Port Orange is a city connected to the Greater Daytona Beach Area of Florida. While it has its own beach, its highlight is arguably its riverside activities, which include but are not limited to swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating, as well as golf and tennis. Bike trails are also in the area if you want to explore the region on your own. There are also diving sites nearby if you want to explore the depths of the water, and the Daytona Beach is also in the vicinity if you want to frolic on Florida’s famed sun, sand, and surf. Check out this list to find out the things to do in Port Orange, Florida.
1. Cruise along the marshy waters of Spruce Creek
Spruce Creek Park features a marshland that serves as the home of rich vegetation and a variety of wildlife, which include alligators, manatees, turtles, birds, and fishes. Admission to the park itself is free, but if you want to enjoy a leisurely cruise, check out the packages - either by joining a group or arranging a private tour - offered by Cracker Creek so you can explore the nature reserve over water.
Cracker Creek Boat Tours
Address: 1795 Taylor Road, Port Orange, FL
Website: Cracker Creek Boat Tours
Opening hours: Private tours may be arranged according to your chosen schedule
Price: Starts at 12 USD per person
2. Explore the history of sugar at Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
As the name suggests, the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens features gorgeous botanical gardens. Its highlight, however, is the ruins of a sugar plantation, which was established in the 19th century. Traces of the time when the property was known as Bongoland, an amusement park, may also be found here. If you are looking for a quiet place to rest and relax, this destination is a great option for you.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
Address: Sugar Mill Road Port Orange, Florida
Website: Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily) (closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)
Price: Free admission
3. Hike the placid trails of Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
The Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve features over 1,600 acres of scenic surroundings, with nature trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding occasionally cutting across the lush greenery. There’s also a tower there where you can see the marshlands around Spruce Creek. If you’re a water lover, you’ll love the fact that there’s a canoe launch right there in the preserve. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a playground where they can have fun exploring.
Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
Address: 1755 Martin’s Dairy Road, Port Orange, FL
Website: Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
Opening hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Price: Free admission
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4. Drop a line off the fishing pier of Spruce Creek Park
Spruce Creek Park should not be missed for fishing enthusiasts, whether you’re a casual or professional angler, because of its fishing pier, where even locals fish. Once you’ve caught enough fish to satisfy your hobby, feel free to explore one of the largest parks in the area. Among the other activities you can enjoy here are birdwatching, horseback riding, picnicking, and camping. There are also nature trails that you can traverse if you want to do some exploring.
Spruce Creek Park
Address: 6250 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL
Website: Spruce Creek Park
Opening hours: 7:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: Free admission
5. Browse for collectibles at All Aboard Flea & Farmers Market
If you’re constantly keeping your eyes out for good bargains, be sure to drop by All Aboard Flea & Farmers Market, where you can find just about everything that you may be interested in, whether you’re looking for a piece of furniture, a toy, or some clothes. If you’re patient enough, you can even find some treasures hidden here. Dogs are welcome too.
All Aboard Flea & Farmers Market
Address: 5005 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL
Facebook page: All Aboard Flea & Farmers Market
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 7am - 1pm (closed on Mon - Wed)
6. Stroll through the quaint cottages of Gamble Place Historic District
The Gamble Place Historic District’s key attractions are a historic home, a uniquely shaped structure dubbed as Snow White’s Cottage, and a citrus packing house, the only one of its kind. The buildings in the complex all feature signs that tell the story of each respective structure, making it easy for you to do a self-tour. Alternatively, you can arrange a special tour if you’re traveling with a group. Tickets can be purchased at the Cracker Creek office.
Gamble Place Historic District
Address: 1819 Taylor Rd, Port Orange, FL
Website: Gamble Place Historic District
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (Wed - Sun)
Price: 3 USD for adults; 2 USD for senior adults; free admission for children
7. Hit the shops at The Pavilion at Port Orange
Shopaholics rejoice because there’s also something in Port Orange for you. The Pavilion is an open-air shopping center that features a number of shops, as well as dining and entertainment options. If you like eating healthy, there’s a farmer’s market there every Saturday. There’s plenty of parking here so you don’t have to worry about finding a slot for your car.
The Pavilion at Port Orange
Address: 5501 S Williamson Blvd, Port Orange, FL
Website: The Pavilion at Port Orange
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
8. Cool off in the splash pool of Riverwalk Park
The sunny weather of Florida may be the biggest draw for visitors, but it can also be too much, especially for those who are not used to the climate. If you want an alternative to cooling off at the beach, you can drop by the Riverwalk Park and have fun at their splash park. Kids, in particular, will have fun running around the fountains and attractions there. Besides the splash park, you can also try kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding if you want to stay close to the water.
Riverwalk Park
Address: 3459 S Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange, FL
Website: Riverwalk Park
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset (daily)
Price: 5 USD
9. Race on the tracks of Go-Kart City
If you feel the need for speed, head over to Go-Kart City, where you can race around a quarter-mile track content. The good thing about this track is that it has something for all ages and skill levels, so just about everyone can have fun playing here. Besides the race track, there’s also an on-site batting cage, a mini-golf, and an arcade.
Go-Kart City
Address: 4114 S Nova Rd, Port Orange, FL
Website: Go-Kart City
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 10pm
Price: Starts at 6.50 USD
10. Thrift for upscale fashion at The Fashion Safari
If you’re looking for designer items at good prices, head over to The Fashion Safari. This establishment offers new or nearly designer-new clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories at only a certain percentage of their original prices. Unlike other consignment stores, this is well-organized and is not fully packed. Nonetheless, you may need to allot a few hours here so you can look for treasures hidden in the shelves.
