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The park also has a unique history, as it was once home to a sugar mill, which now serves as an interactive museum. Less developed than other springs and parks, Wacissa is home to ancient cypress trees, creeping vegetation, and rumor has it a rope swing. Hop on a raft to enjoy a float, or paddle your canoe along the spring's 150-foot run. The majority of Florida's best springs remain at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, making swimming a fun and refreshing activity. Kids can go in, but ensure they are supervised and have a flotation device if needed. Both the Blue Springs and Kelly Park are a lot cheaper, at less than $6 per vehicle. Note that since they remain a "refreshing" 72 degrees year-round, Florida's top springs are best visited during the dog days of summer, when nothing sounds better than a cold plunge. Not to creep you out, but well preserved (thanks to the minerals) human remains dating back to 10,000 years ago have been found in this spring. With beautiful waters, amazing wildlife, and renowned fishing, Merritts Mill Pond is a great place to spend the day. A post shared by CREANA HAIVEY FAMILY TRAVEL (@capture.of.colors). Most of the spring shave deep water sections, so you should be a decent swimmer if you plan on going in. Skye Sherman is a freelance writer with more than six years of experience covering travel, transit, and all things Florida. the Ichetucknee Head Spring) has been deemed a national natural landmark and is home to many of Florida's most precious wildlife species. Its a super refreshing spot to take a dip and cool off, but use caution the current can be pretty swift! Little Blue Spring, Kiefer Spring, Johnson Spring, and Naked Spring all lie within the park's borders and offer visitors plenty of picturesque backdrops. Popular activities include swimming (obviously), hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, SUPing, camping, and canoeing. This makes them a comfortable option for swimming and snorkeling on warm days. Address: 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, Florida, Official site: https://wakullasprings.org/. As long as you dont mind the cold, swimming or floating here is a wonderful experience. Those who prefer to stay above water can still enjoy the unique beauty of Florida springs through activities like kayaking, tubing, or canoeing. Florida state parks often house some of the best springs in the state, and the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is one of those great places. The spring vent is over 20 feet deep, flowing outward into rippling shallows, perfect for wading with smaller kiddos. ), youll want to plan your visit for the cooler months. Alexander Springs is one of the best places to visit for families. Its also fun to take the road less traveled through historic cities and nature preserves. Rainbow Springs is a Florida summertime favorite. Although the Spanish explorer probably never made it to Floridas Panhandle, hed likely be flattered by the many namesakes. Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, Florida. Many visitors choose to snorkel in the Santa Fe River; when its waters are clear, you can see many aquatic critters, including catfish, gar, bass, and turtles.10. (Fun fact: The oldest hippopotamus in captivity calls this wildlife park home. Insider's tip: Up your fun level by renting a canoe or kayak. It's also a popular place to snorkel, so don't forget your gear if you're hoping to explore the marine life that calls this area home. Others offer kayak and canoe rentals for visitors to better enjoy the vast expanses that feed into nearby rivers. Waterfalls lie in wait for sharp-eyed visitors, and a bevy of fish reward snorkelers with their underwater shows. This post will go through the five best Florida springs to visit. Silver River is five miles long, the perfect distance for a family activity. Before you dive in, be forewarned that Salt Springs earned its name because of the many natural minerals which give it a salty taste! After youve taken a swim, drip dry with a leisurely stroll along the 800-foot boardwalk, taking in the sights and sounds of the cypress forest. Youll be transported far from the hustle and bustle of the city and into the tangled embrace of a tropical hammock. You won't get wet. Little River Springs is a beautiful swimming spot located in OBrien, Suwannee County. The main attraction is hard to beat. Lets take a deep dive into some of the best springs in Florida for swimming. A few miles away from Tallahassee, youll find an old-fashioned watering hole Wacissa Springs. If you want to book a tour to swim with the manatees, we . A system of underwater caves spans the area, calling all scuba divers to explore their secret treasures. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park. Insider's tip: Kids under six aren't able to snorkel, so if you're traveling with little ones, this may not be your best spring option. While this second magnitude spring is the highlight of the park, this top spring in Florida has great company. Portions of the springs and the visitor center will be closed during a canal stabilization project, which is scheduled to end in November 2023. Among the numerous springs found in Florida, a few stand out as exceptional swimming spots. Oh, and dont worry theres also a shallow end if 42 feet sounds a little too deep. In addition to swimming in the spring, there are also opportunities to camp and kayak at the park, as well as several peaceful places to sit and watch the world go by. It's worth a try, right? Or at least, it should be!) Like Three Sisters Spring, the water here is a constant 72 degrees, so steam rises through the hole in the ceiling of the cavern like a chimney during wintertime. Not too far from Tampa, you can find a secluded little spot called Lithia Springs Park. Another watery gem located in Ocala Natural Forest, Alexander Springs is a prime spot for snorkeling. With its ethereal robins-egg blue water, Silver Glen Spring is perhaps the most postcard-worthy spot on the list. Devils Den is particularly unique because the blue waters of this prehistoric spring are located in an underground cave! No matter what spring you are visiting, I recommend bringing an inner tube or float. I really appreciate it as it supports this site and my family. Load on the sunblock and hop on an inflatable (tube-shaped or otherwise) to lazily drift along. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Florida Travel Guide With A Florida Resident, Join the newsletter to get the daily tips, latest articles and free stuff delivered directly to your inbox. The clear water section of Ginnie Springs provides the opportunity to see unique geographic formations and sea life. If youve had your fill of swimming but arent ready to leave the crystalline waters, you can rent a tube from the Ginnie Springs General Store and lazily float your way from Beavers Landing to Twin Spring. Your email address will not be published. For a long tube ride, Ginnie Springs is superior. Florida, known for its sun-soaked beaches and bustling theme parks, is also home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders: Florida Springs. There are six natural springs at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, but Gilchrist Blue (its namesake) is the most popular. Did we miss one of your favorite swimming springs? It's a privately-owned scuba diving center, so you'll have to pay an admission fee upon entry. You can also rent a canoe or kayak if paddling is more your speed. Little River is home to a fun bit of natural architecture: a limestone shelf. Those who choose to swim will enjoy temperatures of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and a depth ranging from two to 20 feet, depending how far you are from the spring's vents. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. There are over 700 Florida Springs which pumps gallons of Florida spring water each day across the state. Finally, we categorized the features into the best springs for swimming . You should visit here for some great memories in your lifetime. Pets are not allowed at most freshwater springs parks. Located in northern Florida, Ichetucknee Springs is a fun place to snorkel, swim, and hang out, and it also only costs $6 per vehicle to enter. Discover Your Perfect Magic Kingdom Itinerary: Tips to Maximize Your Adventure! (Comparatively speaking, of course. As you snorkel in the sinkhole, youll see lots of small fish, ancient rock formations, and possibly the resident turtle (his name is Nelson).5 If you are certified to scuba dive, try to spy some fossils as you dive into the 200-foot depths. They offer guided tours who will help you find manatees, alligators, turtles and otters or you can explore on your own. The imprint of the ship can be made out by snorkelers on most days, while divers can explore the ghostly footprint of the Madison even more closely. The best way to see them up close is by entering the Underwater Observatory. Weeki Wachee Natural springs are beautiful escapes, perfect to unplug from reality. An ancient cypress swamp surrounds it. Directly below is a table of contents, so you can jump directly to the spring of your choice. This pretty spot is located in Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area. It's rich in helpful minerals like potassium and magnesium, and many pay the admission fee to bathe in its relaxing water in hopes of finding the key to a longer, healthier life. During the spring, Rainbow Springs turns into a floral nirvana, its edges bursting with colorful azalea blooms. Surrounded by towering oaks and gently swaying Spanish moss, the peaceful Lafayette Blue Spring is a place straight out of a fairytale. The park has eight major springs, with the most popular being the Blue Hole Spring. Wildlife enthusiasts can often spot birds, turtles, and even manatees in some springs. If you don't have a tent or RV, you can rent one of their four cabins. Snorkelers will also have ample opportunities to interact with aquatic life here, including turtles and fish. Insider's tip: When you aren't busy splashing about, take time to walk along the Salt Springs Observation Trail or fish, swim, or snorkel at the Salt Springs Run Marina & Landing. Disney isn't the only place where magic happens in Floridaone stop at Weeki Wachee Springs and you'll never again doubt the existence of mermaids. There are few better places to kayak than this glittering and translucent waterway. No wonder so many photographers break out their best underwater cameras at this gorgeous locale. Well, you have come to the right place. With so many activities here and a great campground facility, Ginnie Springs is one of the best springs in Florida with a campground. While you can kayak or canoe here, swimming is only permitted at Buccaneer Bay. It has natural magnesium and potassium salts giving it a mild salinity. 19158 S.W. Great for the whole family, Rock Springs is a must for any Florida springs bucket list! Thank you! Like Wekiwa Springs, it has a long history as a tourist attraction. Ichetucknee Springs State Park: Fort White. While the main building now serves as a visitor's center, the wooden wheel still spins. Here I find the best to visit are Ginnie Springs and Gilchrist Blue Springs. Juniper Springs boasts the translucent water typical of other Floridian natural springs. Florida Springs face several challenges, including: These threats contribute to declining water quality and habitat degradation for native species. Unlike the other springs on this list, which all hover right around 72 degrees, Ponce de Leon is a bone-chilling 68 degrees Fahrenheit!23 However, in the sweltering heat of summer, these cooler temps offer sweet relief. The swimming, picnic, campground, and trail complex was built in the 1930s and still represents old Florida at its finest. Devil's Den is one of the best Florida springs for snorkeling and diving. Nearly 700 natural springs pepper this lush East Coast peninsula, offering the most magnificent and unforgettable views. Madison Blue Spring has always had its admirers, with Floridas earliest inhabitants using it as a source of fresh water. Visitors walk down a small ladder into the spring cave to a wooden platform surrounded by 72F waters and ancient rock formations. The spring-fed waters are crystal clear and maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees. The main spring pool is about 500 feet in circumference and remains at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a comfortable swim. Alexander Springs, situated in the Ocala National Forest, is known for its large, basin-shaped spring and clear waters. 