It’s not hard to see why early Spanish explorers thought Florida would be the home of the mythical Fountain of Youth – our springs are unlike anything else in the world. Luckily, many of these unique watering holes are just a gas tank away from Orlando and offer beautiful scenic views and crystal clear blue waters.
Fanning Springs
18020 US-19, Fanning Springs, FL 32693; 2 hours, 11 minutesfrom Orlando
In the 1950s, Fanning Springs used to have a roller rink. Now, in an effort to maintain the park’s natural beauty, guests forgo the cheesy disco lights in favor of clear blue springs, a sandy volleyball court and hikes through a hardwood forest. Or, if you want to relax while you take in the natural splendor, a shady gazebo on the Suwannee river offers a comfortable place to watch the sturgeon jumping out of the water in the warmer months.
Photo via k_shred88/InstagramSilver Glen Springs
5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32143; 1 hour, 15 minutes from Orlando
Perfect for fans of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ novel The Yearling, bibliophiles will recognize the spots made famous by the Baxter family. Pick up some snorkeling gear on the ride over, and take pleasure in knowing that both canoe and kayak launching are free if you bring your own gear.
Photo via eiriichii/InstagramDevil’s Den
5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696; 1 hour, 31 minutes from Orlando
Pull a Dracula and hide from the sunlight at this underground spring tucked inside a dry cave. Try your hand at some open water and cave diving, and brag to your friends about the stalactites — that’s the pointy things on the ceilings — and 33-million-year-old fossil beds you got to swim around. Don’t make the drive if you’re not scuba- or snorkeling-certified, however, or you won’t be allowed into the spring.
Photo via chuckbandel/InstagramThree Sisters Springs
601 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429; 1 hour, 38 minutes from Orlando
This one is just for the manatees, folks. Swim with the cute lil sea cows or simply look at them from the spring’s boardwalk. Either way, you’ll get a clear view of them. The amount of manatees on site fluctuates depending on the time of year, but the cooler days after mid-November will get you more mammal for your buck.
Photo via U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceBlue Spring State Park
2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763; 50 minutes from Orlando
Claiming the title of the biggest spring found on the St. John’s River, this stop on the list is manatee heaven from the middle of November until the end of March. Any in-water activity is put to a halt during this time, but once the park fully reopens, attendees can enjoy some snorkeling, boating, fishing, tubing and, if you’re certified, scuba diving.
Photo via atravelgirl12/InstagramGinnie Springs
7300 Ginnie Springs Rd, High Springs, FL 32643; 2 hours, 5 minutes from Orlando
Along with being one of Florida’s most popular camping locations, Ginnie Springs has one of the clearest bodies of water in Florida. Snorkel, swim, canoe and kayak in seven different springs across the park or explore the hidden grottos beneath the water’s surface. Certified divers can travel through 30,000 feet of passageways in the Devil’s Springs systems, where they might catch a glimpse of a prehistoric fossil from the pleistocene era.
Photo via theonenomad/InstagramWekiwa Springs
1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712; 30 minutes from Orlando
One of the more popular springs in the area, it’s recommended that you get there early to be sure you’ll find a parking space. Maybe it’s due to the Wekiwa River being only one of two National Wild & Scenic Rivers recognized in the state or the many ways you can travel down the stream of water (canoe, kayak or paddle board), but the fact remains that this is a must for any Orlandoan.
Photo viacozzy_zy/InstagramSilver Springs
1425 NE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470; 1 hour, 15 minutes from Orlando
A ride on one of their glass bottom boats will provide a glimpse at one of the state’s largest artesian springs. If you’re looking to go swimming, you might want to try visiting somewhere else, but if you’re itching to get into a kayak or canoe, add this to your to-visit list.
Photo via _alex_andrine/InstagramOtter Springs
6470 SW 80th Ave, Trenton, FL 32693; 2 hours, 15 minutes from Orlando
For the 21st century outdoorsman, Otter Springs offers an authentic natural experience complete with updated amenities. If stewing in algae-filled water before a two hour drive home makes you feel a little icky and gross, rinse off in one of two bathhouses with hot showers or take a dip in the screened-in pool.
Photo via nphuff27/InstagramManatee Springs State Park
11650 NW 115 St, Chiefland, FL 32626; 2 hours, 7 minutes from Orlando
Living up to its name, Manatee Springs gives guests a chance to catch of glimpse of the gentle sea-cow during early spring as the aquatic mammal seek warmer waters. During manatee season, canoeing and kayaking are forbidden, but the rest of the year, you can fish, swim, boat, snorkel and dive in the Catfish Hotel sink hole.
Photo via synful_cyn/InstagramAlexander Springs Recreation Area
49525 County Road 445, Altoona, FL 32702; 1 hour, 7 minutes from Orlando
Florida weather might be all over the place, but the water here doesn’t care. At a constant temperature of 72 degrees, this spring is perfect to swim, snorkel and scuba in no matter the time of year. If you’re really feeling like a good hike, you can jump onto the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs through the entire national forest.
Photo via crismanu/InstagramIchetucknee Springs State Park
12087 US-27, Fort White, FL 32038; 2 hours, 10 minutes from Orlando
Back in the early 1900s, this spring was used to mine phosphate. You can still find the mines clustered around the edge of the water, but now, Ichetucknee is a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can float lazily through the spring in tubes alongside otters, beavers, wild turkeys and wood ducks. Guests can also canoe, hike, snorkel and scuba dive in Blue Hole Spring as long as they present proper certification.
