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.
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…
There are endless springs and natural parks in Florida, perfect for escaping the daily grind and clearing your head, and decompressing. Silver Springs State Park in Florida is one that many cherish. It’s famous for the wild monkeys that live in the Ocala National Forest and glass-bottom boat rides in the spring. This post may…
Most people don’t even realize that you can stay inside Kings Landing. And, inside, I mean behind the closed gates of one of Central Florida’s best-kept secrets. You can and don’t have to tent it unless your heart is set on camping. Kings Landing has five cabins inside that can be rented. Here are the…
If you want to explore some of Florida’s most stunning scenery, then Kings Landing, Florida, should be high on your list of places to visit. Numerous theme parks and attractions attract tourists from all over the world to Orlando. Nevertheless, Central Florida offers plenty of other things to do that are as exciting as theme…
Homosassa Springs is very well known by most in Florida. The town of Homosassa is considered by many to be the scalloping capital of Florida. And, many folks will tell you it’s the manatee capital of Florida. Homosassa is indeed famous for both, but the neighboring town Crystal River people also claim these accolades. Regardless,…
When I tell most people about the Mermaids Of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid show in Florida, I am met with raised eyebrows. The Mermaids Of Weeki Wachee Springs underwater extravaganza only takes place at Weeki Wachee Springs! Typically, people think I am talking about a theater-style Broadway show, and most assume I mean a show…
The Devils Den Florida – a Prehistoric Spring is something most Floridians know about. A couple of years ago, a spree of promotion videos captivated the imagination of any of us who did not know about this spring. If you’ve seen any of those videos or pictures like me, you probably wonder what it’s like…
I’ve previously written about scalloping at the Crystal River, but people always want to know if we have scalloped out of Homosassa. In 2018 we started scalloping out of Homosassa, which is considered the mecca of scalloping. For many Floridians, scalloping out of Homosassa is an annual event, a tradition, and many swear by Homosassa…