal-clear spring and stay for the famous Old Spanish Sugar Mill, where you cook pancakes right at your table. Add swimming, kayaking, hiking, and boat tours, and it’s easy to see why this park remains a local favorite.
What Most Travelers Miss
- Walking DeLand Tours with historian Stanton O’Neal
- Downtown Miniature Art Adventure
- Horseshoe Park and its whimsical fairy houses
- CoolCraft Beverage Trail
- Steve’s Downtown Music and Groovy Records
- Rivertown Marketplace
- Murals (namely the Wings of the West Wing Trail)
Come Hungry
One thing that continues to surprise me about DeLand is how strong the food scene is for a city this size. Whether you’re looking for chef-driven cuisine, comfort food, coffee and pastries, or a memorable afternoon tea, you’ll find it here.
BakeChop remains one of my favorite DeLand restaurants thanks to its scratch-made dishes, creative menu, and commitment to local ingredients. Boston Coffeehouse is a longtime local favorite for coffee, homemade pastries, and hearty breakfast fare before a day of sightseeing.
For a special dinner, I recommend Cress Restaurant, Hunters & Gatherers, or De La Vega, where you’ll find beautifully plated dishes, craft cocktails, tapas, sangria, and a lively atmosphere.
And if comfort food is more your style, Cook’s Buffet Cafe & Bakery serves Southern classics and homemade desserts that hit the spot every time. This is the best non-seafood buffet I’ve found outside of Las Vegas.
A few other favorites include Sweet Tea Cafe for a darling afternoon tea, finger sandwiches, quiche, and homemade pastries (reservations needed), plus Pat & Toni’s Sweet Things when you’re craving ice cream, chocolates, fudge, or one of their over-the-top milkshakes.
Restaurants in DeLand Worth Your Time
- BakeChop for chef-inspired seasonal dishes
- De La Vega for tapas, sangria, and Latin-inspired flavors
- Cress Restaurant for upscale dining and special occasions
- Cook’s Buffet Cafe & Bakery for Southern comfort food
- Old Spanish Sugar Mill for make-your-own pancakes at De Leon Springs State Park
Sweet Treats & Coffee Shops
- Pat & Toni’s Sweet Things for fudge, chocolates, ice cream, and extravagant milkshakes
- Sweet Tea Cafe for afternoon tea, quiche, and homemade treats
Getting hungry? See where to eat in DeLand in this mouthwatering post with more food descriptions and restaurant info.
Stay Here
I stayed at Tropical Resort & Marina on Lake Beresford and would gladly book it again. The peaceful waterfront setting feels worlds away from the hustle, yet you’re only minutes from DeLand’s top attractions. Guests can choose from RV sites, waterfront rooms, and pontoon boat rentals, making it a great fit for anglers, boaters, and anyone who loves being on the water.
My room featured a full kitchen and a private patio overlooking the lake, which quickly became my favorite spot for morning coffee. The resort also offers a swimming pool, shuffleboard, cornhole, basketball, coin laundry, and pet-friendly accommodations.
If you want a relaxing home base with easy access to the St. Johns River, this is an excellent choice. I’ve also stayed at the Historic Artisan Downtown Hotel and The DeLand Hotel, but being on the lake gave me a completely different perspective of DeLand.
If You Only Have One Weekend in DeLand
If this is your first visit, I’d start downtown with coffee and shopping along Main Street before touring the spectacular Stetson Mansion. After lunch, book a sunset airboat ride with Captain Josh, then catch a show at the Athens Theatre if one is running.
On day two, arrive early at Blue Spring State Park to spot manatees, then wrap up the weekend with pancakes at De Leon Springs State Park before heading home.
Would I Come Back?
I’ve visited DeLand several times over the years, and each trip reminds me why I keep coming back. The city blends outdoor adventure, history, culture, and great food without the crowds found in many Florida destinations. One visit might be spent watching manatees at Blue Spring State Park, while the next centers around downtown shopping, live theater, and discovering a new favorite restaurant.
