6 Incredible Freshwater Springs in Florida You MUST Add to Your Bucket List

The sunshine state is known for many things, but did you know that freshwater springs in Florida are some of the best?

While Florida is known for its exquisite beaches on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the natural springs in this state are some of the most beautiful and pristine waters in the world.

Due to the porous limestone underneath the Florida peninsula, freshwater collects below the surface. This has led to natural wonders in the form of over 700 freshwater springs! But we must admit: choosing which freshwater springs in Florida to visit can be challenging.

They’re crystal-clear and remain around a crisp 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year, but some are better for diving, while others are more photogenic. So how do you choose?… Stick with us as we explore 6 of our favorites!

Rainbow Springs

Located inside Rainbow Springs State Park near the charming city of Dunnellon, these springs are home to thousands of years of history and even a few waterfalls.

Kayak and canoe rentals are popular, but visitors can also enjoy swimming, tubing, paddling, or hiking the trails. This is one of those freshwater springs in Florida that’s often considered the most picturesque of the state’s springs.

So you can work up a sweat strolling through the park and cool off in the springs for a perfect day outdoors afterward. And like most Florida State Parks, Rainbow Springs will allow you to bring your pets as long as they’re kept on a six-foot leash and don’t enter the water.

Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring

Devil’s Den is a belowground spring inside a dry cave formed by a karst window. This means the ground over an underground river collapsed, exposing the water to the world overhead.

Located near the quaint town of Williston, this is one of those freshwater springs in Florida that’s one of the most secluded spots in the state. But visiting is more than worth it, especially for snorkelers and scuba divers.

It’s one of the world’s most stunning and unique places to explore underwater and is enveloped in ancient history since many extinct animal fossils were found here. Many amenities are available onsite, including equipment rentals for those who want to explore.

Ginnie Springs

One of the most fun things to do at a freshwater spring is floating down one on a tube! And if you want a long tube ride, Ginnie Springs is your best bet. The most common tube run takes approximately 45 minutes to float down!

Because of the shape, it’s not a long walk back to where you began, and it’s also one of the warmer springs on our list. The only downside of this freshwater spring in Florida is that it’s part spring, part the Santa Fe River. This means the water isn’t as pristine.

But it’s also partly why it’s not as cold. It can also have more of a party atmosphere because many college students flock here on the weekends. However, another winning aspect of Ginnie Springs is that you can scuba dive while here.

The clear water section of Ginnie Springs provides the opportunity to get a peek at the sea life and unique geographic formations. The water is also easily accessible for cave and non-cave divers. But we recommend exploring the large cave known as Ginnie’s ballroom!

Alexander Springs

This freshwater spring in Florida is a massive swimming area near the head springs, most of which is walkable and shallow. There’s even an area near the far northern bank that’s like a natural aquarium where you can check out lots of fish.

The headspring is stunning and blue with a deep canyon that divers adore. Encircled by a forest of maple trees, the natural waters of Alexander Springs are one of the best places to go for a refreshing soak.

Sitting in Ocala, the state’s horse country, the area also has historical importance to one of Florida’s Native American tribes, the Timucua, who settled in the forests around the spring.

Blue Springs State Park

The two loveliest freshwater springs in Florida for swimming are at the Blue Springs. Blue Spring State Park is more extensive and can accommodate more swimmers, so it’s one of our top choices.

It’s also an excellent site to paddleboard or kayak in West Volusia because you can paddle a section of the springs, the St. Johns River, and Snake Creek. They offer guided tours to help you find turtles, manatees, alligators, and otters, or you can explore independently.

If you’re an experienced cavern diver, you can even scuba dive at Blue Spring State Park. Here, you’ll find a 120-foot-deep cavern with many fish and critters.

But, this freshwater spring in Florida isn’t for the claustrophobic types since the opening is less than 20 feet, and the current makes it rather difficult to ascend. Still, this is a bucket list dive for many people, and worth it if you like cave diving!

Homosassa Springs

As one of the largest freshwater springs in Florida, Homosassa Springs has attracted many visitors for thousands of years. In the early 1900s, travelers would arrive by train to hike to the first-magnitude spring.

Many years later, the waters abound with fresh and saltwater fish and a healthy population of manatees. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park boasts an underwater observatory that allows visitors to walk under the spring’s surface to see the marine life.

But that’s not all! An elevated boardwalk and paved walkways also provide possibilities to view animals, including the endangered Florida panther, black bear, red wolf, and bobcat. Note that there IS an entrance fee for this.

Here’s what you should know before you go to these freshwater springs in Florida!

Even though you only need an hour or so to see their true beauty, we recommend spending a day swimming and exploring when you visit the freshwater springs in Florida.

And remember that even though they seem like natural water parks, you’ll need to take some precautions when visiting! Here are some tips for having a fun day at a freshwater spring in Florida:

• The cost of visiting each spring varies. Ginnie Springs is a bit more expensive, averaging at least $15 per person, depending on the time of year you go.
• Whichever freshwater spring in Florida you choose, arrive early to beat the crowds! Many close once they reach capacity, and even before then, loads of traffic can get in.
• We recommend you bring an inner tube or float when visiting a freshwater spring in Florida. Some of the springs we mentioned have a place to rent a tube, but not all. If you plan to bring your flotation device, make sure it’s blown up beforehand or that you have a pump or compressor for you.
• Most of the springs have deep water sections. So you should be a decent swimmer if you plan on going in. Kids can go in, but make sure you supervise them and have a flotation device if needed.
• The Florida Springs are home to all sorts of wildlife, including gators! They tend to stay on the banks away from people but don’t be surprised if you see one. Ensure you’re respectful of nature as you’re visiting their home!
• We recommend packing a picnic because food options are usually limited. If you don’t already have one, this practical Picnic Backpack from Amazon is one of our favorites.

Be sure to tell us in the comments if you know of any other freshwater springs in Florida you’d like our readers to know about. 

And if you’re looking for some more interesting places to visit while in the sunshine state, Must See Places has got you covered. Check out: 10 Hidden Gems in Florida if You Want to Avoid the Crowds