Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Visitors might regain their youth by taking a dip in the cool, clear waters of these immaculate springs

Park Capacity

During periods of high visitation, visitors may experience long wait times to enter Ponce De Leon Springs State Park. The park frequently reaches capacity and may temporarily close. Closures occur intermittently and for an unknown duration of time. Pedestrians and bicyclists will not be allowed to enter until the park reopens.

Hours

8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.

Fees

$4 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees when ranger station not attended.

See all fees

Location

2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Road
Ponce de Leon FL 32455

Get directions

Contact Info

850-836-4281

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.


Ponce de Leon Springs' 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 can enjoy fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and panfish.

Plan Your Visit

Florida State Parks logo
Learn

Manager's Message

Come out and experience the 68-degree water flowing from the spring vents. The 14 million gallons of crystal-clear water boils out of the spring each day and travels down the spring run where it merges with Sandy Creek's tea-colored waters.
Pines, Flatwoods, Turpentine
Learn

Exploration

You may have found Ponce de Leon Springs State Park while looking for a refreshing place to take a summer swim, but the park offers many more experiences for the explorer who dares venture a bit farther from the parking area.
Spring - Ponce de Leon
Learn

Cool Refreshing Waters

It is said that Ponce de Leon never made it to the Florida Panhandle in his search for the Fountain of Youth. We like to think that if he did, and he managed to find this secluded spring that bears his name, he would still be with us today.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Historic Site
Historic Site
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park Photo Gallery

Ponce de Leon Springs
Hiking at Ponce de Leon
Swimming in the Spring
Ponce de Leon Springs
Ponce de Leon Springs
Ponce de Leon Springs
Picnicking at Ponce de Leon
Ponce de Leon Springs
Ponce de Leon Springs
View of calm spring waters shaded by trees.
Ponce de Leon Springs
trees, prescribed burn
Learn

Longleaf Pines at Ponce de Leon

There is a saying, “You can’t see the forest for the trees.” Life can be hectic, and even when taking the time to visit a wooded area, in our rush to spend time in nature, sometimes we forget to experience it.
Water, Fish, Swamp, Ducks, Reptiles
Learn

Sandy Creek at Ponce de Leon

Welcome to the South, where the beverage of choice - sweet tea - is so popular even our creeks are tea-colored.

People Make the Parks

Park Services Specialist Fred Provost points at the camera while holding small child who is admiring his uniform.

Staff Spotlight

If you’ve ever spoken with our park services specialist, you’d know pretty quick that Fred Provost loves his job.
Volunteer Jerrettha French stands at the window of Ponce de Leon Springs Ranger Station ready to greet visitors with a smile.

Volunteer Spotlight

Rettha’s cheerful demeanor and enthusiasm about the park is infectious.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Park Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Bald Point Beach

Bald Point State Park

Enjoy some of the most picturesque areas along North Florida's Gulf Coast. Bald Point offers access to two Apalachee Bay beaches for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing. Facilities include a fishing dock and picnic pavilions.

146 Box Cut Road
Alligator Point FL 32346

An anhinga sits wings outstretched near the base of a large cypress tree.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the sapphire water of Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or atop the diving platform.

465 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs FL 32327

Ochlockonee River State Park

Ochlockonee River State Park

This jewel of a park is a great place to get away for a weekend or a weeklong vacation. The deep, brackish waters of the Ochlocknee River make this park an angler's paradise.

429 State Park Road
Sopchoppy FL 32358