Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Port Orange, FL

Located just beyond Daytona Beach, Port Orange is a more tranquil city with a rich history spanning over 150 years.

The city has rapidly developed over the last two decades, and at the time of writing, it had a population exceeding 60,000 residents.

Port Orange is recognized for its acclaimed municipal complex situated on the shores of a picturesque pond, as well as the multimillion-dollar Riverwalk development adjacent to the Halifax River.

Although merely moments away from the excitement of Daytona Beach, Port Orange offers an abundance of natural surroundings in all directions.

I have enjoyed kayaking in the marshy Spruce Creek and camping within the pine islands of Tiger Bay State Forest.

Additionally, there is a charming farmer’s market that operates at The Pavilion on Saturday mornings.

1. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens

Source: kellyv / Flickr

This intriguing site allows visitors to explore a botanical garden amidst the remnants of a 19th-century sugar mill.

The Dunlawton Sugar Mill has a history dating back to the early 1800s when much of Florida was under the jurisdiction of the Spanish empire.

Originally, the site encompassed nearly 1,000 acres and was leased to a local individual in 1804. During that era, much of the southwestern United States remained forested and undeveloped.

The mill ceased operations in the 1830s due to its destruction at the onset of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842).

Surrounded by flourishing live oaks, the grounds now feature cultivated gardens, historical displays, and numerous well-marked walking trails.

My family marveled at the concrete dinosaur sculptures, including a stegosaurus, tyrannosaurus rex, and triceratops, remnants from a brief theme park known as Bongoland, which operated in the late 1940s.

2. Tiger Bay State Forest

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Spanning tens of thousands of acres, Tiger Bay State Forest encompasses areas of hydric swamp forests interspersed with drier pine islands.

These diverse habitats nurture a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to this region of the state.

Among the notable wildlife are roaming black bears, as well as bald eagles that nest in the woods from October to May.

This location is my preferred choice for semi-primitive camping. Despite being merely a few miles from urban areas, careful planning and a thorough supply of essentials, including drinkable water, are required.

Activities such as kayaking, fishing, bicycling, and horseback riding are popular within Tiger Bay State Forest.

It is essential to remember that a valid Florida fishing license is required for both residents and visitors if you plan to fish.

3. Marine Discovery Center

Source: Marine Discovery Center / Facebook

For over 25 years, the Marine Discovery Center has been instrumental in safeguarding the delicate ecosystem of the Indian River Lagoon.

The lagoon, which includes the Halifax River, stretches over 150 miles and is recognized as America’s most biologically diverse estuary, housing more than 4,000 species.

The center undertakes significant research initiatives and provides a variety of educational programs, including boat excursions departing from nearby New Smyrna Beach.

Having participated in the Dolphin Discovery Tour, I had the chance to glide along the lagoon for two hours, observing dolphins, manatees, and shorebird rookeries up close.

There are also sunset tours available, which I am eager to experience on my next visit, as the scenery at that time of day is truly breathtaking.

4. Smyrna Dunes Park

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A stunning portion of the southern shoreline at Ponce de Leon Inlet is designated as a 184-acre park.

Featuring a beautiful Atlantic beachfront and boardwalks that traverse the dunes, this site is ideal for leisurely walks, enjoying the beach, or simply basking in the Florida sun.

Smyrna Dunes Park is popular among nature enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and amateur photographers. During my visit, I observed several gopher tortoises along the boardwalk and dolphins frolicking at the inlet’s mouth.

The boardwalk extends nearly two miles, with pavilions, scenic viewpoints, and covered picnic areas available along the route.

5. Daytona International Speedway

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Some locations require no introduction; it is likely that anyone knowledgeable about Florida is aware of Daytona International Speedway.

Since the late 1950s, this venue has become an iconic racing destination in Florida, evolving into a globally recognized brand. During the prestigious Daytona 500 race, it attracts spectators from around the world.

While acquiring tickets for this event can be costly and competitive, the facility hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year that are just as thrilling and more budget-friendly.

I believe it is worth visiting even when no major events are occurring. This provides an excellent opportunity to explore the Motorsports Hall of Fame situated on the speedway’s grounds.

This attraction is replete with historic vehicles and motorsports memorabilia. For instance, I was surprised to learn that this location is home to the Blue Bird, the first car to exceed the 300 mph mark in 1935.

6. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

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Standing 175 feet tall above the Ponce de Leon Inlet, Florida’s tallest lighthouse is situated less than 15 minutes from Port Orange.

I can confidently say that ascending the spiral staircase and savoring the view is a must-do activity in the Daytona region.

The vista of this predominantly flat landscape is remarkable and provides a rewarding experience after climbing 200 stairs.

Admission to the museum and lighthouse is quite affordable by local standards, and it offers both enjoyment and educational significance.

Upon returning to the ground, I appreciated the opportunity to explore the three historical lighthouse keepers’ homes and examine the rare collection of Fresnel lenses.

7. Wilbur Beach

Widely recognized as the World’s Most Famous Beach, Daytona Beach is less than five minutes away from Port Orange, accessible across the Halifax River.

Daytona Beach stretches for 23 miles and features a flat expanse of white sand. In certain areas, the sand is compact enough to allow vehicles to traverse the beach.

