The Deland center is around the area of De Land and the area of Stetson University.
DeLand experiences hot weather for about six months of the year and pleasant temperatures for the remaining months. The best time to visit the city is from mid-October to early May, when average temperatures range from the high 50s to low 70s. August is typically the hottest month in DeLand. During this time, highs are often around 91 degrees and temperatures rarely fall below 72 degrees at night.
When you're planning your DeLand trip, it's important to note that the city attracts a large number of tourists in spring and summer. During these seasons, hotels tend to charge higher rates, which can significantly drive up your travel costs. Additionally, many hotels will be fully occupied, so you may have limited accommodation options. If you want to save money and avoid the crowds, it's recommended that you visit DeLand in September or October.
Comfort Inn & Suites DeLand Near University offers discounted rates to AAA members. Located about 2 miles north of DeLand, this hotel is less than a mile from DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, 1 mile from the Museum of Art – DeLand, and 4 miles from the Reptile Discovery Center. All of its 68 rooms are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, flat screen televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and hair dryers. Its on-site amenities include a spa tub, a business center, and a meeting room.
If you're a government employee or a member of the armed forces, you're eligible for special rates at Artisan Downtown. Located in downtown DeLand, this boutique hotel is within walking distance of attractions such as Athens Theatre, the African American Museum of the Arts, and St. Peter Catholic Church. Its 14 air-conditioned rooms come with free wired and wireless internet connection, flat screen televisions, refrigerators, coffee makers, and hair dryers. Its on-site amenities include a restaurant, lounge, banquet hall, business center, and concierge services.
If you're looking for a hotel that offers quality accommodation at reasonable rates, check out Hampton Inn Debary/Deltona/Orange City. This hotel is located 11 miles south of DeLand in Debary, 3 miles from the Central Florida Zoo, and 4 miles from Lake Monroe Conservation Area. It features 76 rooms with free wired and wireless internet connection, cable programming, LCD televisions, safes, and hair dryers. Amenities available on site include an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, a picnic area, a business center, and an airport shuttle with a surcharge.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orange City is another hotel that provides great value for money. Situated about 6 miles south of DeLand in Orange City, this hotel is 4 miles from Blue Spring State Park, 6 miles from the Central Florida Zoo, and 7 miles from Monroe Harbor Marina. It features 114 rooms with free wired and wireless internet connection, satellite programming, flat screen televisions, refrigerators, safes, and hair dryers. Additionally, it has on-site amenities such as an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, a banquet hall, a business center, and a meeting room.
If you're interested in history, you won't run out of things to do in DeLand. The city has numerous historic sites and museums that collectively provide a comprehensive insight into its colorful past. You can start experiencing DeLand's rich history with a tour of the Henry A. DeLand House Museum. Constructed by the founder of the city in 1886, this house contains many artifacts, documents, and other items related to the history of Volusia County. Other historic sites worth visiting include Stetson University, Stetson Mansion, St. Peter Catholic Church, and Athens Theatre.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, you should spend a day or two at Hontoon Island State Park. Located about 5 miles southwest of downtown DeLand, this park gives you an opportunity to learn about the Native Americans who lived there and see native wildlife such as manatees and great blue herons. You can explore the island's trails, camp at a primitive tent site, or canoe or kayak on the river.
DeLand is also a popular destination for food enthusiasts, because it has many quality restaurants offering an extensive variety of culinary experiences. If you want to try some local seafood favorites, check out Shady Oak Restaurant. Established in 1954, this restaurant has a small covered patio that offers beautiful views of St. Johns River. You must try the famous Gator Bites, which are juicy and tender and go really well with the house-made dipping sauce. Other recommended dishes include Catfish Fingerlings and Shady Oak Sampler, which allows you to pick three to four options from a list of items.
If you're in the mood for barbecue food, head down to Pitmasters BBQ. This restaurant serves authentic southern-style barbecue dishes that are hand-rubbed and cooked with a wood fire. It has many different types of meat for you to choose from, including ribs, pulled pork, and briskets, as well as combination platters. De La Vega Restaurante is another highly acclaimed restaurant in DeLand. It offers innovative, flavorful, and healthy Latin fusion dishes such as tortilla soup and hibiscus tacos.
Choosing the right accommodation can go a long way in making your DeLand vacation enjoyable and hassle-free. To make the most of your trip, you should stay at a hotel that offers easy access to the places you plan to visit. This can help you save time and money and make the most of your vacation.
Below are reviews of the city of Deland, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
The City of Deland is a very clean place and the people I found to be nice and hospitable.
Loved the "Old Florida" feeling of the city!
Small time city with easy access to Daytona.
Close to the beach!
DeLand is very nice had family business to take care of and this hotel was closest.