DeLand FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near DeLand, Florida.
1. Hontoon Island State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURE HAVEN
Hontoon Island State Park is a peaceful riverside retreat located on the St. Johns River, accessible only by private boat or park ferry. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and biking while experiencing the natural beauty and rich Native American history preserved throughout the island. The park offers picnic facilities with tables, grills, and a playground, making it an ideal destination for both day trips and overnight stays with boat slip rentals available.
2. Blue Spring State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRINGS
Blue Spring State Park features a stunning natural spring that maintains a constant 72-degree temperature year-round, creating a crystal-clear swimming area during the summer months. The spring is a designated manatee refuge where hundreds of gentle sea cows gather during winter months, providing spectacular viewing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, tubing, scuba diving, kayaking, and hiking along the boardwalk that offers views of the magnificent spring run.
3. De Leon Springs State Park
HISTORIC SWIMMING DESTINATION
De Leon Springs State Park offers visitors a chance to swim in a natural spring with a rich history dating back thousands of years, including its famed connection to Ponce de Leon's mythical fountain of youth. The spring produces millions of gallons of water daily creating a large swimming area with a consistent 72-degree temperature perfect for year-round enjoyment. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy boat tours, kayaking, fishing, hiking trails, and the popular Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where guests can make their own pancakes at their table.
4. Daytona Beach
ICONIC DRIVING BEACH
Daytona Beach is a world-famous 23-mile stretch of hard-packed sand where visitors can drive their vehicles directly onto the beach for a unique oceanfront experience. The beach offers a wide range of water activities including swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier featuring amusement rides, arcade games, restaurants, and regular events throughout the year.
5. New Smyrna Beach
SURFER'S PARADISE SHORELINE
New Smyrna Beach offers 17 miles of white sandy beaches and consistent wave breaks that have earned it recognition as one of the top surf spots in Florida. The beach features both driving and non-driving sections, allowing visitors to choose their preferred beach experience along with amenities like picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and beach volleyball courts. Beyond the excellent surfing and swimming opportunities, visitors can enjoy the charming downtown area with boutique shops and restaurants just minutes from the shoreline.
6. Toronita Avenue Beach Park
ACCESSIBLE BEACHFRONT RETREAT
Toronita Avenue Beach Park is a handicapped-accessible oceanfront park located in the picturesque community of Wilbur-by-the-Sea. The park provides essential amenities including restrooms, showers, and convenient beach access for swimming and sunbathing along the Atlantic shoreline. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere compared to nearby Daytona Beach while still enjoying the same beautiful coastline and driving-on-beach access in designated areas.
7. Smyrna Dunes Park
DIVERSE COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Smyrna Dunes Park is a 73-acre recreation area situated on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, offering views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River. The park features a 2-mile elevated boardwalk that winds through five distinct ecosystems, protecting the fragile dune environment while providing access to beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, surfing, and dog-friendly beach areas, making it a perfect destination for both nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.
8. Lake Beresford Park
SERENE LAKESIDE RECREATION
Lake Beresford Park offers visitors a peaceful lakeside retreat with a fishing pier extending into the scenic 840-acre Lake Beresford. The park provides boat ramp access for those looking to enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, or fishing in the placid waters of this natural lake. Visitors can also enjoy picnic facilities, playground equipment, and connecting trails to the Spring-to-Spring Trail, making it perfect for a day of outdoor recreation near DeLand.
9. Ponce Inlet Beach
LIGHTHOUSE BEACH HAVEN
Ponce Inlet Beach offers a pristine stretch of shoreline at the southernmost tip of the Daytona Beach area, featuring softer sand and less vehicle traffic than its northern neighbors. The beach is home to Florida's tallest lighthouse, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which visitors can climb for spectacular panoramic views of the coastline. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the beach for its excellent surfing conditions, fishing opportunities, and the Marine Science Center where they can learn about sea turtle rehabilitation and marine conservation.
10. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
WETLAND WILDLIFE PARADISE
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 22,000 acres of wetlands, swamps, and lakes offering a natural waterfront experience just minutes from DeLand. Visitors can launch canoes or kayaks to explore the pristine waters and observe abundant wildlife including alligators, various bird species, and occasionally manatees. The refuge features several miles of dikes and trails for hiking and cycling, providing multiple vantage points to appreciate the unspoiled Florida landscape and engage in fishing activities.