23 Best Things to Do in DeLand, Florida

If you’re searching for the best things to do in DeLand, Florida, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. This charming Central Florida town blends historic architecture, quirky attractions, outdoor adventures, great restaurants, and one of the coolest downtown districts in the state. Located about 30 minutes from Orlando and roughly the same distance from Daytona Beach, DeLand somehow manages to feel worlds away from the typical tourist crowds.

Known as the “Athens of Florida,” thanks to prestigious Stetson University, DeLand offers a mix of culture, history, and small-town charm that keeps visitors coming back again and again. One minute you’re admiring century-old mansions and murals downtown, and the next you’re spotting manatees, airboating through wetlands, or even jumping out of an airplane.

Here are the best things to do in DeLand for an unforgettable Florida getaway.

1. See a Show at the Athens Theatre

The historic Athens Theatre  is the crown jewel of Downtown DeLand. Built in 1921, this beautifully restored venue hosts Broadway-style productions, tribute concerts, comedians, musicals, and live entertainment throughout the year.

Even if you don’t attend a show, the architecture alone is worth admiring. But honestly, seeing a live performance here is one of the best things to do in DeLand at night. The intimate atmosphere makes every seat feel close to the stage.

The theatre’s 2026 theatrical season includes Sister Act, The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Story, The Addams Family, and more.

2. Browse the DeLand Museum of Art

Art lovers shouldn’t skip the DeLand Museum of Art, which offers free admission one Friday of the month and is filled with lovely artwork from regional and national artists. The galleries regularly feature rotating exhibitions from nationally known artists alongside regional talent.

One of my favorite visits included seeing John Mellencamp’s artwork during a Florida exhibition tour. The museum consistently punches above its weight for a smaller Central Florida city and has a fantastic museum store/gift shop.

Please note that the gallery is closed on Mondays.

3. Shop Along DeLand’s Award-Winning Main Street

MainStreet DeLand is ridiculously charming. The brick-lined streets are packed with boutiques, coffee shops, bookstores, antique stores, and locally owned restaurants that make wandering around feel like an adventure.

My favorites are Cliffs Books, Gurrs and Purrs (one of our favorite Florida pet boutiques), NEST (absolutely everything!), and Pretty Little Things of DeLand.

4. Take a Walking History Tour

One of the best ways to understand DeLand’s fascinating history is through Walking DeLand Tours with retired history teacher and reenactor Stanton O’Neal.

The tours feel immersive, entertaining, and educational all at once. You’ll hear stories about historic buildings, Stetson University, local legends, and colorful residents while strolling through beautiful downtown neighborhoods.

If you love hidden details and local storytelling, this is absolutely worth doing. Oh, and did I mention he brings his guitar and serenades you with songs relevant to the history he is sharing? Super cool! My 7 year-old granddaughter was fascinated.

5. Visit the Spiritual Town of Cassadaga

Just outside DeLand sits one of Florida’s most fascinating hidden gems: Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp.

Known for its psychics, mediums, healers, and spiritual energy, Cassadaga feels unlike anywhere else in Florida. Visitors can schedule psychic readings, attend spiritual services, browse crystal shops, or simply wander the peaceful streets beneath giant oak trees.

The town also offers historical tours explaining how Cassadaga was founded and how the Spiritualist movement became established there.

My personal reading reveled something that wasn’t known to the public yet, but was in the works to happen. I’m just saying, there’s truth to this medium and hearing it out loud from a stranger just solidifies things.

6. Tour the Magnificent Stetson Mansion

The Stetson Mansion is hands-down one of the most impressive historic homes in Florida.

Built in 1886 by famed hat maker John B. Stetson, the mansion was Florida’s first luxury estate and included some groundbreaking features for its time, including Edison electricity.

The guided tour showcases stunning stained glass, hand-carved woodwork, elaborate parquet flooring, and lavish décor. And if you visit during the holidays? The Christmas Spectacular tour is absolutely magical and often ranked among Florida’s best holiday experiences.

Getting hungry? See where to eat in DeLand in this mouthwatering post.

7. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Pat & Toni’s

Pat & Toni’s Sweet Things is pure happiness in award-winning candy store form.

Located on downtown DeLand, this colorful shop serves ice cream, chocolates, retro candy, fudge, and outrageous milkshakes loaded with toppings. Their over-the-top “extreme shakes” are basically made for Instagram.

It’s a fun stop for families, kids, or honestly anyone craving sugar.

8. Sip Craft Beer at Persimmon Hollow Brewing

Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company is one of Central Florida’s best local breweries and a must-visit for craft beer fans. The brewery’s name actually references DeLand’s original nickname: Persimmon Hollow.

Grab a flight and relax in the lively taproom atmosphere. My favorites include the Daytona Dirty Blonde Ale and the 3 Wise Guys Coffee Porter.

9. Take an Airboat Adventure

Airboat & Gator Charters offers one of the most exciting outdoor experiences near DeLand.

You’ll zip through marshes and wetlands with Captain Josh at the wheel while spotting birds, gators, turtles, and other Florida wildlife. His knowledge of the ecotourism landscape is so extensive, and he just might shoot some primo wildlife photos and share with you.

I rate this the best airboat attraction in Florida, and having done the Everglades numerous times, that’s a big claim. Sunset tours are especially beautiful.

10. Cruise the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is one of Florida’s most beautiful natural treasures, and DeLand provides excellent access to it.

St. Johns River Eco Tours offers relaxing pontoon boat rides where you can spot birds, alligators, turtles, and sometimes even manatees. The river scenery is peaceful and incredibly photogenic.

Nature tours are $37.50 with discounts for seniors, veterans, students, and first responders. Children 12 and under are $22. Photo tours, excursions, and large group tours are also available. Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of water.

Fun fact: the St. Johns River (310 miles) is one of the few rivers in the United States that flows north.

11. See Manatees at 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.

The park also offers kayaking, tubing (72 degree water temps year-round), swimming, hiking, and biking opportunities throughout the year. Admission is $6 per car.

Please note, during peak season, when the park reaches capacity, it will temporarily close to incoming guests.

12. Admire DeLand’s Murals

Downtown DeLand is filled with colorful murals and public art installations that make exploring extra fun.

The “Wings of the West” murals by Erica Group are especially popular for photos. My personal favorite is “A Conversation Over Chess, 1929,” painted in gorgeous sepia tones.

13. Go Skydiving at Skydive DeLand

Adrenaline junkies already know Skydive DeLand is world famous.

The facility attracts experienced skydivers from around the globe, but beginners are welcome, too. Tandem jumps allow first-timers to safely experience the thrill of freefall with trained instructors.

Even if you don’t jump, watching skydivers land while enjoying lunch onsite is entertaining.

14. Visit De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs State Park offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and old-school Florida fun. It is yet another popular and exquisite Florida state park in the West Volusia area.

Visitors can swim in the 72-degree spring water, scuba dive, snorkel, take a boat ride, hike nature trails, kayak, or picnic beneath giant trees. But honestly, the biggest draw may be Old Spanish Sugar Mill Pancake House, a 100-year-old replica of the original 1830’s sugar mill.

Here, you make your own pancakes right at your table. Buckwheat is my favorite. You will also cook your own eggs, but breakfast meats come from the kitchen. Open 8 AM to 4 PM daily.

Fun fact: World famous naturalist John James Audubon visited the springs in 1831.

15. Explore Horseshoe Park

Horseshoe Park is one of DeLand’s cutest hidden gems. The small green space features whimsical fairy houses, colorful art, and one of Erica Group’s famous DeLand Angel Wings murals perfect for photo ops. There is even a Wings of the West Wing Trail.

16. Shop for Vintage Finds at Marketplace at Rivertown

Antique lovers could easily spend hours inside Marketplace at Rivertown. This three-level antique mall is packed with vintage furniture, collectibles, jewelry, glassware, artwork, clothing, and nostalgic treasures around every corner.

Dangerously fun if you love treasure hunting.

