DeLeon Springs State
Recreation Area

Location: 601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd, DeLeon Springs. Hours: 8:00 am - sundown. Entry fee: $3 one passenger in a vehicle, $5 per vehicle for 2 - 8 adults, kids under 5 free, $1 walk in and extra passenger in vehicle. Canoe/kayak and peddle boat rentals. $8 one hour, $19 four hours, $25 eight hours, plus tax.
386-985-4212
Website: DeLeon Springs State Park

The 603 acres of DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area offer a variety of activities. What we see all the time at the Park: Alligators, Great Blue Herons, Ospey, Limpkin, Vultures, Anhinga, Egrets, Kingfisher, Ibis, & Hawks.

There is excellent swimming in the spring, which year-round remains at 72 degrees. Swimming is not allowed in the spring run, but anglers will find an abundance of bass and bream. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age or older.

Canoes & Kayaks are available for rent year-round through the Old Spanish Sugar Mill inside the DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area. You leave from the state recreation and return to us as there is no road across into the Woodruff Federal Wildlife Refuge area in which you will be paddling. The waters flowing from DeLeon Springs feed into Spring Garden Run which continues approximately 3.5 to Lake Woodruff. The paddling is easy and the birding and fishing are good.

DeLeon Springs provides access to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, where canoeists can explore 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes. Maps are available at the park concession. Canoe, paddleboat rentals and snacks also are available at the park concession.

Scuba diving is limited to open-water instructors and six students. A certification check is required. Instructor Permit is required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gemini Springs Park

Location: 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary. Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, winter months and 8:00 am - 7:30 pm summer months. Free Admission. Canoe rentals: $7 per hour, $25 per day. 386-668-3810
Website: Gemini Springs Park

The 210-acre Gemini Springs was purchased in 1994 through the combined efforts of Volusia County, the Trust for Public Lands, the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Communities Trust. Approximately 6.5 million gallons of sparkling fresh water bubble up from the two springs each day.

Walking and Bike Riding

• Nature Trail -- 3/4 mile
• Bike Trail -- 1 mile (loop from entrance road to bicycle rack to exit road).
• Sidewalks -- 651 feet from east parking lot to Springhouse
  907 feet from west parking lot to Springhouse
• Bridge loop -- 1/4 mile

Swimming
Swimming is not permitted until further notice.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed only on the fishing dock. You must have a valid, freshwater fishing permit.
Canoes
Canoes are available for rent at the canoe launch area near the fishing pier during regular park hours. All children, regardless of age, must wear a life jacket. A life jacket for each passenger also must be in the canoe.
Canoes will easily hold three adults or two adults and up to three children. Except for the bow and stern seats, all passengers must sit on the floor of the canoe. Avoid rocking the boat or leaning to the side and use caution in paddling.

Dog Park
The Gemini Springs Dog Park, 37 Dirksen Dr., DeBary, is a 4.5-acre fenced area of Gemini Springs Park with two sections – one for small dogs 25 pounds and under and another for large dogs over 25 pounds. The park includes shaded areas, dog wash stations, water fountains for dogs, benches and picnic tables.

The dog park is the second of its kind in Volusia County (the other is Riviera Dog Park in Holly Hill). The Gemini Springs Dog Park is the result of action taken by Leisure Services after a survey showed strong citizen interest for more dog parks in Volusia County. Dogs are allowed at all county parks, but they must be leashed at all times.

 

 

Hontoon Island State
Park
 Location: 2309 River Ridge Road, six miles west of DeLand, off S.R. 44. Hours: 8:00 am - one hour prior to sundown. (for ferry boat rides, last ferry off one hour before sundown) Canoe rentals: $3 per hour, $10 for up to four hours, $20 for eight hours. 386-736-5309
Website: Hontoon Island State Park

ACTIVITIES
A bird's-eye view may be enjoyed from an eighty-foot observation tower located near the picnic area.

A 3-mile round trip self guided trail begins at the Ranger Station and follows Huntoon Dead River to the large Indian mound at the southwest corner of the island. Allow 2 1/2 hours for a leisurely walk.

The picnic area includes playground equipment, picnic tables, cooking grills, and a restroom which overlooks the St. Johns River.

Fishing is permitted from the banks of the island. Largemouth bass may be caught on artificial bait or live shiners. Most bluegills and shellcrackers are caught with earthworms and crickets, but may also be taken on small artificial topwater bugs. Small live minnows are the best bait for speckled perch. Channel cats are often caught on earthworms sunk to the bottom along the main river channel. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age or older.

If you bring your own bike, we have approximately 5 miles of service roads to ride on.

 

 

Blue Spring State Park

Location: 2100 W. French Ave
Orange City, Hours: 8:00 am - sunset. Entry fee: $3 for 1 passenger, $5 per vehicle up to eight adults, kids under 5 free, $1 on foot/bike. Canoe rentals $10 per hour, $5 each additional hour, $28 per day.
386-775-3663
Website: Blue Springs State Park

MANATEES
The spring is much more than a scenic area for canoeing and swimming; it plays a vital role in the survival of one of Florida's most beleaguered residents -- the manatee. Visitors can learn more about this endangered animal through ranger interpretive programs. A chair accessible observation platform provides a view of the endangered mammals that gather at the spring during the cooler months of the year. From November through March, the manatees leave the colder waters of the St. Johns River for the safety and comfort of the 72-degree spring.

ACTIVITIES
Camping, cabins, canoeing, fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, and nature trails are available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sun Splash Park

Location: 611 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach. Hours: sunrise to sunset. Free Admission
Website: Sun Splash Park

Beachgoers can sun, splash and beat the heat at Volusia County’s Sun Splash Park at South Atlantic Avenue and Revilo Boulevard in Daytona Beach.

Sun Splash Park features
An interactive water fountain, decorative walkways, a shaded playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, restrooms, outdoor showers, two beach access ramps and a Coca-Cola-sponsored "cool zone." The four-acre facility also provides 95 off-beach parking spaces.

 

Tuscawilla Park

Location: Off Nova Road at Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach. Hours: sunrise to sunset
Museum hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday - Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Noon - 5:00 pm.
386-255-0285

A nature center and trail offer a glimpse of the plant and animal life. The Museum of Arts & Sciences, 1040 Museum Blvd., is located on the grounds of this costal hammock. Inside the museum, exhibits show what the scene may have been like 150,000 years ago, when the giant ground sloth roamed the earth.