Orange City Bucket List: 15 Best Places to Visit in Orange City, Florida
In Florida’s Volusia County, Orange City is a vibrant city with a diverse mix of attractions for visitors. With just over 10,000 people, the city offers an intimate town atmosphere while having all the modern conveniences that can be typically seen in fast-paced cities. Vacationers spending more than a few days in Orange City will experience historical, cultural, outdoors, and modern adventures.
Want to find out more? Here are the 15 best things to do in Orange City, Florida:
1. Have an Adventure at Blue Spring State Park
Located along the St. John’s River, Blue Spring State Park is famous for its spring-fed pool that supports rich Floridian wildlife like manatees, gators, birds, and otters. Popular activities in the park include camping, mountain biking, fishing, and kayaking.
Visitors can join a kayaking tour for a close-up sight of the manatees and learn more about the park’s history.
2. Hop Aboard St. John’s River Cruise
If you want to go on a bigger tour along the St. John’s River, hop aboard and join the St. John’s River Cruise. The cruise is located at Orange City and takes tourists up and down the river basin area giving them accounts of the area’s history; offers fantastic sights of nature and untamed wildlife.
3. Go Camping at Hontoon Island State Park
Hontoon Island State Park is a river island spanning 1,648 acres of land sandwiched between St. John’s River and the Hontoon Dead River.
There are plenty of activities on the island for adventurous lovers of outdoors visitors, including fishing, hiking, kayaking, cycling, and camping. The park has numerous camping grounds and cabins for visitors to rent.
4. Marvel at the Historic Stetson Mansion
Located on West Deland, a visit for a Stetson Mansion tour is a must-do for history enthusiasts. The Stetson Mansion was built in the 1880s and was the home of John Stetson and his wife, Elizabeth.
Touring the Victorian-style mansion will give guests a taste of luxury. The mansion is full of priceless art, rare antique furniture, and Tiffany-stained glass.
5. Learn about Reptiles at Reptile Discovery Center
Visit the Reptile Discovery Center for a unique reptile viewing experience. Travelers can find the center along Big John Drive. This unique facility offers nature trails where visitors can view native reptile species like alligators, lizards, and tortoises in their natural habitat.
Don’t miss out on their Serpentarium, which features dozens of venomous snakes from around the world.
6. Try the Delicious Seafood at Nice N Easy Oyster Bar and Grille
Originally established in 1979, Nice N Easy Oyster Bar and Grille is a family-owned restaurant in Orange City. The eatery has since been a local favorite making for a must-visit for travelers.
Don’t miss out on trying their oysters, but they also offer a diverse set of items on the menu, all with generous portions.
7. Visit the Museum of Art Deland
Take a quick trip up to Deland and visit the Museum of Art Deland. The museum is a nonprofit organization featuring two distinct galleries exhibiting contemporary art pieces. Most of the pieces on display were made by local Floridian artists.
The museum’s staff will occasionally organize educational programs that involve the community to help enrich their lives.
8. Test your Luck at Orange City Racing and Card Club
Want to test your luck? Head over to Orange City Racing and Card Club, an exciting cash-game action venue featuring numerous games of poker. They offer various poker games on their 34 available poker tables.
Visitors can join in to play a game or join the weekly Poker Tournaments. Refreshments, drinks, and tableside massages are also available for guests to enjoy.
9. Enjoy a Pampering Session at Time Out Day Spa
If you want a day of relaxation after your time outdoors or in poker clubs in Orange City, book an appointment at Time Out Day Spa.
The spa has been open since 2004 and occupies 2,000 square feet of property. Guests can get pampered in one of their six treatment rooms and many more for relaxing services.
10. Travel Back in Time at Louis P. Thursby House
Located within Blue Lake State Park, Louis P. Thursby House is a historic building dating back to the 18th century. It was originally the home of the farmers and settlers of the area.
Today, the house is impressively preserved and functions as a museum and interpretive center displaying several artifacts that history enthusiasts will enjoy.
11. Visit Deland Naval Air Station Museum
Back in nearby Deland, travelers can visit the Naval Air Station Museum to step in a once active air-base operated in WWII. The museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, especially those with an interest in military history.
Exhibits in the museum delve more into the air station’s role during the war and display several note-worthy aircraft.
12. Play Golf at Deltona Hills Golf and Country Club
Golf fans will have a great time playing golf at Deltona Hills Golf and Country Club, a quick drive from Orange City. The property is longer than it is wide, with 7,000 yards from the blue tees, and was recently ranked as one of the state’s top courses.
It’s important to note that this golf club is completely dry, making players safe from wandering alligators.
13. Spend Time at Henry A. DeLand House Museum
Henry A. DeLand House Museum is another historical site. It’s located north of Orange City in Michigan Avenue in DeLand and was built in 1886 by Henry Addison DeLand. It was donated to the city in 1988 and is beautifully preserved and operated by the West Volusia Historical Society.
Visitors will get to go inside a typical 19th century home complete with the time period’s furniture and other items.
14. Go Fishing at Highland Park Fish Camp
Looking for the best fishing spot in the area? Head over to Highland Park Fish Camp, just a half an hour drive away from Orange City. The park offers great opportunities to catch local Florida fishes like catfish, largemouth bass, and beam.
Guests can get advice from local professionals on the best way to hook a fish. The site also offers overnight accommodations and boat rentals.
15. Get Your Fill at Lelo’s BBQ Puerto Rican Restaurant
Don’t miss out on the exquisite authentic Puerto Rican dishes at Lelo’s BBQ Puerto Rican Restaurant back in Orange City.
Visitors will taste traditional Puerto Rican flavors with items on the menu like beef stew, roast pork, and seafood dishes.
Orange City FL Travel and Tour Packages
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Orange City hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Orange City FL, USA? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
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