Last Updated on November 24, 2023
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is in Ponce de Leon Springs, Florida, and worth a visit (this is not De Leon Springs in North Central Florida, the place with the make-your-own pancakes).
Located approximately 15 minutes from DeFuniak Springs and 57 miles northwest of Panama City, the Northwest Florida park is in Holmes County and is known for its beautiful spring.
These are some of the top places to visit around Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, including nearby fun places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.
From classic burgers to cool treehouses to unique shops, check out all the places you can see on a trip to this natural area.
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is in the Florida Panhandle. It was named after a well-known Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de León traveled across the Sunshine State in the 1500s searching for the Fountain of Youth.
The natural springs maintain a consistent water temperature of 68 degrees year-round, with the main spring producing 14 million gallons of water daily!
The Florida state park has amenities for visitors to utilize throughout their day. There are picnic pavilions with grills available to reserve and other picnic areas with tables that are great places to enjoy a packed lunch.
There is a large bathhouse facility with changing rooms and shower stations to utilize before you head home or to your next destination.
Things to Do at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Adventures are to be experienced at this tourist destination, with plenty of fun things to do for people of all ages.
A popular activity at this park is enjoying the beauty of the spring in the clear waters of the swimming area.
The cool spring water is the perfect relief on a hot day! Snorkeling gives a unique view of the underwater landscape.
There are nature trails where visitors can walk leisurely through the hardwood forest. You can appreciate self-guided nature experiences on these short trials.
Sandy Creek trail provides opportunities to see native wildlife by the spring run.
In addition, the trails are a great place for birding, with the area being the southernmost spot for many wintering birds.
Fishing is another popular activity at the park. Fishing is permitted in the non-swimming areas. Look for largemouth bass and chain pickerel native to the waters.
TIPS:
- Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is open daily from 8 am to sunset.
- Park entrance admission fees are $3 per vehicle (up to eight people; as of July 2023).
- When the ranger station is unattended, use the honor box to pay.
- The park experiences high visitation during the summer months and will close to new visitors if the park reaches capacity. Try to beat the crowds by arriving early!
- The best time to visit is in the winter when there are fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
- There are no campgrounds located within this state park.
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park Address: 2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Rd., Ponce de Leon, FL 32455
Where to Eat Near the State Park
Ed’s Restaurant
Ed’s Restaurant is a great place to eat near Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. The restaurant is located in DeFuniak Springs. It’s less than 15 miles away from the park.
Established 50+ years ago, Ed’s is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, generous portions, and tasty Pub burgers.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so visitors have tons of delicious options no matter when they stop by!
Breakfast includes classic diner fare like hash browns, omelets, hotcakes, grits, and biscuits. There are rotating home-style dishes available for lunch on weekdays, with options such as meatloaf or chicken and dumplings.
The dinner menu has sandwiches, seafood plates, fried chicken, and the Pub burger.
Order a combo and try one of their delicious sides like fries or onion rings – or both! Yum!
TIPS:
- Ed’s Restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6 am to 9 pm.
- Daily lunch specials are served Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm.
- Breakfast is Monday through Friday until 10 am and until 10:30 am on Saturdays.
For more information, visit the official Ed’s Restaurant website.
Ed’s Restaurant Address: 1324 US-90, Defuniak Springs, FL
Additional Places to Eat
The Lunch Box
This is one of our favorite Ponce De Leon, FL food trucks.
Choose between burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, and salads — all of which pair excellently with their tasty sides.
The Lunch Box Address: 1578 W Main St., Ponce De Leon, FL 32455
Bogey’s Bar & Restaurant
Located in historic Defuniak Springs, Bogey’s is a local gem that offers decadent entrees like filet mignon and ribeye steak.
Bogey’s Bar & Restaurant Address: 660 Baldwin Ave, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
Fannin’s Family Restaurant
If you are craving Southern cooking, we recommend Fannin’s.
The menu includes favorites like country-fried steak, pork chops, and a seafood sampler – you can’t go wrong with any of these tasty options.
Fannin’s Family Restaurant Address: 3861 FL-83 N, Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
Where to Stay Near Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
The Treehouse
The Treehouse is a vacation rental near Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. The cabin is conveniently located not far from the Choctawhatchee River, in a remote forest area.
This is the perfect place to stay if you want to disconnect while enjoying modern comforts and amenities.
The cabin is approximately 12 feet off the ground, with a breakfast nook that provides scenic views of the forest – the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
In the evenings, you can sit around the fire pit and under the string lights, tuning into the sounds of nature.
This relaxing rental has an open-concept interior with a king bed, couch, gas fireplace, and air conditioning.
TIPS:
- The Treehouse is available for booking daily.
- Check-in is after 3 pm. Check-out is before 11 am.
- Because of the steps needed to access the cabin, this treehouse is not ADA-accessible.
- There is a 4-guest maximum at this property.
- Pets are allowed at the cabin.
- This is a popular rental, so make sure to book in advance!
- There is a 2-night minimum for each reservation.
For more information, visit the official listing on the Airbnb website.
The Treehouse Address: Near PCB and 30A, Ponce de Leon, FL (exact address is provided after reservation is confirmed)
Additional Places to Stay Near Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Hotel Defuniak
We have previously mentioned how much we love this gorgeous Defuniak Springs hotel, though it bares repeating.
The historic spot has comfy accommodations and the wonderful Cafe Nola located onsite.
Hotel Defuniak Address: 400 E Nelson Ave, Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
Sapphire Island Camping & RV Park
If you want to stay at a quieter spot more in touch with nature, we recommend Sapphire Island for those traveling with a RV or camping.
The property has a fitness room, game room, bathhouses, and more.
Sapphire Island Camping & RV Park Address: 5687 US Hwy. 331 South, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
Where to Shop Near Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Happenstance360 Gifts & Print Shoppe
Happenstance360 Gifts & Print Shoppe is a cool place to shop near Ponce de Leon Springs State Park.
The shoppe is located in DeFuniak Springs, about 14 miles away.
It is a local business started by best friends aiming to provide its shoppers with thoughtful gifts and prints.
Everything in the gift shop is handmade or handpicked, so all is curated with high quality in mind.
You can buy various items here, like uniquely scented soaps and candles, jewelry, and delicious chocolates.
The print shop prints so many different things for its customers. From copies to photos to posters and more, if you have been looking for a place to print one of your masterpieces, this is it!
TIPS:
- Happenstance360 Gifts & Print Shoppe is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
- Print jobs are accepted via email to the shop.
For more information, visit the official Happenstance360 Gifts & Print Shoppe website.
Happenstance360 Gifts & Print Shoppe Address: 571 US-331, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
Additional Places to Shop Near Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
81 South Flea Market
We adore this weekend flea market. The market hosts a variety of cool vendors, promising different and unique finds with every visit.
81 South Flea Market Address: 2972 Samson Hwy, Ponce De Leon, FL 32455
Hughes Thrift Shoppe
This Defuniak Springs thrift store has a wide variety of new and used items, including home decor and furniture.
Hughes Thrift Shoppe Address: 961 US Highway 90 West, Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
Redemption Boutique Thrift Store
Redemption Boutique is a place where we have found some great options. This cute shop sells secondhand clothing, kitchenware, and more.
Redemption Boutique Thrift Store Address: 37 N 9th St., Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
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