Natural Springs Across Florida

When I was in elementary school, my grandparents lived in central Florida. My grandfather raised giant watermelons to sell to the market. Their farm had dirt that was so black that we were not allowed to go barefoot. It would take days to scrub the black from our bare feet, and my grandmother wouldn’t allow that in the house. To provide entertainment on the long summer days, she would pack me and my cousins in their old brown station wagon and haul us to one of the many natural springs in the area.

My favorite spring was Ichetucknee Springs. Located in Ft. White, Florida, it was by far the coldest water I had ever experienced as a child. Just putting my foot in would take my breath away. We always went to Head Springs because of the shallow edges where we could slowly make our way in. I want to see the Blue Hole, where the water is supposed to be 72 degrees year-round. I’m concerned from reading the articles about this location, that the water is no longer cold. Maybe my childhood imagination had it wrong?

We are going to find out. In April, I plan to take an extensive road trip through Central Florida. If you see a location below I’ve missed, please tell me in the comments! I’ll plan and make reservations soon since there are too many to see in one trip. Tell me the best places to go.

Three hiking trails are in the Ipark, and I will use them to break in my new hiking boots before I go overseas. Kayaking will be my first choice of activity. I got hooked again on my trip to Dalyan, and it’s an itch that will have to be regularly scratched.

I’m not sure that the average American realizes there are natural springs all over Florida. According to this article, there are over 1,000 springs across the state. Don’t expect to see the larger wildlife automatically, though. With so many visitors, the larger animals tend to stay away, and others, such as manatees, have specific seasons. Also, research whether you need a daypass or a reservation, if you must reserve parking, crowds, and other details before you go. I am seeing lots of notices as of March 1, 2025, that signal the recent reductions in park staff and that they are limiting the visitors to some of the parks. I think my grandmother would no longer be able to pack us into the station wagon for a last-minute trip, but we will see.

If you’re interested in getting off the typical tourist path of beaches, too much sun, and too many umbrella drinks, here’s a list of springs below that caught my attention. These locations will be hectic during the summer tourist season, so you might consider visiting them in the spring and fall.

Each spring has various activities, so click around and think about what you’d like to do in addition to taking a dip. Many places can rent tubes, snorkeling equipment, canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards. If you want to relax, you can spend the entire day lazily floating down an adjoining river.

• Ginnie Springs
• Devil’s Den — This prehistoric spring is underground. I may take a pass on this one—lots of restrictions, waivers and no kayaking. And I’m claustrophobic.
• Rainbow Springs - I know I’ve been here as a child but cannot remember it. I’ll see what it looks like now and maybe take a swim.
• Ocala National Forest - too many choices!
• Wekiwa Springs State Park
• Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
• Three Sisters Springs
• Kelly Park/Rock Springs
• Warm Mineral Springs - I want to go here for the mineral content. My husband is a warm springs addict, and I always search for locations he likes.

I’m not including several popular and commercial sites, such as Silver Springs and Weeki Wachee. They were heavy tourist spots when I was a child, and I’m sure the situation has only worsened over the years. I may also bypass Ginnie Springs, as it is a UF, FSU, and UCF hangout for spring break.

I’ll also use this kayaking list to help me plan.

Planning is different for me. I’m not much of a planner when it comes to local travel. I tend to get in the car and see where it takes me. But since I hate crowds and the parks have reduced staff, this time I must.

Suggestions? Comments?