In the quiet town of Ponce de Leon, the spring’s the thing. Chalky blue 68-degree water tempts swimmers in for a chilly dip in this first-magnitude spring, which gushes forth 14 million gallons of clean, clear water daily. It’s a natural plunge pool hemmed in by limestone walls and shaded by ancient cypress, inviting relaxation on a quiet summer weekday.
Resources
Overview
Location: Ponce de Leon
Lat-Lon: 30.722975,-85.930478
Fees: $4 per vehicle
Open: 8 AM until sunset daily
Location
Along US 90 northeast of the Interstate 10 exit for Ponce De Leon.
Details
Weekends mean the old swimming hole is pretty busy! This has been a popular local bathing spot since the 1920s, and still hosts swarms of families looking for a picnic spot and a place to lay a beach towel. To slip away from the crowds, follow the nature trails down along the spring run, or bring your fishing pole and watch in fascination as the fish rise to the bait. Away from the swimmers, of course.
Explore the park
Ponce De Leon Springs Nature Trails - Two short nature trails, the Sandy Creek Trail and the Spring Creek Trail, follow the confluence of waters at Ponce De Leon Springs State Park.
Manatee Springs State Park
Do you have campsites for RV’s?
We’re not the park, but no, there is no camping there. You can find camping at nearby Vortex Springs, a private park just a little ways north of I-10.