DeLand Bucket List: 10 Best Places to Visit in DeLand, Florida
A historical town referred to as the Athens of Florida, DeLand is home to several well-preserved historical structures representing the city’s rich history. Other than its historical sites, there’s a lot of exciting things to do in DeLand, Florida, like festive events in November and taking your first jump for a skydiving experience.
To tick off this wonderful city on your bucket list, here are the 10 best things to do in DeLand, Florida.
1. DeLand Naval Air Station Museum
A former US Naval Air Station until 1946, the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum is relatively small but full of history. When visiting DeLand, take the chance of going to the museum and bring your kids along to learn about the military historical memories from the memorabilia, photographs, and aircraft collection.
One of the best collections of the museum is the World War II-era Avenger torpedo bomber that can be seen in the back hanger.
2. Stetson Mansion
Constructed in 1886 for the hat manufacturer John B. Stetson and a United States National Register of Historic Places, the John B. Stetson House, or locally known as the Stetson Mansion, is a three-story building Victorian mansion situated in Camphor Lane, Deland.
The grandeur and most historic mansions in Florida are open for guided tours of an hour or 90 minutes.
3. Skydive DeLand
For an epic and adventurous activity, head to the Skydive DeLand for a skydiving experience. Established in 1982, the world-class facility offers a tandem skydive and other AFF programs.
Skydive DeLand is a perfect destination, especially for a family trip with kids, for they have a playground in the vicinity. And if you are not a jumper, you can just lounge in the restaurant and watch the skydivers take their jump.
4. Volusia County Fair and Youth Show
If you happen to visit in DeLand, Florida, head to the East New York Avenue, where the Volusia County Fair and Youth Show take place by late October or early November.
Established in 1923, the much-awaited event attracts visitors across the state. Various traditional activities for country fairs are held, such as games, art and crafts exhibition, and local food fairs.
5. Reptile Discovery Center
For reptile enthusiasts and family trips with kids, visit the Reptile Discovery Center that houses one of the most venomous reptile species across the globe.
The serpentarium exhibits various venomous Burmese Pythons, King Cobras, mambas, and rare reptiles such as white rattlesnakes and a taipan. The center also offers a live-venom extraction show from Thursday to Sunday.
6. Deland Fall Festival of the Arts
Another fun way to spend your day in DeLand is to partake at the DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts in Downtown DeLand. The much-awaited event takes place on the last two days of November, where local artist showcases their arts and crafts that you can choose from as a souvenir. Various local stores offer fancy drink and food specialty and live bands during the event, making the event more festive.
7. Gillespie Museum
Situated on the campus of Stetson University, the Gillespie Museum holds one of the most world-class mineral and largest gem collections throughout the American Southeast, with over 15,000 mineral specimens. The public museum was established in the year 1958 and also exhibits various collections of fossils, rocks, stones. Gillespie Museum is open for public tours from Tuesday to Friday and the morning of the Saturdays.
8. Athens Theatre
Another well preserved historical building in Florida is the classic American Theatre, the Athens Theatre. Situated on North Florida Avenue, the Italian Renaissance structure was built in 1921 by the famous architect Murray S. King.
The theatre offers excellent shows, from live band performances to local theatrical performances, which will bring delight to your visit to DeLand.
9. DeLand House Museum
A beautifully preserved historic site, the DeLand House Museum is a must-see when visiting DeLand, especially if you enjoy learning about history and appreciate architectural designs.
The Victorian-style house is situated on West Michigan Avenue and was initially built as the house of the city founder Henry Addison DeLand in the year 1886. In the year 1990, the house museum opens its doors to the public to showcase the history of Florida.
10. Blue Heron River Tours
To make your visit more memorable in DeLand, book a Blue Heron River Tours for a nature boat trip, and drift on the Saint John River to spot the fantastic wildlife in the area.
The educational tour is a must-do in DeLand to learn more about the river, vegetation, and animals residing in the area, such as blue heron, osprey, and alligators.
References
- 25 Best Things to Do in DeLand, Florida, Vacation Idea
- Anette, (2020) 10 Things You Have To Check Out While You’re In DeLand, Florida, Trip 101
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