Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Orange City, FL

  • Published 2022/06/10

Orange City is a city in Volusia County, Florida, well situated for travelers interested in the state’s attractions.

The city features world-class parks, cultural institutions, dining establishments, and breathtaking views.

Likewise, you can enjoy indoor activities when it rains.

The bustling Orange City is colorful and a favorite travel destination.

Here are the best things to do in Orange City, FL:

Enjoy Recreational Activities at the Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring trail boardwalk sign and pathway

SandraG / Shutterstock.com

Blue Spring State Park is a popular year-round destination known for its natural surroundings and diversity of recreational opportunities.

The park is notable for its natural spring that feeds a big pool.

This state park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including canoeing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking.

The calm waters of Blue Spring State Park

Amanda-Warren / Shutterstock.com

You can also do a self-guided tour of the historic Thursby mansion.

The park has many picnic spaces and three covered pavilions.

You can spend the night in their air-conditioned cottages or full-service campsite.

Head to Blue Spring State Park to enjoy the best of the best in recreation.

Turtles on Blue Spring State Park's water

Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com

Play Various Games at the Orange City Racing and Card Club

Try your luck at the Orange City Racing and Card Club.

It’s also the nearest poker club to Orlando, with a 40-table poker room, Vegas-style gaming tables, simulcast betting, weekly contests, and onsite food.

Take a break with some snacks, drinks, and tableside massage treatments.

Add Orange City Racing and Card Club to your Florida itinerary.

Go Kayaking at NinJoga

NinJoga was founded in 2015, although its roots go back to the early 1990s.

Relax while kayaking downstream and taking in the scenery.

NinJoga invites you to go out on a paddling adventure with pals along Florida’s freshwater springs.

Giant oak trees and native palms surround the freshwater springs, giving a lovely setting where you can relax and enjoy nature’s gifts.

They also provide workout classes to improve strength, stamina, and endurance.

Visit NinJoga and enjoy your vacation in Orange City, Florida.

Trek with Buddies along the Pine Island Trail

The Pine Island Trail is an out-and-back trek around an immense lagoon of the St. Johns River that leads to the river.

This 7.9-kilometer route is in Orange City, Florida.

It traces a wide horseshoe arc to the river, transitioning from bone-dry to wet environments.

The Pine Island Trail takes around an hour and a half to complete; it’s also a somewhat strenuous trek.

You might also encounter wildlife along the way.

Although this trail is a popular campground, trekking, and walking trail, you may still find some seclusion during the calmer hours of the day.

Tour the Louis P. Thursby House

Front view of Louis P. Thursby House's exterior

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Louis P. Thursby House is a fascinating historical site within Blue Spring State Park.

It shows tourists how farmers & settlers lived in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The house gets its name from Louis P. Thursby, one of the area’s early inhabitants.

In 1857, Thursby arrived with his family and immediately established a citrus field and a small river steamer port.

Marker sign on the grounds of Louis P. Thursby House

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is a three-story high house that has been preserved ever since the 19th century, representing the transition from frontier culture to modern.

The house retains its original antique furniture and housewares.

In May 2000, the National Register of Historic Places listed Thursby House in its record.

Tourists and locals can learn more about the history of this tourist spot in Orange City, Florida.

A vintage stove inside the Louis P. Thursby House

Photography by User: MrX, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Try Something New at Lelo’s BBQ

Are you looking for a relaxing environment where you can unwind with a delectable dinner?

The food at Lelo’s BBQ is about as authentic as you’ll get anywhere in the country.

Lelo’s BBQ has a welcoming ambiance rich in Puerto Rican culture.

Tourists traveling to and from neighboring Orlando’s amusement parks account for a large share of their customers.

Try Puerto Rican staples such as roast pig, beef stew, and a range of seafood dishes at the restaurant.

Pamper Yourself at Time Out Day Spa

Time Out Day Spa has a soothing atmosphere with dim lights and calming spa music.

The spa believes that a single thread connects your body and mind, which defines and influences the other.

Time Out Day Spa is a luxurious place where stressed-out people may discover a quiet hideaway to unwind for a few hours.

Check out the 2,000-square-foot spa’s treatment areas, hair stations and nail care stations, and other services.

They are committed to offering the highest quality therapeutic massages, skin and body treatments, hairdo, and nail services.

Grab a Bite at the Texas Roadhouse

You can taste unique flavors at Texas Roadhouse.

The restaurant expends every effort to make its delicious dishes stand out.

You can try their famous hand-sliced steaks, handmade side dishes, and freshly baked bread.

