Volusia County, located along Florida’s Atlantic Coast between Orlando and Jacksonville, is a paradise for beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers. From Daytona’s world-famous racetrack to tranquil springs, historic landmarks, and lively festivals, this region offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. Here’s a detailed guide to the best things to do in Volusia County.
🌊 Beaches & Waterfront Attractions
- 🏖️ Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier – Iconic 23-mile sandy shoreline where you can drive directly onto the beach. Features shops, arcades, rides, and the Main Street Pier for fishing and ocean views. The area is lined with lively beachfront restaurants and bars, perfect for enjoying seafood while listening to the waves. Families can explore the historic Bandshell, a 1930s amphitheater hosting free weekend concerts in summer, while thrill-seekers can try parasailing or jet-ski rentals right from the shore. Nearby, the Ocean Walk Shoppes offer great spots for dining and people-watching.
- 🏄♂️ New Smyrna Beach – A relaxed surf town with wide beaches and some of the best surf breaks in Florida, attracting both locals and international surfers. Along Flagler Avenue, visitors can browse boutique shops, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience the friendly small-town vibe. The nearby Sugar Mill Ruins reveal remnants of 19th-century history surrounded by tropical foliage. Art lovers should not miss the Atlantic Center for the Arts, an 11-acre creative retreat offering exhibits, workshops, and artist residencies. For outdoor adventures, paddleboard tours through Mosquito Lagoon and dolphin-watching excursions are local favorites.
- 🐬 Ormond Beach – A quieter alternative with scenic parks such as Andy Romano Beachfront Park and North Peninsula State Park. Ormond’s shoreline is known for its soft, golden sand and tranquil surf—ideal for morning walks and shell collecting. The city has deep roots as the “Birthplace of Speed,” hosting the earliest automobile races on the beach in the early 1900s. Today, visitors can explore the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, a 30-mile drive winding through live oak canopies, marshlands, and coastal dunes. It’s also a prime area for kayaking, birdwatching, and spotting playful dolphins along the Halifax River.
🌿 Nature Parks & Outdoor Adventures
- 💦 Blue Spring State Park (Orange City) – One of Florida’s most beloved natural gems, famous for its crystal-clear waters and wintertime manatee gatherings. The spring stays a warm 73°F year-round and offers swimming, tubing, and kayaking in summer. The park also features scenic boardwalks, picnic areas, and a historic Thursby House built in the 1870s, which visitors can tour to learn about early Florida settlement. Birdwatchers can spot ospreys, egrets, and herons, while nature enthusiasts enjoy guided ranger programs about spring ecology. Entry costs $6 per vehicle, and camping reservations are available for extended stays. Don’t miss the Manatee Festival each January, where visitors enjoy live music, local food vendors, and arts and crafts displays celebrating Florida’s beloved sea cows.
- 🌳 Tomoka State Park (Ormond Beach) – A 2,000-acre park along the Tomoka River with shaded hiking trails, riverside campsites, and fishing opportunities. In addition to camping and kayaking, visitors can explore interpretive trails showcasing the region’s Native American history and Spanish colonial heritage. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, and the park’s scenic drive offers views of mangrove-lined waterways and ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Wildlife sightings are frequent, including deer, gopher tortoises, and a variety of bird species. Open daily 8 a.m.–sunset, $5 per vehicle, with a small gift shop and picnic pavilions available on site.
- 🏝️ Hontoon Island State Park (DeLand) – Accessible only by free ferry, this peaceful island features hiking trails, picnic areas, and kayak rentals along the St. Johns River. The park’s isolation makes it a haven for tranquility seekers and nature photographers. Visitors can explore nearly 8 miles of trails winding through pine flatwoods, palm hammocks, and riverfront vistas. The park also has a small museum highlighting Native American artifacts found on the island. Open daily 8 a.m.–one hour before sunset, with affordable cabin rentals for overnight stays.
- 🌸 Gemini Springs Park (DeBary) – A 212-acre park with bubbling springs, wooden boardwalks, and shady picnic areas. The park features two natural freshwater springs producing over six million gallons daily, creating a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a favorite among families for its playgrounds, fishing piers, and paved walking and biking paths. Dogs are welcome in designated areas, and birdwatchers can spot owls, hawks, and songbirds. Free admission, open sunrise to sunset.
- 🦩 Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve (New Smyrna Beach) – A 2,500-acre preserve with hiking and biking trails, an observation tower over salt marshes, and great birdwatching and kayaking. The preserve connects to the larger East Central Regional Rail Trail, making it ideal for cyclists and long-distance hikers. Visitors can enjoy elevated views of estuaries filled with herons and spoonbills, as well as peaceful boardwalks winding through oak hammocks and tidal creeks. Kayak launches provide access to Spruce Creek for a scenic paddle through one of Florida’s most pristine ecosystems. Open sunrise–sunset, free entry.
