Edgewater lies on the Indian River and borders Mosquito Lagoon. During a stay, the water and trails through town offer several options: paddling around mangrove islands, walking, jogging or cycling along the River walk, and bike and hiking trails that are part of named routes. There is also an early settlement history and monthly EDGEfest events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Edgewater, start by considering whether you’d like to spend your days on the water, getting active on land or exploring the town’s history.
Paddling and Mangrove Islands
Edgewater’s paddling trails start at the beach area of Menard-May Park. The Three Sisters Trail is approximately 5 miles long. At low tide, Three Sisters is a group of three sandy islands, each with mangroves growing on it. When planning time on the water, it’s worth keeping the tide information in mind: the description of the island group specifically applies at low tide. Edgewater is the first community in Volusia County designated as a Blueway Community.
While paddling around the mangrove islands, you may see bluebirds, snowy egrets, brown and white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, ospreys, sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, crabs and rays. These wildlife sightings give paddling a distinct connection to nature, although every trip may follow a different route.
River walk and Bike and Hiking Trails
The River walk runs along the Intracoastal Waterway and is suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. The bike and hiking trails that pass through Edgewater are part of the St. John's River to Sea Loop and the East Coast Regional Rail Trail. The East Central Regional Rail Trail stretches 52 miles from Deltona to Edgewater.
At the River walk, you can walk, jog or cycle along the Intracoastal Waterway; the other bike and hiking trails are part of named routes. If you’re planning to get active on land, you can choose between a named trail in town and connections to designated routes.
Local History and EDGEfest
Edgewater’s roots go back to a settlement founded by Dr. John Milton Hawks in the early 1800s. In 1887, citrus growing and beekeeping were Edgewater’s main industries. A year later, steamboats shipped 11 tons of honey from the community of Hawks Park (Edgewater). These milestones connect the area’s early settlement history with agriculture, beekeeping and transportation by steamboat at the time.
EDGEfest events are scheduled monthly in Edgewater. If you’d like to include an event in your trip, check the specific dates for your stay.
Plan Your Stay and Journey
The town’s history and EDGEfest can also shape your travel plans. Edgewater offers access to highways, Interstate 95, Interstate 4 and toll roads. When looking for hotels in Edgewater, consider your journey alongside the activities that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: DeLand, Lake Helen, Daytona Beach, Deltona, Ormond-By-The-Sea, Port Orange, Osteen, Orange City
For the main travel overview: Volusia.
