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 The beaches of the Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach areas offer breathtaking beauty and water related fun! At low tide, the beach is up to 500 feet wide. It's easy to see why our beaches are considered among the best in the world. Whether your day at the beach is to relax and read a book; cast a line into the surf; build sand castles with the children; or cruise along the shoreline with the top down, Volusia County beaches can accommodate your desired experience. |
The St. John's River has defined life in West Volusia County for hundreds of years. Today, ECHO tourists are drawn to the river's shores to appreciate the area's vast collection of indigenous flora and fauna. As you cruise the river, you will see its banks are dotted with exotic waterfowl and sunning alligators. See our list of ECHO providers for a guide to cruises on the St. Johns.
The 603 acres of DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area offer a variety of activities. There is excellent swimming in the spring, which remains at 72 degrees year round. There is a ramped entrance to the spring pool. Swimming is not allowed in the spring run but anglers will find an abundance of bass and pan fish. At the park boat launch you can rent a boat or launch your own. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age or older. Picnic facilities, a nature trail and a hiking trail are located in the park. The Sugar Mill Restaurant lets visitors cook their own pancakes on tabletop grills and is a favorite for tourists and locals. Corner Ponce de Leon Blvd. and Burts Park Road; P. O. Box 1338, De Leon Springs, FL 32130; (386) 985-4212. more...
 This spring is much more than a scenic area for canoeing and swimming; it plays a vital role in the survival of one of Florida's most beleaguered residents -- the manatee. Visitors can learn more about this endangered animal through ranger interpretive programs. A chair accessible observation platform provides a view of the endangered mammals that gather at the spring during the cooler months of the year. From November through March, the manatees leave the colder waters of the St. Johns River for the safety and comfort of the 72-degree spring. Camping, cabins, canoeing, fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, and nature trails are available. 2100 West French Avenue, Orange City, (386) 775-3663. more... |
A State of Florida Major Cultural Institution, the museum features changing exhibitions and permanent collections of paintings from the 18th-20th centuries; American fine and decorative arts from 1640-1920; European paintings, Oriental art, African art, Cuban fine art; Pre-Columbian art and Florida Native American material. Film, video, concert and lecture programs are offered. The Museum also includes the Windows in the Forest Environmental Center and Planetarium. Hours are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and from noon-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. 1040 Museum Blvd., Daytona Beach; (386) 255-0285. more...
The mansion was built in 1871 as a winter hunting retreat for Samuel Frederick DeBary, wine importer and owner of a major St. Johns River steamboat line. The property is being managed by Volusia County's Leisure Services as a historic museum and community center. 200 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary; Open Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 12 to 4 p.m. (386) 668-3840.
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A founder and long-time president of this school, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was one of America's foremost educators and served as an advisor to five U.S. presidents. Dr. Bethune's home, located on campus, is a National Historic Landmark. Open Monday-Friday. Tours available on request. 640 Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.; Daytona Beach;(386) 255-1401, ext. 372. more...
 The second tallest lighthouse in the United States at 175 tall , the lighthouse recently was designated a National Historic Landmark. As one of the few light stations in the nation with all of its original buildings still intact, the lighthouse is today a museum village with several buildings restored and housing museum exhibits. Climb 203 steps to the main gallery for a spectacular view of Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. 4931 S. Peninsula Dr., Ponce Inlet. more... |
This is only professional repertory music theater in the Southeast. Professionals produce five musicals each summer at Daytona Beach Community College Theater Center and three performances each winter at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center. PO Box 2835, Daytona Beach; (386) 252-3394. more...
