Just a short drive out of Orlando in Volusia County, DeLand has awesome adventures waiting for you. Central Florida families are spoiled by beautiful DeLand and all of Volusia which boasts beautiful springs and a slice of Old Florida living. DeLand is an official main street district and just past DeLand you’ll find beloved state parks and a few other curious attractions. For Orlando locals this Quick Trip is the perfect distance for a full day of fun.
What’s a Quick Trip? After one too many days without a clue of how to keep the kids occupied and ourselves sane, we devised a plan. And Quick Trips were born! We’d hop in the car and find some local Central Florida fun. Each time we’d take a drive to somewhere new (or sometimes not so new!) make a few stops, have lunch, and head home. Adventures could be all day long or just for the morning until nap. Use our local Orlando family guide to fit your schedule and needs.
Local Orlando Family Guide: Quick Trip DeLand
Barberville Pioneer Settlement 1776 Lightfoot Ln, Barberville, FL 32105
Take a trip back in time to this historic village. Tucked away in western Volusia County, the settlement boasts restored buildings and historic artifacts of all kinds. This passion project by a group of local community members has turned into an expansive campus that provides a truly unique experience. Your family can walk around for a self-guided tour or schedule with a guide. You’ll take a peek into rural Florida in the late 19th and early 20th century to see how our ancestors lived.
On site you’ll find a traditional log cabin, post office, church, school house, railroad depot, country store, and much more! The property also has a chicken and peacock coop and a few other friendly animals to meet!
Barberville Roadside Yard Emporium 140 West State Road 40, Pierson, FL 32180
On your drive in to the Pioneer Settlement you’ll drive past the kookiest place you’ve ever seen, The Barberville Roadside Yard Emporium. It’s worth pulling over to walk through and take a look around. This vintage store has every lawn ornament that’s ever been made and all sorts of wacky decor available for purchase. The perimeter is flanked with giant dinosaurs, chickens, superhero statues and more.
Downtown DeLand Historic District Start near E. New York Avenue and S. Woodland Blvd. DeLand, FL 32720
DeLand is a historic Main Street and has all the charm that goes along with such a title. Restaurants, shops, and bars give visitors lots to see and do. Check out the local arts scene at Athens Theatre,Museum of Art and the African American Museum of the Arts. Visit Chess Park (202 N. Florida Ave.) to view beautiful garden areas, water features, and of course a life-size chess board. Just past the main street on Woodland Blvd. you’ll find Stetson University’s campus. Take a drive through its beautiful brick buildings and tree-shaded walkways.
DeLand Wings Pill Alley DeLand, FL 32720
A must-stop spot for photos and social media updates. The wings, by artist Erica Group, are located behind the Dressed Boutique (108 S Woodland Blvd. DeLand, Florida 32720)
Blue Springs 2100 W. French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763
This beautiful state park is one of the reminders of what makes Florida truly special. The park has a large natural spring which keeps the water at 73 degrees during swimming season and is a manatee refuge. You can see hundreds of manatees in the spring during manatee season (mid-November to mid-March). If you plan to make this part of your trip, please plan accordingly. This is a favorite destination for many and the park often reaches capacity. Make this your first stop and get there early.
De Leon Springs 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
These crystal blue springs also boast the perfect swimming for a summer day. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for fun water adventures. Located at the park is the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Pancake House a restaurant where you cook your own pancakes on a griddle in the middle of your table. The Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a favorite destination for many and they take limited reservations (for large parties only) so get there early. Very early.
Grab a bite to eat! DeLand has many family friendly restaurant options including:
The Table: New American (And they serve breakfast ALL day!) 100 E. New York Avenue DeLand, FL 32724
De La Vega: Latin Fusion 128 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720
Buttercup Bakery: Sweet treats with a drive-thru window 197 E Church St, DeLand, FL 32724
Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things: Ice cream and old-time treats 124 N Woodland Blvd DeLand, FL 32720
We love bringing you fun local Orlando family guides for you to explore Central Florida. Have an idea for where to go next? Let us know in the comments below. Looking for more adventures? Take a look at all of our Quick Trips.
