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Our 19+ Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs in 2024

Last Updated on January 18, 2024

No matter what time of the year, visiting one of the many delightful freshwater Florida Springs should be on everyone’s must-do list.

To experience authentic Florida, check out this list of our 19+ favorite natural Florida Springs.

Gilchrist Blue Springs, High Springs.
Gilchrist Blue Springs, High Springs

Florida has many natural springs to choose from … each freshwater Florida Springs offer shimmering shades of aqua blues and emerald greens that reflect the pristine setting with dazzling intensity.

Viewfinder at Wakulla Springs.
Wakulla Springs

Lucky for us, Florida is blessed with more than 700 springs, the largest collection on earth.

From deep within the underground aquifer, eight billion gallons of water flow from Florida’s springs each day at a constant 72 degrees.

Most of the springs are located in the central and northern regions of the Sunshine State. Many of the freshwater Florida springs are found within the state and national parks.

Each park offers locals and visitors an array of recreational opportunities and adventures while providing a level of protection for these essential natural resources.

Three Sisters Crystal River sign.

The entry fee to most parks is very reasonable, making the Springs experience not only loads of fun but a bargain compared to a day at a big theme park.

Our Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs text on a picture of a spring.

You will find the best freshwater Florida Springs below.

Springs in North Florida

Are you visiting Gainesville, White Springs, Micanopy, Ocala, or any of Northern Florida? A trip to the North Florida springs is a must! We’ve put together this collection of the best springs in North Florida to help you cool down from the Florida heat.

Ichetucknee Springs & River State Park, Fort White

Ichetucknee Springs, Fort White.
Ichetucknee Springs, Fort White

Northwest of Gainesville, near Fort White, the Ichetucknee Springs and River has long been a destination for campers, college students, and Floridians.

It’s perfect for anyone seeking the delightful experience of floating down the six-mile river before it empties into the Santa Fe River.

Woman tubing on the Ichetucknee River.
Ichetucknee River is one of Florida’s most beloved waterways

From Memorial Day until Labor Day, the Ichetucknee Springs State Park resembles a bustling summer camp. Families and larger groups “raft up,” tethering their tubes as they float down the river.

Alternatively, there will be some areas where you will have the river all to yourself. And one thing is certain for all who go – everyone on the river can enjoy one of Florida’s most authentic pleasures.

To maximize your Ichetucknee Springs experience, go early, and if possible, go on a weekday. Holidays and weekends are crowded.

Ichetucknee Springs & River State Park Address: 12087 S.W. U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, FL 32038

Check out: Tube the Ichetucknee River & Experience Authentic Florida

Gilchrist Blue Springs, High Springs

Swimmers at Gilchrist Blue Springs, High Springs.
Gilchrist Blue Springs, High Springs

This crystal blue “Shangri-la” just west of High Springs was purchased by the Florida State Park system. Blue Springs is situated in a quiet rural 250-acre area.

It even pumps 55 million gallons of fresh, crystal-clear water daily, eventually emptying into the Santa Fe River.

Reminiscent of a “Central Florida” summer camp, swimmers jump from a huge wooden diving platform into the crystal clear bubbly water swimming hole; families picnic under the shade of the sprawling oak trees; paddlers launch kayaks or paddleboards along the spring run.

No trip to Gilchrist Blue Springs is complete without a short walk on the rustic wooden boardwalk to the scenic Santa Fe River, admiring more beautiful springs.

Turtles sun on the logs below, and various fish swim below, including bass, mullet, red bellies, and catfish.

Gilchrist Blue Springs Address : 7450 N.E. 60th St., High Springs, FL 32643

Ginnie Springs, High Springs

Ginnie Springs, High Springs.
Ginnie Springs, High Springs

Not far from the Gilchrist Blue Springs, northwest of High Springs, Ginnie Springs encompasses 200 acres of natural Florida with shady trees lining the banks of the Santa Fe River.

Known for its camping amenities, Ginnie Springs is also one of the most popular diving springs in the state. Water gushes from seven natural springs, forming spring runs and grottos.

With a sandy limestone bottom reflecting light from above, it’s a beautiful new world down under, awaiting swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

Tubers enjoy a two-mile stretch along the Santa Fe for a day of aimless drifting. It’s also a great place for a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Laughter and fun are everywhere on this stretch, where all can enjoy the serenity of the Santa Fe River.

Ginnie Springs Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643

Make sure to check out the Ginnie Springs + Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop.

