Between Jacksonville And Orlando Is An Underrated City With Historic Charm And Family Fun

If you're not overly familiar with Florida, you may assume it's all popular tourist attractions like Disney World or Universal Studios, white-sand beaches, and tropical weather. While those elements are certainly prevalent, central Florida offers much more than you might expect. In fact, if you find yourself about 90 minutes south of Jacksonville and 45 minutes north of Orlando, you'll wind up in the city of DeLand.

In fact, if you're a bit of a history buff, you can explore the city's historic garden district and marvel at sites like the Athens Theatre or the Stetson Mansion, named for the famous hat maker who used to vacation in Florida. The mansion is one of the most opulent places in Florida. But what if you're traveling with family? In that case, you can visit multiple outdoor playgrounds and parks, check out local museums, go paintballing or bowling, or head southwest to experience two unique state parks.

Overall, a trip to DeLand is about getting to know the quieter side of the Sunshine State. Instead of thrilling (and expensive) theme parks, you can wander historic streets, dine on local eats, and relax. So, let's discover what makes DeLand such an underrated gem.

Although DeLand had been settled by Indigenous peoples and early European settlers, its beginnings as a city date back to 1876. That year, Henry Addison DeLand visited the area and decided it would make a great spot to build a town. His goal was to blend culture, education, and commerce, as evidenced by his founding of Stetson University in 1883. 

The best way to experience the city's history today is to wander through the downtown district. And a great place to start is the West Volusia Visitor Center, where you can ask questions about where to go and what to see. You can also take the self-guided Mural Walk, which takes you to various artworks throughout the district. Make sure to pair this with the Sculpture Walk so you can really get a sense of DeLand's artistic vibes during your trip. Another historical highlight is the iconic Athens Theatre, which was built in 1921 and still showcases live events and concerts. The theater's name even refers to the ideal that Henry DeLand had in mind for this city, wishing it to be a kind of "Athens of Florida." Chess Park next to the Historic Courthouse is also worth checking out, especially if you love playing chess, as there are concrete chess tables and a life-sized chessboard.

As you meander through DeLand's downtown, you might get hungry. Fortunately, there are numerous restaurants within walking distance. For a local watering hole, try Gotti's Grub and Pub, which is known for its grilled cheese sandwiches and charcuterie boards. Or, if you prefer Scottish ales and whiskey, stroll south down Florida Avenue and visit HyderHead Brewery. Here you can try haggis or just sip on some locally brewed beers. If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, head back to Woodland Boulevard and go to Cress Restaurant, which features lamb, duck, and other game meats in a chic setting.

While historical streets and tasty eats are great reasons to add DeLand to your travel itinerary, you can also have a great time when visiting with children. First and foremost, the city and the surrounding area are awash with green spaces and playgrounds. For example, Bill Dreggors Park has a playground, a butterfly garden, and a museum. If you're more active, you can check out Earl Brown Park, which features a duck pond, a skate park, basketball courts, a walking trail around the pond, and another playground. Other family-friendly activities include bowling one of the 28 lanes at Sunshine Bowling Center or paintballing in the outdoor arenas of XPlex Paintball and Airsoft.

For those looking for more adventure, there are two state parks nearby: Hontoon Island and Blue Spring. Hontoon is great if you want to go out on the water, as the island is only accessible by boat, and you can paddle through the waterways. Blue Spring, however, is ideal if you're looking to see wild manatees. Although you can't swim here like at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, you can still take a boat out to see the animals up close.

The nearest international airport to DeLand is actually in one of the 10 old-school American cities with attractions that feel stuck in the 1980s — Daytona Beach. This airport is only about 30 minutes northeast of the city, while Orlando, the closest major hub, is about an hour south. As far as accommodations, there are a number of hotels within the city, or you can choose from many vacation rentals in the area.