Good Old Florida Fun: 13 Unique Things to Do in DeLand, FL (From Murals to Manatees)

DeLand isn’t the kind of Florida town you accidentally “do” in 20 minutes. It’s a real place with a walkable downtown that actually stays interesting—historic theaters, bold murals, shady campus paths, and just enough weird-in-a-good-way energy to keep you roaming past your original plan.

One minute you’re touring a mansion that looks like it belongs in a period drama, the next you’re watching parachutes drift down like confetti, then cooling off near spring-fed water so clear it doesn’t look real. The best part?

You can stack culture, nature, and great local stops without spending your day stuck in traffic.

1. Catch a show at the historic Athens Theatre

Step inside and you’ll get that instant “this place has stories” feeling—ornate details, a proper stage, and the kind of acoustics that makes even a simple line of dialogue land.

Athens Theatre sits right in downtown DeLand, so you can turn a show night into an easy mini-itinerary: early dinner nearby, quick stroll past the murals, then curtain time.

Programming mixes it up, too—think plays, concerts, comedy, and community productions that feel surprisingly polished. Grab your seat a little early and take a moment to look up; the ceiling and décor are part of the fun.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, shows can draw a crowd, so plan like a local: park once, walk everywhere, and let the theater be the anchor for your night out.

2. Tour the Stetson Mansion

Expect a house tour that’s less “quiet museum” and more “how is this real?” The Stetson Mansion is packed with bold Victorian-era design choices—intricate woodwork, dramatic rooms, and details that make you keep pausing for a closer look.

The guides tend to know their stuff and sprinkle in the kind of behind-the-scenes stories you actually remember later.

It’s not just the architecture; it’s the personality of the place—grand without feeling sterile. Outside, the grounds are photogenic in that effortless, old-Florida way, especially in softer morning light.

Tours can sell out, and timing matters if you want to avoid feeling rushed, so aim for earlier slots when possible. Afterwards, swing back toward downtown; the contrast between gilded-age opulence and DeLand’s laid-back vibe is part of the charm.

3. Stroll Stetson University’s campus

You don’t have to be a future hat-maker to appreciate the vibe here. Stetson University’s campus is leafy and walkable, with brick buildings and shady paths that feel made for a slow wander and people-watching.

Look for the architectural mix—classic academic lines, pockets of Spanish-style influence, and courtyards that suddenly appear when you turn a corner. It’s especially nice in the late afternoon when the light hits the buildings and students are drifting between classes.

Bring a coffee and treat it like a casual urban hike: wander without a strict route, peek at the historic façades, then loop back toward downtown when you’re ready for snacks. If you’re into photos, this is a sneaky-good spot for clean, “only in DeLand” backdrops without fighting crowds or dodging tour buses.

4. Do the DeLand Historic Mural Walk

Color pops up all over downtown, and the fun is in the hunt. DeLand’s mural walk turns a normal stroll into a low-effort scavenger mission—one minute you’re passing storefronts, the next you’re face-to-face with a wall-sized scene that begs for a photo.

The murals aren’t tucked away in some artsy corner; they’re woven into daily life, which makes the whole downtown feel more alive. Give yourself time to wander slowly, because the best finds often happen when you detour for an iced coffee, a vintage shop, or a quick look inside a gallery.

Morning is great for photos without harsh shadows, but golden hour adds serious drama to the colors. The best part: it’s free, flexible, and pairs perfectly with anything else you’re doing—market, museum, dinner, you name it.

5. Visit the Museum of Art – DeLand (Downtown)

Art breaks up a day of walking around town in the best possible way, and the downtown Museum of Art – DeLand makes it easy. It’s compact enough to enjoy without committing your whole afternoon, but curated enough that you’ll leave with a couple of “I didn’t expect that” favorites.

Rotating exhibitions keep things fresh, so even repeat visitors can find something new—contemporary work, thoughtful installations, and pieces that spark actual conversation instead of polite nodding.

The location is perfect for a pop-in: you’re already downtown, surrounded by cafés and shops, so you can sandwich your visit between a pastry stop and a browse through local boutiques.

Go in with a curious mindset and give yourself permission to linger in one room longer than you planned. That’s usually where the surprise hits.

6. Take a step back in time at the DeLand House Museum

If you like your history with real texture—creaky-floor charm, lived-in rooms, and stories that feel tied to the street outside—this is your spot. The DeLand House Museum offers a close-up look at how local life unfolded, with period furnishings and details that make the past feel less abstract.

Guides tend to add context that’s genuinely helpful, connecting the house to DeLand’s growth and the people who shaped it. It’s an easy stop to pair with downtown exploring, and it’s especially satisfying when you want something quieter than shops and restaurants.

The best way to do it is unhurried: scan the big rooms first, then circle back to the smaller details—hardware, textiles, photos—where personality really shows up. You’ll leave with a sharper sense of what “old Florida” looked like before highways and chain stores.