17. Hunt for Tiny Art Installations

One of DeLand’s coolest hidden attractions is the Downtown DeLand Miniature Art Adventure. Tiny pieces of artwork are hidden throughout downtown for visitors to find. Pick up a brochure from the visitor center and start exploring.

Kids especially love this scavenger hunt-style activity.

18. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Sweet Tea Cafe

Sweet Tea Cafe serves delicious finger sandwiches, soup, quiche, and all the beloved pastries alongside charming afternoon tea experiences in the heart of downtown DeLand.

It’s cozy, relaxing, and one of the best places in town for brunch or lunch with friends. Reservations are required. No matter if you are celebrating big or small, or just love a great spread of homemade goodies, this is your place.

I appreciated all the “extras” at this tea room, that even offered a few things for my 7 year-old granddaughter.

19. Stay at Tropical Marina

For a laid-back waterfront stay, Tropical Marina & Marina on Lake Beresford offers charming accommodations along the St. Johns River. Choose from RV sites, resort rooms (which is what I chose!), or even pontoon rentals, all in one spot.

Resort rooms are spacious and have all the amenities of home, including full kitchens. I also appreciated the lakefront patio seating. Amenities include a really nice swimming pool, coin laundry, shuffleboard, corn hole, and a basketball court.

Tropical Marina’s peaceful scenery and easy river access make it ideal for fishing, boating, and disconnecting from busy city life. And it’s pet-friendly. We loved it!

20. Sip Drinks Along the CoolCraft Beverage Trail

The CoolCraft Beverage Trail highlights local breweries, coffee shops, meaderies, and beverage stops throughout West Volusia County.

It’s a fun way to support local businesses while discovering some excellent drinks along the way.

21. Step Back in Time at Barberville Pioneer Settlement

History lovers should definitely add Barberville Pioneer Settlement to their itinerary.

This living history museum showcases old Florida life through historic buildings, exhibits, demonstrations, and cultural events. It’s educational without feeling stuffy and gives visitors a deeper appreciation for Florida’s rural roots.

Choose between self-guided and docent-led tours. If you can, take advantage of this self-guided option, which is a real deal: $25 One Day Family Pass includes two adults with children/grandchildren ages 18 and under.

22. Refresh Your Vinyl Collection

Vinyl lovers, listen up: Steve’s Downtown Music and Groovy Records are legendary. What makes them especially cool is that they never closed during the ups and downs of vinyl popularity.

These stores have been serving music lovers for decades and are packed floor-to-ceiling with albums, posters, collectibles, and music memorabilia.

I used to drive two hours from Vero Beach just to browse these record stores.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Jim Morrison of The Doors is from Melbourne, FL, about 90 minutes from DeLand?

23. Eat Your Way Through DeLand’s Surprisingly Good Food Scene

One thing about DeLand that completely pleases is how fantastic the food scene is. It’s packed with locally owned restaurants serving everything from elevated fine dining and Latin fusion to homestyle comfort food and incredible coffeehouse treats.

BakeChop is one of the town’s culinary standouts, known for its scratch-made dishes, creative rotating menu, and locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, Boston Coffeehouse is a longtime favorite for coffee, homemade pastries, and hearty breakfast bites.

For a more upscale meal, Cress Restaurant and Hunters & Gatherers are your go-to for beautifully plated chef-inspired dishes and craft cocktails in trendy settings. 

If comfort food is more your thing, don’t miss Cook’s Buffet Cafe and Bakery for Southern-style classics and homemade desserts, or De La Vega – Wine, Tapas & Sangria for flavorful Latin fusion dishes and a lively atmosphere. Honestly, one of the best things to do in DeLand may simply be showing up hungry.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in DeLand

DeLand may not get the same attention as Orlando or Daytona Beach, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. The city feels authentic, creative, and refreshingly local while still offering plenty to do for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re browsing record stores downtown, spotting manatees, sipping craft beer, airboating through wetlands, or touring historic mansions, DeLand proves some of Florida’s best experiences happen far beyond the theme parks.

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