Madison Blue Springs State Park, Madison

Madison Blue Springs, east of Tallahassee.
Madison Blue Springs, East of Tallahassee

East of Tallahassee and the town of Madison is Madison Blue Springs. As you enter this state park, there is an “otherworldly” feel and something magical about these first-magnitude crystal clear waters.

It is easy to imagine fairies flitting through the trees and sprites peeking at you in the greenery.

The spring is a translucent blue hole in a forest of green surrounded by hardwoods and pines along the Withlacoochee River.

Several paths lead to the spring and plenty of rocks to sit upon for spectacular viewing as the spring runs 100 feet over limestone to the tannic Withlacoochee River.

A wooden platform with steps provides easy access for swimmers and divers. This spring also has underwater caves.

Madison Blue Springs State Park Address: 8300 FL-6, Lee, FL 32059

Make sure to read Madison Blue Spring State Park + Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop before visiting.

Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs, south of Tallahassee.
Wakulla Springs, South of Tallahassee

Fourteen miles south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs State Park is where the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world (yes, the world) bubbles up and flows into the Wakulla River.

The spring is also home to Florida’s deepest and most extensive underwater cave system. This makes it a destination for scuba divers and home to a popular swimming hole and wooden jumping tower at the main spring that attracts throngs of folks.

Wakulla Springs Lodge.

Be sure to check out the Wakulla Springs State Park Lodge, a 1930’s Mediterranean revival old hotel with a spectacular lobby and a restaurant with an excellent menu.

Consider the ranger-guided Jungle Cruise that covers a loop through the wildlife sanctuary –riding over the Wakulla spring that includes seeing pristine “real” Florida.

While on the cruise, you’ll likely see alligators, manatees (in season), turtles, and an amazing array of birds.

Wakulla Springs State Park Address: 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327

Check out: Authentic Florida Visits Wakulla Springs & River

Little River Springs, O’Brien

Little River Springs.
Source: Little River Springs

Little River Springs is a spring by the Suwannee River in O’Brien, Florida. It is part of a 125-acre park and a great spot for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Little River Springs has a cave system that is popular with scuba divers.

The park has hiking trails that give visitors many chances to see native wildlife like deer and species of birds. There are picnic areas, restrooms, and shallow areas for swimming, making this a great, family-friendly spring to visit. 

Little River Springs Address: 24855 105th Lane, O’Brien, FL 32071

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, Live Oak

View of spring in forest.
Source: Florida State Parks

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is located in Live Oak, Florida. This park brings in cave divers worldwide thanks to its extensive network, which includes two major springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes.

It is one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States.

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park.
Source: Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

Scuba-certified divers are permitted to enter and survey the underwater caverns for a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring the tunnels of caves below the surface. 

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park Address: 18532 180th Street, Live Oak, FL 32060

Check out: Live Oak is aLIVE with Fun Outdoor Experiences!

Springs in Central Florida

Are you visiting Orlando, Winter Garden, Winter Park, or Maitland? A trip to a Central Florida spring is a must! We’ve put together this collection of the best springs in Central Florida to help you cool down from the Florida heat.

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka

Wekiwa Springs, North of Orlando.
Wekiwa Springs, North of Orlando

North of Orlando in Seminole County, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a delightful retreat with an “Old Florida” feel. Wekiwa is an Indian word for “bubbling water,” which perfectly describes the freshwater spring. 

The emerald-green freshwater pool sits at the base of a grassy amphitheater with steps leading to the swimming area.

The 7,800-acre Wekiwa Springs Park is a part of the Wekiva Basin ecosystem. Nearby neighbors such as the Rock Springs Run State Preserve, the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, and the Wekiwa Springs State Park make up the full basin.

Kayaks in the river.

Consider renting a kayak or canoe to see more of the park. An easy paddle on the Wekiva River and up the Rock Springs Run will confirm its designation as a National Wild & Scenic River.

Florida wildlife is everywhere and you might want to be on the lookout for some early-morning otters and birds feeding near the water’s edge.

Wekiwa Springs State Park Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712

If you are looking for more things to do in Central Florida, check out: 7 Ways to Experience Orlando Like a Local

Blue Spring State Park, Orange City

Blue Springs State Park.
Blue Spring State Park, Orange City

North of Orlando and west of Orange City, Central Florida’s Blue Spring State Park is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River.

The circular translucent hole percolates with tiny bubbles rising to the surface, also known as a boil –but it’s not hot.

Like other Florida springs, it’s a consistently cool temperature.

Manatee Directional Sign at Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring is popular with swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, especially for the extensive underwater cave system.

A half-mile boardwalk along the bank of the Blue Spring Run begins at the bubbling spring and ends at the St. Johns River. 

