Florida Springs Guide

Florida Springs Guide

Florida Springs Guide – If you’re looking to cool down during the summer heat in Central Florida, check out this list of Florida Springs where you can keep cool and enjoy some family time!


Florida Springs Guide

Florida has more than 700 natural freshwater springs, more than anywhere else on earth, with water so pristine that it is not uncommon to spot exotic fish and manatee floating nearby. Whether you’re planning a family outing or just want to cool off on one of Florida’s infamously hot summer days, the refreshing spring water in one of these unique nature spots is sure to meet your needs.

Great for swimming, kayaking, paddling, and manatee watching, here are 10 gorgeous springs in Florida for the nature enthusiast.

A day at the springs is also cheap with entry starting at $2 for a Florida State Park. For an inexpensive fun day in the sun, check out one of these beautiful parks near Orlando.

Click here for a map of some of the spring locations. Florida Springs


Rainbow Springs

The oldest on the list, Rainbow Springs has evidence that people have been enjoying it for over 10,000 years. Walk through the moss covered Cypress trees to spot floral gardens, impressive waterfalls, and five main springs before indulging in a refreshing dip. Rainbow Springs is popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. The more adventurous can grab a tube and paddle through the river or hike one of the trails known for spotting fox squirrels, turkeys, and deer. $2 per person at the headsprings entrance and $5 per vehicle, up to eight people, at the tube entrance. Children under six years old are free. More…

19158 S.W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL

Blue Spring

Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. John’s River. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of Manatees. $6 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

2100 W. French Avenue
Orange City, FL

Wekiwa Springs

Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the opportunity to relax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. $6 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, FL

De Leon Springs

Go in the morning to cook your own pancakes at the Sugar Mill Restaurant, and then stay for the day to cool off in the swimming area or rent canoes. $6 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.   

601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
De Leon Springs, FL

Rock Springs Run

Rock Springs is located in Kelly Park. A local favorite, this beautifully shaded park is perfect for escaping the heat. The fresh water spills into a series of pools where hoards of people grab their tubes and float for a quarter mile down the crystal clear waters in what will sure to make you lose track of time. $3 per vehicle. Use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle. 

30601 CR 433
Sorrento, FL

Wekiva Island

Play volleyball, corn toss, enjoy live music and swim in the refreshing Wekiva River.  Wekiva Island has an old Florida feel, a bar that serves beer and wine, riverside cabanas and a dog-friendly policy. The park usually fills to capacity around noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Entry is $1 per person.

1014 Miami Springs Road
Longwood, FL 32779

Silver Glen Springs

Contrasting the surrounding forests of oak, cedar, and pines, the Silver Glen Springs is an oasis for the senses. The blue green waters will take your breath away and is one of the best in Florida, but it is what is underneath that will pique your interest. Floating above the shallow sandy bottom of this spring you will find tilapia, striped bass, and an array of other types of fish.

5271 FL-19
Salt Springs, FL 32134

Alexander Springs

Located in the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs is popular with locals. With a chance to spot a turtle swimming through the lilies, this area is a great place to snorkel and gawk at the plethora of fish. Kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle (SUP) are popular activities, along with touring surrounding trails coated with cabbage palms, maples, and magnolias.  More…

49525 County Rd 445
Altoona, FL 32702


Florida Springs Guide

Further away, but these Springs are worth the drive for some summer camping and swimming fun.

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River

If swimming with manatees is on your bucket list, visiting Crystal River is a must. Loved by photographers and nature lovers alike, locals flock to the area for a chance to observe while these gentle giants interact in their natural environment. You can either take a tour and let an expert lead you to the manatees, and introduce you to one of the most lovable endangered species, or you can grab a canoe, kayak or snorkel gear and explore the park for yourself. More…

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill

Known for its famous underwater theater and mermaid show, this “Old Florida” attraction has more to offer than kitschy nostalgia. Now a developed state park, Weeki Wachee attracts those looking for crystal clear water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Combined with a water park for the kids, it’s a great spot to cool off and enjoy the fun for all ages slides that feed into Buccaneer Bay.  More…

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White

If tubing is your thing, Ichetucknee Springs State Park will make your heart sing. With an impressive 9 crystal clear springs, tubers can float to their heart’s content in one of Florida’s favorite spots. If you’re the adrenaline seeking type, the park is home to Blue Hole Spring and the only place where cave diving is allowed. Blue Hole Spring is the largest out of the nine and is popular with scuba divers looking to explore something truly unique. More…

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, High Springs

The newest addition to Florida State Parks, Gilchrist Blue Springs is home to a beautiful display of natural springs. This natural wonder is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure, from paddling and snorkeling to wildlife watching along the boardwalk in the quiet rural 250-acre area. Pack your sunscreen and enjoy a family-friendly day in this picturesque park, where outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, picnicking or jumping from a huge wooden platform into the cool, crystalline waters. More…

Ginnie Springs, High Springs

Recognized as one of the clearest springs in Florida, Ginnie Springs is popular with swimmers, tubers, snorkelers, and divers alike. Perfect for floating the day away, the river is a bliss for tubing and relaxation. The crown and jewel of this area is the 1,000 feet of subterranean passages underneath a 50 foot head spring giving access to another mind blowing 30,000 feet of passages, a paradise for cave and open-water divers looking for adventure. More…

Peacock Springs, Live Oak, FL

Peacock Springs prides itself in providing two pristine springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes. This impressive resume attracts cave divers from all over to explore one of the longest underwater cave structures in the US. For those seeking a more low-key experience, there is a small swimming hole in which to relax and trails to explore, giving visitors of all ages an opportunity to appreciate this gem in all its glory. More…

Madison Blue Springs State Park, Madison

One of Florida’s newest state parks, Madison Blue Spring State Park sits between Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Home to a first magnitude spring, it is home to an 82 foot wide and 25-foot deep spring that bubbles up into a limestone basin along the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. Walk along the paths that lead to the spring and admire the view from the rock platforms, then hop in the spring with your inflatables and tubes. There’s also a wooden platform with steps for swimmers. More…

The springs below take you across the state of Florida. We’ve ** some of our favorites, but then we haven’t visited them all!

Poe Springs

Lafayette Blue Springs

Chassahowitzka

Suwannee

Juniper Springs

Warm Mineral Springs

**Silver Springs

Wakulla Springs

Jackson Blue Springs

Ponce De Leon Springs

Fanning Springs

Hart Springs

Homosassa Springs

Lithia Springs

Manatee Springs

Otter Springs

River Rise Preserve

Salt Springs

**Devils Den

**Florida Caverns State Park

Econfina Creek

Vortex Springs

Troy Spring State Park

Little River Springs

Royal Springs

Fern Hammock Springs

Beecher Springs

Mud Springs

Sweetwater Springs

  • Central Florida Tubing e1536076472401
    Central Florida Tubing e1536076472401
  Florida Springs


Disclaimer: This information is subject to last minute cancellations and changes which might not be reflected in this MyCentralFloridaFamily.com post. Please always confirm with this family-friendly business by calling or clicking.

 Florida Springs

Check out additional Family Fun events coming up below: