About Our Home: Orange City, Florida

History of Orange City, FL

Orange City, Florida, was incorporated in 1882. It got its name from the hundreds of orange trees that grew in and around the city, which created a prosperous city until 1894-95 when the Great Freeze occurred and destroyed many of the orange groves. Despite the city not being incorporated until the 1880s, the first permanent home in the area, the Thursby house, was built in 1857 by Louis Thursby, one of the first European settlers here, who hoped the location would make him grow wealthy. After the city was incorporated, important services were added, such as a city hall, police department, and fire department. The fire department was made up of volunteers using two carts with hoses. The fire department used a large bell as a fire alarm to alert the department of a fire in town, which worked fine until one evening when a cow got tangled in the rope. The cow struggled to get free, ringing the bell loud and fast, which brought firefighters running. They searched all over for the fire, but all they found was a tangled cow. Now, the bell is still visible in front of the fire department, but the growing city has found other methods to alert people of fire.

• Orange City Town History
• The Land Around Us: Orange City, Florida

Location

Orange City is in Volusia County, Florida, and is a smaller city in the larger Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metropolitan area, not too far from Orlando. It's about 7.2 square miles in size and is home to more than 10,000 residents.

• Map of Orange City, Florida

Orange City Weather

Orange City, Florida, has long, hot summers that can typically get as warm as the high 80s and low 90s. The warmer weather lasts for most of the year, with an average daily temperature of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler season lasts about three months, from December through February, but even then, the temperature rarely dips below the high 40s, with the weather being mostly cloudy during that season. The temperature in Orange City usually ranges from mild to hot, so if you're trying to escape the cold weather and snow, Orange City is a great destination to check out!

• WESH Weather Forecast
• Weather in the Daytona Region

Local Attractions

There are plenty of things to do in Orange City to keep you busy when you visit. One of the biggest attractions in the area is Blue Spring State Park, a park devoted to conservation where guests can visit the warm waters of the St. Johns River and get an up-close look at manatees. Visitors can also hike along any of the surrounding trails in the park, take a canoe or kayak out on the river themselves, or sign up for a guided riverboat cruise to learn more about the history of the area and the animals and fish that call this park their home. Outside of the park and the St. Johns River, there are plenty of historical sites you can visit to get a feel for the area's roots. One of the most popular historical destinations for tourists is the Thursby house, which was built in the 1800s and was one of the first permanent buildings in the area.

• Blue Spring State Park
• NinJoga Paddleboard Fitness
• St. Johns River Cruises

Where to Eat in Orange City

When you're looking for food in Orange City to keep you full for any adventures you have planned, no matter what your palate or budget might be like, you're sure to find something good. If you're a big barbecue fan, you can check out Colt's Pig Stand for all of your favorite, classics like pork, brisket, chicken, and even fried fish. If you'd prefer your fish less fried and more fresh and authentic, Red Crab has a variety of seafood dishes designed to create a dining experience you won't soon forget. Or, if fine dining isn't your go-to choice, you could still get seafood at Fire on the Bayou, a Cajun-inspired restaurant with all of your favorite classic Southern seafood dishes to fill you up. Looking for a bar in Orange City? Stop by American Pub and Grill for a drink and a place to catch a Magic, Lightning, or Rays game. It's hard to choose the best restaurants in Orange City to showcase when there are so many different places to try! Depending on your favorite foods, you can get sushi at Asahi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar or great Mexican at Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican Restaurant. And if you're looking for classic diner food, you can't go wrong with Gram's Kitchen.

• Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican Restaurant
• Asahi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
• Colt's Pig Stand
• Red Crab

Where to Stay in Orange City

There are dozens of hotels in Orange City, Florida, and even more in the surrounding areas. Depending on your method of travel, if you're coming through in your RV or travel trailer, you could stop by the Orange City RV Resort to take a break from driving and enjoy the scenery. If you're looking for something unique to the area, you could stop by the 1876 Heritage Inn, where each room has its own character; no two rooms are alike! There are also plenty of chain hotels near Orange City that are comfortable and perfect for people who just want a place to rest their heads at night while they explore the area.

• 1876 Heritage Inn
• Orange City RV Resort

Dental Care Services in Orange City, FL

Whether you're a resident or just passing through, when you're looking for a pediatric dentist in Orange City with a wide variety of services, from simple dental exams and cleanings to emergency dental services, look no further than Main Street Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics. Our practice has a team of experienced and dedicated local dentists who can improve your oral health and strives to give you the best possible dental service so you always have something to smile about! To make an appointment, call our office at (386) 878-4395 or book an appointment online.