Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Ponce De Leon Springs State Park is a medium sized park area centered around the Ponce De Leon springs, which gush about 14 million gallons of water daily into a stone-walled swimming area. 

Named after the supposed discoverer of the fountain of youth, Ponce De Leon Springs are set in a state park containing picnic areas, two short hiking trails, and a large bathhouse. But the prime attraction here are the springs that emerge at 68 degrees into a sculpted swimming area, essentially creating a large emerald sand-bottom pool beneath the cypress trees.

Several stairs and ladders offer entry to the spring and the spring run area. The park's Spring Run Trail traces a path along the slow-flowing spring run and the tea-colored Sandy Creek. Swimming and snorkling are permitted in the spring area, however SCUBA diving is not.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Entry is $4 per vehicle.

Visitors during the summer months may find large crowds at the spring; however, this crowd thins to nearly non-existent in the off-months. The nearest groceries are located at the service stations off of I-10 exit 96 about 2 miles away.

Additional information can be found at the park's website or by calling 850.836.4281. It should be noted that a strong windstorm in mid-2018 damaged many of the park's trees, and trails may be closed around ongoing clean-up efforts.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Beautiful springs. Scenic area.

Cons

None.

Features

ADA accessible
Wildlife
Flushing toilets
Family friendly
Picnic tables
Near lake or river
Bird watching
Horseshoes
Swimming pool
Potable water

Location

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