7. Explore Artisan Alley + the Friday evening Farmers & Makers Market

Friday nights in DeLand have a built-in rhythm, and Artisan Alley is the beat. The Farmers & Makers Market feels like a community hangout first and a shopping stop second—live music drifting through the air, locals chatting, and a steady flow of snacks and handmade finds.

You can nibble as you browse: something sweet, something savory, maybe a cold drink if the weather’s doing its Florida thing. Vendors rotate, so the lineup keeps changing—think small-batch goods, crafts you’ll actually want to take home, and produce that looks like it came from someone’s backyard, not a warehouse.

Show up hungry but not starving, because part of the fun is sampling your way through. It’s also prime for people-watching; grab a spot, soak up the energy, then wander back into downtown for dessert round two.

8. Ride or walk the Spring-to-Spring Trail from Lake Beresford Park

Sometimes you just need a straight-up good trail, and Lake Beresford Park delivers. The Spring-to-Spring Trail is paved, smooth, and perfect for biking, running, or a long walk where you can actually keep a steady pace.

You’ll pass through pockets of shade and open stretches where the sky feels huge—classic Central Florida scenery without the traffic noise. Bring water, because even “nice weather” can sneak up on you here.

If you’re biking, it’s an easy, satisfying ride that doesn’t require hardcore gear or mountain-bike confidence. If you’re walking, it’s the kind of route where conversation flows, then suddenly you realize you’ve gone farther than planned because it’s simply pleasant.

Start earlier if you want cooler temps, and keep an eye out for birds—this area quietly shows off if you pay attention.

9. Day-trip to Blue Spring State Park for manatees

Blue Spring is the kind of place that makes you recalibrate what “clear water” means. When manatee season is on, the viewing areas become a front-row seat to gentle giants cruising through the spring run—no tricks, no tanks, just real wildlife doing its thing.

Outside of peak manatee time, the park still shines with that bright, glassy spring water and shaded boardwalk vibes. The main overlook is a must; it’s the “okay, wow” moment you’ll remember.

Plan for walking—comfortable shoes help—and bring patience if it’s busy, because the best sightings often happen when you slow down and watch quietly. If swimming is allowed during your visit, it’s refreshing in a way Florida heat practically demands.

Pair it with DeLand afterward for dinner and you’ve got a full, perfectly balanced day.

10. Hop the ferry to Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island feels like a secret even though the ferry makes it simple. Once across, pick a trail for shaded hiking, birdwatching, and quiet river views that reset your brain.

Facilities are basic but sufficient, which keeps the mood blissfully low-key.

Check ferry hours before you go and bring bug spray year-round. Weekdays are extra peaceful if your schedule is flexible.

Trails are mostly flat, so regular sneakers work fine unless it has rained heavily.

Pack water and a snack so you can linger at overlooks without backtracking early. If you are pairing this with Blue Spring, start wherever capacity might be an issue, then float to the other.

The St. Johns River scenery here is classic Old Florida that sticks with you long after the ferry returns.

11. Go skydiving at Skydive DeLand or watch the landings

There’s a reason DeLand has a reputation in the skydiving world. Even if you’re not strapping in, watching the operation is a thrill—parachutes blooming overhead, people landing with that post-jump grin, and a steady buzz of “did that just happen?” energy.

If you are jumping, expect a well-oiled setup that feels serious about safety and experience, not hype. The moment the plane door opens is the kind of memory that sticks, whether you’re the one stepping out or just looking up from the ground.

Want the low-commitment version? Come by to spectate, grab a seat where you can see the landing area, and enjoy the show.

It’s one of the most uniquely DeLand things you can do—equal parts adrenaline and local pride, all happening in plain view.

12. Grab a pint at Persimmon Hollow Brewing’s DeLand taproom

This is the kind of taproom where you can roll in casually and still feel like you’ve landed somewhere that cares about what’s in the glass. Persimmon Hollow’s DeLand spot hits that sweet middle ground—welcoming, lively, and focused on beer that’s brewed with intention, not gimmicks.

The lineup usually gives you options whether you’re a hop chaser or more of a crisp, easy-sipper person. If you like trying before committing, ask for a small pour and build your own mini flight; it’s the easiest way to find your favorite without overthinking it.

The atmosphere tends to be friendly and local, with people actually talking to each other instead of just scrolling. Pair it with downtown wandering before or after, and you’ve got a simple evening plan that feels very DeLand: low stress, good taste, and a little buzz of community.

13. Wander Historic Downtown DeLand for boutiques, cafés, and classic Main Street charm

Downtown DeLand is built for strolling, not rushing. Storefronts have personality—indie boutiques, art spaces, and little corners that reward curiosity, like a window display you stop for without meaning to.

The move is to park once and meander: duck into a shop, pop out for a snack, cross the street because something caught your eye. Cafés here are ideal for a mid-walk reset, and the mix of students, locals, and weekend visitors keeps it lively without feeling chaotic.

Look up while you walk; the older buildings add character that newer Florida towns just don’t have. If you time it right, you can stack experiences easily—museum, murals, market, a show—without ever leaving the downtown footprint.

And when you’re done, you’ll have that satisfying feeling of actually getting to know a place, not just passing through it.