This post will look at some of the best natural springs near Orlando and elsewhere in Florida. From water temperatures to specific types of nutrients and minerals, read on to learn all you need to know before making your choice.
25 Best Natural Springs Near Orlando Others in Florida
Florida is well-known for its warm temperature and beautiful beaches, but it also has a plethora of natural springs. Florida is an excellent place to live if you enjoy warm weather and vast open areas, as the state is home to over 900 springs supplied by the state's natural water flow. Natural springs are a great way to get your daily dose of water without having to drink from a tap. Florida's springs are ideal vacation destinations all year. Many of Florida's springs are located in the north and central regions, particularly around Tampa Bay. There are, however, many in the Gulf of Mexico region directly south of Tampa. Here are the best springs in Orlando.
WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK
All Floridians must visit their state's various parks and preserves. Wekiwa Springs State Park, located near Orlando, invites visitors daily at 8 a.m. Camping, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities are all available in the vicinity. If you're planning a morning road trip, you'll need to plan for parking; the admittance fee is $6 per car, and slots fill up quickly in the summer. The park's major attraction is its massive pool. Paddlers can rent single kayaks or tandem boats at the snack stand. Whether paddling away from or toward Wekiva Island, both take about 35 to 55 minutes.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 23 minutes
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring, the sole spring located downstream of the St. John's River, discharges over 100 million gallons of water daily. The package includes aquatic activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing, and swimming (during summer). Young folks may benefit from taking a nature walk or visiting a historic residence. A playground and numerous picnic shelters make it simple to spend the day having fun. Crystal River, which converts into a warm-water refuge for West Indian manatees during the winter months, is one of the best places in Central Florida to see them. From roughly the middle of November until the middle of March, visitors to Blue Spring cannot swim, fish, or do anything else in the water.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 50 Minutes
De Leon Springs State Park
Guests can swim, paddleboat, kayak, hike, and fish at De Leon Springs. Furthermore, a large variety of water-based activities are available at all times of the year. Picnic tables, barbecues, and a playground are available under the tree canopy, and lifeguards are on duty seasonally from May to August. Canoes, paddle boats, and kayaks can be rented at the concession stand, and two additional pavilions are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. They are all within walking distance of the water supply and the facilities.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1 hour
ROCK SPRINGS AT KELLY PARK
Kelly Park's Rock Springs is a stunning location for day visits and overnight vacations. There are 26 campsites, a fantastic playground, and bird feeders for the local birds. There are other seven-kilometer hikes available. Campers who bring kayaks or canoes are welcome to launch them in the park. Camp Joy is the closest boat launch if you're camping in the park. However, Kings Landing can help with shuttle service if needed. An eight-and-a-half-mile paddling trail here takes around four hours to complete.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 34 minutes
Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs' spring water is a stunning hue of blue, and the surrounding countryside is lush and tropical. One large spring and hundreds of smaller ones provide approximately 7 million gallons of water daily. Because of the smooth depth difference from shallow to deep water, the swimming area is ideal for children and adults. You can also enjoy camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling in the area. Various native species can be found in and near Florida's springs. One may spot an otter or an American eel in the tape grass or a spring flow.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1h 15min
Devil's Den
A hidden spring exists beneath the Devil's Den, an old cave. Among the artifacts recovered, there are animal bones and other relics. Although children are not permitted inside the cave, they are welcome at this Florida scuba diving school, ;where they can swim or learn to dive. It is not permissible to use it for swimming alone; only dry surface activities are permitted. The accommodations consist of one double-wide trailer and four cottages. One cabin can sleep four people, while another can sleep six on a trailer.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1h 40min
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Spring is one of Florida's largest springs, with its many little vents releasing an average of 400 million gallons of water per day. The water is a stunning sapphire blue, with depths ranging from 4 to 18 feet, making it a popular swimming destination. There is also a toddler wading area. The park's buoyed swim area is perfect for snorkeling; visitors can rent tubes and kayaks to explore the river. The park's springs are complemented by gardening, artificial waterfalls, a butterfly garden, and a nature path.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1h 20min