This location is the birthplace of Daytona’s motorsport culture, tracing back to the inaugural automobile and motorcycle races in 1902.

While vehicles are permitted in designated areas, access to Wilbur Beach, which is closest to Port Orange, is restricted to pedestrians only.

For me, this is a positive aspect, as I prefer the unspoiled stretch of sandy shore, framed by charming older homes, complete with a stairway leading down through the dunes.

8. Riverwalk Park

With two decades of development, Port Orange’s riverfront centerpiece was unveiled in 2017. Riverwalk Park is located directly on the water and comprises both northern and southern sections.

To the north of the Riverside Pavilion, there is a scenic boardwalk with fishing piers, a concession stand, and a kayak launch.

The southern section features a promenade area, which includes a splash pad, playground, picnic pavilions, and an additional concession stand.

This area also has a grassy space utilized for various public events in Port Orange. I have attended the Riverwalk Park Festival and Seafood Fest in March and the Food Truck Fest in November.

9. Spruce Creek Park

In the southern part of Port Orange, the area transitions to marshland, where the Spruce Creek winds its way into Rose Bay.

A portion of this habitat has been made accessible to the public, featuring a boardwalk and over three miles of trails.

In my opinion, the trails are best explored during the dry season when conditions are more manageable. If you visit between October and May, you can hike to a 15-foot observation tower and venture to the edge of Rose Bay.

Nevertheless, the 536-foot boardwalk is accessible year-round, making it ideal for fishing and providing excellent opportunities for bird watching.

10. Cracker Creek

Further upstream, a few miles inland from the wetlands at the mouth of Spruce Creek in Port Orange, an eco-tourism business operates beside the creek.

Cracker Creek is adjacent to Gamble Place, the historical estate of Procter & Gamble co-founder James Gamble (1803-1891).

This site preserves the original homestead of the estate’s caretaker, where visitors can explore several historical buildings on the property, accompanied by free-roaming peacocks.

I visited to rent a kayak and spent a delightful couple of hours paddling through the creek’s tranquil waters, immersed in untouched natural beauty. The creek’s gentle flow made it easy to paddle upstream.

11. The Pavilion at Port Orange

Conveniently located off I-95, this lifestyle center boasts a variety of chain stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

What stands out at The Pavilion at Port Orange, in my view, is the farmer’s market held around the lake on Saturday mornings.

During my last visit, I encountered an excellent selection of prepared foods, including the delightful pistachio cannoli from Mama Cannoli.

Other offerings included fresh-roasted coffee, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, honey, sauces, dairy products, and organic beauty items.

Additionally, the facility features a 14-screen Regal Pavilion theater complex equipped with stadium seating and a premium RPX screen.

12. Port Orange City Center Municipal Complex

This cluster of modern municipal buildings constitutes the administrative core of Port Orange and is surprisingly aesthetically pleasing.

One of its attractive features is the picturesque Turtle Pond, bordered by a leafy paved trail and frequented by various waterfowl.

A diverse range of recreational facilities radiates from the pond, including a skate park, the Port Orange YMCA, and an outdoor sports complex.

Most notably, the Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater, with a capacity of 700 seats, hosts concerts, festivals, and movie screenings under the stars.

13. Buschman Park

Situated in the heart of Port Orange, this piece of nature serves as a Halifax River Audubon Bird Sanctuary.

While Buschman Park is relatively small, it features a diverse array of habitats, including wetlands, a lake, and forested areas. During my visit, the water’s edge buzzed with life from alligators, crabs, snakes, turtles, and a great blue heron.

The park includes a ¾-mile trail surrounding the lake, as well as a boardwalk that stretches out over the water, leading to a covered observation area.

In the forested portion of Buschman Park, taking a moment to pause and simply listen to the symphony of bird calls is highly recommended. The live oaks, laurel oaks, and sabal palms here are exquisite.

14. Daytona Flea and Farmers Market

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Featuring more than 1,000 booths and 600 vendors, the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market is frequently regarded as one of the finest markets not only in the USA but worldwide.

This market attracts millions of visitors each year and represents a distinctive local attraction that should not be overlooked.

The market offers a vast array of items, ranging from international gourmet foods to tools, antiques, clothing, golf carts, decorative home goods, plants, jewelry, sporting equipment—the offerings seem virtually limitless.

My advice is to obtain a map and navigate systematically to prevent spending hours wandering aimlessly.

It is also important to note that this facility is only partially air-conditioned, featuring cooling fans and misters to maintain comfort in other sections.

15. Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure

Source: Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure / Facebook

There is no better method to capture an aerial perspective of the area than being suspended above the treetops on a zip line.

Both exhilarating and secure, the Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure features more than 40 aerial challenges, including wooden bridges and ladders, on two high ropes courses.

Course 1 offers an excellent introduction with 14 challenges and four zip lines. Once you are prepared for a more demanding experience, you can proceed to Course 2, which is elevated higher among the trees and features six zip lines.

If you are new to zip lining and feeling uncertain, rest assured. Before embarking, I received all necessary safety gear and training to ensure a secure and enjoyable adventure.