Boardwalk at Blue Spring State Park
Source: Blue Spring State Park

The boardwalk is filled with panoramic views of picturesque “old Florida,” and interpretive displays provide history about the park.

Blue Springs.

Moss-draped oaks lining the blue-green river and fallen trees along the banks are ideal for composing prize-winning photographs. 

Manatees in Blue Spring State Park
Source: Blue Spring State Park

During the winter, Blue Spring is another popular gathering area for manatees. It’s one of the best places for viewing these gentle giants.

Blue Spring State Park Address: 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763

Check out: Manatees Arrive Daily at Blue Spring State Park

Crystal River, Crystal River (Citrus County)

Manatee in the water.

North of Tampa and west of Orlando, along Florida’s Gulf coast, is the Crystal River community, known as Florida’s “water lover’s paradise” for the abundance of freshwater Florida springs throughout the region.

Each winter (from November through March), visitors delight while observing Florida’s largest known gathering of manatees. Since they congregate in the relatively warm 72-degree water of Crystal River, this is a popular spot.

Three Sisters Springs, Citrus County.
Three Sisters Springs, Citrus County

In the summer, Citrus County bustles with those who want to cool off in that same but now relatively cool water.

Crystal River is a first-magnitude spring system, originating in Kings Bay, and encompassing more than 40 springs flowing into the river as it meanders six miles westward to the Gulf of Mexico.

To see this spring system, you’ll have to go by boat. Local outfitters will take you to visit the springs where a beautiful world, on or below the water, awaits.

Spring cave at Crystal River.
Source: Cyrstal River

The largest spring in Kings Bay is Kings Spring. It spans 75 feet across and is 30 feet deep at the entrance to a 60-foot cave.

This area is very popular with swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

Manatees from above.
Manatees keeping warm at Three Sisters Springs.
Photo courtesy: Discover Crystal River Florida.

Three Sisters Springs is considered one of the most beautiful springs in Florida. Local outfitters transport swimmers and snorkelers to the roped-off spring, where they can swim into the area to get a closer look.

It’s an enchanting spring and thanks to local caring citizens, it has been preserved for future generations. It’s also home to endless manatees during the cold months.

Crystal River Address: 3266 N. Sailboat Ave., Crystal River, FL 34428

Check out: Discover New Adventures in the Manatee Capital of the World and Five Ways to Befriend a Manatee: Start with a Visit to Crystal River, Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park & River, Hernando County

Weeki Wachee Mermaids.
Weeki Wachee Mermaid. Photo courtesy: John Athanason

Since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs has been home to the famous mermaid show, amusement park, river cruise, and first magnitude spring.

Fish-tailed human mermaids delight audiences with synchronized underwater ballet performances. Springwater flows up from subterranean caverns while visitors watch through huge glass windows in a submerged theatre.

Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee.

The Weeki Wachee Springs Park beach area, known as Buccaneer Bay, offers slides and a family swimming area in the cool water.

Weeki Wachee.

The spring water forms the Weeki Wachee River and flows more than seven miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

The translucent water and sandy bottom create a dazzling experience on one of Florida’s best rivers.

Two people kayaking in Weeki Wachee.

To discover more of the beauty and nature of the Weeki Wachee River, consider a slow, easy, five-mile, three-hour kayak or canoe paddle downstream.

Begin at Paddling Adventures, located adjacent to the Weeki Wachee State Park. They provide all the equipment with tips to make it enjoyable for the one-way trip, downstream.

Paddle under the shade of cypress and oak trees. Enjoy wildlife everywhere – look for the bald eagle’s nest, turtles sunning on submerged logs, and a plethora of birds, otters, and manatees.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34606

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Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon

Rainbow Springs.
Rainbow Springs State Park is home to the main headspring

Located southwest of Ocala near Dunnellon, Rainbow Springs State Park is home to the headspring of the Rainbow River and one of the most beautiful and beloved waterways in the state.

This river has enjoyed a reputation as a scenic and popular playground since opening in the 1930s as a family-owned attraction.

In 1990, the spring became part of the Florida State Park System. At the main park spring, swimmers can enjoy a large roped-off area for swimming with a dock and stairs for ease of entry to the spring.

Swimming area, Rainbow Springs State Park.
Swimming area, Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow River could be called Florida’s natural swimming pool. The white sandy bottom lies between areas of smooth limestone, creating a “pool-like” effect.

While in this swimming pool, you share the water with turtles as they sunbathe on fallen logs. In addition, blue herons and white ibis feed along the riverbank.

