We've taken the liberty of bundling some of our most popular activities and attractions into three different multi-day itineraries. Each one is packed with fun, family-friendly activities. Feel free to customize them to your heart's desire ~ it's all about getting away, just the way you like!

Four Townes' Scenic Splendor

Southwest Volusia was a true frontier at the time DeLand was being settled. Frederick deBary put this region on the map when he built DeBary Hall and invited his wealthy northern friends to visit for hunting and fishing. DeBary is credited for bringing the first "tourists" to the area from Jacksonville on his steamships. Southwest Volusia remained largely undeveloped until the Mackie brothers built the city of Deltona in the 1960s.

Meander the trails at Lyonia Preserve Environmental Center where you can get up close and personal with Florida's endangered Scrub Jay. The preserve is adjacent to the Deltona Regional Library and also features hands-on educational exhibits, an outdoor amphitheater, gift shop and cafe.

Everyone loves a treasure hunt! Follow rhyming clues to learn about the history of some of our beloved sites, and discover a hidden cache at the end of your journey. DeBary's Backcountry Quest features DeBary Hall Historic Site, the magnificent winter retreat of wine importer Frederick deBary. Kingsbury's Quest highlights the charming historical community of Enterprise and its stunning Green Springs Park.

Hike, bike or skate the Spring-to-Spring Trail in DeBary. With trailheads at DeBary Hall Historic Site, Gemini Springs Park and Lake Monroe Park, you can connect them all for a magnificent excursion - 8 miles round trip!

When it's cool outside, manatees and 'snow birds' alike flock to the warm waters of Blue Spring State Park! The spring itself is great for swimming and snorkeling year-round. The park also offers the popular, award-winning St. Johns River Cruise, canoe and kayak rentals, hiking trails, picnic facilities, camping areas and a concession stand.

DeLand's MainStreet Marvels
Downtown DeLand

The central part of our region features the county seat in DeLand and is also home to Stetson University. DeLand is surrounded by historical towns including Lake Helen, Cassadaga and Glenwood. It is bordered on the west by the mighty St. Johns River, the only river in the state of Florida to be federally designated an American Heritage River.

Explore Florida's cultural arts at distinctive downtown locations: the Florida Museum of Women Artists and the Museum of Florida Art. Both feature exhibits of traditional and contemporary art by renowned Florida artists. Stetson University also provides extraordinary public art exhibitions at their Duncan Gallery and Hand Art Center as well as the Southeast's largest private gem and mineral collection at the Gillespie Museum.

History comes alive in this charming National Register Historic District. Go on a historical treasure hunt, the Persimmon Hollow Quest, and learn about the founding of our city. Visit Legendary Florida, artist Jackson Walker's dramatic exhibition of historical events in oil on permanent display in Volusia County's Historic Courthouse. You can also discover West Volusia's steamboat-era beginnings at the DeLand House Museum.

Shop our many antique and specialty stores along MainStreet DeLand, paying special attention to the beautiful murals painted right onto some of the city's historic buildings. You're sure to work up an appetite, so choose from a variety of dining options, from American bistros and sidewalk cafes to Thai, Cuban and Irish cuisine.

Take a leap at Skydive DeLand, one of the busiest drop zones in the world for skydivers, just a few minutes from downtown.

Florida's Country Culture
Barberville, DeLeon Springs

The northwest area of Volusia County is sparsely populated and primarily dominated by breathtaking agricultural landscapes, a rare sight in Florida these days. Small towns and communities, most established in the 1800s, emulate a slower pace amid ferneries and citrus groves. You will take a step back in time as your tour these historical treasures.

Kick back and say Ahhhh, and while away the morning hours at DeLeon Springs State Park. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant inside the park, where you can cook your own custom pancakes right at your table griddle. Soak up some sun, hike the trails and then take a refreshing dip in the spring's year-round 72 degree water. Join Fountain of Youth Eco-History Tours for a narrated boat tour of Lake Woodruff Wildlife Preserve, or explore the spring run on your own by paddleboat, canoe or kayak.

Discover Florida's treasured past at the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Artsin Barberville. It's a 30-acre historical village complete with pioneer cabins, trade shops, a working farm and an Indian village. Visit the Country Store for old-time wares made right on site. You can also stop off at Barberville Produce and shop their eclectic mix of yard-art as well as produce, nuts and honey.

Lake George State Forest is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic habitats in Central Florida, and you can enjoy its 18,000 acres by horseback with the folks at Deep Creek Stables in DeLeon Springs. They will give you riding lessons, take you on a guided trail ride, and even host parties complete with carriage and hay rides!

Take in a harness race at Spring Garden Ranch, the nation's largest standard-bred horse training facility, on Tuesdays from January through May. You can even enjoy breakfast or lunch while overlooking the track from Spring Garden's restaurant.