Photo via lexilioness/InstagramFalling Waters State Park
1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428; 4 hours, 25 minutes from Orlando
A trip to the panhandle will land you in front of Florida’s largest waterfall, gushing down at 73 feet. You can’t swim around the rush of water, but you can take a dip in a lake nearby after setting up your tent at the campgrounds and peering down at the sinkholes by the boardwalk.
Photo via malloryoffner/InstagramBig Shoals State Park
11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096; 2 hours, 30 minutes from Orlando.
Get your adrenaline pumping at the largest whitewater rapids in Florida, which is the only one in the state that’s a designated Class III. To balance out the rush, head on out to the 28 miles made available for all your equestrian, hiking and biking needs.
Photo via katielandry/InstagramRainbow Springs
10830 SW 180th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432; 1 hour, 27 minutes from Orlando
Sure, Rainbow Springs waterfalls are manmade, but it’s too close to not mention. The remnants of its amusement park past doesn’t remain completely hidden; gardens and man-made waterfalls are scattered throughout the acreage. Swim, canoe, or kayak around, but know that you can only launch your tubing self at a designated spot near the campgrounds.
Photo via dangore667/InstagramDevil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653; 1 hour, 46 minutes from Orlando
Drop down into the 120-foot-deep sinkhole for the park’s signature, breathtaking view of a stream of water trickling down into the massive limestone indentation. A mini rainforest can be found at the bottom of the cavity, never disappearing despite the heat of the Sunshine State. Your dog, cat, hamster, ferret, or whatever other animal you hold dear can join you on this journey.
Photo via sarah_wod/InstagramFalling Creek Falls
953 NW Falling Creed Road, Lake City, FL 32055; 2 hours, 21 minutes from Orlando
When the water reaches its normal levels, the 10-foot waterfall is at its most beautiful. Watch it flow below Falling Creek Road before seeping through a ravine and below the earth. Turn it into a day trip by taking advantage of the picnic area and hiking trails.
Photo via god_dammit_tania/InstagramPoe Springs Park
28800 NW 182nd Ave, High Springs, FL 32643; 1 hour, 58 minutes from Orlando
Just a half-hour away from Gainsville, Poe Springs has long been a popular spot for locals because of its shallow waters fit for the whole family. But, if you and the kids are starting to get pruney from your dip in the springs, the 202-acre park also features soccer and softball fields, volleyball courts, picnic pavilions and and a playground.
Photo via xcirces_odyssey/InstagramJuniper Springs
26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488; 1 hour, 15 minutes from Orlando
There’s plenty to look at here, be it the sand boils that make it seem like the sand is simmering, or the vents in the pool. The creek might be small, but don’t let that stop you from canoeing through it. Just make sure not to get out for a swim; you can only do so in the main spring pool.
Photo via marciana82/InstagramDe Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130; 1 hour, 12 minutes from Orlando
If this place is to be defined by one thing, it’s how massive it is. The 625-acre park is witness to 19 million gallons of water being produced every day, for your canoe, paddleboat and kayak pleasure. Paddle through the water trail to explore the creeks and marshes of the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.
Photo via polianapompeo/InstagramRock Springs Run
30601 County Road 433, Sorrento, FL 32776; 39 minutes from Orlando
Even though this spring isn’t completely swimmer-friendly (visitors can’t dip into the Wekiwa side of things), you shouldn’t write this one off. Enjoy the unique experience of only being able to reach the primitive campgrounds by canoe, and take part in the hunting season from September to January.
Photo via ssmonarch/InstagramSalt Springs
13851 N. SR 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134; 1 hour, 33 minutes from Orlando
In case the name didn’t clue you in, you’ll want to keep your mouth and eyes closed as you swim through this unusually salty spring. If you don’t want to risk it, canoe your way through the waters or take a hike on the park’s trails instead. Fishing is a-okay as long as you stay away from the swimming areas and have a Florida Freshwater Fishing License.
Photo via aflowfilms/InstagramHart Springs
4240 SW 86th Ave, Bell, FL 32619; 2 hours, 17 minutes from Orlando
With one of the largest swimming facilities in the area and water that stays 72 degrees year-round, Hart Springs in the perfect place to take a dip on a scorching Florida day. Bring a tube or raft and work on your tan as you soak in the sun or grab a snorkel and explore the spring bottom for unique shells. Swimmers have even found arrowheads hidden between the rocks.
Photo via Hart Springs/FacebookSuwannee Springs
3243 91st Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060; 2 hours, 30 minutes from Orlando
This historic park is composed of six springs clustered in a sandy hundred-foot stretch at the base of the Suwannee River. The main spring is surrounded by the walls of a late 1800s bath house made out of limestone rock. Unfortunately sand is building up in the pool and tree roots are growing into the walls, so this hundred-year-old testament to Florida’s rich past could soon disappear; Enjoy it while it lasts.
Photo via thndrbuni/InstagramHomosassa Springs
4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446; 1 hour, 34 minutesfrom Orlando
Unless you want to get in trouble with the fuzz, you might not want to touch the West Indian manatee aggregations, but you can definitely gaze at them as they come through the springs. Check them out either aboveground or through the underwater observatory.
Photo via whosforreal/Instagram
