Oak Hill, Florida

An overview of Oak Hill

The town of Oak Hill is the southernmost city in Volusia County. The community of about 2,500 residents retains that feeling of “Old Florida” amid the towering oak trees which gave the city its name. Residents in this section of Volusia County relish a slower pace, placing importance on natural surroundings and the simpler things in life.

Oak Hill is bordered on the eastern edge by the Indian River and the Mosquito Lagoon, one of the most important estuary systems in the United States, which lies within Cape Canaveral National Seashore. These waters are considered the “Redfish Fishing Capital of the World” and offer tremendous fishing opportunities for experienced fisherman or novices.  Area guides can locate fishing hotbeds of redfish, trout and mullet.

This area was once a stronghold for the Florida fishing industry until a ban on gill nets all but ended that local industry. But due to the abundance of fishable locales, leisure and sport fishing remains a key pastime. There are still a few fish camps remaining along the water’s edge.

Another industry that was important in Oak Hill’s past was citrus. Orange groves filled acre upon acre of valuable land until freezes hit. Many of those former groves have been replaced by housing.

Next to the banks of the Mosquito Lagoon are large shell mounds originally created by the Timucuan Indians. As they fished for clams and oysters, these early residents of Florida tossed the leftover shells aside. These mounds of high and dry shell were used in early pioneering days as crushed shell for roadways. Several of these mounds remain today.

Recently, two dwellings and a half mile walkway, built around the property known as Seminole Rest, were reopened to allow the public to see a pioneer settlement dating from the 1890’s. Both the Instone House and the Caretaker’s House are good examples of those earlier times. The public walkway around the homes allows viewing access to the nearby waters of the Mosquito Lagoon estuary.

Because of Oak Hill’s close proximity to the water, boating, canoeing and kayaking are also strong activities. As are walking nature trails and bird watching. River Breeze Park is a popular destination for camping, picnics and viewing wildlife.

The city of Oak Hill is within close driving distance to the Kennedy Space Center and other Central Florida locations. The open vistas over the water offer the perfect spot to watch the shuttle launches.