Looking for the perfect Florida getaway? Whether you are relocating to the Sunshine State or are a lifelong local looking for a weekend refresh, Central Florida’s natural springs offer an escape like no other.
Join Realtors Scott Garrison and Diana Sacoto of Re/Max Town and Country Realty as we dive into the “Real Florida.” We aren’t just experts in the local housing market; we are enthusiasts of the Central Florida lifestyle. Today, we’re giving you the inside scoop on everything there is to do at De Leon Springs State Park.
A Breakfast Like No Other: The Old Spanish Sugar Mill
Our tour began with what many consider a “rite of passage” in Florida: breakfast at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House.
Housed in a 100-year-old replica of an 1830s sugar mill, this isn’t your typical sit-down breakfast. Each table features a built-in electric griddle. The staff brings out pitchers of their famous homemade pancake batter—a unique stone-ground mixture of five different flours—and you get to be the chef!
Scott’s Pro-Tip: Order the blueberries and pecans to mix into your batter. Getting that perfect golden-brown flip is half the fun!
Cooling Off in 72-Degree Waters
After fueling up on pancakes, it was time to hit the water. De Leon Springs is a “second-magnitude” spring, producing approximately 19 million gallons of water every single day.
The water remains a constant 72 degrees year-round, making it the ultimate destination for a humid summer day or a brisk winter dip. The swimming area is spacious and walled-in, providing a safe, pool-like environment for families, while still offering the natural beauty of a spring-fed basin.
Paddling Through the Wild
If you prefer to stay above the surface, the park offers incredible opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. We spent time paddling down the Spring Run, a serene waterway that connects to the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.
The transition from the manicured park area to the wild, untouched marshlands is breathtaking. Keep your camera ready—it’s common to see:
Alligators sunning on the banks.
Manatees seeking warmth in the winter months.
Ospreys and Bald Eagles soaring overhead.
A Walk Through 6,000 Years of History
One of the reasons we love showcasing De Leon Springs to our real estate clients is its rich heritage. This isn’t just a park; it’s a historical landmark.
We hiked the Paved Nature Trail and the more rugged Wild Persimmon Trail. Along the way, you’ll encounter “Old Methuselah,” a bald cypress tree estimated to be over 600 years old. From the indigenous Mayaca people who called this “Acheque” (healing water) to the site’s history as a plantation and a 1960s roadside attraction (complete with a water-skiing elephant!), there is a story behind every tree.
Living the Central Florida Lifestyle
Why do we take the time to tour these parks? Because when you buy a home in Central Florida, you aren’t just buying four walls and a roof—you’re buying access to adventures like these.
De Leon Springs is located just a short drive from the bustling residential hubs of Volusia and Seminole Counties, offering a perfect balance of suburban convenience and natural splendor.
Planning a visit? The park opens at 8:00 AM, and we highly recommend getting there early, especially if you want to snag a table at the Sugar Mill!
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