Port Orange is a city in Volusia County, Florida, located just south of Daytona Beach on the state's gorgeous central Atlantic coast. At the time of the most current 2022 census, the city had a population of just under 58,000 persons.
A major city in a section of Florida known as the 'Fun Coast,' Port Orange is one of the state's most populous cities, along with Deltona, Daytona Beach, and Ormond Beach, among others.
As a bonus, Port Orange is ideally located along Interstate 95, which serves as the state's primary north-south route. Additionally, it is present in the state's narrowest region, making the journey from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico coasts a pleasant, simple, and joyful adventure.
From time to time, I like to mix up the pest control blog. Instead of writing about pest control, I like to incorporate the towns that we frequent. While providing pest control in Port Orange, we visit many locations that are worth sharing. So here are 15 activities in and around Port Orange, Florida, That I enjoy and feel are worth listing below.
1. Smyrna Dunes Park
Smyrna Dunes Park, located between the Ponce Inlet, Indian River, and the Atlantic Ocean in New Smyrna Beach, contains nearly 80 acres of beautiful scenery, almost surrounded by water.
Known as the "Goddess of the Sea," it is a favorite site for nature lovers, adventurers, and professional photographers hoping to capture a few spectacular sights. It is also an excellent attraction for swimmers, shell collectors, and those trying to absorb the Florida sun.
You can view the dunes from an elevated boardwalk that extends for about two miles. Pavilions and covered picnic spaces along the route make for ideal lunch settings.
2. Marine Discovery Center
Marine Discovery Center, is one of my favorite stops that we provide pest control services for. For more than two decades, the Marine Discovery Center on Barracuda Boulevard in New Smyrna, Florida, has protected coastal ecosystems. It is crucial to the survival of so many different types of aquatic animals.
The main focuses of the center are research, stewardship, and education and awareness initiatives for the local community. Many indoor and outdoor recreation alternatives are available to accommodate people of varying ages and interests, and there is something for everyone.
This historic sugar mill, located on Old Sugar Mill Road near Port Orange, Florida, has a long and illustrious history of the 1800s. Most of Florida was still under Spanish imperial control at that time.
It is currently part of the sugar mill complex that was once almost 1,000 acres in size. A local businessman rented it in 1804 when much of the country's southwest region was forested primarily and unoccupied.
In addition to developed gardens, historical exhibitions, and various well-marked walking pathways, the grounds are now appropriate for visitors of all ages and physical abilities.
4. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
The second-largest in Florida, Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse and museum is about 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach and Port Orange; it is a local historical landmark near the Halifax and Indian Rivers and the Atlantic Ocean.
By local standards, entrance to the museum and lighthouse is dirt cheap. However, it is entertaining and historically significant, and informative at the same time.
They are present on South Peninsula Drive in Ponce Inlet, so they present travelers with some of the most spectacular ocean views accessible anywhere in the area. Hence, do not remember to bring your camera and an appropriate hat and sunscreen.
5. Daytona International Speedway
Most people who have ever heard of or visited Florida are familiar with Daytona International Speedway, which is one of those places that does not require any introduction. Although this is not Port Orange, Daytona Beach, Florida is close enough to make this iconic track worth mentioning.
This Florida racing institution has been there since the late 1950s. It has developed into a well-known international brand, attracting tourists worldwide during its primary Daytona 500 race.
Even though tickets to that particular event are not inexpensive or readily available, the stadium conducts a range of other racing-related events throughout the year that are just as exciting — and less taxing on the wallet —
Regularly visiting their website is the most effective approach to stay up with what is happening.
6. Daytona Flea and Farmers Market
Among its many accolades, the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market is one of the top five markets in the United States and one of the top ten markets of its sort worldwide.
This unique local attraction features hundreds of vendors selling everything from tools and housewares to t-shirts, historical memorabilia, and locally made health and body products. The Daytona Flea Market draws millions of visitors each year and is one of those rare and unique local attractions. So, do not overlook it.
It is crucial to note that this building, which is present on Bellevue Avenue in Daytona Beach, does not have air conditioning. As a result, it may get rather hot, especially in the summer months.
7. Daytona Arcade Museum
For many old gamers, the golden age of arcades is a time you must remember. For those visiting the area, there is no better place to do it than the Daytona Arcade Museum, which is present in the city's historic district.
You can play games for free. Hence, you will not have to waste half your time when purchasing your admission ticket converting dollars for coins or tokens.
