Cool Escapes: Florida’s best springs to swim, tube, snorkel & dive

Last updated on August 10th, 2026 at 08:30 am

Floridians survive the heat and humidity of brutal summers by going to the beach or turning to the state’s wealth of cool, clear, refreshing springs.

Geologists estimate there are more than 700 freshwater springs in Florida — the largest concentration on Earth — but only a few dozen are accessible for public recreation.

This is our roundup of the best springs in Florida for swimming, snorkeling, diving and paddling or tubing. Some have camping, some don’t.

During summer, the most popular springs reach capacity early in the day, especially on weekends. When parking lots fill, gates close, and waiting lines form. 

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Alexander Springs, Ocala National Forest

Lying in the southern tier of Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs may be the best swimming hole in the state — and it may also be the most expensive.

The $20 vehicle fee at Alexander Springs DOES NOT INCLUDE an additional daily $15 per person admission fee, which has drawn the ire of visitors to the park.

The springhead creates a large, shallow sandy-bottom bowl ideal for swimming in water at a chilly 72 degrees. Alexander Springs is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted, while snorkelers are a common sight. 

The spring has a gently sloping beach into the spring basin. Off-road bicycling and an excellent seven-mile-long paddle trail add to the summer fun. The paddle trail is paradise for birders, especially during the fall migration.

Due to its popularity, a $20 day-use reservation is required for vehicles to enter Alexander Springs Recreation Area on weekends and holidays in summer through Labor Day Weekend. Available up to 14 days in advance online at reservations.gov.

Alexander Springs Recreation Area, 49525 CR 445, Altoona, FL. Phone: 352-669-3522. Swimming, scuba diving, hiking and camping. Day-use fee is $15 per person. If you visit on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, a vehicle access reservation is required ($20 fee). Campground reservations on recreation.gov. Read more: Cool swimming, easy scenic paddling plus lots of wildlife

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Blue Spring State Park, Orange City *

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is a favorite for tubing, even though it is a short tube run, because it is such a splendid swimming hole. In the summer, the park often fills to capacity early with people splashing, swimming and tubing in the spring run.

A new day-use reservation program was implemented this summer. Day visitors, including pedestrians and bicycles, must now obtain an entry permit by registering in advance online at reserve.floridastateparks.org.

One way to avoid the need for a day-use reservation is to book a cabin or a campsite in the park’s campground. Campers do not need a day pass. It’s included in their campground reservation.

Blue Spring State Park, 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City FL 32763. Phone: 386-775-3663. Day use admission $6 per vehicle, $2 for pedestrians and bicycles. Camping: $24/night plus a $7 daily utility fee for RVs (not tents). Cabins: $95 per night plus $7 utility fee. Two-night minimum stay required in cabins. Read more about Blue Spring State Park.

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DeLeon Springs State Park

Although Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon never really found his Fountain of Youth, this cool little enclave has as much right as any to lay claim to the title. You certainly feel younger after you jump in and out of this spring!

The spring head is impressive. A large wading pool encircled by a low wall and a spillway that tumbles into a scenic spring run. A beautiful, shady picnic area is adjacent to the swimming hole. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park concession.

De Leon Springs State Park features a popular pancake house, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, where visitors have been making their own pancakes since 1961. The restaurant is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

DeLeon Springs State Park, 601 Ponce de Leon Blvd., De Leon Springs FL 32130. Phone: 386-985-4212. Park Admission: $6 per vehicle. Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week until school begins in mid-August, then weekends only through the winter. Read more: DeLeon Springs

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Fanning Springs State Park

Small for a state park and known by few except locals. The spring itself has crystal clear water and is a dazzling blue in the sunlight. Fanning Springs has been a popular summer swimming hole for a century.

One of 33 first-magnitude springs in the state, the spring’s water is a brisk 72 degrees year round. Snorkelers and scuba divers come for the underwater view, and winter visitors occasionally get lucky and spot visiting manatees.

Primitive camping is available only for those arriving by foot, bicycle or paddling the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Overnight vehicle parking for primitive campers is not permitted.

Fanning Springs State Park, 18020 N.W. HWY 19, Fanning Springs, FL 32693. Phone: (352) 463-3420. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking. Day-use admission is $6 per vehicle. Primitive camping for paddlers, hikers and cyclists only: $5/night plus tax. Cabins are $100 a night, plus $7 daily utility fee and a one-time booking fee of $6.70. Related Story: Fanning & Manatee Springs: Hidden treasures for cabins, camping

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Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is a magnificent, privately owned 200-acre recreation area that includes seven springs feeding the Santa Fe River in High Springs. The river is a paddler’s dream.

