Florida is well-known for its beautiful scenery and natural wonders. It has the most freshwater springs on the planet, over 700, all of which have the most breathtaking and memorable sights. Exotic fish and manatees can be seen in their waterways because they are so pristine. Snorkelers and scuba divers flock to the springs because of the meandering labyrinth of underwater caverns. Others hire kayaks and canoes, so they can better appreciate the enormous areas that feed into local rivers. Whether planning a vacation for the family or simply wanting to cool off on one of Florida's notoriously hot summer days, the refreshing water in one of these unique natural springs will more than suffice.
10 Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
Peacock Springs is known for its two beautiful springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes. It draws cave divers from all over the world who want to see one of the country's longest underwater cave constructions. There also is a tiny swimming hole and trails to explore for those who are not interested in cave diving. This allows visitors of all ages to appreciate this jewel in all of its splendor. Hiking award-winning nature pathways with educational signs are also available allowing visitors to learn as they go.
- The State Park Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset every year.
- Entrance fee: $4 per vehicle, $2 per pedestrian/cyclist
9 Alexander Springs
Because it is situated in the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs is a famous destination, well known by the locals, as well as, those living outside Florida. It's a terrific site to snorkel and look at all the fish, and you might even see a turtle swimming through the lilies. Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are some of the most well-liked activities as well as touring the nearby paths lined with cabbage palms, magnolias, and maples. Many consider it to be one of the most accessible for visitors to explore and enjoy, especially for younger and older explorers, because it has a gradual slope that eases swimmers and divers into the cool, crystalline waters.
- Entrance fee: $8 per person on weekdays, $11 on weekends and holidays
8 Silver Glen Springs
The Silver Glen Springs is a sensory delight as it contrasts with the neighboring oak, pine, and cedar forests. The blue-green waters, ideal for taking a swim, snorkeling, and sunbathing, will steal your breath away and are among the greatest in Florida, but what lies beneath the surface will spark one’s attention; Tilapia, striped bass, and a variety of other species can be found floating over the shallow sandy floor. It's no surprise that this location, which dates back 7,000 years, was popular with Native Americans and European settlers.
The spring is also a significant archeological site, and visitors can see a variety of fossilized snail shells embedded in middens along the shoreline. Because space is limited, visitors are recommended to arrive early.
- Admission fee: $8 per person on weekdays, $11 on weekends and holidays
7 Blue Springs State Park
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. It is a Manatee sanctuary that spans approximately 2,600 acres. During the manatee season (November to March), swimming is prohibited; however, the spring's 73-degree temperature is ideal for summer activities including swimming, canoeing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. Swimming is the most indulged recreational activity since the swimming hole's forested banks and pale blue waters are a quarter-mile of perfection. Visitors can also explore and dive into a massive, self-guided cave system or float downstream for a short lunch at the little beach.
- Entrance fee: $6 per vehicle, $2 per pedestrian/cyclist
6 Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs is one of Florida's purest springs and a favorite site for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, and diving. It has seven springs, caves, and white sand and is popular with cave divers and snorkelers. Kayaking, tubing, swimming, and canoeing are also available to visitors, as well as campgrounds with picnic grills, tables, and volleyball courts. There also is a rental cottage available for those who wish to stay longer. The 1,000 feet of subterranean channels beneath a 50-foot head spring that lead to another mind-boggling 30,000 feet of passages are the crown and pearl of this location, a haven for cave and open-water divers seeking adventure. The pristine water of the Florida springs may reward snorkelers or paddle boaters with views of bass, catfish, mullet, and, if they're lucky, turtles.
- Admission fee: $15 for adults ($20 during peak seasons), $5 for children (5-12), free for children below 4 years, $24 for certified full cave divers
5 Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Ichetucknee springs state park boasts nine crystal clear springs in which tubers can float to their hearts' delight. Blue Hole Spring is situated in the park, and it is the only area where cave diving is permitted. It is the largest of the nine, and scuba divers looking for something genuinely unique flock to it. The Ichetucknee River can be navigated by canoe, kayak, or tube in the upper portion of the state park, where the pure waters will gently float them down. In this gorgeous spring in Florida, snorkelers and scuba divers can discover a little more fun in the waters. Hikers can also choose from three hiking trails, all of which have entrances to the north side of the river.
- Admission fee: $6 per vehicle ($4 for a single-occupant vehicle), $2 for pedestrians
4 Rock Springs, Kelly Park
Kelly Park is centrally located in Apopka, Florida, approximately 30 minutes from Orlando. It boasts free-flowing springs that are slightly colder than their counterparts, frequently peaking at a chilling 68 degrees, which makes this resort ideal for Florida's hottest summers. Tubers can enjoy themselves as they float through mangroves and watch fish and turtles swim alongside them. Visitors can also paddle downstream in a canoe or glass-bottom boat until it gets to the open swimming areas. 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. The grounds also offer RV parking, pavilions, and walks of nature, making it one of the ideal places for a quiet picnic with family members or a romantic getaway.
- Entrance fee: $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people, $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people and $1 for additional person/walk-ins/motorcycles/bikes
3 Rainbow Springs State Park
It is one of Central Florida's oldest and best springs, with evidence of over 10,000 years of existence. Before taking a soothing plunge, reviews suggest wandering through the moss-covered Cypress trees to observe floral gardens, spectacular waterfalls, and five main springs. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling are all popular activities in Rainbow Springs. The more daring can rent a tube and paddle down the river, or trek one of the trails where turkeys, fox, deer, and squirrels can be seen. A massive swimming area with white sand and limestone beneath your toes may be found at the river's headwaters. Man-made waterfalls and natural gardens surround nature trails, making it a popular destination for Florida birders.
- Admission fee: $2 per person
2 Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
Weeki Wachee is a popular destination for tourists seeking crystal blue water ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. It's a beautiful place to cool off and enjoy the fun for all ages with slides feeding into Buccaneer Bay, especially when combined with a water park for the youngsters. Swimmers can enjoy the gorgeous blues and greens of the Florida natural springs while divers may explore the freshwater cave system, which has been verified to be the deepest in North America.
- Entrance fee: $13 for adults, $8 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 5 years
1 Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River
Crystal River is only accessible by boat and has acquired the moniker "water lover's paradise" due to the abundance of activities and wildlife to see. It is a must-visit if swimming alongside manatees is on your bucket list. Locals go to the area to witness these gentle giants interacting in their native setting, which is enjoyed by photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Visitors can either take a guided tour and learn about the manatees, introducing them to one of the most endearing endangered species, or they can rent a canoe, kayak, or snorkel equipment and explore the park on their own. They can also go to Kings Spring, which is 75 feet across and 30 feet deep at its deepest point, where daring divers can explore an underwater cave or go to the Three Sisters Spring, where they can be swimming alongside manatees in the chilly water during the winter months.
- Admission fee: $12.50 for adults (summer) and $20 (winter), $12.50 for seniors 55 years+(summer) and $17.50 (winter), $11.50 for military (summer) and $15 (winter), $7.50 for children between 6-15 both during summer and winter, free for children below 5 years