Although recreation areas pop up around many of Florida [1]’s natural springs, there are none that can claim what DeLeon Springs State Park (601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd., DeLeon Springs, 386/985-4212, 8 a.m.–sunset daily, $5 per vehicle for up to 8 people) can: a restaurant where you can make your own pancakes at your table.
The dining at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill and Griddle House is probably as much a draw for visitors as the 72-degree waters; waitstaff bring batter made from stone-ground grains to your griddle-equipped table, and you just add the fruit, chocolate chips, peanut butter, or whatever else you need to make the just-perfect pancake.
Of course, activities in the large recreation area are a draw as well, but like many such developed swimming springs, the atmosphere is more like a public pool than a dip into nature’s mystery. For that, there are ecotours and canoe or kayak rentals that will get you back into the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, home to dozens of bird species and ample fishing opportunities.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/florida