They make just about everything on the menu from scratch.

They also give you sizeable helpings, so you get even more food for your money.

Then, wash everything down with an ice-cold beer or a margarita.

Likewise, the Texas Steakhouse features line dancers, a jukebox, and cheerful servers.

Unwind at the Dickinson Park

The gazebo and grounds of Dickinson Park

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you searching for a peaceful place to unwind?

With its acre of space, Dickinson Park is ideal for a relaxing day with the family.

It boasts a lovely gazebo and two fountains next to the Dickinson Memorial Library.

History marker of Dickinson memorial library

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Families may enjoy a tranquil picnic or unwind on a park seat with an excellent book.

The park also hosts city and community activities like the summer concerts inside Dickinson Park.

This park is an excellent place for spending quality time with friends and family.

Have a Lovely Stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites has an outdoor pool, a complimentary full breakfast, and accommodations with free WiFi.

All rooms include a coffee machine, flat-screen cable television, and hairdryer.

The majority of the rooms have a desk with an ergonomic chair.

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Orange City room has carpeted floors and traditional décor.

This hotel has a fitness center and a business center.

You can also try the hotel’s washing plus dry cleaning services.

Order Mexican Cuisine at Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican Restaurant

Javier Chino, the executive chef of Mi Tierra Restaurant, has dreamed of opening his ideal Mexican restaurant since 1982.

Everything began when he worked as a cook at various Mexican restaurants in California.

He quickly realized that he could achieve his goal with hard work and perseverance.

In 2002, the Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican Restaurant opened in Orange City.

Mi Tierra has a one-of-a-kind menu including traditional Mexican food prepared in the California way, using only the finest and freshest ingredients.

His specialties are sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, homemade tamales, handcrafted crispy and soft tacos, and classic combo platters.

Sample Mi Tierra’s delectable flavors.

Play Arcade Games at Family Fun Town

At Family Fun Town, try various types of entertainment.

Families with children should visit Family Fun Town, which offers a variety of entertaining activities for all ages.

It has everything from miniature golf and go-karting to batting cages and arcade games.

Throw baseball or softball in the cages or join head-to-head racing on the inflatable obstacle courses!

If video games are your thing, stop by the arcade games section.

Make valuable memories with friends and family at Family Fun Town!

Enjoy a Delicious Meal in Nice N Easy Oyster Bar and Grill

Nice N Easy Oyster Bar and Grille first opened its doors in 1979.

While they are known for their oysters, their menu also has a little bit of everything.

They prepare large servings prepared to the most exemplary standards.

Their chefs continuously experiment with new recipes and introduce intriguing tastes to their menu, continually reinventing themselves.

Everyone will enjoy the meals at this well-known restaurant.

You’ll eat well, have a fantastic time, and see some of the friendliest employees you’ll ever meet!

Go Bowling at AMF Deltona Lanes

Bring your family to AMF Deltona Lanes for bowling, refreshments, and family fun.

The ultimate bowling experience features cutting-edge equipment and services for all skill levels.

AMF Deltona Lanes is America’s top bowling destination, with bumpers, lightweight balls for the youngsters, and many more.

You may bowl, drink, eat, go to the arcade, and prepare for one spectacular party.

At AMF Deltona Lanes, good times turn into wonderful ones.

Breathe Fresh Air at Mill Lake Park

Mill Lake Park is one of Orange City’s newest parks.

Relax, rent a pavilion, or breathe fresh air at this lovely park.

There are public bathrooms, picnic shelters, park seats, a water feature, a splash pad, lights, and lovely landscaping.

The second phase includes more picnic pavilions and park seats with pleasant lake views.

There’s also a 0.08-mile multi-purpose walk around the lake for early morning runs or a relaxed lunchtime stroll.

Visit this park to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Orange City.

Spend the Night at Orange City Motel

The Orange City Motel is a low-cost motel that puts the finest of Orange City at your fingertips.

You’ll like the peaceful rooms, which include a fridge, air conditioning system, a seating area, and free internet.

The hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk and has free parking for guests who bring or own cars.

Many travelers come to the Orange City Motel to enjoy their vacation in Orange City.

Final Thoughts

Orange City is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to taste the great outdoors.

This city in Florida is known for its tree-lined streets and fantastic restaurants, cafés, and pubs.

When visiting, families might organize activities such as picnics, boating, hiking, or dining.

Overall, Orange City, Florida’s beautiful surroundings, rich history, and unique attractions make for a wonderful trip.

Plan your visit to Orange City today!

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