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.
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.
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.
11 enchanting Central Florida state parks with camping
Central Florida is home to a diverse selection of Florida state parks with camping. Something for everybody, even if you don’t own a tent or RV. (2nd in a series)
Rainbow River gushes with pure spring water; it’s like kayaking in an aquarium
Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River are among Florida’s top tubing and kayaking spots. People love this waterway because of the pure, clear water and spectacular natural setting. In winter, it’s a peaceful place to kayak and perhaps see otters. In summer, it’s full of tubes floating through a cool paradise.
Silver Springs: Exquisite paddle trail may be best in state
Launch at the famous springhead and paddle a historic waterway with monkeys, manatees and otters. Silver Springs kayaking is as good as it gets.