A major attraction is scuba diving into the 50-foot deep head spring and its underlying network of caves with about 1,000 feet of subterranean passages. Certified cave divers have access to another 30,000 feet of passages in the Devil’s Spring system.

One of the big attractions at Ginnie Springs Outdoors is the private campground. There are 90 sites water and electric hookups, and another 300 tent sites scattered about the park, many waterfront.

Ginnie Springs Outdoors, 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643. Phone: 386-454-7188. Admission: Adult, $25; Children 5-12, $6; Children 4 & under, free. Diving: $28-36. Camping: Adults, $30-$40 each; Children 5-12, $8; Children 4 & under, free; Utilities (water, electric), $15. Tube, snorkel and dive rentals, canoes, kayaks and paddle board rentals. Read More: Kayaking Santa Fe River: Springs & scenery make it a treasure

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RAMBLER TIP: Alligators are common near Florida’s freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes and springs, but they generally avoid areas crowded with people. Swim only in designated areas, never swim at night, always exercise caution and swim in groups, especially with small children and pets.

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Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park may be the best spring in the state for tubing, and the park fills up on summer weekends. Canoeing and kayaking is popular, but avoid weekends when the river is full of tubers.

Snorkeling is allowed in designated areas. Picnic areas are available throughout the park, but they fill up fast. The park concession offers food and refreshments.

One of the park’s hiking trails leads to Blue Hole Spring, the largest spring in the park. Blue Hole is open for swimming, snorkeling and certified scuba diving from 8 AM until one hour before park closing at sunset.

The Ichetucknee River is under heavy pressure. Tubers and paddlers cannot bring anything on the river, including food and drinks. When the park reaches capacity, the gates will close to all, including those with rental reservations or day passes. Details here.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 SW US 27, Fort White, FL 32038. Phone: 386-497-4690. Day-use admission: $6 per vehicle. Tram and shuttle service is offered by park concessionaire in summer. Tubes are available for rent within the park. Read more: Amazing experience: Ichetucknee springs tubing

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Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest

Juniper Springs may be the most well-known springs in Florida, and the Juniper Spring Run is one of the most beautiful paddles in the state.

Dense, semi-tropical foliage rarely seen anywhere else, the forest provides a unique environment for picnicking, bird watching, hiking, swimming, snorkeling and paddling down the awesome spring run fed by Juniper Spring and Fern Hammock Spring.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area requires an admission fee of $15 per person for day use access, collected on-site at the gate.

Here’s a guide to Juniper Springs Run kayak run, including rentals, shuttles and tips.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area, 26701 State Road 40, Silver Springs, FL. Phone: 352-625-3147. Swimming, snorkeling, bicycling, kayaking, hiking, camping. Campground reservations on recreation.gov. Day-use fees are $15 per person and are collected at the gate. Read more: One of the best kayaking runs

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Lithia Springs County Park

Lithia Springs Conservation Park is not a state park, nor is it very well known, so it’s off the radar for many Floridians.

The spring is popular with residents of Hillsborough County, so popular that swimmers are divided into two groups of 300 daily — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 pm. until 6 p.m. during summer months. Only 200 swimmers are allowed in the spring at once.

Campers get a free pass all day, so it pays to camp if you love swimming here.

I was surprised by the size of the spring bowl, its white-sand beach, and adjacent picnic areas that slope away from the main pool under a thick canopy of trees.

The water is not as clear here as other springs, although it is crystal clear around the spring head. As the spring run flows a few hundred yards to the Alafia River, underwater vegetation introduces a faint green tint, while a definitive tannin color takes over as it merges into the river.

I really loved the shady campground and stayed longer than I had planned.

Lithia Springs Park,  3932 Lithia Springs Rd, Lithia, FL 33547. Phone: 813-744-5572. Day-use fee is a modest $2 per vehicle (up to 8 people per vehicle.) Swimming: $2 per person (Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Lithia Springs Park, operated by the Hillsborough County Parks Department. Read More: Secluded park near Tampa for camping, swimming and paddling.

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Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs is an exquisite sight, with clear blue-green water ringed by cypress trees and knees, all draped with Spanish moss.

Extensive boardwalks give you many good views of the spring and spring run and there are 8.5 miles of hiking trails in the park.

The spring is a quarter mile off the scenic Suwanee.

