Florida boasts the highest concentration of natural springs in the world. These refreshing water features are beloved by both residents and visitors alike.
These stunning watering holes boast crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation. They’re known for their cool temperatures all year round, making them ideal for bird watching as well as outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Weeki Wachee Springs
If you’re a fan of natural springs and want to see the best that Florida has to offer, Weeki Wachee Springs are unbeatable. At their deepest point, these waters can reach up to 125 meters below ground. One of the most beautiful of Florida springs.
Spring Hill, Florida is located 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Tampa and 85 miles (137 kilometers) west of Orlando. Although a small town, Spring Hill remains a popular tourist attraction.
Weeki Wachee Springs is not only home to the world-famous Mermaid Show, but they also have a small water park with slides that plunge right into its springs. It’s an enjoyable way to spend a day, but be sure to arrive early as it tends to get very crowded.
Newton Perry, who created the original mermaid show in 1947, had a long history of turning natural springs into tourist attractions.
Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs is located within Ocala National Forest and it’s a popular spot for swimming and fishing.
Silver Glen Spring is a first magnitude spring that produces 65 million gallons of water daily. It’s one of Florida’s most beloved natural attractions due to its crystal clear water and sandy bottom.
Silver Glen Run’s end point offers an idyllic swimming and snorkeling spot, with water temperatures of 73 degrees and crystal clear. Enjoy some fun in the sun or take a dip in the clear blue sea!
On weekends, especially during the summer, many visitors flock to the spring. It can get busy here so be sure to arrive early for the best experience.
This spring is a popular spot to go kayaking and swimming with manatees during the winter months. Additionally, the region is home to other wildlife like alligators and snakes; please be courteous and respectful when in this area!
Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park in Central Florida is one of the most beloved natural springs in the area. Attracting visitors from around the globe for swimming, snorkeling and diving activities, it has become a haven for outdoor adventurers.
There’s a half-mile boardwalk that takes you to Blue Spring’s vent, offering unparalleled views of this natural water feature. You may also spot wildlife such as manatees, fish and birds while strolling along the trail.
State Park can get very crowded during peak summer and winter months, so it’s best to arrive early and avoid long lines. Occasionally, when visitor numbers reach their capacity, the park may temporarily close its doors for newcomers for a few hours.
This park offers 51 campsites and 6 cabins to rent, though they tend to fill up quickly so it’s best to book ahead. Camping costs $24 per night plus tax, while cabins are $95 per night plus tax with a $6.70 reservation fee and $7 utility fee for RVs.
Big Cypress National Preserve
East of Naples, the Big Cypress National Preserve encompasses over 700,000 acres of Florida’s cypress swamp. It also features pinelands, prairies, hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests on its fringe.
The preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife and diverse habitats. These include cattle pastures, prairies that support many wild plants and animals, hardwood islands or “hammocks” where rare creatures such as Florida panthers have found refuge, and mangrove wetlands which shield visitors from wind or rain.
Visitors to this preserve can explore it via hiking trails, scenic drives and by swamp buggy. It’s also popular among hunters who can catch white-tailed deer and turkeys during certain seasons.
