Top 15 Attractions and Activities in DeBary, Florida

By Lake Monroe on the St. Johns River, DeBary is a city named after a 19th-century wine merchant. This individual established a winter estate beside the river, thereby facilitating the development of this once forbidding watercourse for commerce and future settlers. 

The distinguished mansion of DeBary is now maintained as a museum, where visitors can learn about the home’s luxuries and a roster of guests that included two presidents. 

I am captivated by the natural beauty surrounding DeBary. Sublime natural springs emerge in locations such as Gemini Springs Park and Blue Spring State Park. 

With extensive preserves protecting its banks nearby, the St. Johns River appears much as it did during DeBary’s era. Thus, an eco-cruise should occupy a prominent place on your itinerary while visiting the city.

1. Gemini Springs Park

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This park occupies a unique setting along a bayou on the northwest corner of Lake Monroe. The park derives its name from a pair of natural springs that release nearly seven million gallons of water daily.

This abundant water percolates to the surface amidst nearly 200 acres of verdant woodlands. It serves as an ideal location to relax outdoors for a few hours, where you might observe a plethora of wildlife including alligators, turtles, and sandhill cranes. 

Visitors may stroll along the nature trail or engage in fishing from the dock. Facilities include a playground, pavilion, community center, and several primitive camping sites.

2. Blue Spring State Park

Source: U. Gernhoefer / shutterstock

Adjacent to DeBary, the St. Johns River is replenished by numerous natural springs, with the most substantial being at Blue Spring State Park, which is conveniently located beside the city. 

The spring maintains a year-round temperature of 73 °F. This characteristic makes it warm in the winter, attracting manatees, while providing a refreshing retreat during the sweltering summer months.

Popular activities include fishing, camping, photography, and snorkeling. For those interested in exploring the St. Johns River, kayak rentals are available for a day’s outing.

For visitors, the park is easily accessible without needing to navigate challenging conditions; it features a scenic boardwalk and the light Pine Island Trail, which traverses a landscape of pine scrub. 

The optimal time to visit is during a chilly winter day when hundreds of manatees congregate in the crystal-clear waters.

3. St. Johns River Eco-Tours

Source: St. Johns River Eco Tours / Facebook

Flowing past DeBary from Vero Beach to Jacksonville in the north, Florida’s longest river is a remarkable natural treasure. To appreciate it from a distinct viewpoint, I recommend participating in an eco-tour.

Based at Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort, St. Johns River Eco-Tours provide an array of options aboard their spacious pontoon vessels. This allows access to parts of the river that are otherwise unreachable by land.

The primary nature tours are conducted twice daily, at 10:00am and 1:00pm, every day of the week. While aboard an environmentally-friendly pontoon, you will observe the river as it appeared to Indigenous peoples and early settlers. 

During the winter season, this area serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds and manatees seeking the relative warmth of its waters.

4. DeBary Hall

Source: Lori Skelton / shutterstock

This sophisticated Italianate mansion was constructed in the 1870s by the city’s namesake, Frederick DeBary. He acquired his wealth through the champagne import and distribution industry, selecting this location as his winter residence and hunting lodge.

Despite being built during the austere Reconstruction era, DeBary Hall features advanced amenities rarely seen from that time, including a wired call system, wall-fed electricity generated on-site, a luggage elevator, and running water. 

In addition to taking a guided tour of the estate, visitors should explore the Visitors Center where extensive exhibits detail DeBary’s life and contributions to the development of the St. Johns River.

5. Swamp House Riverfront Grill

Source: Swamp House Riverfront Grill and Happy Snapper Tiki Bar / Facebook

Although swamps are not typically associated with upscale dining, the Swamp House Riverfront Grill is a memorable venue. 

This restaurant is positioned along the banks of the St. Johns River within a scenic and bustling marina. Unsurprisingly, much of the menu showcases Southern-style seafood.

Dishes are prepared using both traditional and contemporary methods, including broiled snapper, shrimp tacos, and a Reuben sandwich made with fried fish instead of corned beef.

For the adventurous, gator tail is an option, and I personally enjoyed tropical gator tacos topped with a sweet mango salsa. The Swamp House boasts a lively atmosphere, often featuring local bands on weekends.

6. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

This major attraction in Greater Orlando is situated just across the St. Johns River from DeBary. The Central Florida Zoo has roots dating back to the 1920s and relocated to its current site in 1975.

Presently, over 400 animals spanning more than 100 species reside within this park. Notable residents include clouded leopards, giant tortoises, Indian rhinos, Amur leopards, and cheetahs.

For an additional fee, visitors can engage in hand-feeding giraffes or petting the surprisingly docile rhino. Families with young children will appreciate the splash pad, which provides shaded seating for relaxation.

7. River City Nature Park

Located west of Lake Monroe Park, another beautiful public park lies further along the St. Johns River. River City Nature Park functions as a passive park, featuring extensive native tree stands. 

The park is home to towering slash pines, bald cypress, live oaks, and sweet gums. Additionally, there is a large open area suitable for recreational activities and relaxation. 