ALEXANDER SPRINGS
There are 27 first-magnitude springs, with Alexander Springs being one of them. It produces 64 million gallons of water per day. The springs provide opportunities to enjoy all four seasons. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. This natural sanctuary is ideal for families since it offers a secure location to swim in warm water and an opportunity to educate children about aquatic ecosystems. There will be enough to do, and you might enjoy a beach day with tables, restrooms, and other amenities. Please don't be fooled by the slickness of the steps. At the spot where the springs enter the river, you can go swimming or use your underwater photography equipment. Ensure your snorkeling gear is ready before diving into the spring pool.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1h 06min
Ginnie Springs
Experience the springs tucked in the picturesque, wooded surroundings of the Santa Fe River. Ginnie Springs is a lovely location for outdoor activities such as swimming, camping, and picnics. Throughout the year, volleyball courts and covered pavilions are available. It features a general store as well as a playground and camping spots. Cottage accommodations sleep up to eight people for up to four; each additional adult is only $21.34, and each child is only $6.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 2h 10min
Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs, located in the Cayuga Nature Preserve, is one of the best springs in the area. The swimming area is both wide and appealing. A picnic area is near the swimming area's entrance, while another is near the start of the Spring Boils Trail. Raccoons will come looking for food if you leave it out. There are several nice hiking trails nearby: The Spring Boils Trail is a short, easy loop around boiling sand pits, whereas the Lake George Trail is longer but more difficult at 2.3 miles.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1h 15min
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs is a 200-acre water park in Florida with water slides, mermaid shows, and other attractions. Weeki Wachee boasts a white sand beach, multiple concession areas, wilderness, and outdoor sports opportunities, a restaurant open throughout summer, and even a live mermaid show.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1h 42min
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
If you want to see manatees, Crystal River might not be the best destination. Homosassa Springs is an excellent alternative. You can choose between two areas with a large range of animal kinds. Additional educational opportunities are provided via daily events and watching the manatees go about their park chores.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1h 29min
Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge
From April 1 to November 14, the Three Sisters Springs Preserve, located on 56 acres near Crystal River, Florida, is a popular spot for kayakers to launch their boats. This one-of-a-kind natural habitat is directly near a protected area that offers swimming activities for the whole family all year. Swimming, boating, and watching aquatic wildlife are all fun activities to spend time on the water. Go to the Three Sisters spring flow from any of Kings Bay's public boat ramps or kayak launches (accessible through Kings Bay Road). Visitors must arrive at Three Sister Springs by paddle boat or powered vessel; however, all vehicles are not permitted within the springs. Public kayak launches may occur near Hunters Spring Park and King's Bay Park. The main gate is located at 601 Three Sisters Springs Trail in Crystal River, Florida; during the summer season (April 1 - November 14), bicycle-in and walk-in access are available seven days a week with one basic ticket purchase. Domestic pets are permitted on site with a leash, but exotics are not permitted owing to potential water quality problems.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1.5 hour
HUNTER SPRINGS PARK
Crystal River is a fantastic spot for viewing natural Floridian vegetation and fauna. Visit Hunter Springs Park near Crystal River to go out of your comfort zone and try something new. It was fascinating to watch the manatees swim around in their natural environment. On a boardwalk, they can be seen from a distance. This park has a beach, playground equipment, and a kayak launch, making it an excellent starting point for excursions to see manatees. However, if no other parking is available and the trolley is full, you must not park here.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1h 30min
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
In Florida, the Ichetucknee River is a popular tourist destination. It spans around six miles, connects to the larger Santa Fe River via various smaller channels, and is jam-packed with family-friendly activities. Private booths outside the park's entrance sell food, products, and snorkeling and diving equipment. Don't worry if you didn't bring your tubes or snorkeling equipment; you can rent everything outside the park from vendors.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 2.2 Hours
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
