By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. Take a refreshing dip at one of Florida's state parks. Florida Springs Near Orlando Blue Spring in Orange City spews 104 million gallons of pure, fresh water every day. There are picnic areas, walking trails, and snorkeling options, too. With more than 700 crystal clear springs, endless summer days, and a variety of lush landscapes, Florida has the perfect combination for a road trip around its pristine Mother Nature-made swimming holes. Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole. View these other slideshows: Tim Tebow, former University of Florida football star, … Our tours lets you swim with the gentle sea creatures along the warm Nature Coast waters. Located about 80 miles from Orlando, Juniper Springs offers visitors a beautiful, cement and rock swimming area and a challenging canoe run. For more adventurous souls, scuba diving is allowed in the spring. In addition to the springs, families might want to check out the gardens, man-made waterfalls, butterfly garden, and nature trail. Kids might enjoy hiking along the nature trail or visiting the historical Thursby House. That’s a whole lotta agua! Swim in the cool head springs with snorkel gear to see Floridian fish and vegetation in sapphire-blue waters. De Leon Springs State Park With more than 625 acres of fun, De Leon Springs State Park is ideal for travelers with varied interests. The spring gets its name from the magnesium, potassium, and sodium salts found in the water. As many as 150,000 people visit the park each year. If you are able, plan your trip on a weekday to avoid large crowds. Wekiwa Springs State Park reaches capacity during the week and on the weekends during the summer months. With the springs holding 42 million gallons of water, there are so many water-related activities to engage in. This park’s history dates back over 6,000 years, serving as a home of the Mayaca Native Americans. Others include water slides and mini water parks. These gorgeous springs in Gilchrist County are some of the most stunning around. We've rounded up our 10 favorite natural springs in Florida, centrally located around the Orlando area. Blue Spring State Park – Orange City. Visitors can rent tubes at several places outside the park, or bring their own to travel downstream. The water temperature of Central Florida's springs holds steady in the low 70s year-round, providing locals and tourists with a place to cool down in the hot Florida summer. Water straight from the crystal clear Florida aquifer rises out of the spring filling a fantastic swimming area and continues down the lush tropic Wekiva River. Remember to bring sunscreen to protect your skin and lots of water to stay hydrated. Picnic tables and barbeque grills are available, so pack a lunch to enjoy a full day of fun in the sun. Address: Hart Springs Park, 4240 SW 86th Ave, Bell, FL 32619 Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. You’ll be able to dive right into this fresh, clear swimming hole, or tube down the river for an extra dose of daily fun. The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Springs State Park boasts 2,600... Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill. Wekiwa Springs Location: Longwood. The canoe run is 7 1/2 miles long and takes more than 4 hours to complete. Katy Warner One of Orlando’s hottest swimming holes is about 20 miles from downtown Orlando. Swim in crystal-clear Wekiwa Springs where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. The run is bordered by a foot-friendly boardwalk and flows for 8 miles, although visitors can only tube for about three-quarters of a mile. Bring a waterproof carrying case for phones and other valuables. The 5 BEST Natural Springs Near Orlando 1. Although Rock Springs doesn't have a dedicated swimming area, it is a great place for... Blue Spring State Park. River cruises, live concerts, and animal exhibits are other attractions open to park guests. Top 11 Springs in Central Florida Blue Spring State Park, Orange City. Rainbow Springs consists of five primary springs and hundreds of smaller springs. NOTE: There are no lifeguards on duty at this swimming hole. Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. By Kevin Mims. The spring's water shoots out of a partially submerged cave and averages 68 degrees throughout the year. Located about 70 miles from Orlando, the roped-off swimming area of Silver Glen Springs measures 200 feet by 175 feet. The temperature of Central Florida 's springs remains in the low 70s F year-round, providing residents and tourists a refreshing break from Orlando’s hot summer sun. The modern-day Sugar Mill restaurant onsite now lets visitors to the park cook up their own pancakes on table-top griddles. Wekiwa Springs. Wekiwa Springs. A mask, snorkel, and water shoes are highly recommended. Meet Our Team » This beautiful deep blue spring is surrounded by a lush subtropical landscape and man-made limestone walls. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available. A portion of Rock Springs Run that is assessable from a Wekiva State Park launch. The water is a constant 72°F and extraordinarily clear. The famous Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform live in a submerged theater. Orlando may be the theme park capital of the world, but the best spots for water babies are entirely natural. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake. Who We Are: Swimming with the Manatees. And, as you would expect, most go for a glimpse of the top mouse at Disney, but there are some families who may want to break out of the theme park thing and experience a park of natural wonders. The surrounding Ocala National Forest offers its own attractions to locals and tourists. There are plenty of dry land games here, too: pickleball, shuffleboard, and cornhole, plus a Tiki Bar for the adults, and a pancake breakfast on Saturdays. Distance from UCF: 45 minutes to an hour; 45 miles. Summer amenities include scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing, and swimming. The shallow swimming area at Wekiwa Springs State Park is ideal for kids. Concessions and picnic facilities are also available. Kelly Park is a 355-acre public park in Apopka. Families can also enjoy mountain biking, camping, fishing, nature trails, and scuba diving here. This swimming area overlooks Spring Garden Run, which expels 19 million gallons of water each day. Melbourne Beach. While water activities at this spring are currently CLOSED due to concerns over COVID-19, this is one natural spring you will want to add to your summer bucket list once it reopens! Alexander Springs is one of only 27 first-magnitude springs in the state, meaning it... 2. Swimming is allowed April through October in a designated area separated by buoys from the manatee refuge zone. But the water isn't the only draw; canoeing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing are all popular activities at Florida springs. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The swimming pool at Alexander Springs measures an impressive 300 feet by 258 feet, and the park features a boardwalk for wildlife viewing, hiking, picnic areas, and a camp store. If you spot an alligator, alert a staff member, so they can take the appropriate actions. Blue Spring is the largest spring located off of the St. John’s River, discharging over 100 million gallons of water daily. In the winter months, Blue Spring becomes a warm-water refuge to hundreds of West Indian manatees and is one of the best places in Central Florida for visitors to see these gentle giants. The park sits just north of Umatilla, which is about 50 miles from Orlando. Wekiwa Springs is a popular recreational area for Central Floridians. Families love the sandy beach and gentle slope at Alexander Springs. These are the best natural springs for wild swimming in Florida. A DJ plays on family-friendly hits on weekends and leads kids in water games. Being close to Orlando this place makes a great swimming getaway and pleasant and relaxing change of scenery, but it also means it gets busy so do arrive early. The park boasts scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing, 92 campsites, and a large swimming area. Just... 2. Note: there are changing facilities available, but no flush toilets (only portable). So, paddle, swim, float, and soak to your heart’s content at these gorgeous swimming holes near Orlando. 3. Because of its gentle slope and crystalline waters, the setup of this natural spring is perfect for younger kids. It is especially popular with locals on holiday weekends when as many as 800 boats line the spring's run. Guests can rent a tubes, canoes, and kayaks onsite to explore the river. Both projects are scheduled for completion in early 2021. It has water slides, mermaid shows, underwater caves, and more spread over 200 acres. The springs are also home to manatees during the winter months when local rivers and lakes are too cool for their comfort. We have tried to provide the most current information, but check each park’s website or call ahead before you go. While not common, it is possible to see alligators and snakes in the water at these springs. For the safety of the manatees, all water-related activities at the spring are closed from mid-November through March. These spring-fed swimming holes are crystal clear and remain anywhere from 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making them extremely popular for both residents and tourists alike. The state has since purchased the park, and it is again open to daily visitors. Alternatively, enjoy the spring run on a … Be sure to bring snorkeling gear to explore below-the-water artifacts. Known as Florida’s natural "lazy river," this free-flowing freshwater spring in Central Florida offers crystal clear water that is 68 degrees year-round. The depth at this Florida spring ranges from a shallow 18 inches all the way to 30 feet at the spring boil. Note: Some amenities may not be available due to COVID-19 restrictions. Miles of trails beg to be explored on foot, bike or horseback, and canoes and kayaks are available on-site. To avoid waiting, visit the park early. Spend the day swimming in the water or explore the 13mi (21km) of nature trails in the area. Photo by Bart Everson/CC BY 2.0. This park is currently CLOSED due to a restoration project, however, keep it pinned to visit when it reopens, because this natural spring is part swimming hole, part water theme park! Once the parking lot is full, you’ll be queuing one-in-one-out to get in. Hart Springs offers one of the largest spring-fed swimming areas in Florida, which is a great enough reason as any to visit. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at this state park, from horseback riding to camping, canoeing, and of course swimming in their well-maintained spring. Wekiwa Springs is located about 20 minutes north of Orlando and is a popular weekend destination for locals. Florida has more springs than any other state, and some of the best ones are just a short drive east on Interstate 4 from Orlando. The large, shallow swimming area is over half an acre with an approximate depth of 4 feet. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake. Multiple picnic pavilions and a playground encourage all-day fun at this Florida state park. The spring … 12 of the Best Outdoor Water Parks in the US, Best Orlando Hotels for Families and Kids, Florida Reopening Phase 1: What's Open and What's Closed in Orlando Now, The Best Places to See Manatees Near Orlando, one of the best places in Central Florida, Top Orlando Hotels and Resorts for Families, Brevard County Drive-In Movies in the Park. Lucky for us, Florida is spoiled for choice with breathtaking and refreshing swimming holes situated within driving distance from each other, making it easy to make multiple pit stops. Note that there is no lifeguard on duty in the swimming area. Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is a popular destination for locals. A broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool becomes a natural water park when visitors come to picnic, swim and play. Starting at just $ 45 per person, we invite our travelers to customize a variety of tours year-round. 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