is in Ponce de Leon , about an hour from the 30A corridor and home to the Ponce de Leon Springs State Park . The spring water consistently remains at 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round . Picnicking in this area is popular , as is fishing and leisurely walks on the two nature trails . Typically , these are self-guided tours , though rangers do conduct seasonally guided walks . Other activities include swimming and snorkeling in designated areas . Admission for the Ponce de Leon State Park is $ 4 per vehicle , with a limit of 8 guests per vehicle .
If you ’ re more interested in diving , take a quick ten-minute trip from the state park to Vortex Spring . Vortex is one of the largest diving facilities in the region and home to the Red and White “ Diver Down ” flag . The property provides plenty of experiences — from scuba diving with certified instructors to allowing guests to slide down any one of the six on-site slides . Prices vary depending on whether you ’ ve come to dive , swim or just hang out . For more information , visit vortexspring . com .
BIOPHILIA IN FREEPORT
The E . O . Wilson Biophilia Center is an environmental educational venue set on a 54,000-acre nature preserve near the town of Freeport . The nature preserve is
considered the sixth most biodiverse area in the U . S . Its mission ? To educate visitors on the importance of biodiversity , to promote sustainability , and to encourage conservation , preservation , and the restoration of ecosystems . The preserve is generally open to school groups , and to the public during the summer months ( in June and July , they are open on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm ). Admission is $ 8 for adults and $ 5 for children . For more information , check their website at eowilsoncenter . org .
DAY TRIP BELIEVER TRAVEL beachLIFE 55