The spring has a well-developed swimming area and a concession, where you can rent canoes, kayaks, small motor boats and snorkeling gear.

Manatee Springs State Park, 11650 NW 115 Street, Chiefland, FL 32626. Phone: (352) 493-6072. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, camping. Day use: $6 per vehicle, $2 for pedestrians and bicycles. Camping at one of the park’s 86 campsites is $20 per night plus a daily $7 utility fee. All sites have water and electric; dump station on site. Related Story: Fanning & Manatee Springs: Hidden treasures for cabins, camping

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Morrison Springs County Park

This crystal clear aqua spring pumps 48 million gallons of water per day into a 250-foot wide pool popular for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Morrison’s chilly waters (68 degrees) surface from the underground aquifer from three cavities, the deepest of which is about 300 feet. The spring is a well-known as a destination for divers.

The surrounding 161-acre park, managed by Walton County, offers picnic areas and restroom facilities, and a wheelchair-acccessible boardwalk links the springs to a floodplain along the spring run.

Morrison Springs County Park, 874 Morrison Springs Road, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455. Phone: (850) 892–8108. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving. There are no entrance fees. The park frequently reaches capacity and may temporarily close. Water clarity varies, so check the park’s web site for the current status, especially if you plan to dive there.

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Peacock Springs

With one of the longest underwater cave systems in the country, Peacock Springs is a dream for cave divers who have explored nearly 33,000 feet of underwater passages.

This park has two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes, all in pristine condition.  All divers must provide proof of certification, and there are several restrictions on when, where and with whom you can dive.

Swimming and snorkeling are limited to Peacock and Orange Grove springs and is dependent on seasonal water levels. When we visited in May, Peacock was not appealing as a place to swim. There are lifeguards but the springs are not child-frieindly.

Hikers can get an above-ground view of the winding underground passages with photographs and trail maps that show you what’s below your feet. A new interpretative trail offers boardwalks and interpretive kiosks for hikers.

Peacock Springs State Park, 18532 180th Street, Live Oak FL 32060. Phone: 386-776-2194. Admission is $4 per vehicle (up to 8 people per vehicle) and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Peacock Springs State Park is about 20 miles south of Live Oak on State Road 51. Read More: 5 Florida wet and wonderful  getaways

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Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Don’t be confused. This is not the same as De Leon Springs. As any Floridian knows, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon got around in his search for the Fountain of Youth.

At 68 degrees, the 14 million gallons of water that flow out of this spring every day can chill the soul.

The spring bowl is crescent-shaped with depths averaging five feet, partially surrounded by a stone wall with a shaded picnic area.

Two hiking trails follow the spring run.

Virtually abandoned in winter, this popular swimming hole is bursting at the seams during the hot summer months, frequently reaching capacity and may temporarily close.

Get there early, especially on weekends.

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, 2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Road, Ponce de Leon FL 32455. Snorkeling, swimming, fishing. Day-use fee is $4 per vehicle, $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists (honor system).

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Rainbow Springs State Park *

Florida’s fourth-largest spring, Rainbow Springs State Park is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking and tubing.

The park has a 105-site campground with full hookups downstream from the main head spring and day-use area. Campers can launch their own canoes or kayaks on the river near their sites.

Tubing is not allowed at the head spring, but there is a tube launch 1.4 miles south of the campground and you can rent tubes at the park concession.

The average depth is 5 feet to 18 feet, which is not conducive for small children or wading. Lifeguards are on duty during the busy summer season.

The swimming area at the head spring is very busy from late spring through fall and advance reservations are now required of day visitors.

Editors Note: A day-use reservation program has been implemented at Rainbow Springs State Park. All visitors must have a reservation to enter the park. Purchase your entry pass online at reserve.floridastateparks.org.

Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 SW 81st Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432. Phone: 352-465-8555. Day-use admission to the park is $5 per vehicle. Camping: Campground is on the Rainbow River, separate from the main park entrance. Camping is $30 plus $7 daily utility fee, taxes and a one-time $6.70 booking fee. Reservations for both camping and day-use admission can be made online at reserve.floridastateparks.org. Read More: Pure spring water makes kayaking, tubing tops

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Rock Springs at Kelly Park

This beautiful, shady park in a quiet corner of Apopka is one of my favorites.

At the headspring, the cool water spills into a series of pools at the rate of 26,000 gallons a minute. From the springs, you can wade or tube a quarter-mile through crystal clear water down picturesque Rock Springs Run.

Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards may be launched at Camp Joy at Kelly Park, which has a separate park entrance, or travel a little further downstream to privately owned Kings Landing, where you can rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. (Reservations required in summer.)

You can launch your own boats at Kings Landing for a fee and arrange shuttle service if you are planning the eight-mile paddle to the wild and scenic Wekiva River through two wildlife preserves untouched by development.

For a special treat, paddle upstream from Kings Landing to stunning Emerald Cut, which is also accessible from Camp Joy.

Kelly Park at Rock Springs, 400 E. Kelly Park Rod, Apopka, FL 32712.  Phone: (407) 254-1902. Park Admission: $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people; $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people; and $1 for additional person/walk-ins/motorcycles/bikes. No pets, no alcohol. Camping reservations online up to 45 days in advance. Kayak/Canoe/Paddle Board Launch at Camp Joy: $3 for 1-2 people; $5 for 3-8 people; and $1 for additional person. Launching hours are between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.; guests must return no later than 5 pm. For the latest rates at Kings Landing, go to kingslandingfl.com Read More: Beautiful park, cool swimming, shady campground

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Salt Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest

A large swimming area is cordoned off for swimmers at the spring head before the water flows into a broad spring run that offers a scenic paddle all the way to Lake George.

The fishing here is world-class, and the campground is the largest in Ocala National Forest.

The presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts give the waters in the spring a slight salinity. There are no lifeguards. 

The privately run Salt Springs Run Marina rents paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, skiffs and pontoon boats for cruising the spring run and Lake George.

Salt Springs Recreation Area, 13851 North Highway 19, Salt Springs, FL, is on SR 19, north of State Road 40, which crosses the state from Ormond Beach to Ocala. Phone: 352-685-2048. Swimming, scuba diving, camping and cabins. Campground reservations on recreation.gov. Day-use admission is $15 per person. Advance reservations for vehicles are not required for day visitors. Read More: 6 Things to Do in Ocala National Forest

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Wakulla Springs State Park

One of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, the swimming area has a grassy beach, a 22-foot diving platform and floating docks.

Snorkeling is allowed within the boundaries of the swimming area only. Water temperature is a constant 69 degrees, making it one of the coolest springs in the state.

The spacious picnic area has a playground, and in winter months, attention shifts from the spring to miles of nature trails.

Glass-bottom boats thrill visitors with views of ancient mastodon bones when the water is clear. Unfortunately, it’s not always clear. Call before you go.

Wakulla Springs State Park, 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs FL 32327. Phone: 850-561-7276. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving. Day-use fee $6 per vehicle $2 for pedestrians or bicyclist. River boat tours: $8, 13 years and up; $5 for ages 3 to 12 years; Free for ages 3 years and under. Read More: Wakulla Springs State Park: Out of the way; worth exploring

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Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs is a venerable Florida tourist attraction, famous for its 400-seat underwater theater and performing mermaids, is now a state park with all the trimmings.

For your summer escape, enjoy the 72-degree crystal clear water as it feeds Buccaneer Bay. Kids will love the waterslides and water park on the Bay, elevating the swimming experience to theme-park fun.

There are also boat tours available, canoeing and kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving (no lone dives).

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee FL 34606. Phone: 352-610-5660. Mermaid shows are offered daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. (August 2022) Admission is $13 per adult, $5 for children 6-12.  Weeki Wachee Springs is 56 miles north of Tampa, near Brooksville, just off the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589). Read More: Weeki Wachee – Kayaking, manatees and mermaids 

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Wekiwa Springs State Park *

One of the features I like about Wekiwa Springs State Park is the broad lawn sweeping downhill from the parking area. It’s a beautiful scene.

When I visited, three groups of students and a few families had spread blankets on the lawn area for a picnic as children splashed and played in the spring. It was really peaceful with birds chirping and an occasional splash of water to break the silence.

But Wekiwa Springs gets quite crowded and boisterous with the laughter of children on busy summer weekends. Day visitors need a reservation until October 1, which you can obtain in advance online.

The park also has more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Editors Note: Wekiwa Springs State Park requires advance reservations for day-use entry during the summer until October 1. Purchase your entry pass online at reserve.floridastateparks.org.

Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circult, Apopka, FL Phone: 407-553-4383. Admission: $6 per vehicle. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at park concession. Camping: $24/ night plus $7 daily utility fee. Primitive camping $5 per person. Make campground reservations and day-use reservations online at reserve.floridastateparks.org. Read More: Wekiva River Basin — A wild and scenic adventure

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