On our last trip visiting Florida, we rented a tiny houseboat to spend a few days along the St. Johns River near the DeLand area. This was how we know about the super cool De Leon Springs State Park. Located about 1 hour outside of Orlando, Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is not only full of history, but it’s also a perfect place to cool off from the sweltering summer heat by taking a dip in the clear, freshwater springs. The springs here were once called Acuera or “Healing Waters” by Mayaca Indians, who inhabited the area. Besides the refreshing springs and the rich history, there are also lush trails, educational boat rides, and many other fun things to do here.
Table of Contents
Stats
Where
De Leon Springs State Park:
601 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
De Leon Springs FL 32130
Parking
There is plenty of parking inside the park.
Hours
De Leon Springs State Park opens at 8 AM daily and closes at sunset.
Fee
- $6 per vehicle (up to eight people)
- $4 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle.
- If you are not entering by car, pedestrians cost $2.
Time:
Depending on what you want to do here, the hours might vary but at 2-3 hours.
Pet-friendly
Dogs are allowed at De Leon Springs, but can’t go swimming in the springs or in the restaurant.
Ideal Time
De Leon Springs can get very busy during the weekend and peak summer season.
Weather
Video
Quick History About De Leon Springs State Park
In 1832, the first water-powered sugar mill in Florida was built here at the Spring Garden Plantation. There are some brickwork and machinery that are still preserved behind the restaurant nowadays. In 1835, the mill was destroyed by the Seminole Indians. Two years later, the troops under the command of General Zachery Taylor finally drove the Seminoles out. The mill was then rebuilt in 1949. It continued to produce cotton and sugar. However, during the Civil War in April 1864, the Union troops destroyed the plantation before they heard that the owners were providing supplies to the Confederate Army.
By the late 1800s, Spring Garden Plantation become a tourist destination and was renamed Ponce de Leon Springs. Besides renaming the plantation, the local residents also called the springs the Fountain of Youth, all to attract tourists. In 1925, the Ponce de Leon Springs Hotel & Casino was built to cater to wealthier Northern visitors. This place also became one of over 100 roadside attractions in Florida, featuring tropical gardens, a jungle cruise, a tram tour, and even a water skiing elephant!! Unfortunately, after 16 years, it closed its door, until 1982, when the state of Florida and Volusia County purchased the property. Hence, we have the De Leon Springs State Park.
Important Things to Know
How to Get to De Leon Springs State Park
You can get to De Leon Springs State Park on a boat or by car. Because we stayed on the tiny houseboat for a few days, we actually got to the park on our boat. However, most people would be getting here by car. It is about 1 hour north of Orlando, up the I-4. You should be able to map your way there using the address above.
When is the Best Time to Visit De Leon Springs?
De Leon Springs can get very busy during the weekend and peak summer season. If you prefer less crowded, we recommend visiting on the weekdays. You can visit this place year-round. However, Summer has the best weather for swimming while October – April is perfect for paddling with cooler weather and less chance of thunderstorms.
Are There Gators in De Leon Springs?
Like any body of water in Florida, there will always be a chance of alligators hanging out in the springs. However, because there is a divider between the headsprings and the Spring Garden Run, they usually hang out at the Spring Garden Run rather than at the swim area.
What You Should Know Before Visiting De Leon Springs State Park
- You can launch your own boat (up to 20ft), canoe, and kayak here.
- You can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in the springs. However, scuba diving is only allowed with a class.
- You can bring your dogs here, however, they are not allowed to go swimming in the springs or go inside the restaurants. They also must be on a hand-held, 6-foot leash at all times.
- There are bathrooms and outdoor showers here, however, there are no lockets.
- If you’re planning to bring a floaty, it has to be less than 4ftx6ft or 5ft in diameter.
- There are picnic tables and grills available. You can bring your own food, but no alcohol.
- There is a restaurant and a convenience store where you can buy food and knickknacks
Things to Do When Visiting De Leon Springs State Park
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center here has exhibits that feature the park’s 6000-year history, starting from the Mayaca through the 1960s attractions era. It was very interesting to learn about the rich history of this beautiful place. The visitor center is open daily but the hours vary so you can check once you get there.
Walk Around the Park and Historic Site
If you love history, the De Leon Springs State Park is steeped in rich history. Throughout the park, there are interpretive signs and kiosks to give you insight into the story of this place. At the park entrances, there are structures that date back to the 1950s. There are shell mounds underlying many park structures from thousands of years of native people inhabiting this area. You can also see some brickwork, machinery, and the original mill wheel hub that is still preserved behind the restaurant. Near the restaurant, you can also spot the Fountain of Youth. Even though it is not flowing, there is an interpretive sign explaining its function.
Take an Eco-History Boat Tour
The 50-minute boat tour takes visitors along the Spring Garden Run to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. It is a relaxing trip where you get to see local wildlife and learn about the area’s over 6000 years of history. This tour is wheelchair accessible and runs daily, every hour from 10 am – 1 pm. If you’re planning on dining at the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant, you can put your name on the waiting list first before taking the boat tour. You won’t lose your place on the waiting list.
Dine at the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant
Speaking of the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant, this place is a replica of the 1830s sugar mill. It gets very busy regardless of when you’re visiting. This place is unique because you can cook your own pancakes at the table. We didn’t have enough time to grab food here when we visited, however, we heard great things about it and we can’t wait to come back to check it out.
Walk the Nature Trails
De Leon Springs State Park has a few trails if you want to go on a hike. There is a half-mile, wheelchair-accessible paved nature trail that passes through a floodplain forest that features a cypress tree that is more than 600 years old. If you want something a bit more substantial, check out the Wild Persimmon Trail. It is a 4-mile loop where you can see deer, turkeys, wild hogs, and even black bears. It can get buggy here, so make sure to bring your bug repellent.
Go for a Paddle
De Leon Springs is the perfect place to start your paddling trip. It provides access to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. You can bring your own kayak, paddleboard, or canoes and launch from the boat ramp. If you don’t have your own, you can also rent them here. Like any body of water in Florida, there are gators that live here so proceed with caution. We actually saw a few of them hanging out near the dock area.
Swim and Snorkel in the Springs
One of the main reasons people visit this place is for the refreshing springs here with a constant 72 degrees year-round. You can swim or snorkel here from 8 am to 30 minutes before sunset. Due to boats as well as alligators, you can only swim or snorkel in the swim area and NOT in the Spring Run. While we were in the springs, we had no idea that the springs here can get very deep. It has a depth ranging from 18 inches to 30ft near the spring boil. That’s why you’ll see a lot of the locals jumping into the deeper part of the springs. Dustin enjoyed his little cliff jump. Please note that the swimming area will be closed when lightning is detected within 6 miles.
Besides De Leon Springs, Florida also has some awesome springs such as Blue Springs, Wekiwa Springs, and Three Sister Springs. They are super fun to visit.
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
- Lots of sunscreens, we use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30. and tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
- Swimsuits and towels
- Floaties but make sure they are smaller than 5ft in diameter.
- Watershoes
- Sunglasses
- Food, snacks, and drinks but no alcohol. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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