Photo credit: Floridaspringlife.com
The calendar says the official start of summer is Friday, June 21. However, any Florida resident would argue that summer has already arrived. With the heat rapidly approaching 100 degrees,
it’s time to look for options to cool off and escape the heat.
it’s time to look for options to cool off and escape the heat.
Beaches Near DeLand
Often times the first thing people think of when it comes to water activities is the beach. For easy beach access and the ability to take lots of beach accessories (like coolers, tents, chairs and toys), being able to drive on the beach at New Smyrna is a great choice. The beach is open to vehicles from 8:00 am or 7:00 p.m./sundown during the summer months. Crawford Road is the beach access point for New Smyrna. Volusia County residents can get an annual pass for $25 when entering the beach which gives residents unlimited beach entry. (Please note: the pass price jumps to $100 for non-residents). For more information about Volusia County Beach Parking Passes, visit https://www.volusiabeachpass.com.
If you’re a purist and prefer vehicle-free beaches, the Andy Romano Beachfront Park is a great options for families. Further north in Volusia County (839 S Atlantic Ave) there is plenty of parking at the park which is adjacent to the beach. The four-acre park features beach access, a splash pad, playground, pavilions, concessions and restrooms. For more information about the Andy Romano Beachfront Park, visit the city of Ormond Beach’s website.
If you’re a purist and prefer vehicle-free beaches, the Andy Romano Beachfront Park is a great options for families. Further north in Volusia County (839 S Atlantic Ave) there is plenty of parking at the park which is adjacent to the beach. The four-acre park features beach access, a splash pad, playground, pavilions, concessions and restrooms. For more information about the Andy Romano Beachfront Park, visit the city of Ormond Beach’s website.
Springs Near DeLand
For a different type of swimming experience, consider swimming at one of the Florida State Parks in Volusia County for a cool and natural swimming pool experience. The De Leon Springs State Park is in the north end of the county (601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. De Leon Springs FL 32130) and is open from 8:00 until sunset all year. Entry is $6 per vehicle. There are pavilions available for rent. The popular Sugar Mill Restaurant is located within the park. It’s open for breakfast and lunch, with its make your own pancake options being a hit for families of young children. For more information about De Leon Springs State park, visit the official park website.
Another spring option is Blue Spring State Park near the south end of Volusia County. Also open from 8:00 until sunset all year, the same $6 per vehicle fee applies at Blue Spring State Park. The park is located at 2100 W French Avenue in Orange City. During the winter months, the park is known for its manatee visitors which are seeking the warm water refuge of the park. Swimming is only allowed in summer months as to not disturb these gentle creatures. For more information about Blue Spring State Park, visit the official park website.
Another spring option is Blue Spring State Park near the south end of Volusia County. Also open from 8:00 until sunset all year, the same $6 per vehicle fee applies at Blue Spring State Park. The park is located at 2100 W French Avenue in Orange City. During the winter months, the park is known for its manatee visitors which are seeking the warm water refuge of the park. Swimming is only allowed in summer months as to not disturb these gentle creatures. For more information about Blue Spring State Park, visit the official park website.
Lakes and Rivers Near DeLand
If you prefer your water activities to be spent in a boat or watercraft, there are plenty of great options right in our own backyards. Lake Beresford offers a great home for non-motorized watercraft. The Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center (located on Alhambra Ave directly across the lake from the Lake Beresford Yacht Club). There is a boardwalk which leads to the public areas at the water’s edge, including a pavilion, restrooms and a viewing platform which overlooks the lake. There is also a public access point to put in non-motorized watercraft such as canoes or kayaks.
However, if you feel the need for speed, then taking your motorized watercraft down the St. John’s River is your best option. Not only are there beautiful sights down the river, but you can tube behind the boat, if you’re looking for more adventurous water activities.
However, if you feel the need for speed, then taking your motorized watercraft down the St. John’s River is your best option. Not only are there beautiful sights down the river, but you can tube behind the boat, if you’re looking for more adventurous water activities.