What I appreciate most is how authentic DeLand feels. Independent shops, locally owned restaurants, historic architecture, and welcoming residents give the city a personality that’s hard to find. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, explore at your own pace, and leave already planning your next visit.
I’d Return For:
- Blue Spring State Park and its incredible manatee viewing
- Another tour of the magnificent Stetson Mansion
- One of the best skydiving venues in the country (Skydive DeLand)
- Downtown shopping (Cliffs Books, Gurrs and Purrs, NEST, and Pretty Little Things of DeLand) and record store browsing in beautiful downtown (MainStreet DeLand)
- A meal at BakeChop or De La Vega
- An excuse to revisit one of Florida’s most enjoyable small-city downtowns
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) About DeLand, Florida
Is DeLand worth visiting?
Absolutely. DeLand combines one of Florida’s best downtown districts with manatee viewing, historic attractions, excellent restaurants, and outdoor adventures. It’s one of the state’s most rewarding small-city getaways and makes an easy weekend trip from Orlando, Daytona Beach, or Jacksonville.
What is DeLand best known for?
DeLand is best known for Stetson University, the magnificent Stetson Mansion, Blue Spring State Park’s winter manatee population, and its walkable downtown filled with shops, restaurants, murals, and cultural attractions.
How many days do you need in DeLand?
A long weekend is ideal. Two to three days gives you enough time to tour Stetson Mansion, see manatees at Blue Spring State Park, take an airboat ride, explore downtown, enjoy the local food scene, and make a side trip to nearby Cassadaga.
Wherever I May Roam helps travelers spend their limited vacation time wisely through first-hand recommendations, surprising discoveries, and destinations genuinely worth the trip.
Read more fun things to do in Florida here:
Its quite amazing that Florida does have beautiful state parks and not many people (espeically from where I am fr from – the UK) have heard about them. Its all about Miami and Disney over there for most of us Brits. But the state park looks beautiful. Would love to see the crocs as well, I wonder if one of them is called Snappy there? 😀 – the accommodation looks great and well done on the skydive. I havent got the guts to do that…yet! 😀
Cook your own pancakes? For 5 bucks? That sounds perfect.
Interesting fact about the St. John’s River flowing south – a true testament to just how flat the land is in Florida.
And I might add…all you can eat pancakes. 😉
Sounds like there’s definitely something for everyone in this town! I have zero interest in skydiving, but those state parks sound like places I’d love to explore! And I’m all over that food and drink tour too!! The pancake place sounds fun, but I’m also puzzled by it – isn’t the point of going out to eat so that someone else does the cooking for you?! Lol!!
Thanks for sharing. The downtown sounds lovely and I enjoy exploring quaint and unique downtowns, and then perhaps a stop at Half Wall Beer House!
I don’t think that there’s anything more Florida that gators to me! You’ve got something for everyone in this post, I need to head to Florida!
Okay, you got me! There is so much to do here and such variety, I shall be sure to visit the next time I am in Florida. I did a parachute jump about 40 years ago, but I’m not sure i am up for it now! However, with all the foody things, history tours and state parks, I don’t think I’ll be stuck. And I would really love to hold an alligator
What a great small town find. I don’t know that I’m ready for skydiving, but if I were I would put my trust in the Skydive Deland crew. The Stetson Mansion looks amazing. No wonder it has made the Trip Advisor list so frequently. Our family would love to visit the state parks – especially with make your own pancakes at De Leon State Park.
Deland looks like a gorgeous city. I am gutted i didn’t know about it when I had a spare day in Orlando. The food sounds especially good. Mead and quesadillas, pancakes you can customize yourself…delicious
We made an east coast road trip from NY down to the Keys a few years ago, and really loved Florida. But somehow didn’t stop in DeLand, it’s crazy that you can get so many pancakes for less than $6/person!
There is so much joy in this post! Awesome ideas and photos. Absolutely love the murals!
You had me at pancakes! I just love the variety of activities DeLand is only about a 4 hour car journey from me so I think it’s time to plan a road trip 🙂