Picture this – lazy river tubing in Florida. Think about it; the sun is high in the sky, not a cloud to be seen. Endless views of blue skies above and nothing but clear blue water and natural surroundings. This summer, make a plan to get your adventure on by doing some lazy river tubing in Florida. The Sunshine State has a seemingly endless amount of tubing possibilities throughout, as long as you know where to look for a place to float down the river. Lucky for you, we know some of the best spots! Whether you’re hoping to go tubing in the turquoise water of a natural lazy river in Florida or seeking the best floats in Florida, you’re in for a real treat.

1. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, High Springs

7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643, USA
Jayne/TripAdvisor
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is definitely a fan favorite for many swimmers and tubers. This expansive park contains not just one or two natural springs, but six in total! You can tube down the Santa Fe River at your own leisure in what has been considered to be the clearest water in Florida.

2. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White

12087 US Hwy 27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA
VISIT FLORIDA/TripAdvisor
Ichetucknee Springs is another naturally stunning spring that you can float down on a lazy summer afternoon. Not only should you keep your eyes out for manatees swimming lazily below, but also enjoy the various wildlife that’ll pop up along your journey downstream. This is one of the longer excursions available, as it connects to the six-mile-long Ichetucknee River, so get ready to be floating the entire day away. With so much to offer, it's easy to see why this is touted as the best state park in Florida.

3. Rock Springs Run, Apopka

400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, USA
TripAdvisor Jamel Alexander
Florida boasts some of the most beautiful natural springs in the country, and Rock Springs Run highlights that well. One of the longest lazy rivers in Florida, the tributary of Florida's Wekiva River is perfect for an afternoon of tubing, not to mention viewing the surrounding flora and fauna. Take a trip down this lazy river for a refreshing way to cool off.

4. Blue Spring State Park, Orange City

2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, USA
Nicole/TripAdvisor
Ahh, Blue Spring State Park. One of the most popular state parks in Florida, it's a seasonal gem as well as a popular tourist destination. People will come from all over in order to canoe, scuba dive, fish, camp, and, of course, tube! Bring your own snorkeling gear and take a few detours through your tube in order to really explore the St. John’s River. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for manatees, too!

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5. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon

19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Flickr Darryl Kenyon
People come from all over Florida to spend time at Rainbow Springs State Park, one of the best "tubing rivers near me." There are so many things to do and see—whether you want to hop in a tube and enjoy one of the best floats in Florida at your leisure or rent a kayak or canoe and really explore. The good news about this tubing experience is that you get a two-hour float, plus a tram ride so you don’t have to make your way back on foot.

6. K.P. Hole Park, Dunnellon

9425 SW 190th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Donna L/TripAdvisor
Another great way to spend some time on the Rainbow River is by visiting K.P. Hole County Park. This park is known for having river tubing year-round, plus a ton of other family-friendly activities. You can’t beat a spring-fed river clocking in at 72 degrees consistently! It's truly some of the best river tubing in Florida.

7. Ginnie Springs, Gilchrist County

7300 NE Ginnie Spgs Rd, High Springs, FL 32643, USA
Facebook Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs is located in Gilchrist County and is a privately owned park that has direct access to the Santa Fe River. You can camp, dive, snorkel, and tube your way along some of the bluest water in Florida. Between the shallow springs, the beautiful river, and the sand and limestone cave diving, there will never be a dull moment here.

8. Spring Creek, Marianna

4289 US-90, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
Facebook Visit Jackson County Fla
Spring Creek in Marianna offers a four-hour tubing experience which is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon under the sun. As a fan-favorite for those near Tallahassee, you can spend the day drifting with the slow-moving currents of the creek, which eventually will open up to the stunning Chipola River. Spring Creek isn’t the only reason to visit Marianna, though. Brimming with things to do, it’s one of the best small towns in Florida.

Have you ever been lazy river tubing in Florida before? Do you think these are the best floats in Florida? Tell us what you think in the comments! Or, if you know of another natural lazy river in Florida that wasn’t mentioned here, make sure to let your fellow Floridians know. Tubing in Florida isn’t the only option for keeping cool in The Sunshine State. There are lots of places to beat the summer heat, including some wonderful hiking trails just like this one that’s one of the best things to do in Tallahassee:

The Incredible Geological Area In Florida Where You’ll See Sinkholes, Caves, And More

 

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More to Explore

Outdoor Adventures In Florida

Michelle S. | June 13, 2023

What are the most beautiful hikes in Florida?

The most beautiful hikes in Florida can be found in every region of the state. Each one offers scenery, fun, and even some adventure. One of the most notable is Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples. Offering an experience like no other, the sanctuary’s boardwalk trail gives visitors the opportunity to journey into the heart of the Everglades ecosystem and discover the rugged beauty of Florida’s famed natural area. The 2.25-mile trail boasts close-up views of pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marshlands, and the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. The sanctuary is also home to an array of wildlife, including alligators, otters, white-tailed deer, and red-bellied turtles. A variety of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can also be seen throughout the property. It should also be noted that online reservations are required to visit.

Other beautiful hikes in Florida include:

 

Of course, there are tons of scenic hikes in Florida so be sure to get it and experience as many as you can.

What is the largest state park in Florida?

The largest state park in Florida is Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Located in Copeland, the park is home to an array of plant and animal species – many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the continental U.S. The expansive park is brimming with perks. Easy to explore, the grounds are divided into four main areas, which include: the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, the East River, the Jones Grade lakes, and Janes Memorial Scenic Drive. The Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk is a visitor favorite, as it winds through a beautifully pristine section of the Fakahatchee Strand swamp. The scenic trek comes to an end at an alligator pond and observation deck, where you can stop and take in the surroundings.

There are many state parks to explore in Florida. Some others to see are:

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