Discover Florida’s Natural Springs with iBestTravel

Ask a dozen different people what Old Florida means to them and you’ll get a dozen different answers. For some, it’s the slow pace. For others, it’s strolling among hundred-year-old oak groves, gazing at majestic native birds, or embracing the allure of grand landscapes.

Whatever it means to you, it’s easy to come by when you visit any of the state’s natural springs. These areas embody the true, authentic Florida that so many tourists often miss. However, deciding which springs to explore can be challenging; there are over 700 freshwater springs scattered across the Sunshine State, each boasting an inviting temperature of around 70 degrees all year. Here are some of our favorites.

Editor’s note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

Rock Springs Run State Reserve

A visit to Get Up And Go Kayaking makes an excursion at Rock Springs Run State Reserve truly special. Guests can paddle through stunning waters in clear kayaks, allowing easy spotting of fish and otters below.

With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll kayak down a narrow canal, leading to breathtaking spots like Emerald Cut and Bonsai Bend, where a majestic oak curves just above the water. The first half of the journey features an upstream workout, ensuring an active and engaging experience.

Remember to wear your swimsuit; there’s a platform at Jacob’s Island for a refreshing cannonball into the water below. This oasis is just 40 minutes from world-famous theme parks yet feels worlds away, allowing you to unwind beneath the tree canopy while listening to the gentle hum of cicadas and taking in the wild scenery around you.

The surrounding forest is rich in wildlife, including deer, herons, egrets, and the occasional black bear. Gators may also be spotted, but they generally prefer to stay out of sight when humans approach.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park, located about 16 miles from downtown Orlando, is a fantastic getaway. Enjoy the emerald springs year-round, hike scenic trails, or venture one mile down the river to Wekiva Island. Rent a paddleboard and keep an eye out for turtles and a variety of birds. When you need a break, relax in a private cabana, equipped with cozy chairs and a grill, allowing you to enjoy delicious food and craft drinks.

If you still have energy left, engage in volleyball or a friendly game of corn hole. During winter visits, be sure to bring s’mores supplies for the fire pit to unwind and enjoy some classic treats.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

About an hour north of Tampa, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is famous for its spectacular “live mermaid” shows. Nevertheless, the springs themselves are the true highlight. The turquoise waters host the deepest naturally formed underwater caverns in the US, and the park has been a beloved destination since 1947.

Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park is one of the largest springs in the nation with a rich history dating back to the 1820s. Initially a popular attraction before the arrival of Disney, by the late 1870s, the introduction of glass-bottom boats enabled visitors to explore the mesmerizing springs. Its exotic, jungle-like aesthetics and crystal-clear waters made it a favorite filming location for classic films.

As you navigate the spring-fed river that weaves through the park, marvel at the vibrant blue waters, lush green algae, and splendid underwater caves. Expect to see a plethora of fish, alligators basking lazily on the banks, and turtles lounging on logs.

Intriguingly, you might also encounter rhesus macaques, descendants of a few non-native monkeys released years ago that now call the park home. Keep an eye out for the endangered Florida manatee as well.

Crystal River

Visiting Crystal River’s Three Sisters Springs during the winter almost guarantees manatee sightings. You can spot these gentle giants throughout the year in the clear waters, but from November through March, they flock here to escape the chilly sea temperatures. This natural haven has earned the reputation of being the manatee capital of the world.

Nearby, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park offers another chance to see manatees year-round. Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the rainforest, where flamingos, blue herons, and Key deer might capture your attention. Alternatively, observe these magnificent creatures from elevated boardwalks and bridges, or visit the underwater observatory for an educational experience.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

One of the best ways to enjoy Ichetucknee Springs State Park is by floating along the serene waters in a tube. Grab your snorkel gear and take a leisurely half-mile hike through cypress trees to reach the Blue Hole Spring, the largest in the park. While you explore, keep an eye out for beaver, otters, gar, and softshell turtles, as well as a variety of wading birds.

De Leon Springs State Park

Before exploring the historic De Leon Springs State Park (approximately an hour’s drive from Orlando), enjoy breakfast at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House, located within a charming replica of an 1830s sugar mill. Here, you can cook pancakes right at your table, customized with your favorite toppings.

Afterward, set off on a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat journey down approximately 9½ miles into Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, a site renowned for its wildlife-spotting opportunities since the 1880s. Discover the diverse flora and fauna, including gopher tortoises, wild turkeys, deer, and alligators, across 18,000 acres of lakes and marshes.

Note: Check the park’s website in advance, as rental availability may depend on water levels.