De Leon Springs State Park Orlando
Swim in a 72°F spring, hike trails, and make your own pancakes at this historic Florida State Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier park entry
De Leon Springs State Park Orlando
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier park entry
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Swim in a 72°F spring, hike trails, and make your own pancakes at this historic Florida State Park.
"The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House is a must-do for its unique DIY pancake experience!"
🎯 Pancake House Wait Times
Put your name in early for the Sugar Mill; waits can be 2+ hours on weekends. Bring snacks!
🚗 Park Capacity Alerts
The park often reaches capacity. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid being turned away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Sugar Mill Pancake House
Inside De Leon Springs State Park
Make your own all-you-can-eat pancakes at your table! A unique and delicious dining experience.
The Spring Swimming Area
Main spring head
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the consistently cool 72-degree waters, perfect for beating the Florida heat.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Spring run and adjacent waterways
Explore the tranquil waters, spot wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful paddle through natural Florida scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Pancakes & Park Entry
Pack for Water Activities & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pancake House Wait Times
Put your name in early for the Sugar Mill; waits can be 2+ hours on weekends. Bring snacks!
🚗 Park Capacity Alerts
The park often reaches capacity. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid being turned away.
🥽 Bring Water Shoes
The spring bottom can be a bit uneven. Water shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.
🛶 Rent Watercraft
Kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent, offering a great way to explore the spring run.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pancake House Wait Times
Put your name in early for the Sugar Mill; waits can be 2+ hours on weekends. Bring snacks!
🚗 Park Capacity Alerts
The park often reaches capacity. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid being turned away.
🥽 Bring Water Shoes
The spring bottom can be a bit uneven. Water shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.
🛶 Rent Watercraft
Kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent, offering a great way to explore the spring run.
🚴♀️ Nearby Bike Trails
For avid cyclists, excellent mountain biking trails are located just around the corner.
💧 Spring Water Temperature
The water stays a consistent 72°F (22°C) year-round, perfect for a refreshing swim.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique pancake-making experience at the Old Sugar Mill and the refreshing, consistently cool spring water. The park's affordability and natural beauty are also frequently praised. However, be prepared for significant crowds and long wait times, especially on weekends, which can detract from the overall experience.
"Absolutely beautiful place! Been on the Boat tour several times and its amazing!!!! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE boat tour! (RECOMMEND booking the earlier tours & weekdays are less crowded)the captains are so friendly, entertaining & knowledgeable; not 2 mention the scenery! Sugar Mill Pancake House was so YUMMY! AWESOME wait staff! Beautiful swimming area (BUT GET THERE EARLY on weekends)
If you have never been its a GREAT place to go 4 the day"
E.S. Roarke
"Visiting this place today wasn’t the original plan. It was a last-minute decision after we couldn’t make it in time to join the waitlist for another spring. With a quick search for the least crowded ones, we found this spot. It was a great tip: only 24 minutes away, and when we arrived at 9:15am, the line was surprisingly short compared to other springs.
The place has great amenities: a restaurant, water activities, a small shop with local history, barbecue grills, and plenty of picnic tables, both shaded and open-air. The downside was the restroom, which was quite dirty, unfortunately, not uncommon in busy places like this.
Still, it was a pleasant Sunday surprise and I’d love to come back in the future."
Maiara Costa
"Large swimming area that ranges from 3ft to 30ft. You can bring your own float or raft or you can rent a tube from the sand place that rents kayaks. You can also snorkel and see different kinds of fish and also see where the spring head is at. They do have instructional scuba divers at times teaching one or two new divers, but there is no recreational diving. Make sure to bring chairs, blankets, and a cooler with food/ snacks. Also make sure to be in the car line by 7am or otherwise you risk not making it into the park due to max capacity. Definitely recommend checking this place out."
Rosie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Leon Springs State Park is located about an hour's drive north of Orlando, making it a popular day trip destination.
