'The Athens Of Florida' Is A Mural-Filled City With Indie Shops, Gardens, And Lake Proximity

If you're saving up a budget to visit Greece but looking for a getaway closer to home in the meantime, consider a trip to DeLand, Florida. Known as "The Athens of Florida," DeLand has long been celebrated for its intellectual roots and artsy culture. But unlike the Greek capital and other popular and least-walkable Florida cities like Orlando, DeLand is slow-paced and sans crowds. It's very walkable, so visitors can easily spend a day admiring the city's historic murals on foot, shaded by ancient oak trees lining the streets. DeLand's Historic Garden District is full of heritage sites, and the city's Bill Dreggors Park (also a historic site) offers a Sensory Butterfly Garden open for exploration.

Founded in the late 1800s, DeLand is home to Stetson University, the oldest private college and home to the first law school in the Sunshine State. The stately campus gives the city a distinctly academic energy. But beyond the university, this small city is loaded with appeal, from vibrant art to an award-winning main street and a steady stream of creatives and entrepreneurs who've put down roots here instead of bigger cities.

One thing visitors to DeLand can't skip is the DeLand Mural Walk, which not only guides you through the historic downtown but offers a visual tour through the city's history. Local businesses have embraced the art-forward identity too; you'll find quirky signage and hand-painted windows across the district. It's not a huge city, but that's part of the magic. In DeLand, a coffee shop can double as a community hub, and a bookstore might host both a reading and a folk show in the same weekend. The vibe is warm and welcoming — a dose of Southern hospitality with an artistic and modern edge.

The DeLand Mural Walk is only one of many artsy endeavors in town. The DeLand Museum of Art is another must-visit for art lovers, with rotating exhibitions and partner programs, such as the DeLand Sculpture Walk, DeLand Miniature Art Adventure, and Utility Box Art Wrap. There's also the African American Museum of the Arts, which hosts a revolving gallery and permanent collection of art and artifacts. This museum also sponsors the DeLand Black Heritage Trail, mapped out cycling and walking routes to important Black historical landmarks throughout the city. Visitors can catch a show at the Athens Theatre, first established in 1921. Don't worry — the shows have been updated, with tickets to modern performances available online.

When it's time to refuel, you've got plenty of options. Boston Coffeehouse and Trilogy are cozy spots to grab a brew and fresh-baked pastry. Restaurants like Urban Brick, Bake Chop, and Mongoose are local favorites for a meal. To stick with the Greek theme, grab a table at Santorini's for traditional plates like gyros, moussaka, spanakopita, and more. Insider tip: if you happen to be visiting on a Friday, don't miss the Artisan Alley farmers market held every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Visitors should plan on shopping downtown in the many shops and boutiques offering everything from gifts and local art to clothes, antiques, jewelry, vinyls, and more. Anna's Bananas sells handcrafted furniture, and vintage and thrift lovers should check out Nancy's Vintage and Retro, Wild Violet Vintage, and Ms. Preppy Pants Consignment Boutique. Pop into The Muse Bookshop, a longtime local favorite with floor-to-ceiling shelves stuffed with reading material. A few steps away, Pretty Little Things sells curated gifts and handmade accessories — perfect for picking up a souvenir.

DeLand also has appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Hit the DeLand Greenway for cycling trails that wind around the city through parks, neighborhoods, and the university. Thrill seekers will be, well, thrilled to hear SkyDive DeLand offers tandem jumps as well as lessons and certifications for more committed enthusiasts. 

And while DeLand's downtown steals the show, its surroundings offer some of the best reasons to stay a while. Just a 10-minute drive west, you'll find Lake Beresford Park, where you can enjoy a 1.8-mile multi-use trail and shaded nature trails. Hontoon Island State Park also offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more on the St. John's River. Several local outfitters offer rentals for paddles through lush, wildlife-rich areas. It's not uncommon to spot manatees, osprey, or even the occasional alligator — this is wild Florida, after all. For a more low-key option, book a river cruise and let someone else do the navigating while you soak in the scenery. Plant lovers should visit Dunlawton Sugar Mills botanical gardens, only a half hour away on the coast. DeLand's proximity to the coast also makes it a perfect base for a beach day trip. Just a few minutes south is Smyrna Beach, one of the best beaches in Florida for seafood lovers.

Getting here is easy by car, plane, and train. DeLand sits just off I-4, about 30 minutes west of Daytona Beach and 45 minutes north of Orlando. And while you won't find mega-resorts here, DeLand has plenty of updated inns. Stay downtown if you want to walk to shops and restaurants, or choose a lakeside or riverside rental for a more tranquil experience outside of town. Whether you're coming for art, shopping, or a few quiet days in nature, DeLand's got you covered.