KP Hole Park entrance sign

Starting at the popular KP Hole outside the state park, children and adults can float downstream in inner tubes stopping often to jump off ropes tied to overhanging tree limbs.

The gentle current of the river dictates the pace as smaller springs bubble up and feed into the river. This creates plenty of areas to get out and swim.

Rainbow Springs State Park Address: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432

Check out: A Visit to Remarkable Rainbow Springs

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa

Pavilion at spring.
Source: Florida State Parks

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is located in Homosassa, Florida.

In the early 1900s, the springs were a popular train stop, bringing many people to enjoy the area.

Flamingos in Florida from Homosassa Wildlife Park.

The state park is known for the vast wildlife that calls this area home, including alligators, bears, and manatees.

The park also has flamingos, cranes, deer in captivity, and a famous hippo named Lu. This offers visitors an up-close encounter.

The Homosassa Springs group includes nearly 30 beautiful springs and is one of the largest springs in the state of Florida. 

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Address: 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446

Check out: Our Favorite Homosassa Springs Resident: Lu the Hippo

De Leon Springs State Park, De Leon Springs

People at the springs.
Source: Florida State Parks

De Leon Springs State Park is located in De Leon Springs, Florida. The park contains a subtropical forest, hiking trails, and a beautiful spring.

Be sure to take a boat tour to learn about the area’s history and ecology.

The park has canoe and kayak rentals. Visitors can explore the local lakes, creeks, and marshes.

Swimming is permitted in the spring, with a circumference of about 500 feet. 

Old Sugar Mill Pancake House

Don’t miss a meal at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House. You can make your own pancakes and other menu items at a table grill.

De Leon Springs State Park Address: 601 Ponce De Leon Blvd., De Leon Springs, FL 32130

Rock Springs at Kelly Park, Apopka 

Rocks Springs is a spring in Kelly Park, located in Apopka, Florida. The free-flowing spring is a popular destination for tubing.

The park doesn’t offer tube rentals. However, visitors can bring their own tubes and pool floats as long as they are less than five feet long and/or wide.

View of a spring.
Source: State Library and Archives of Florida

Some area businesses offer floatation device rentals at an affordable rate.

The park has nature trails that you can hike and a campground for those interested in staying at the park overnight (and being amongst the first in the water in the morning).

Rock Springs at Kelly Park Address: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712

Major Springs in the Ocala National Forest

Silver Springs State Park.
Silver Springs State Park

Four major springs, Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and Salt Springs are collectively called the “jewels” of the Ocala National Forest.

They offer refreshing retreats where swimmers bathe in the cool 72-degree water.

Read more about this incredible place: A Visit to Ocala National Forest.

Did you know during Christmas time, you can cut down your very own Florida Christmas tree at Ocala National Forest?

Juniper Springs, Silver Springs

Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest.
Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest

The headspring, Juniper Springs, is the site of the main swimming hole. A limestone wall surrounded by a lawn and picnic tables, originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, encloses the park’s spring.

Swimming at Juniper Springs
Source: USDA

Swimmers and campers delight in the beautiful deep blue spring.

An old historical mill built by the hard-working conservation corps to provide electricity for the park campground is adjacent to the swimming area. This includes a historical and informational exhibit center for park guests.

Juniper Creek Run.
Source: Juniper Creek Run

The adjacent Juniper Springs Run is considered one of Florida’s most scenic kayak excursions.

Juniper Springs Address: 26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488

Check out: Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest

Silver Glen Springs, Fort McCoy

Silver Glen Springs, Ocala National Forest
Silver Glen Springs, Ocala National Forest

This vibrant turquoise spring is available for day use and contrasts with the surrounding green oaks, cedar, and pine trees.

Connected to Lake George, it attracts a mix of fresh and saltwater fish and other freshwater Florida Springs creatures.

Manatees often congregate in winter, seeking respite from the cooler St. John’s River.

Silver Glen Springs Address: 5271 N Highway 19, Fort McCoy, FL

Alexander Springs, Altoona

Alexander Springs.
Alexander Spring. Source: USDA.gov

A shallow pool and sandy beach meet the crystal blue Alexander Spring making it popular for family swimming and diving.

The seven-mile Alexander Creek flows from the spring to the St. John’s River with easy access for boating.

Timucuan Trail sign at Alexander Springs.
Alexander Springs Timucuan Trail

Adjacent to the spring, the Timucuan Trail is ideal for a short hike surrounded by semi-tropical vegetation.

Interpretive signs share cultural information about the indigenous Timucuan people who once inhabited the area.

The signs also identify live vegetation used by the natives in their diet.

Alexander Springs Sign

This is one of those freshwater Florida Springs you will want to return to again and again.

Alexander Springs Address: 49525 County Rd 445, Altoona, FL 32702

Check out: An Authentic Day Trip: Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway and Alexander Springs + Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop

Salt Springs, Fort McCoy

Entrance to a spring.

Fed by nine vertical fissures rising out of the earth is Salt Springs. This spring was named for its slight salinity from various minerals, and sodium salts were believed to have medicinal value by early tourists. 

A boat ramp and marina provide easy access to Lake George, the second-largest lake in Florida.

Additionally, there are prime fishing areas, a spacious campground, and RV hookups.

Salt Springs and Nearby Places to Eat, Stay and Shop

When it comes to freshwater Florida Springs, it’s hard to beat Salt Springs.

Salt Springs Address: 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134

Protecting Our Florida Springs

Florida tag.
Order this license plate.

Enjoying our springs is one of the joys of living in the state. Most would agree we are all responsible for preserving and caring for them.

Springs in Florida, celebrated for their natural beauty, also play a crucial role in providing a supply of freshwater.

It’s no secret that our Florida’s springs are in jeopardy. Especially as Florida’s population increases, adding more environmental impacts to the state aquifer.

While enjoying these natural delights, each individual needs to play a role in reducing groundwater pollution and decreasing water consumption.

At home, you can install low-flow plumbing fixtures, landscape with native plants, and reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizers in the yard.

Additionally, you can support local land planning initiatives designed to protect our springs.

See the Florida Springs Map Below

Organizations Dedicated to Protecting Florida’s Springs and Rivers

  • The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute: A non-profit organization focused on protecting Florida’s springs through science and education.
  • Florida Springs Council: An advocacy group engaged in education, advocacy, and litigation to protect and restore Florida’s springs and spring-fed rivers.
  • Florida Wildlife Corridor Project: A project aimed at protecting the wildlife and natural habitats in Florida, including springs.
  • Baseline: Florida Springs: An initiative working towards the conservation and protection of Florida springs.
  • Florida Defenders of the Environment: An environmental organization that plays a role in safeguarding Florida’s natural springs.
  • Kings of the Springs: A group actively involved in protecting the springs of Florida

Accredited Conservation Land Trusts

Conservation Land Group(s)

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10 thoughts on “Our 19+ Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs in 2024”

  1. How can Morrison springs in Ponce De Leon be left out. It’s in the top 10 for me, with a 50 foot center dive to the cave. And the cave goes about 100 feet in, it used to be a network of up to 300 feet but was dinomited in the 60s to prevent further deaths. It’s definitely a beautiful spring with a beach area two platforms and plenty of picnic area

    Reply
    • Hi Roberta! The closest Springs to Clearwater Beach happens to be beautiful and is the home of mermaids. It’s Weeki Wachee Springs! Have a wonderful time. You may want to consider having a meal in Tarpon Springs, too. Safe travels. — Melanie

      Reply
  2. Is there any place in south or central Fl. than we can find drinking water spring please. We are used to drink spring water when we been in Ontario and as we move in Naples we are looking to find something like this . If somebody has information of it please let us know. Thanks.

    Reply
    • I order my spring water through ReadyFresh – they will deliver Zephyrhills spring water to your door. I too live in south Florida and moving from Michigan to south Florida was quite the switch. 🥴 I have been please with my home delivery as well as buying cases from Costco

      Reply
  3. Thank you so much for writing this blog post. It is so informative and helpful. We have been planning our Florida trip, and we are all very excited! We were looking for a nature park to visit, and after reading your post, the freshwater springs in Florida seem like the perfect destination! From what you’ve written, it’s clear that natural wonders like these exist here. I am amazed at how crystal-clear the waters are and I can just imagine swimming in them and exploring the different flora and fauna of the area. We would love the opportunity to go snorkeling or boating here as well, not to mention just enjoying some time outdoors in such a beautiful place. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and your experience with us – it means a lot!

    Reply
  4. Back in the mid to late ’70s I visited Alexander, Rock and perhaps Juniper springs. It was a breathtaking experience to swim and snorkel in crystal clear water with the fish, turtles and yes, alligators! Pictures simply do not do them justice. I am planning on taking my wife down this fall to tour as many as we can in a week’s time. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to see some manatees.

    Reply
  5. The Rainbow Springs piece brings back great childhood memories of the ’60s and ’70s, It was like visiting a different world to this Lee County (Fla) boy. One of our vacation stops along with Six Gun Territory and Silver Springs.

    Reply

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