Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Orange City, Florida

Adjacent to the renowned Blue Spring State Park, Orange City was established by European settlers in the mid-19th century. The name of the city is derived from its history of citrus cultivation, although many of the extensive groves were decimated during the Great Freeze of 1894-95.

Orange City boasts a substantial historic district featuring various structures that date back to the 19th century. While the downtown area maintains a relaxed atmosphere, a collection of shopping centers can be found in the southern part of the city, near Enterprise Road.

Blue Spring State Park serves as a significant point of interest, and the ambiance varies with the seasons. During the summer, the waters, which maintain a temperature of 72°F, are ideal for swimming and tubing.

In the winter months, numerous manatees migrate upstream to the spring. On my visit, I observed nearly 730 manatees, a remarkable ecological achievement considering that only 14 made the journey in 1970.

1. Blue Spring State Park

Source: U. Gernhoefer / shutterstock

The highlight of this exquisite park is a first-magnitude spring that releases over 100 million gallons of water into the St. Johns River each day.

Due to preservation initiatives initiated in the 1970s, Blue Spring State Park has gained significant recognition for its manatees. These gentle creatures are drawn to the spring in winter, enticed by its pleasant 72°F waters.

During the year I composed this article, there was a record number of over 720 manatees visiting the area.

In the summertime, the park is an ideal location for cooling off, whether one chooses to swim, snorkel, or tube in the pristine waters. A boardwalk allows visitors to explore land-based activities, and a variety of tours and experiences are available, which will be elaborated upon later in this article.

2. Thursby House

Source: francociccio / shutterstock

Situated within Blue Spring State Park, Thursby House (established in 1872) is a fascinating historic site. This residence has been preserved to function as a museum and interpretive center.

Inside, visitors can learn about various facets of local history, ranging from steamships to railroads and the cultivation of citrus.

Louis Thursby was a pivotal figure in this history. Upon arriving with his family in 1857, he established a citrus farm and a small port for river steamships.

The house has been meticulously preserved close to its original state, featuring period furniture and housewares.

What fascinated me about this site is that the structure is built atop a midden, which is a remnant of Native American habitation in the park that dates back 6,000 years.

3. St. Johns River Nature Cruise

Source: St. Johns River Cruises / Facebook

Florida’s longest river system has been integral to the history, economy, and development of the region. It is one of those natural wonders that merit exploration and appreciation while visiting.

Operated by Blue Spring Adventures, the St. Johns River Nature Cruise departs from the state park dock. These two-hour excursions occur twice daily, at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

The tour encompasses historical narration and showcases a myriad of stunning natural sights, including lush aquatic vegetation and towering bald cypress trees.

Participants may encounter an array of wildlife, such as birds, turtles, alligators, and even manatees during the winter months.

4. Blue Spring Adventures

Based within the state park, the company that provides boat tours on the St. Johns River also offers an extensive range of rentals, tours, and private cruises.

These services are available at both Blue Spring and neighboring locations like Highland Island State Park. Consequently, visitors may rent canoes and kayaks for self-guided trips along these pristine waterways.

For those seeking a bit more direction and insight, guided kayak tours along the St. Johns River, as well as Segway tours on land, are available.

5. Stetson Mansion

Source: Stetson Mansion Tours / Facebook

Regardless of your itinerary, I suggest allocating time to appreciate this remarkable Victorian residence located just a few minutes north in DeLand.

If the name seems familiar, the John B. Stetson House was constructed for the renowned hat manufacturer (1830-1906) and his wife, Elizabeth.

Completed in 1886, this mansion is regarded as Florida’s only true Gilded Age residence, replete with luxuries that were unprecedented during that period. Features include Edison electricity, indoor plumbing, steam heating, and a call bell system.

The hat magnate hosted numerous business leaders, film stars, presidents, and even European royalty within these walls.

It’s therefore no surprise that it houses priceless artwork, Tiffany stained glass, and unique antiques. Although it remains a private residence, the Stetson Mansion offers tours from November through April, with special Christmas tours during the holiday season.

6. Orange City Historic District

Centered at the intersection of Highway 17 and Graves Avenue, the historic district preserves the city’s original settlement, which was incorporated in 1882.

This area spans approximately one square mile, bordered by Orange Avenue to the east and Carpenter Avenue to the west. The historic district received its designation in 1997 and boasts over 200 contributing structures.

A variety of frame and masonry vernacular architecture from the early 20th century is present. One notable building is the Heritage Inn, established in 1876, which was still operational during my visit.

Look out for the Erwin Hotel (1926) located at 244 East Graves Avenue, the Town Hall (1928), and the Dickinson Memorial Library (1919), which are all in close proximity.

7. Orange City Blueberry Fest

Each April, Valentine Park near the entrance to Blue Spring State Park becomes the venue for the city’s annual Blueberry Fest, which lasts for two days.