The National Park's waters are shallow and clear enough for swimming and snorkeling. Everyone is free to bring a picnic and utilize the BBQ and pavilion. It's a popular pastime, so if you have to leave the park during the summer for whatever reason, you might not be able to return once it's full.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1 Hour
Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla Springs State Park now provides tourists with once-in-a-lifetime chances. These park improvements offer visitors a new perspective on the area's natural beauty, which has lasted the test of time for well over a century.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 3.5 Hours
Manatee Springs
Enjoy Manatee Springs during the day by having a picnic, going on a trek, swimming, or even diving. While the family restroom is still open, the oceanfront restroom is currently closed for renovations. A dip in the spring's water near where it emerges may provide a much-needed reprieve from the heat. Year-round recreational canoeing and kayaking are available.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 2.2 Hours
Poe Springs
Poe Springs Park is ideal for families since it offers free spring swimming, picnic places, and large grassy areas for kids to run around and play. Picnicking, free softball/kickball/soccer field sports, and a playground are just a few of the outdoor activities accessible.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 2 Hours
Wekiva Falls
One may find a natural sulfur spring, a shallow water spring flow, and a swimming lagoon at the foot of the valley, where this warm lagoon is located on this hazy summer day. There are canoe and kayak rentals, a large campsite, picnic areas, and even outdoor sports like mini golf. There is also a playground where you and your children can have fun.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 30 minutes
Rock Springs Run (Orange)
There are three unique areas at Rock Springs Run where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Kelly Park features a playground, picnic spots, BBQ grills, and a natural spring. You may bring your pool noodles or floats into the park, but they may not exceed five feet in length or breadth. The park also rents tubes from third-party dealers. The waterfront zone closes one hour before the park closes; because summer thunderstorms might impair park operations, the bathing area is closed if thunder is heard. You are welcome to pitch a tent or leave your RV here.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 38 Minutes
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Gilchrist Park, located just west of the Crystal Bridges Museum of Natural History and Botanical Gardens, contains many springs. A large second-magnitude spring in the park offers a daily water flow of around 44 million gallons. Gilchrist Blue, a clear spring, travels about a quarter mile down a small stream before joining the Santa Fe River. Paddling, snorkeling, and swimming are just a few of the activities available at the property's other springs, which have been given evocative names like Naked Spring, Little Blue Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring. Food and beverages can be purchased nearby and enjoyed in one of the pavilions; paddleboat rentals are also available. Camping, hiking, researching wildlife, and picnics are all popular pastimes.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 2 Hours
Salt Springs
Salt Springs Recreation Area is a local favorite among the several parks and recreation areas. Numerous recreational options are accessible, including swimming, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, and boating. It also draws a lot of campers and day-trippers. The nearby Salt Springs hamlet has everything you need for a day of outdoor fun, including a gas station, grocery store, restaurants, bait and tackle shops, and all conveniently positioned right next to the spring.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 1.5 Hours
Wekiwa Springs Orange
Wekiwa Springs is popular with individuals who want to relax in the great outdoors while participating in various leisure activities. This park features a swimming area with individual floatation devices, a camping area, picnic tables, canoeing, kayaking, and polo. It's an 18-minute trip from downtown.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 18 minutes
Troy Spring State Park
Troy Spring in Central Florida is 70 feet deep and boasts cool water, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Restrooms, an ADA-compliant boardwalk, picnic tables, a nature trail, and Suwannee River moorings for canoes and kayaks. Depending on your preference, you can play at the shallow or deep end of the main spring area. Residents and visitors go there on hot summer days to cool down in the cold water.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 2.5 Hours
Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island in Central Florida is a lovely place to visit. Because of the abundance of water and the natural environment, it is simple to go camping, hiking, fishing, or simply sit by the river, shoot wonderful images, and look for a central Florida spring. This one is a good pick because of its adaptability.
Time To Travel From Orlando: 23 Minutes
Conclusion
If you want to take a break from the sun and enjoy some natural springs in the Orlando area, check out these other great fresh water springs. Numerous water sources throughout Florida offer great drinking opportunities, so be sure to explore each one while you're here!
