Florida is home to more than 1,000 natural springs between the sun-soaked beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, drawing 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 host hundreds of plants and animals. They also provide drinking water that comes from the aquifer.
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.
Mud Springs, Florida, is an easy way to experience a quiet spring within Welaka State Forest. Hidden out of sight, known by few and yet absolutely stunning. It’s a small spring and relatively untouched, but it’s a favorite of mine. I love all of Florida’s springs; each is completely different. My favorites are always the…
Sulfur Spring in Welaka State Forest is one of those jewels that you just sort on land on by accident. Every time I talk to people about my fascination with springs, they ask me if I know any remote ones. I know hundreds, but this one was an added bonus from my visit to Mud…
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…
De Leon 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…
Crab Creek Spring is a hidden gem along the Chassahowitzka River. It is known for its serene beauty and unique underwater features. Accessible only by watercraft, this spring is perfect for those seeking tranquility away from more crowded locations. The area is surrounded by private land and a large private home, once home to the…
Ruth Spring in Florida is a spring few people know about. If you do a quick Google search, the results will tell you that spring is closed. It’s not! And you can validate this on the state’s website! It’s open for all to enjoy. The best part, it’s free! Ruth Spring is not the most…
Planning a spring trip? These florida freshwater springs offer clear water, paddling, swimming, and smart tips for a budget-friendly escape.
You can step into a slice of classic Florida where a first-magnitude spring pours clear, cool water into the Suwannee River and wintering manatees gather along the run. If you want easy access to swimming, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, and a boardwalk through a cypress forest—all within a compact state park—Manatee Springs delivers. It also has…
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…
Hightower Spring has got to be one of the most remote, ecleptic, and unusual springs in Florida. Totally unmanaged, remote yet accessible by river and road, this spring should be on any spring hunter’s list. The recognizable log that divides the river from the spring looks like a snake with a peacock’s head. It’s a…