Basic Information
De Leon Springs State Park is a great way to spend an afternoon in Central Florida! It offers a swimming area with water ranging from 2-30 feet deep and a chilly 72 degrees.
The park offers boat tours, kayak rentals, fishing, swimming (all day tube rentals are $5), nature trails, a restaurant, as well as bathrooms and a visitors center.
Crowds: This park is moderately crowded compared to other popular springs (Kelly Springs, Wekiwa springs), which often sell out early in the day. We attended on a fall weekend afternoon and had no trouble getting in.
Hours: Open 8 am to sunset 365 days a year.
Price: $6 per car
Address: 601 Ponce de Leon Blvd., De Leon Springs FL 32130
What to pack: sunscreen, swimsuits, tubes or noodles, life jackets (if needed) a picnic lunch and snacks (if not dining in the restaurant), snorkel, towels.
Dining
The most unique thing about this natural spring is the historic Sugar Mill Restaurant located in the park. The restaurant features griddles in the middle of each table where you cook your own pancakes. The menu features breakfast and lunch fare at reasonable prices. The all you can eat pancakes are $5.95 pp plus $1.95 for each add on (blueberries, bananas, apples, chocolate chips, etc). The pancakes taste amazing and you have a choice of a traditional batter, as well as a 5 grain batter.
History
Here is some interesting historical information about the park from: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/de-leon-springs-state-park
“Once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by Mayaca Indians who inhabited the area, De Leon Springs is a place to cool off in clear waters, roam trails through a lush subtropical forest that features a massive old-growth bald cypress tree, and immerse oneself in a rich history. The spring run was once used to turn a sugar cane mill followed by a grist mill to turn corn into flour during the Civil War.”
Enjoy your visit to De Leon Springs State Park!
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