60th St., High Springs, FL 32643, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ruth-b-kirby-gilchrist-blue-springs-state-park. State Road 6, Lee, FL 32059, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/madison-blue-spring-state-park. Ginnie Springs is ideal for college students looking for a lively vibe, especially for tubing down the Santa Fe River. Florida is known for many things, but did you know that freshwater springs are one of them? You can take a swim in the crisp, clear spring water or go scuba diving into the deep blue. (Hence the name. The spring contains various minerals and elements, including ancient salt deposits, which combine to create the taste. Blue Hole at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. One of the most fun things to do at a freshwater spring is floating down one on a tube! Gilchrist Blue Springs is a lot more laid back with a lot of nature to see. Don't worry, they aren't pulled behind a boat (namely because motorized boats aren't allowed). Plus, Juniper Springs encourages jumping. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Crystal-clear turquoise water beckons every visitor to at least dip in a toe. Water shoes provide a comfortable and safe option while also protecting your feet from any sharp objects. On land, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including red wolves, black bears, alligators, and the Florida panther. The most famous is the idyllic Gilchrist Blue Springs, which produces a whopping 44 million gallons of water every day. In Central Florida, springs offer the best tubing in Florida in four of the most beautiful spots in the state. One of the oldest (it dates back 10,000 years) and largest springs in Florida, this transparent waterway is breathtakingly gorgeous. We love to see those sea cows. Have you been to one on our list? If you want another chance to see Floridas gentle giants, Manatee Springs is a great place to go! Two of these springs are open for swimming and snorkeling: the Ichetucknee Spring (head spring) and Blue Hole.20 The swimming is excellent in either spring, though Blue Hole is only recommended for experienced swimmers due to the depth and strong current. With a 2019 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, its no wonder Hunter Springs Park is a local favorite! Check out my Ultimate Florida Packing Checklist! Theres also an open, breezy boardwalk that follows the flow of the springwater so you can explore all the beauty this area has to offer.32. Unmissable Florida Cities: From quiet seaside escapes to bustling metropolises, the Sunshine State boasts a city to suit your every whim. Dont believe me? If you prefer a clearer, yet shorter, lazy river experience, Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs near Orlando are ideal. (And please be aware that swimming is prohibited in certain areas. Talk about charming! Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River. Another beauty of Ocala National Forest, this spring is a trendy and best-taken advantage of on early weekday mornings! Don't forget water shoes to protect your feet, and snorkel gear if you're hoping for a closer look at the impressive creatures that call this spring home. (Theyre actually talented actresses wearing flippers and using air hoses. Although shrouded by forest along its edges, Wacissa Springs provides a wide, open waterscape for swimming. With a water temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, swimmers can enjoy the refreshing waters that boast an abundance of aquatic life. Don't miss a visit to the beaches on Florida's best islands. Narrow down your starting point with this list of the best springs in Florida. Although the main spring is the only swimming area, the smaller springs are still worth checking out for some great photo ops and scenic vistas! The spring, which is so beautiful it seems otherworldly, is only accessible via private boat or kayak. If you follow the gently winding path of the Suwannee River, youll find Fanning Springs. If you head to the spring during Manatee Season (November 15th to March 31st), youll get to see hundreds of these adorable sea cows.1 When other Florida waters begin to cool off, the manatees migrate to this warm spring and hang out for the winter. The water here is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and better yet, the spring always maintains a pleasant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Another first-magnitude spring, Lafayette Blue Springs warm temperatures make it a great place to swim. While the crowds might make it less peaceful than other springs, Wekiwa is popular for a good reason. You can rent or bring your own kayak or paddleboard and explore the nine kilometers of Rainbow River. The water is 42 feet deep and a refreshing 72 degrees. A second-magnitude spring, Gilchrist Blue produces 44 million gallons of water daily. Must have certification and operate in pairs. A wooden tower is located at the main spring, enticing adventure seekers to jump into the clear water below. This one is particularly unique as it is . Some springs are no more than a trickle, but others are expansive enough for you to swim and snorkel in their bubbling cerulean waters.

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