Florida is known for its beaches, but are you looking for a new place to explore? The perfect way to spend a day is visiting one of the many beautiful springs all over the sunshine state! Grab some friends, get some floats, and prepare for a relaxing day at one of these Top Springs in Florida!
1. Itchetucknee Springs State Park Fort White, FL
photo courtesy: @andiegraney
This six-mile long crystal clear river flows gently through wetlands and under sunshine for a great day with family and friends. The best way to enjoy the river is by floating, bring your own or rent one on sight! The park isn’t just for tubers as there is plenty of hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnic areas for all to enjoy. Love to paddle board or kayak? Bring it on! Perks of this park: Floats rentals and great for families
2. Juniper Springs Silver Springs, FL
photo courtesy: @whenthesunrises_
Ocala National Park has so much to explore! One of the best places being the Juniper Springs Recreation Area that includes plenty of swimming under a rooftop of palm trees and hundred year old live oaks. Bring a picnic along to enjoy in one of the picnic areas before taking a hike on one of the wildlife trails! Perks of this park: Great for swimming
3. Wakulla Springs Wakulla Springs, FL
photo courtesy: @ashleykup26
Wakulla Springs is a must say for any nature lover as it is the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world. As it is one of the larger parks, amenities such as guided riverboat tours are offered. The swimming holes are clear, blue, and inviting during the warm summer months. Other activities of course include hiking and site seeing for a whole day full of adventure. Perks of this park: Lots of history and plenty of wildlife to see
4. Ginnie Springs High Springs, FL
photo courtesy: @arnmurray249
Clear blue water to take a dive into is calling your name! Ginnie Springs has plenty of areas for swimming as well as floating, kayaking, or tanning. The park is nestled under a canopy of trees that offer shade from the hot summer Florida days. If you’re looking for diving and snorkeling, then this park is the one for you. Divers must be certified, but are in for a treat with the variety of fish and caves to explore. Perks of this park: Ability to dive and very spacious
5. Blue Springs State Park Orange City, FL
photo courtesy: @kerryanne51
Blue Springs is known for being a designated Manatee Refuge during the colder months, but during the summer is open to swimmers and divers. There are also wildlife viewing areas and guided boat tours. Taking a swim in the summer is ideal, and coming back for a second visit in the fall and winter to see the manatees is a must! Perks of this park: Manatee Lovers Welcome!
6. Manatee Springs Cheifland, FL
photo courtesy: @bylekurns
A day here can be spent swimming, picnicking, and kayaking through the crystal clear and cool streams leading to the Suwannee River. Guests are welcome to kayak and snorkel or dive if certified. During the cooler months this park is also home to many manatees traveling to warmer waters. Perks of this park: Ability to rent kayaking and canoeing equipment
7. Madison Blue Springs Lee, FL
photo courtesy: @coolcano
Madison Blue Springs is one of the newest parks in Florida and home to one of the clearest Springs, while the park is smaller the swimming is great! This spring is 82 feet wide and perfect for exploring. Certified divers are also welcome. Perks of this park: Great for divers
8. Rainbow Springs Dunnellon, FL
photo courtesy: @mprussell24
This will be one of the prettiest places you have ever seen. As one of the largest state parks in Florida, there is so much to explore! The Rainbow River can be swam, snorkeled, paddled, or floated. The Headsprings area is reserved for swimmers so you can better enjoy the area. As this is one of the larger parks, it’s also one of the more popular! Arrive early so you can enjoy more! Perks of this park: Natural beauty and more space for swimming
