Park Summary for Print - Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Welcome to Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

This beautiful spring is named for Juan Ponce de León, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513-as legend has it-in search of the "fountain of youth." Visitors might well regain their youth by taking a dip in the cool, clear waters of Ponce de Leon Springs where the water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The main spring is a convergence of two underground water flows, and produces 14 million gallons of water daily. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush, hardwood forest and learn about the local ecology and wildlife. Rangers also conduct seasonal guided walks. Picnicking is a popular activity at the park; grills and pavilions are available. Anglers will enjoy fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish. Located one-half mile south of U.S. 90 on County Road 181A.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, please call 850-836-4281.

Hours of Operation

8:00 AM to sunset

Driving Directions

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park Area is located one half mile south of U.S. 90 on C.R,181A.

Park Fees

Admission Fee - $3.00 per vehicle
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, extra Passengers, Passengers in vehicles with Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit - Admission Fee $1.00

Activities at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

	Fishing Fishing is permitted in areas not designated for swimming. Otherwise throw your pole in and watch your cork to see if your efforts are to be rewarded with catches of catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and panfish. If watching closely you can actually see the fish come to the bait. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Nature Trails Take a stroll down the two trails of the park, Sandy Creek and Spring Run. Each trail will take you through a lush hardwood forest, which provides optimum vantage points for observing wildlife along the 350-foot spring run and Sandy Creek. As well as, a relaxing stroll among a variety of native plant and animal habitat, where you can listen to the relaxing sounds of the flowing stream or conversation of the birds. Rangers also conduct seasonal guided walks, but self-guided tours are also available.
	Picnicking After you have worked up an appetite splashing around in the cool spring water and walking the nature trails, it is time for lunch. Approximately 20 acres have been enhanced with amenities for visitors. Four picnic shelters with grills are available for reservation, and numerous picnic tables are available on the grounds for anyone who wishes to stop in for a short picnic lunch, or spend the day swimming and relaxing in the park. Your grill is also welcome for that special cookout.
	Snorkeling Snorkeling is available in designated areas
	Swimming On those sweltering days of summer, regain your youth by taking a dip in the cool crystal clear waters of Ponce De Leon Springs where the water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees year round. You may not get any younger but the water is sure to invigorate. The park has a large bathroom facility complete with changing rooms for your convenience.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Question: Is it actually the fountain of youth?
Answer: Although it is not certain that Ponce De Leon actually made it here, a certain feeling of youth will come with a dip into the spring.

Question: Are there alligators in the park?
Answer: Although alligators do not frequent the cool waters of the spring, they are present in the waters of Sandy Creek, and could possible stray. As with all native animals in the park, they are protected.

Question: May we bring our own grill?
Answer: Yes, although some grills are available, you may bring your own. For safety, please contact a Park Ranger for dumping hot coals.

Question: Is my dog allowed in the park?
Answer: Yes, however they must be on a hand-held lease at all times, well behaved and cannot be in any of the designated swimming areas.

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park History

The park property was acquired in 1970 to provide outdoor recreation and opportunities for relaxation and reflection for Florida’s residents and visitors. It had been used for social gatherings of all sorts since the mid 1920’s. The property was once owned by the Smithgall family who built a wooden retaining wall around the spring in 1926 to prevent erosion. It was replaced by a concrete wall in 1953 and eventually with the existing wall in 1983.

The terrain is mostly rolling hills, floodplain forest and swamp which follow the basic patterns of Sandy Creek, Mill Creek and Blue Creek. They connect with the spring run and then flow into the Choctawhatchee River and on into the Gulf of Mexico. Although Ponce De Leon himself may not have actually set foot in these waters nor became any younger, a refreshing feeling of youth will undoubtedly follow a dip into the spring.