Florida is one of the most water-rich states in the nation, with more than 18% of our land covered by lakes, rivers, and springs.
In fact, it’s home to more than 900 natural freshwater springs—and there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy at these places!
If you’re looking for a refreshing day in the sun, head to a Florida spring. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, from scuba diving to kayaking and snorkeling to nature trails.
Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee Springs, located in Hernando County in Central Florida, is one of the most unique family destinations in the state. Guests enjoy seeing the live mermaid shows, taking a river boat cruise, learning about Florida wildlife and swimming in the pristine waters at Buccaneer Bay.
It’s also Florida’s one and only spring-fed water park with a sandy white beach, swimming and snorkeling area and 2 giant waterslides. It’s also the starting point for a beautiful river that’s perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Despite its popularity, the natural spring has suffered from over-use and environmental pollution. There are some signs of progress, but it still has a long way to go.
Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den is one of Florida’s most unique natural springs. The spring sits underneath an underground cave containing tons of extinct fossils and is known as a “karst” because of its geological formation.
The water is 72 degrees all year long, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also a great place for those who want to practice their buoyancy and diving skills.
The spring is open 364 days a year and has a reservation system. If you’re looking for a less busy experience, be sure to make your reservations.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located near Orlando and has a variety of outdoor activities and world-class camping. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park has several trails to choose from, ranging in length from 0.8 to 13.5 miles. These hiking trails will take you through the woods and swamps and into the tranquil Wekiwa River and springs.
There is also a Nature Center that is staffed by volunteers, who are eager to show you the park’s diverse plant communities and wildlife (Philpott 3). You may see Florida black bears, gopher tortoises and Sherman’s fox squirrels.
The park has a picnic area, restrooms and showers, birding and bicycling activities, swimming access and RV sites. It is also close to Lake Apopka North Shore, a natural preserve with 20,000 acres of wilderness and a wide variety of wildlife.
Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs, in Ocala National Forest, is one of the most beautiful natural springs in Florida. It’s also a popular swimming spot for locals and travelers from Orlando, Gainesville, Daytona Beach and beyond.
The crystal-clear water of this first-magnitude spring, and the pristine “run” it flows into Lake George, are both among the state’s most renowned. The spring’s location, at the head of a vast sand dune field in the Ocala National Forest, is particularly intriguing because it preserves a unique ecosystem that’s endemic to Florida.
The run’s waters flow into a tidally-influenced salty lake where schools of fish spawn in winter. The water’s mild salinity attracts many species of marine life, including blue crabs and jack cravelle. The springs are also a treasure trove of archaeological artifacts and shell mounds. These ancient settlements date back at least 10,000 years.
