This Quiet Florida City Is Hiding In Plain Sight

Tucked between Orlando and Daytona Beach, DeLand, Florida, moves at a slower, more relaxed pace than many of its neighbors. With a population of just over 40,000, this East Central Florida city, situated along the St. Johns River, seamlessly blends history, education, and easy access to nature. Rather than theme parks and crowded beaches, it offers oak-shaded streets, a walkable downtown, and the steady presence of Stetson University, which gives the community a distinct college-town rhythm. Close enough to major attractions yet removed from the rush, DeLand balances preserved architecture, local art, and outdoor spaces in a way that invites visitors to linger instead of just passing through.

The Origins Of DeLand

Before DeLand became a city, this stretch of pine-covered highlands was home to Indigenous peoples who lived and traded along the St. Johns River for centuries. Archaeological evidence, including oyster shell mounds, pottery fragments, and tools, suggests generations of life that spanned a period long before European contact. Later, Spanish explorers and English settlers moved through the region, leaving their own mark on Volusia County’s 400-year story.

The first recorded settler in the DeLand area was Ruben Marsh, who arrived in the 1840s after the Seminole Indian War. Drawn by the area’s wildlife and fertile soil, he built a cabin, raised cattle, and helped establish what locals then called Persimmon Hollow, named for the wild fruit that grew in abundance.

The city’s real transformation began with Henry Addison DeLand, a New York entrepreneur who visited Florida in 1876. Initially unimpressed with the rough trails and sparse settlements, he changed his mind as he reached the higher, rolling terrain near Orange City. The tall pines and promising orange groves convinced him this was a place worth investing in. By the end of his visit, he had purchased nearly 160 acres and had begun planning a community that would prioritize education, culture, and opportunity.

That vision shaped everything that followed. DeLand helped fund the area’s first school, and in 1876, settlers officially named their town after him. Later, he supported the founding of DeLand Academy, which evolved into Stetson University, the first private college in Florida and still one of the city’s defining institutions.

A College Town With Local Character

DeLand’s connection to Stetson University gives it a rhythm unlike most Florida cities. The university’s brick buildings and red-tiled roofs anchor the community, while its students and faculty add a layer of creativity and diversity to daily life. The campus, shaded by century-old oaks, sits just blocks from the downtown area, where cafés, bookshops, and galleries form the heart of the city.

Public art is everywhere. The Wings of the West Mural Trail turns alleyways and building walls into interactive backdrops for photos, while the DeLand Sculpture Walk and DeLand Historic Mural Walk showcase local and regional artists. Meanwhile, the Museum of Art - DeLand hosts rotating exhibitions, lectures, and community programs that celebrate both contemporary and traditional art.

Each spring, the city celebrates its creative spirit during the DeLand Outdoor Art Festival, a multi-day event featuring artists, crafters, and food vendors. The festival, now decades old, continues to attract visitors from across Florida while maintaining the welcoming, small-town feel that defines the city.

At night, DeLand’s downtown stays lively but not overly loud. The Athens Theatre, which opened its doors in 1922, still hosts live performances, and restaurants along Woodland Boulevard offer a diverse mix of cuisines, from Southern and coastal-inspired fare to Latin fusion, Greek, sushi, and Latin American influences.

Where Nature Is Never Far Away

What keeps DeLand peaceful is how easily it connects to the natural world. Just a short drive away, Blue Spring State Park, one of the best state parks in Florida, draws visitors with its clear, 72-degree waters and thriving manatee population. In winter, hundreds of manatees seek refuge in the spring’s constant temperature, while in summer, swimmers and kayakers enjoy the same calm waters. The park’s boardwalks wind through shaded hammocks, offering quiet views of wildlife and the slow-moving St. Johns River.

Other nearby spots, like Hontoon Island State Park and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, extend the area’s outdoor appeal. Hontoon Island, accessible only by a private boat or park ferry, features trails through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps, while Lake Woodruff offers birdwatching opportunities and serene paddling routes. Together, these parks give DeLand residents and visitors the chance to explore Florida’s natural beauty without venturing far from the area.

Even within city limits, green space plays an important role. The City of DeLand Parks and Recreation Department maintains dozens of parks, athletic fields, and community spaces that support local sports, family gatherings, and outdoor events. These include Earl Brown Park, known for its walking trails and playgrounds, and Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, a long-standing hub for local athletics.

Preserving History And Peace of Mind

DeLand’s size has never limited its sense of heritage. The Stetson Mansion, built in 1886, remains one of Florida’s best-preserved examples of Victorian architecture. Guided tours reveal intricate woodwork, hand-cut glass windows, and stories from the family that once owned it.

Elsewhere, museums like the DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum and the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum honor the area’s 20th-century history. The DeLand Black Heritage Trail connects visitors to the city’s African American history through landmarks, churches, and community spaces that continue to shape its cultural identity.

DeLand may not appear on every travel itinerary, but that’s part of what defines it. Its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and steady college-town pace create a sense of calm that stands out in a busy state. For residents, it’s a place that values connection and community; for visitors, it offers a look at a Florida shaped by history and nature rather than crowds and resorts. Whether you come for the manatees, the murals, or the quiet rhythm that lingers long after you leave, DeLand shows that not every great Florida destination needs to compete for attention. Sometimes, the quietest places say the most.