🎮 Family-Friendly Attractions
- 💦 Daytona Lagoon Waterpark – Located in the heart of Daytona Beach, this family waterpark offers thrilling slides, a wave pool, go-karts, laser tag, and mini-golf. Perfect for cooling off during hot Florida days, it also has a shaded cabana area, snack bars, and a dry park zone with rock climbing and an arcade. Seasonal passes and group discounts make it a great value for both tourists and locals. The park hosts special summer events and evening light shows, adding even more excitement to your visit.
- 🖼️ Museum of Arts & Sciences (Daytona Beach) – Explore a world of art, science, and history all under one roof. The museum features the Cici and Hyatt Brown Collection of Florida Art, a children’s museum, and a planetarium. Its rotating exhibits include everything from ancient fossils to interactive science demonstrations. The museum grounds also feature a nature trail, sculpture garden, and the Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum—an engaging hands-on space perfect for families. Admission is around $14 for adults, and special “family nights” offer discounted entry.
- 🐢 Marine Discovery Center (New Smyrna Beach) – A wonderful introduction to Florida’s coastal ecosystems, featuring touch tanks, nature trails, and guided kayak and boat tours through the Indian River Lagoon. Visitors can join volunteer-led eco-tours to learn about sea life conservation, mangrove ecosystems, and bird nesting patterns. Educational programs and kids’ camps are offered year-round, and the center’s observation deck offers panoramic lagoon views at sunset.
- 🪸 Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center – Home to a sea turtle rehabilitation facility and seabird sanctuary, this educational center offers interactive exhibits and nature trails. Guests can witness live feedings, explore a nature boardwalk, and watch turtles being released back into the wild. The center hosts marine life workshops and touch pool encounters that are especially popular with young visitors. Admission: $8 adults, $5 kids (ages 3–12), and all proceeds support local wildlife rescue efforts.
- 🏎️ Daytona International Speedway Tours – Step inside the world of NASCAR with a guided tour of the legendary track. Learn about the Daytona 500, explore pit row, and visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame. The tour includes access to exclusive areas such as Victory Lane and the infield, where fans can stand on the same track legends have raced. Interactive exhibits let visitors test their reaction times, see historic race cars, and understand the evolution of motorsports technology. Tours run daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
🏛️ Historical & Cultural Landmarks
- 🗼 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum – Climb Florida’s tallest lighthouse (175 feet) for stunning Atlantic views. The complex includes historic keeper’s quarters and maritime exhibits. In addition to breathtaking panoramas, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of shipwrecks, coastal navigation, and the lives of 19th-century lighthouse keepers. The site also features a charming gift shop and educational programs for children. Admission: $6.95 adults, $1.95 children.
- 🏡 DeBary Hall Historic Site – A beautifully preserved 1871 estate once owned by wine importer Frederick DeBary. The mansion offers guided tours filled with stories about DeBary’s guests, including prominent political figures and socialites of the Gilded Age. Visitors can also walk through the landscaped gardens, carriage house, and stables, which showcase antique wagons and tools from the 19th century. Seasonal reenactments and special events highlight Florida’s post-Civil War lifestyle. Admission: $5 adults.
- 🌺 Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens (Port Orange) – Explore botanical gardens and 19th-century sugar mill ruins enveloped by native flora. This free attraction combines history and nature, with walking paths that weave through tropical palms and the remnants of coquina structures. The butterfly garden and koi pond provide a serene escape, while interpretive signs tell stories of the site’s transition from plantation to botanical sanctuary. Local volunteers host guided garden walks and educational programs throughout the year.
- 🔮 Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp (Lake Helen) – Founded in 1894, this mystical village is known for its psychics, healers, and Victorian charm. Visitors can explore historic cottages, attend readings, or participate in healing circles and meditation sessions. The Cassadaga Hotel and Bookstore serve as central meeting points for workshops on metaphysics and spirituality. Walking tours delve into the camp’s unusual history, blending mysticism with early Florida heritage.
- 🖼️ DeLand Historic District & Stetson Mansion – DeLand’s downtown is lined with 19th-century architecture, art galleries, and cozy cafés. The district comes alive with murals, antique shops, and street festivals that celebrate the town’s artistic spirit. The nearby Stetson Mansion, built in 1886, is considered Florida’s first luxury home and features original mosaic floors, stained glass windows, and opulent woodwork. Guided tours share fascinating insights into John B. Stetson’s life, philanthropy, and architectural influence on Florida’s early elite society.
