A green sulfur spring, one of only a few of its kind in Florida, is located in Green Springs Park. In Volusia County, natural features like this meet Atlantic beaches, protected habitats and historic places. When planning a trip here, visitors can choose from a variety of interests: the coast, nature trails or culture.

Beaches and coastal landscapes

Volusia County has 47 miles of Atlantic beaches. At North Peninsula State Park, golden-orange beaches of coquina sand lie on one side, and coastal marshes on the other. The park offers almost three miles of beach for swimming and surf fishing. These two landscapes create a striking contrast along the coast.

The season also shapes what there is to discover along this stretch of coast: From May through September, loggerhead and green sea turtles come ashore to nest at North Peninsula State Park; rare leatherback turtles also arrive occasionally. Nesting is therefore a seasonal aspect of a visit, while the beach and coastal marshes define the landscape.

Green spring and trails

Green Springs Park covers 31 acres. Its green sulfur spring is one of only a few green sulfur springs in Florida. Green Springs is also historically significant: From the earliest settlements of Indigenous peoples through the steamboat era, the site was considered an important landmark in Volusia County. Nature and history are both at the heart of this park.

Visitors can use paved and natural trails in Green Springs Park. The park is also the starting point for both the Spring-to-Spring Trail and the East Central Regional Rail Trail. This makes it possible to enjoy different trail experiences while exploring nature and history, without treating the two trails as a single route.

Once completed, the Spring-to-Spring Trail is planned to run 26 miles from Gemini Springs Park to DeLeon Springs State Park. Several sections totaling just under 15 miles have been completed; the length may change as more of the trail is built. The route is designed for walkers, joggers, inline skaters, cyclists and people with disabilities. The planned overall length and the sections already completed provide two different reference points for understanding the trail.

Habitats and environmental learning

Lyonia Preserve covers 360 acres of restored Florida scrub habitat. It helps restore and preserve habitats for scrub species, including the threatened Florida scrub-jay and gopher tortoise. At the Lyonia Environmental Center, interactive, hands-on exhibits and computer modules teach visitors about the environment. Programs are available for families, adults, scouts and homeschool learners.

Sea turtles are rehabilitated at the Marine Science Center. From the Turtle Terrace, visitors can see seven pools in the turtle hospital; the rehabilitation area also treats freshwater and land turtles. The center also teaches visitors about Volusia County’s diverse environment and how to protect it.

Explore Volusia offers free outdoor public programs in Volusia County’s conservation areas, including paddling, hiking, biking and eco-buggy tours. Registration is required to participate.

Historic places and art

DeBary Hall Historic Site is a 19th-century hunting estate overlooking the St. Johns River. Built in 1871, DeBary Hall is the oldest surviving building in southwest Volusia County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Museum of Art – DeLand is a nonprofit community museum of fine art. Its work includes collecting, preserving, researching, exhibiting and interpreting art. Alongside the history of DeBary Hall, this focus on art adds a cultural perspective to the themes of nature and the coast.

Planning your stay

Volusia County parks are generally open from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise stated for an individual park. Follow the rules of each park. Votran operates bus services and transportation options for people with physical disabilities countywide. If you’re looking for accommodations in Volusia, deciding what you want to focus on can help: Should your trip revolve mainly around coastal landscapes, nature trails and wildlife, or history and art?

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, De Bary, Edgewater, Orange City, South Daytona, Port Orange, Osteen, Deland, Deltona, Daytona Beach Shores, Lake Helen, North De Land, Ormond-By-The-Sea, Timber Pines.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.