In the part arcade, part museum, the facility is the only one in the area, and it serves both functions.
The cost of admission is modest when you consider everything that guests have access to. The collection includes some of the world's first video games, such as Computer Space and Atari Tomb.
8. Sun Splash Park
When the hot days and humidity combine to make the weather virtually unpleasant for much of the summer, finding water-related activities that are both handy and economical becomes essential.
Daytona Beach's Sun Splash Park, which is present on South Atlantic Avenue, is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is complimentary.
The park is open annually from February to November on roughly four acres of land at South Atlantic Avenue and Revilo Boulevard in Daytona Beach.
At peak periods, it can be jam-packed; therefore, if you would prefer to avoid that, consider visiting during the weekdays or first thing in the morning.
9. Museum of Art – Deland
The Museum of Art: Deland is present on North Woodland Boulevard and comprises two distinct museums spread across a few city blocks. Guests can enter both sites with a single admission ticket.
Each building has various galleries that display contemporary and traditional works with many international influences.
A unique feature is that it offers both self-guided and professionally led tours. However, reserve the tour in advance, and group sizes are limited.
Tours are generally available from Tuesday through Friday, so check their website for the tour schedule, directions, and pricing details.
Luaus (Polynesian cultural celebrations) are spectacular cultural performances that include fire, drums, and dance. So when it comes to experiencing Pacific Island culture for the first time, attending a Polynesian Fire Productions performance would be a fantastic way to do so without leaving the country.
A shop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is also available for their original Polynesian products, the only ones available in the area.
Families from Tutuila, American Samoa, are descended from the business's current owners. The latter are themselves descended from the island of Tutuila.
Make sure to look online ahead of time for special offers, coupons, and group discounts that may be available that may save you money on your travel expenses.
11. Stetson Mansion
The Stetson Mansion is present on Camphor Lane in Deland. A wealthy and famous hat maker John Stetson built it in the 1880s. It is one of the area's most prominent historical sites.
You can witness art, housewares, and furniture considered the pinnacle of luxury by the day's standards in this museum. In addition, it is one of California's finest examples of Victorian architecture.
The home had hundreds of individual panes of stained glass, many of which were still in their pristine condition at creation, and an Edison electrical system.
With a zip line hung above the treetops, you may receive a bird's-eye view of the place you are visiting like you are on a bird's-eye mission.
On Orange Avenue, the Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure offers ten different lines ideal for people of all levels of athletic aptitude. The experience is exhilarating, safe, and surprisingly inexpensive.
In Tuscawilla Park, near a famous city beach and the motor racetrack, they have a great view of the city skyline.
First-time zip lining? Do not worry; you will need safety equipment and training before starting your adventure.
13. Tiger Bay State Forest
There are many different natural environments in Tiger Bay State Forest, including swamps, forests, and pine islands. These natural environments support various plants and animals, including many unique to the area. Tiger Bay State Forest covers tens of thousands of acres and includes many different natural habitats, including swamps, forests, and pine islands.
The administration announced the area s a state forest after purchasing it in the late 1970s. As a result, unique and endangered species presently exist, including bald eagles and Florida black bears.
Fishing, kayaking, outdoor adventuring, and hiking are all popular activities at the park. However, remember that you will need a current Florida fishing license, whether you are a state citizen or a visitor if you want to go fishing.
Guided eco-tours are an excellent choice for those willing to invest additional money to personalize with the local ecosystem and its plant and animal inhabitants.
An axe-throwing revival has recently spread across the country, giving many towns and cities a more traditional feel.
There is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening in Orlando. This ax-throwing center is on Robinson Street. If you want to achieve some exercise while throwing a sharp wood-splitting weapon at a fixed target, this is an excellent way to do it.
Although they do not serve alcoholic beverages, it is probably for the best that they do not.
If you are going on a trip with a rude relative, you might want to think about throwing an ax at them to get rid of them for good. You will not regret that you read it.
15. Athens Theater
The Athens Theater, which hosts a wide range of live entertainment options, is a vital community resource full of opportunities for travelers to learn about the culture and see live shows. However, the best time to get tickets for popular shows is well before your visit, as they tend to sell out rapidly during peak seasons.
The theater management may offer special prices on tickets at various periods throughout the year, so check their website frequently.
Latecomers will have to wait out the intermission to get a seat so that the performance does not get interrupted by a long line of people who reached late.