The park is located at 601 Ponce De Leon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130. It's easily accessible via I-4.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching De Leon Springs State Park from Orlando. Driving is the most convenient method.
While you can rent kayaks and paddle boats within the park, bringing your own larger watercraft may be restricted. It's best to check with the park directly for specific regulations.
De Leon Springs State Park primarily offers day-use facilities. Overnight RV or camper parking is generally not available within the park itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically $6 per vehicle, making it a very affordable option for a day of fun.
Yes, the park frequently reaches its maximum capacity, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is highly recommended to guarantee entry.
Park hours can vary seasonally, but it's generally open from 8 AM to sunset. It's advisable to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current hours.
Advance reservations for general park entry are typically not available. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
No, alcohol is not permitted within De Leon Springs State Park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the spring, hike nature trails, rent kayaks or paddle boats, have a picnic, and dine at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House.
The spring water maintains a constant, refreshing temperature of 72°F (22°C) year-round.
Yes, the park offers natural hiking trails that allow you to explore the surrounding Florida landscape.
While you might see fish in the spring, it's not recommended to swim with larger wildlife. The park is a natural habitat, and respecting the animals is important.
The park offers picnic tables with grills, restrooms, and pavilions that can be rented for events.
🍽️ 🥞 Food & Dining
This unique restaurant inside the park lets you make your own all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancakes at your table. It's a very popular spot!
The all-you-can-eat pancakes are typically around $8.99 per person, with additional costs for toppings.
While pancakes are the specialty, the Old Sugar Mill also offers other breakfast items like French toast, though the pancakes are the main draw.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and use the picnic tables and grills available throughout the park.
Wait times can be significant, especially on weekends and holidays, often exceeding two hours. Getting to the park early is key.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the crystal-clear spring water, the unique pancake-making experience, and the lush natural scenery. Wildlife sightings can also make for great shots.
Yes, the park offers many scenic spots. The natural light in the spring area and the vibrant setting of the pancake house provide excellent photo opportunities.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquility of the park. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Florida State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the park's specific regulations before flying.
The main spring head offers a clear view of the water. The trails provide opportunities to photograph the surrounding flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and towels. Consider bringing water toys for the spring and comfortable shoes for exploring the park's trails. The picnic areas with grills are also great for a family lunch. Arriving early is key to avoiding meltdowns caused by long waits.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is another excellent way to save money. The park provides ample picnic areas with grills. Renting kayaks or paddle boats is also relatively inexpensive compared to other recreational activities.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Spotters
Kayaking or paddleboarding on the spring run offers a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the environment and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep an eye out for birds, dragonflies, and other small creatures that inhabit the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of the Old Sugar Mill
While the pancakes are the star, the restaurant also offers other breakfast options and a variety of toppings to customize your meal. However, be prepared for significant wait times, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Many visitors recommend arriving early or being prepared to wait, perhaps bringing snacks to tide you over.
Despite the potential wait, the novelty and taste of the pancakes make it a memorable part of any visit to De Leon Springs. It's a culinary adventure that sets this state park apart from others.
Exploring the Natural Springs and Waterways
Beyond the main spring, the park offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing along the spring run and adjacent waterways. Paddling allows you to explore the tranquil environment, observe local wildlife such as birds and fish, and enjoy the serene Florida landscape.
Rentals are available within the park, making it easy to get out on the water. For those who prefer to stay on land, hiking trails wind through the park, offering a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area. These trails provide a different perspective of the park's ecosystem and are a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors.
Planning Your Visit: Capacity and Timing
This early arrival strategy is especially important if you plan to dine at the popular Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, as wait times can extend for hours. Visitors often suggest putting your name on the waitlist as soon as you arrive and exploring the park while you wait.
When considering the best time to visit, think about your priorities. For a peaceful swim and minimal crowds, aim for a weekday morning. If the pancake experience is a must, be prepared for an early start on a weekend.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit