Florida has some of the biggest and most beautiful springs in the world. There’s plenty to do and see at any of these springs (most of which are state parks), even if you don’t like to swim. Since we’re only planning a weekend trip, we had to cut it down to only a few springs that can be visited in about a five-hour round trip. Before anyone asks, remember there are more potential dangers than at the pool (including alligators), and there is usually no lifeguard on duty. Stay within designated swimming areas, be safe, and have fun on this wonderful Florida springs road trip! Which springs in Florida are your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

Google Maps
1. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White
12087 US Hwy 27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA
Flickr/Paul Clark
This state park in north Florida is very popular with those looking to cool off in the summer. The head spring is even a National Natural Landmark. Every Floridian should experience tubing on the Ichetucknee at least once.
2. Ginnie Springs, High Springs
7300 NE Ginnie Spgs Rd, High Springs, FL 32643, USA
Flickr/anthony rue
Ginnie Springs, which is located near High Springs, has been acclaimed as one of the clearest and most beautiful springs in the whole state. It's a beloved spot for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, and diving.

This short video offers an excellent sneak peek at the wonders of Ginnie Springs:

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3. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
10830 SW 180th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife
One of Florida's most beautiful state parks, Rainbow Springs State Park sits in Dunnellon, about two hours north of Tampa. Hike through the scenic park and check out a few enchanting man-made waterfalls. Then take a dip in the headsprings or go tubing down the crystal-clear Rainbow River.
4. Silver Springs State Park, Ocala
425 NE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470, USA
Flickr/Big Tiger
This iconic park near Ocala is one of Florida's oldest attractions. There's no swimming allowed at the park, but you can still enjoy this slice of Old Florida with a glass-bottom boat ride.

Curious about what it's like to kayak at Silver Springs State Park? This wonderful video offers a glimpse of exactly that:
5. Juniper Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest
26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488, USA
Flickr/anoldent
Juniper Springs Recreation Area is one of the East Coast's oldest and most charming recreation areas, featuring sparkling clear water under palms and majestic oaks in Ocala National Forest.
6. De Leon Springs State Park, De Leon Springs
601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
Flickr/ravas51
Start off the day by pouring your own pancakes at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park, located about 30 minutes from Daytona. Everyone can appreciate a swim in this historic park at depths up to 30 feet.

Enjoy this brief walkthrough of De Leon Springs State Park:
What do you think about this Florida springs road trip? What are your favorite Florida springs to visit? Let us know in the comments! 

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Florida Springs Road Trip

Tori Jane | February 07, 2023
  1. What stops should I make on a Florida springs road trip? 

With as many springs in Florida as there are (more on that in a moment), it’s the perfect place to embark upon a Florida springs road trip. Some essential, iconic stops everyone should make on a Florida springs road trip are ones like:  

  • Warm Mineral Spring – literally the only hot spring in Florida open to the public; its waters are a comfortable 85-87 degrees Fahrenheit.  
  • Little Salt Spring – this one is currently owned and researched by the University of Miami and has been the source of some notable discoveries. You cannot swim here.  
  • Homosassa Springs – Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is an amazing sanctuary for humans and animals alike to relax 

 

Learn more about these amazing places and then some by doing one of our many Florida road trips.   

  1. How many springs in Florida are there? 

Amazingly, there are more than 700 known and documented springs in Florida. Some are warm, some are hot, and some are neither! With so many to check out, it’s impossible to know where to begin, but some of our all-time favorite springs in Florida are:  

  • Lithia Springs is a comfortable spring with water temperatures in the low 70s at any given time. It’s a popular destination for kayaking.  
  • Peacock Springs is a haven for SCUBA divers, with more than 10 miles of amazing underwater caves all mapped out.  
  • Morrison Springs is beautiful and maintains its spot as one of the top most popular springs in Florida. 

 

Learn more about Florida’s amazing hot springs by visiting 12 of the best ones in the state!   

  1. What are some of the most amazing places in Florida? 

Naturally, the springs aren’t the only amazing draw to this incredible state. There are hundreds of other incredible natural wonders in FL to behold; some of the most amazing places in Florida are ones including:  

  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is literally the stereotype for “paradise.” 
  • Grayton Beach State Park is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country. 
  • The Bok Tower Gardens quite literally looks like something out of a fairy tale.  
  • Caladesi Island State Park is also home to some of the best beaches in the country. 

 

Learn more about all of these breathtaking places in Florida and then some!   

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