Best Natural Springs in Florida Masks, fins, and snorkels are available for rent, plus youll need a dive flag if you snorkel in the river. Tube rentals are available through Blue Springs Adventures, walk-up only outside the Blue Spring Gift Locker/Canteen. Bicycles and pets are not allowed in the area. The thought will cross your mind more than once when you first see one of Floridas incredible natural springs. WebWhether youre looking for springs for swimming in Florida, camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, scuba diving or even swimming with mermaids and manatees, natural freshwater springs in Florida are a beloved family outing and definitely worth the drive. Walk through the moss-covered Cypress trees to spot floral gardens, impressive waterfalls, and five main springs before indulging in a refreshing dip in the natural swimming pool. The 33 recognized first magnitude springs in Florida are scattered in the northern peninsula and the eastern panhandle where the limestone of the Floridan Aquifer arches close to the surface. Let an experienced guide take you through the crystal One of the Only Places in the World Where Vacationers can Swim Alongside the Threatened Florida Manatee. Natural springs in Florida Weeki Wachee is a popular destination for tourists seeking crystal blue water ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Admission, mermaid shows, and boat rides are all first come first served, no reservations are available. (Tubing is an additional cost) Location: Dunnellon, FL 34432 Rainbow Springs State Park is 23 miles west of Ocala, and 40 miles north of Brooksville. IMPORTANT Capacity Info + Access Points: Rainbow Springs has two separate areas of the state park for water access. "@type": "Organization", Credit: sun dazed via Flickr. Details. Central Florida is home to an array of crystal-clear springs where you can beat the heat at refreshing, 72-degree swimming holes and go paddling past lush foliage. While Tallahassee is landlocked and not located on the Gulf Coast if you are willing to drive 30 minutes to two hours you will find not only some of the best beaches in Florida as but some of the best natural springs in Florida. Most people dont associate Florida with natural springs. Swimming + Tubing During the summer months, you can swim and go tubing at Blue Spring. Its gentle currents are great for families with kids, where you can lounge on a floatie and enjoy stunning views of centuries-old trees at this Old Florida attraction. At 72 degrees year-round, the highlight of De Leon Springs State Park is the beautiful spring that overlooks Spring Garden Run. Kelly Park, located in the middle of Apopka , is only 1 hour and 32 minutes away from Tampa. Wakulla Springs State Park. In the Recreation area, swimming can be enjoyed but boats are not allowed in the protected section. They dont typically interact with people, especially if you leave them alone. By Quinter Auma. The entire area is about 4,000 acres and has surrounding sandhill forests. Hikers can also choose from three hiking trails, all of which have entrances to the north side of the river. The Blue Springs State Park is the largest spring on the St. John's River and was voted the best swimming hole in the country by USA Today. Tip: If one is visiting in the months of January to March, they should enjoy watching the Florida manatees which swim through the river during this time. Tip: Never miss the Juniper Run in Juniper springs, which is an incredible paddling experience. Ichetucknee Springs & River State Park, Fort White 2. Ginnie Springs, High Springs 4. "Is it real or am I dreaming?" Visitors can also paddle downstream in a canoe or glass-bottom boat until it gets to the open swimming areas. This allows visitors of all ages to appreciate this jewel in all of its splendor. Check the website for current boat tour prices. Visit Website, 8950 W Bluebird Springs Ln They perform in the aquamarine water that flows from a first-magnitude spring. Springs in Florida This list of the best natural springs near Tampa will come as a blessing from the usual Florida heat. Florida Springs What was once home to native Mayaca people for 6,000 years is now a Floating above the shallow sandy bottom of this spring you can spot a mix of fresh and saltwater fish. natural springs near Miami for a refreshing Photograph: Shutterstock. Kayak and paddleboard rental facilities are available at the Weeki Wachee State Park ( reservations have to be made previously to avail of this facility). Florida is well-known for its beautiful scenery and natural wonders. Natural Springs to Visit Ichetucknee Springs is such a delight for wildlife lovers and promises a weekend getaway in the cooling waters of Ichetucknee. The names here are legendary: Three Sisters Springs, Homosassa Springs, Seven Sisters Springs and the seventy springs of Kings Bay. Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, Live Oak Springs in Central Florida 8. Hop on a trolley tour to the boardwalk to observe manatees or take a guided paddle or SUP tour to see them up close. Rock Springs is the name of the swimming springs near Tampa whose headwaters are found in Kelly Park. Be flexible! are available for the guests. A hotspot for outdoor photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, the Ocala National Forest boasts 360,000 acres of scenic hiking trails and natural wonders, including Juniper Springs Recreational Area. Fee: Adults need to pay $13 while children aged 6-12 must pay $8 to enjoy one of the most beautiful natural springs near Tampa. Note that Rainbow Springs has very high visitation on weekends and holidays.Tubing Entrance: 10830 SW 180th Ave. Rd. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling are all popular activities in Rainbow Springs. No flotation devices in the deep end. Other things to do at Lithia Springs Park: Playground, Volleyball Court, Hiking Admission: $2 per vehicle plus $2 per person to enter the swimming area (adult must also purchase a wristband even if they are not swimming to supervise the children under 12) Location: 3932 Lithia Springs Rd, Lithia, FL 33547 Lithia Springs Park is south of Plant City, southeast of Tampa and southwest from Lakeland Lithia Springs Website | Facebook. Natural Springs From manatee spotting to snorkeling in emerald waters, here are the top springs in Central Florida. Experience a famous Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boat tour, kayak or stand up paddle the five-mile Silver River, and explore the Silver River Museum and Cracker Village. 1. You wont regret it!) Tourists get the opportunity to kayak in the most accessible springs in Tampa to kayak. A large grassy lawn surrounds the swimming area, perfect for a picnic or afternoon nap in the sun. Columns of sunlight reflect off of glistening swarms of fish and manatees in an incredibly transparent topaz environment that defies imagination. Salt Springs. Eight billion gallons of water flow into Floridas springs each day, forming crystal clear water that stays at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If you bring your own tube, it cannot exceed 60 inches in any two directions. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Complementing the lush foliage and forests of oak, cedar, and pines, the blue-green waters are great for swimming, snorkeling and canoeing. For the grand finale or a grand start if youre beginning your trip in the south you'll be greeted by the world-famous mermaids who have made Weeki Wachee Springs State Park loved by visitors from around the globe. Just a short drive outside of Orlando sits Wekiwa Springs State Park, a 7,800-acre stretch of land where nature-loving families can enjoy a pleasant day of soaking up Central Floridas natural beauty and hop in the 72-degree waters for an afternoon swim. A short 10 minute drive from Wekiwa Springs State Park is Kelly Park (listed above) where you can go tubing in spring fed Rock Springs Run. Wekiwa Springs Website, On a visit to Weeki Wachee, you can experience true old Florida tourism as you watch the world-famous underwater mermaid show, take a riverboat jungle cruise, and swim in the spring fed waters of Buccaneer Bay water park. The place has the power to satisfy the urge to taste outdoor adventure. We know you are busy parents and promise to keep them short, sweet, useful, and only once a week. While Lakeland has an abundance of beautiful lakes, there are no swimming springs in Lakeland or Polk County. Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs offer glass-bottom boat tours. Check the Facebook page for updates on capacity closures. Even though the place is filled with tourists vouching for the sea beaches, it is time for us to experience the best Florida springs near Tampa. It is the largest of the nine, and scuba divers looking for something genuinely unique flock to it. Tip: One must be extremely careful of the raccoons, bears, and alligators which remain in the heavy woods. Boat tours also operate narrated nature and ecological excursions throughout the area. The freshwater outlets into a series of pools, with throngs of people grabbing tubes and floating down a quarter-mile along the crystal-clear waters. Florida Springs COOL BLOCKS, MAIN STREETS AND WALKING TOURS, Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Natural Springs in Florida Rock Springs is the name of the swimming springs near Tampa whose headwaters are found in Kelly Park. Headsprings Entrance (swimming and snorkeling): 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432 This entrance will close for the remainder of the day once the park reaches capacity. Depending on your location, some popular Florida springs for swimming include Ichetucknee Springs State Park near Gainesville, known for its pristine water and tubing adventures, and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park on the Gulf Coast, where you can swim in the spring-fed water and even catch a live