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DE LEON SPRINGS (31 miles/46 minute drive)
Once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by Timucuan Indians who inhabited the area, De Leon Springs is a
place to cool off in clear waters, roam trails through a lush subtropical forest that features a massive old-growth bald
cypress tree, and immerse in a rich history. The spring run was once used to turn a sugar cane mill followed by a
grist mill to turn corn into flour during the Civil War.
The famous naturalist John James Audubon visited the springs in 1831. “This spring presents a circular basin, having
a diameter of about sixty feet, from the centre of which the water is thrown up with great force, although it does not
rise to a height of more than a few inches above the general level,” he wrote in his journal.
Today, thanks to state park protection, Audubon’s description still rings true.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/de-leon-springs-state-park
©Universal Studios
UNIVERSAL RESORT ORLANDO (69.44 miles/ 1.75 hour drive)
Universal Orlando consists of two theme parks Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, a
water park (Volcano Bay), a night-time entertainment complex Universal CityWalk Orlando. and an upcoming park,
Epic Universe, each worth a day drive to Orlando from Daytona Beach – or an add on vacation stay or destination
vacation to Orlando at Summer Bay Orlando!
Universal’s Epic Universe, an experience genuinely worthy of its bold moniker, announced in August, 2019, promises
to offer an entirely new level of experiences that will forever redefine theme park entertainment.
Guests will venture beyond their wildest imagination, traveling into beloved stories and through vibrant lands on
adventures where the journey is as astounding as the destination. The new location will feature a theme park, an
entertainment center, shops, restaurants and more.
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