Volusia: Coast, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Volusia County combines 47 miles of Atlantic beaches with more than 10,000 acres of parkland. Nature and multi-use trails, historic and archaeological sites, and facilities dedicated to environmental and arts education give the destination its diverse character. When planning your trip, you can focus on coastal landscapes, outdoor activities and cultural history.

Coast and Wildlife Watching

At North Peninsula State Park, golden-orange coquina sand beaches lie on one side and coastal marshes on the other. There are almost three miles of beach for swimming and surf fishing. From May to September, loggerhead and green sea turtles come ashore in the park to lay their eggs; rare leatherback turtles occasionally nest there too. Boating, fishing and birdwatching are among the activities available at Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve.

Springs and Trails in the Greenery

Green Springs Park covers 31 acres and is home to one of Florida’s few green sulphur springs. From the time of early Indigenous settlements through the steamboat era, Green Springs was a significant landmark in Volusia County. Visitors can use paved and natural trails in the park; it is also the starting point for the Spring-to-Spring Trail and the East Central Regional Rail Trail.

The Spring-to-Spring Trail is designed for walkers, joggers, inline skaters, cyclists and people with disabilities. Several sections, totaling just under 15 miles, have been completed; this figure may change as construction progresses. Once completed, the trail is planned to run 26 miles from Gemini Springs Park to DeLeon Springs State Park.

History and Art

DeBary Hall Historic Site is a 19th-century hunting estate overlooking the St. Johns River and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1871, DeBary Hall is the oldest surviving building in southwestern Volusia County. The Museum of Art – DeLand is a nonprofit community museum of fine art. Its mission includes collecting, preserving, researching, exhibiting and interpreting art.

Wildlife and Environmental Education

The Marine Science Center rehabilitates sea turtles; its rehabilitation area also treats freshwater and land turtles. Seven tanks in the turtle hospital can be viewed from Turtle Terrace. The center provides education about Volusia County’s diverse environment and its protection.

Lyonia Preserve comprises 360 acres of restored Florida scrub habitat. It supports the restoration and preservation of habitats for scrub-dependent species, including the threatened Florida scrub-jay and gopher tortoise. Lyonia Environmental Center provides environmental education through interactive, hands-on exhibits and computer modules. Its programs are designed for families, adults, scouts and homeschool learners.

Practical Information

Explore Volusia offers free public outdoor activities in Volusia County’s protected areas, including paddling, hiking, biking and eco-buggy tours. Registration is required. Unless otherwise stated, Volusia County parks are open from sunrise to sunset; check the posted rules for each park. Votran is a countywide transportation system offering bus service and transportation options for people with physical disabilities.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, De Bary, Edgewater, Orange City, South Daytona, Port Orange, Osteen, Deland, Deltona, Daytona Beach Shores, Timber Pines, Lake Helen, North De Land, Ormond-By-The-Sea.

For the main travel overview: Florida.