The park’s only active facility is a 36-hole disc golf course. This course serves as an excellent introduction to the sport, blending open ground with wooded areas. Rental sets for disc golf are available at the Parks & Recreation office at City Hall for a nominal fee.

8. Spring-to-Spring Trail

At the time of writing, this multi-use trail was in the early stages of development between Gemini Springs Park and DeLeon Springs State Park.

Upon completion, the Spring-to-Spring Trail will extend more than 25 miles. As it stands, visitors can traverse a substantial portion of southern and western DeBary along this pathway.

The longest completed segment in the city extends from Gemini Springs Park eastward into Deltona, where it connects with a section of the East Central Regional Rail Trail.

In DeBary, a trail links the Spring-to-Spring Trail with the SunRail station, alongside a spur directing visitors to DeBary Hall.

9. Black Bear Wilderness Area (BBWA)

A trailhead for this stunning wilderness area is located just a few minutes away in Sanford. The Black Bear Wilderness Area encompasses over 1,500 acres of marshlands intertwined with hardwood and cypress swamps. 

Despite venturing into marshy terrain, the trails at BBWA are laid out on historic levees, ensuring they remain elevated and dry, although seasonal flooding may occasionally occur.

From the trailhead, I walked the blue-blazed trail, which forms a loop exceeding 7 miles and hugs the St. Johns River. Along the path, I encountered several alligators and wild hogs. Additionally, otters commonly inhabit this area, alongside the black bears that give the wilderness its name.

10. Lake Monroe Park

Situated near the confluence of the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe, this public park, operated by Volusia County, is a cherished destination for boaters and kayakers, featuring a set of boat ramps adjacent to U.S. Route 17.

For those without personal vessels, kayak rentals are accessible through the park, as it serves as a location for the rent.fun kayak sharing service. Simply download the app to begin your experience.

Boardwalks, fishing docks, a pavilion, and a playground can be found on or near the water. Furthermore, visitors can access the Spring-to-Spring Trail from this park.

11. SunRail

Since its inception in 2014, SunRail has emerged as one of the most significant transformations to the Greater Orlando area since the 2000s, serving as an expanding commuter rail service.

Following the debut of Tri-Rail in 1989, this marks only the second commuter rail system in Florida. For infrastructure enthusiasts, it provides exciting possibilities for future development.

As of this writing, DeBary serves as the northern terminus of the network, though this will evolve in the future upon the completion of Phase 2 North. Currently, it offers a convenient means of transportation to nearby communities without the need for a car, and bicycles are permitted on the train.

For instance, one could plan a day trip to the charming Winter Park or swiftly cross over to Sanford, known for its vibrant downtown and picturesque Riverwalk.

12. Central 28 Beer Company

Source: central28beer.com

This craft brewery’s taproom provides an excellent avenue to unwind from the demanding Florida climate. One memorable evening, I participated in my first game of bingo since childhood. 

The two signature beers to sample at Central 28 are Up River (American Pale Ale) and Show Pigeon (IPA). The extensive tap list features a wide variety of regular favorites as well as new releases and seasonal selections, ranging from malty Stouts to a crisp Grisette (Trekker Bier). 

Although the brewery does not serve food, it frequently hosts food trucks offering a variety of delectable options. Central 28 also maintains menus from nearby restaurants that deliver on days when food trucks are absent.

13. Gateway Center for the Arts

This non-profit community arts center boasts over 700 members from throughout Volusia County. 

For those wishing to explore the region’s cultural offerings, this center is a prime destination. It features juried art exhibitions in two galleries, as well as a theater stage hosting plays and musicals. During my last visit, I attended a production of 12 Angry Jurors.

The center also serves as an exceptional resource for anyone looking to develop creative skills, offering open studios, workshops, and a broad array of art and craft classes, in addition to classes in improv and singing.

14. Freedom Fest

It is evident that DeBary knows how to commemorate the nation’s independence. The annual Freedom Fest occurs on the Fourth of July at Gemini Springs Park.

The highlight of the event is an impressive fireworks and laser show, accompanied by patriotic music. The evening features additional activities, including two stages for live entertainment, food trucks, and family games.

A designated children’s area ensures that younger attendees enjoy the festivities. Attendees wishing to bring their own sustenance are welcome to do so, with coolers and pop-up tents allowed.

15. Glen Abbey Golf Club

Source: John Taylor Realtor – Central Florida / Facebook

Established in 1974, this semi-private course in DeBary has garnered considerable acclaim for its impressive layout. The fairways at Glen Abbey Golf Club are flanked by magnificent stands of pine, oleander, and live oak.

The entire course is interspersed with water features, including a prominent 60-acre lake. One particularly notable hole is #5, a formidable par 5 characterized by a dogleg and a lake interrupting the fairway.

Another memorable hole is #15, a par 4 that challenges players to consider a risky approach over water or to play it safe along the fairway. The facility also includes a driving range and a comprehensive practice area for those wishing to warm up prior to their round.