Florida has a remarkable collection of freshwater springs, but they are no longer secrets. We visited three favorites and saw how popularity is affecting them.
Florida’s Springs
Best Florida Springs
Florida has the highest concentration of springs and spring runs in the world, and many offer recreation such as swimming, scuba diving, paddle trails, camping, fishing and summer escapes.
Many of the springs are being loved to death. Please enjoy the springs responsibly:
- Stay in your vessel when possible.
- If you have to leave the vessel, tie off in shallow waters.
- Avoid docking on riverbanks.
- Don’t trample vegetation or kick up silt.
- Avoid climbing on banks.
- Don’t climb trees or use rope swings.
- Don’t throw out litter or leave anything behind.
Springs and wildlife make the Chaz a special kayak trail
Kayaking the Chaz on the central Gulf Coast takes you over turquoise springs, down twisty creeks, and you might just see a manatee, otter or bald eagle. This is one of Florida’s premier kayaking rivers.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park in winter: Best time to kayak
The Ichetucknee is the most pristine spring run in the state. It has eight major springs, crystalline water, lush jungly vegetation plus plentiful birds and wildlife. It’s a shame that most visitors only experience it as a busy tubing river. It’s a fabulous winter kayaking destination in North Florida — worth a drive!
Suwannee, one of Florida’s most beautiful rivers, offers comfy screened camping on platforms
Not only is the Suwannee a stunning wild river worth exploring for its beauty, it also offers five unusual river camps accessible only by boat. The camps have screened, covered camping platforms with electricity and a central bathhouse with hot water. The free river camps provide comfy conditions for multi-day trips.
Wakulla Springs State Park: Chill in a spring at an Old Florida lodge
Wakulla Springs State Park has a historic lodge, spectacular spring/swimming hole, scenic boat rides and many spots to hike, bike and kayak nearby. The Big Bend region of Florida is often overlooked by visitors, who are missing out on a rustic, rural area.
Crystal River is making a comeback, and the manatees are loving it
Crystal River is the only river in Florida where you are allowed to swim with the manatees, and it’s undergoing a remarkable restoration.
Chill spring anchors this shady park with swimming, campground, kayaking near Tampa Bay
Tucked into a corner of Hillsborough County is a small 160-acre preserve with a fabulous swimming hole and shady campground along the Alafia River.
Best tubing in Florida: 4 beautiful springs and 2 rivers with pure white sandbars
It takes some chilly water to cool you off during a Florida summer day, but these spring-fed rivers have that and more. These seven rivers are among the most beautiful spots in Florida. But take note: There are changes in access at several springs. Also, tubing is so popular, you need to do some homework before going.
De Leon Springs: ‘Pancake park’ is so much more
De Leon Springs, about an hour north of Orlando, is a state park with swimming, kayaking and fantastic history. It’s best known for — of all things — its pancakes. Our advice: spend the day and take in the adjacent Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.
Florida boat tours: Nine special ways to enjoy the scenery
A classic experiences of an Old Florida vacation is a scenic boat tour. Here are 9 iconic boat tours I recommend from personal experience.