🍔 Dining & Nightlife
- 🍹 Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club (Daytona Beach) – Enjoy live music, beachfront dining, and seafood classics at this legendary local hangout. This lively spot is a favorite among both locals and visitors for its oceanfront views, tropical cocktails, and laid-back island atmosphere. Guests can enjoy live bands every night, fresh seafood platters, and signature dishes like coconut shrimp and blackened mahi tacos. Open late with a casual, tropical vibe, Ocean Deck also hosts beach parties and sunset events, creating the perfect balance between relaxation and fun.
- 🐟 Aunt Catfish’s on the River (Port Orange) – A family-owned favorite serving Southern-style seafood, BBQ, and the area’s best Sunday brunch. Don’t miss their homemade sticky buns! Diners can sit by the waterfront and watch boats pass while enjoying comfort dishes such as fried catfish, hush puppies, and shrimp ‘n grits. The restaurant’s brunch buffet is famous for its variety, offering made-to-order omelets, freshly baked biscuits, and southern desserts. The friendly staff and warm atmosphere make this spot feel like home.
- 🍺 Local Breweries & Bars – Check out Ormond Brewing Company or Beachside Brew Pub in New Smyrna for craft beer and local atmosphere. Each brewery offers a rotating tap list of seasonal ales, IPAs, and stouts brewed on-site. Many feature live music, trivia nights, and food trucks, making them perfect for social gatherings. Daytona’s Main Street and Seabreeze Boulevard come alive at night with beach bars, rooftop lounges, and live music venues offering everything from reggae to rock. Whether you’re looking for an upscale cocktail bar or a casual seaside pub, Volusia County’s nightlife has something for everyone.
🎉 Annual Events & Festivals
- 🏁 Daytona 500 (February) – NASCAR’s biggest race week at the Daytona International Speedway. Beyond the main race, the week features multiple qualifying events, fan zones, autograph sessions, and live music. Visitors can explore the Daytona 500 Experience museum, meet drivers, and enjoy fireworks and food trucks surrounding the Speedway. It’s the ultimate motorsports celebration drawing fans from around the world.
- 🏍️ Bike Week (March) – One of the world’s largest motorcycle rallies, drawing thousands of riders each spring. The event spans over 10 days, transforming Daytona Beach into a biker paradise filled with concerts, custom bike shows, scenic rides along A1A, and the famous Main Street festivities. Vendors line the streets with custom gear, and nightly entertainment brings energy to the city.
- 🐋 Blue Spring Manatee Festival (January) – A family-friendly celebration of Florida’s beloved sea cows in Orange City. Hosted near Blue Spring State Park, this two-day event includes live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and manatee-viewing excursions. Educational exhibits and conservation booths highlight Florida’s wildlife preservation efforts, while kids enjoy petting zoos and inflatable play zones.
- 🎨 DeLand Outdoor Art Festival (March) – Over 200 artists showcase fine art, crafts, and live music across downtown DeLand. This juried art event celebrates creativity with interactive art stations, gourmet food trucks, and live entertainment. Art lovers can meet local and national artists, attend demonstrations, and explore nearby galleries for extended exhibits during the festival week.
- 🎡 Volusia County Fair (November) – A beloved annual event combining classic carnival fun with a celebration of the county’s agricultural roots. The fairgrounds in DeLand feature amusement rides, games, livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, and live entertainment ranging from local bands to rodeo events. Visitors can sample everything from funnel cakes to regional specialties and take part in competitions for baking, crafts, and photography.
- 🎶 Biketoberfest (October) – A smaller fall version of Bike Week that offers a more relaxed atmosphere but with the same excitement. The event features scenic group rides, motorcycle showcases, beachside concerts, and gatherings at iconic biker venues like the Boot Hill Saloon and Iron Horse. Vendors display the latest bike models and accessories, while food stands and beach bars keep the fun going late into the night.
- 🪕 Spring Frolic at Barberville Pioneer Settlement (April) – A heritage festival featuring crafts, bluegrass music, and antique displays. Set in the Barberville Pioneer Settlement, a living-history museum, this event transports visitors back to 19th-century Florida. Guests can see blacksmiths, woodcarvers, and weavers at work, join folk dancing sessions, and enjoy traditional Southern food while listening to live bluegrass performances.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Volusia County offers the best of coastal Florida — sun, surf, springs, and culture all in one destination. Whether you’re watching manatees at Blue Spring, climbing the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, exploring art galleries in DeLand, or feeling the thrill of a Daytona race, there’s something unforgettable around every corner.
Plan your Volusia adventure today and discover why this diverse county continues to be one of Florida’s most vibrant and exciting destinations.