The Fashion Safari
Address: 4649 Clyde Morris Blvd, Unit 602, Port Orange, FL
Website: The Fashion Safari
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
11. Visit the pirate-themed playgrounds of All Children's Park
Aaarrr, matey! This toddler-friendly playground is a great destination for families who are pirate enthusiasts, as this was designed to recall these nautical characters. Besides the playground, the park also comes with a splash area and walking and biking trails. If you’re traveling with a pet, there’s a dog park right next to this.
All Children's Park
Address: 481 Central Park Blvd, Port Orange, FL
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
12. Catch some magnificent bird sightings at Port Orange Causeway Park
Even non-birders will enjoy catching sight of the birds at Port Orange Causeway Park. Among the species that you may see here are pelicans, gulls, loons, falcons, and ibises. The park also features fishing sites and picnic areas. There are seven boat ramps as well for those who are interested in bringing their own boats here.
Port Orange Causeway Park
Address: 93 Dunlawton Ave, Port Orange, FL
Website: Port Orange Causeway Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Check out a creepy local legends at Last Resort Bar
If your interests lay in ghoulish and morbid things, the Last Resort Bar is worth checking out. This biker bar, which took on the slogan “Home of ice cold beer and killer women” is famous for being the place where Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer who was executed for killing seven men, was arrested. Wuornos, whose likeness is displayed in the bar, became known worldwide when her life was immortalized in the Hollywood flick “Monster”, where she was portrayed by Charlize Theron. Adding a dose of creepiness is the allegation that some regulars have had their ashes scattered just outside the bar.
Last Resort Bar
Address: 5812 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL
Website: Last Resort Bar
Opening hours: 10am - 2am (daily)
14. Horse-ride through lush woods at Shenandoah Stables
Did you know that you can enjoy going horseback riding right in Port Orange? Shenandoah Stables may not be as luxurious as other similar establishments, but its rough and ready appearance only helps add to the experience. The attendants friendly and knowledgeable so you can be sure that you’re in good hands as you traverse the gorgeous wooded area on your well-mannered horse.
Shenandoah Stables
Address: 1759 Tomoka Farms Rd, Port Orange, FL
Opening hours: 10am - 2:30pm (daily)
Price: 35 USD
15. Golf on the manicured links of Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy playing a game at Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club. This semi-private 18-hole course is a good option for both beginners and experts alike. The green is well maintained, and there are some water challenges to add a twist to the game. There’s a bar and grill right on the golf course, in case you need good food and drinks.
Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club
Address: 1790 Crane Lakes Blvd, Port Orange, FL
Website: Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club
Opening hours: 7:30am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Starts at 25 USD
16. Pick up a famous cinnamon roll from Aunt Catfish's On The River
Aunt Catfish’s On The River is a riverside restaurant that is famous for its cinnamon rolls. However, the other items on the menu are delicious as well, from the food options on the salad bar to its fantastic seafood. While it sees a lot of customers, waiting time is relatively quick so you don’t need to wait a long time to order your meal.
Aunt Catfish's On The River
Address: 4009 Halifax Dr, Port Orange, FL 32127, USA
Website: Aunt Catfish’s On The River
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 9pm
Price: 5.99 USD for six rolls
17. Dine on freshly caught seafood at Malibu Beach Grill
Seafood and steaks are the specialties of Malibu Beach Grill, so make sure to try these out when you visit Port Orange. You don’t have to worry about being served frozen food because meals here only use fresh ingredients and meals are freshly prepared. A bonus: there’s a playground right beside the restaurant, so if you’re traveling with kids, you can bring them here before or after dining.
Malibu Beach Grill
Address: 5543 S Williamson Blvd, Port Orange, FL
Website: Malibu Beach Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10:30pm; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
Price: 11-30 USD
18. Grab beer and juicy burgers at The Half Wall
Don’t make the mistake of assuming The Half Wall is your typical burger joint. This establishment actually offers unique items on the menu, including peanut butter and bacon burger and fried pickle burger. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you will also be pleased to know you can opt to swap the meat patty with homemade black bean patty.
The Half Wall
Address: 3770 S Nova Rd, Port Orange, FL
Website: The Half Wall
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12am
Price: 11-30 USD
19. Scuba-dive into the coastal deeps with Discover Diving Dive Center
Florida may be best known for its beaches, but have you ever considered exploring the depths? Discover Diving Dive Center offers diving lessons and rents out gear for those who want to go beyond what other holidaymakers see when they enjoy having a vacation in Port Orange. The instructors are friendly and take the time to teach even those who are new to diving.
Discover Diving Dive Center
Address: 92 Dunlawton Ave, Port Orange, FL
Website: Discover Diving Dive Center
Opening hours: Mon, Fri, Sat: 10am - 5pm; Tue, Thu: 10am - 4pm (closed on Wed & Sat)
Price: Starts at 150 USD
20. View a piece of Civil War history at Freemanville Historic Site
The Freemanville Historic Site is the area where freed slaves settled in 1867 after the Civil War. You can identify the Freemanville Historic Site thanks to its marker. If you’re in Port Orange on the second Tuesday of February, the city celebrates Freemanville Day, where you can watch performances showing the historical reenactments during the period.
Freemanville Historic Site
Address: 3431 Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL
Beyond the beach at Port Orange
Florida may be best known for its beaches, but Port Orange proves that the Sunshine State also offers something besides its famed shores. As you can see from this list, you can have fun and try out a number of activities in the area.
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