PONCE DE LEON SPRINGS STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller April 28, 2025

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, located in the quiet town of Ponce de Leon in Florida’s Panhandle, is a serene retreat centered around a stunning freshwater spring.

Named for the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, this 386-acre park offers a crystal-clear swimming hole, shaded by ancient cypresses, where the water remains a constant 68°F year-round.

Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking, the park also features two short nature trails through lush hardwood forests, inviting visitors to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Northwest Florida. 

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

The spring, fed by the Floridan Aquifer, was a vital resource for Native American tribes like the Chatot and Chisca before European arrival.

Named after Ponce de León, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513, the spring is tied to the legend of his quest for the Fountain of Youth, though no evidence confirms his visit here.

In 1864 during the Civil War, Union soldiers paused at the springs during a raid, destroying a nearby hotel. The Smithgall family owned the land in the 1920s, opening it to the public after building a retaining wall to prevent erosion.

Acquired by Florida in 1970 using the Land Acquisition Trust Fund, the park was developed for recreation and conservation, preserving its ecological and historical value.  

Located at 2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Rd, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455, the park is just off I-10, a half-mile south of U.S. 90 on County Road 181A.

It’s open daily from 8 am to sunset. The park can reach capacity in summer, so arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking (41 spaces).

No camping is available, but picnic pavilions and tables are plentiful; reserve pavilions for a modest sum. Bring snorkeling gear for the spring’s clear waters, and wear waterproof shoes for trails, which may be muddy.

Call (850) 836-4281 for accessibility needs, like the chair lift, or to reserve a pavilion for the day. 

• The main spring, a first-magnitude vent, produces 14 million gallons of water daily, feeding Sandy Creek and the Choctawhatchee River. 

• The park protects rare pitcher plants and historic turpentine woodlands.  

• Winter birding is exceptional, with species like golden-crowned kinglets along the Great Florida Birding Trail.  

• Traces of 1920s turpentine collection, like cat-faced pines, are visible on trails.  

• Alligators inhabit the park, so keep children close on the Spring Run and Sandy Creek trails.

PONCE DE LEON SPRINGS STATE PARK WEBSITE