Florida is home to over 1000 natural springs between the sun-soaked beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, which have drawn people to the state for thousands of years.
Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t just the source of fresh water; they’re just one part of the long journey water takes from the atmosphere to the land surface, into the ground through the Floridan Aquifer, and back to the surface.
They are of great ecological importance and are home to hundreds of plants and animals. They also provide drinking water that comes from the aquifer.
Five government agencies manage these bodies of water. The Florida Springs region has four water management districts, the first being the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Some are state-run and state parks. Some are private; some are neither and are remote.
Long before theme parks came to town, the freshwater springs were the top tourist attraction in the state. Join us across the state to explore 40 of the best springs in Florida that you can still visit today. Filled with vivid photos from the past and present, this guide will show you a side of the Sunshine State you won’t see in commercials. Complete with information on conservation and a key for activities offered, this book is a must-have for locals and tourists alike.
DeLeon Springs State Park in Florida has become the most popular place in this tourist-packed state. This State Park is one of the most beautiful and exciting places you can visit in the U.S. Before we get into the details of why you should visit, let’s clear up the naming! Officially, the park’s name is …
Kayaking Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida’s most fantastic kayak routes. The water here is as clear as it gets, the river is loaded with wildlife, and it’s a throwback to a slower pace of life. Manatees are a given; you’ll encounter herds of them. Gators are a possibility, and you might even see…
Royal Springs Park is a five-acre park in Suwannee County near O’Brien, Florida. Swimming and diving are two of the most popular activities in the park. It is a hidden treasure in the area that most people don’t know exists. Royal Spring is a free sping, mainly frequented by locals. This is a great place…
The natural springs of Suwannee Springs, formerly known as Suwannee Sulphur Springs, are located in Suwannee Springs, Florida, not far from Live Oak. Suwannee Springs used to be a popular tourist destination and hotel. Suwannee River, Water Management District, is presently in charge of its administration. While it might not be one of the most…
Wekiva Island, Florida, offers plenty of activities, including kayaking and swimming in the cool and unspoiled Wekiva River. Explore one of Orlando’s most popular local hang-out spots that is entirely authentic, natural, and non-touristy. If you ever want to experience what it’s like to navigate the Floridian rivers, experience springs, and bask in the sun…
Wekiva Falls RV Resort is one of the best resorts for those that love the great outdoors, springs, and camping. Close to the best attractions that Orlando or Daytona Beach has, it’s the perfect location to enjoy Central Florida’s attractions while basking in Florida’s wilderness. Add to this, the resort boasts a swimming pool that…
In addition to mermaid shows, riverboat cruises, and wildlife exhibits, Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida’s most unique family destinations that is home to Buccaneer Bay Water Park. A great water park providing perfect summertime activity. Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed waterpark, is included in the price of admission to Weeki Wachee Springs State…
Florida is a nature explorer’s heaven. While there’s a lot of wildlife in the region, the wildlife doesn’t come without the natural parks they live in. And many of those parks are home to springs. There are almost 900 springs throughout Florida, and one of the best just so happens to be Kelly Park at…
Silver Glen Springs is one of Florida’s most popular and well-known springs. Silver Glen is a massive spring of crystal clear water frequented by many fans of snorkeling and boating and located in the Ocala National Forest. Accessible from the Silver Glen Run off of Lake George, this spring is a local favorite, and here’s…
Blue Spring in Florida, not to be confused with Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs, is the first spring I ever swam in. It’s also the first place where I saw a manatee. Blue Spring State Park will always hold a special place in my heart, as many of my summer days have been spent…