As one would expect, blueberries and blueberry-based delicacies such as shortcake and fudge are central to this event. However, much more is happening, far beyond what can be summarized in a single entry.

For instance, the festival features arts and crafts, axe-throwing, sack races, pie-eating contests, face painting, pony rides, corn hole, and a complimentary petting farm.

During the year I drafted this article, an outstanding highlight was an impressive frisbee dog show featuring a highly skilled border collie.

8. Family Fun Town

This family entertainment center is situated in the historic core of Orange City along Highway 17. Family Fun Town offers an array of attractions, including a mini golf course, go-kart track, batting cages, and an arcade.

For me, go-karting and mini golf were the most notable experiences. The track spans over 800 feet and, although it features many tight turns, offers ample opportunities to pass.

Each race lasts approximately five minutes and costs $10. Additionally, the mini golf course has been designed with great care, incorporating a rolling landscape, a stream, and a waterfall, with lighting available for night play.

9. Veterans Memorial Park

Located directly across Highway 17 from Family Fun Town, this park also houses the city’s utilities facility. Inaugurated in 1991, Veterans Memorial Park primarily supports passive leisure activities.

Nonetheless, it features a quarter-mile exercise trail that is paved entirely with recycled materials. Furthermore, it includes an ADA-compliant children’s playground complete with a splash pad. Visitors can also find picnic tables throughout the area, along with two pavilions equipped with water and electricity.

Orange City’s annual Movie in the Park event occurs here, showcasing family-friendly films on the first Friday evening of each month from January through May.

10. Lelo’s BBQ Puerto Rican Cuisine

Source: Lelo’s BBQ / Facebook

Lelo’s BBQ represents a true local success, specializing in Puerto Rican cuisine within a quick-service environment.

This establishment emphasizes fusion and accessibility rather than strict authenticity. This approach is not to diminish its reputation, as Puerto Rican food in any form is undeniably delightful.

The two primary menu items are boricua rotisserie chicken and mofongo. For those unfamiliar, mofongo consists of mashed plantains served with broth and can be accompanied by pork, chicken, or yucca.

Accompaniments include yellow rice, red beans, extra broth, fries, yucca, sweet plantains, and vegetables. Dessert options feature tres leches cake and flan.

11. Fire on the Bayou

This beloved independent restaurant in Orange City deserves your attention, focusing on Southern-style cuisine.

Specializing in New Orleans staples, Fire on the Bayou is a small, family-run establishment that prides itself on its personalized service.

All the renowned Cajun dishes are available here, presented in their most authentic forms. This includes étouffée, andouille sausage, jambalaya, seasonal crawfish boils, gumbo, as well as sides like red beans and rice and desserts such as bread pudding.

For those desiring a sampling, I recommend trying the NOLA platter, which features jambalaya, gumbo, along with sausage and red beans and rice.

12. The Deltona Club

Source: thedeltonaclub.com

With a length of approximately 7,000 yards from the blue tees, this public course ranks among the longest in the region.

What stood out to me about the Deltona Club is the notable lack of water hazards. Instead, the primary challenge originates from the impressive bunkers and significant elevation changes rarely found at Florida courses.

For those seeking golf instruction, the resident pro boasts decades of experience, having trained PGA Tour players. Additionally, the facility features a cafe offering burgers and sandwiches.

13. Epic Theatres of Deltona

Located strictly in Deltona, this 12-screen multiplex is conveniently situated near Orange City. Upon my visit, Epic Theatres of West Volusia had been operational for just over ten years.

The venue appeared well-maintained, and if a film known for exceptional special effects was being released, I would recommend viewing it in the Epic XL auditorium.

Although this location does not feature the luxurious recliners offered at many modern cinemas, it provides cozy leatherette seats arranged in a stadium style that rock rather than recline.

14. AMF Deltona Lanes

Situated within the commercial corridor along Enterprise Road, this classic bowling alley features 40 lanes. My impression of AMF Deltona Lanes was of a clean, straightforward complex suited for league play, parties, family gatherings, and social outings.

Certain weekends offer cosmic bowling, featuring black lights, lively music, and a vibrant atmosphere. Throughout the week, there are various specials, including unlimited bowling on Monday nights for a fee of $15.49 at the time of compiling this list.

The facility also hosts several arcade machines, as well as a laneside menu encompassing interesting options such as Moscow Mules and oven-fired pizzas.

15. Orange City Racing and Card Club

The nearest poker facility to Orlando is located in Orange City. This venue at the Orange City Marketplace features a 40-table area for games like Omaha Hi/Lo, Seven Card Stud, and Texas Hold’em. The latter also hosts a variety of weekly and monthly tournaments to accommodate all skill levels.

While participating here, you will receive tableside food and beverage service, and there is even an option for massages during play.

The Orange City Racing and Card Club additionally presents simulcast racing from premier thoroughbred tracks throughout the country, as well as off-track betting from UK tracks via a live channel.