SPRINGS - 5 Suitcases

10 Things to Know About Florida Springs- The Sunshine States COOLEST Attractions!

Elle MacRae — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 13:55:00 +0000

It’s no surprise that visiting Florida’s springs is becoming increasingly popular. Not only are they incredibly refreshing but their beauty is unmatched, as well. There are some things to know about Florida Springs before you pack your bags and head inland.

Things to Know About Florida Springs

Where are the springs located?

A majority of the springs dot the landscape of the Panhandle, northern and central Florida. There are a handful around Orlando and nestled in the Ocala National Forest. Many of the springs are clustered around each other making them easy to spring hop- or travel to more than one spring in a day.

What are the best springs for kids?

Many of the springs are very deep making them difficult to visit with kids. The best springs for kids are often found in Florida State Parks. We have a post where we outline our favorite springs to visit with kids. It’s important to do your research if you’re traveling with young kids, you definitely don’t want to end up holding them all day long while you’re treading water.

Are there alligators and snakes in the springs?

There are absolutely alligators in the springs. Snakes too. You are less likely to see both snakes and alligators in designated swimming areas.

If you’re paddling or floating down a run, it’s best to keep an eye out for them. Be aware of your surroundings and give the animals space, if you see them. Chances are, they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

There are times when the spring will close due to alligator activity. If you happen to see an alligator in the swimming area, get out of the water and notify someone.

Where am I most likely to see manatees?

When the water temperature of the rivers surrounding the springs drop, manatees head to the springs to stay warm. Manatees are very curious and have been known to go near swimmers and paddlers. They are completely harmless and friendly animals.

Crystal River, the Chaz, and Blue Spring State Park are all well-known for the manatee population. Of course, there are plenty of other places to spot these adorable creatures as well. Check out our article on the 12 Best Places to See Manatees to get the full scoop!

Can you swim with manatees?

In most places, swimming with manatees is not permitted. However, it is allowed in Citrus County- Homosassa Springs and Crystal River. If you visit in the summer, your best bet for swimming with manatees is to visit Crystal River. To swim with the manatees, you’ll need a boat tour.

It is against the law to touch or harass manatees. If one comes near you, keep your hands out of the water and allow them to pass.

If you paddle towards a manatee, to not park your vessel directly above the manatees as they need to come up to the surface to breathe.

What is the water temperature?

The springs have a constant temperature of about 72 degrees year round. It’ll definitely take your breath away, at first, but on a hot day it’s really refreshing. Once you get acclimated to the water temperature, you’ll be fine.

On a cooler day, you may not even notice the chilly water because the outside temperature and water temperature are similar.

Are the springs pet-friendly?

Our lab loves swimming, so we totally get wanting to bring your pups to the springs. In fact, every time we’re at the springs one of us says, “Man, LB would love this place!” That being said, dogs are not allowed at most springs. Dogs are a tasty treat for alligators, so it’s best to keep them out of the springs. Bummer, I know.

That being said, you could possibly find a spot along one of the nearby rivers for your pup to swim.

Which springs have camping and cabins?

Many of the Florida Sate Parks with springs have campgrounds. You’ll also find fantastic campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest (home of 5 springs). Otter Springs, Fanning Springs, and Blue Spring State Park all have cabins available for rent.

What should I take to the springs?

Sunscreen, a towel and a bathing suit are always a good start. We also pack a picnic lunch, snacks, plenty of water, bug spray, and floats. We also usually bring along a paddleboard. We actually have a whole list of our Florida Spring Essentials.

Are the springs crowded?

The springs can get absolutely nuts during the summer. People wait in their cars parks for 2+ hours to get in. Almost all of the parks will close once they reach capacity. Some of the parks close for the day whereas others will re-open in the afternoon once people start to leave. It’s best to ask a park employee what their policy is.

Your best bet for getting into the parks is getting their early or visiting in the afternoon. Weekdays also tend to be less crowded. Remember, the water temperature remains the same year-round which essentially means you can swim in the springs year round.

Many of the crowds tend to congregate around shallow areas and the designated swimming area. If you float, wade, paddle, or swim away from these areas, you’ll notice the crowds start to thin out.

Ginnie Springs is privately owned and does not close when it gets crowded. If you find that all of the nearby springs are at capacity, you could always get into Ginnie- just know that it’ll be crowded.

Bonus: Our Favorite Springs

We’re often asked which springs are our favorite. Jeez, this is like asking a parent which kids is their favorite. We haven’t visited a spring that we didn’t like. They are all gorgeous and have qualities that make them unique.

Blue Spring State Park will always hold a special place in my heart as it is the first springs we visited with the kids. They also have a spring run that you can float down, which is an added bonus.

Gilchrist Blue Spring is a great spot to paddle. Alexander Springs is an easy one to visit with kids, which is a bonus for us.

DeLeon is unique in the fact that they have a pancake house on site where you make your own pancakes, which is pretty cool.

Silver Springs is one of Florida’s original theme parks so it’s very touristy, but we really enjoyed the boat tour.

I honestly, can’t pick just one.

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Breathtaking Florida Springs That Are Near Each Other & Perfect for Spring Hopping

Elle MacRae — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 14:10:00 +0000

Since visiting the springs often requires a day trip, many visitors look for Florida springs that are near each other so that they can spring hop. Spring hopping simply means visiting more than one spring in a day. By knowing which Florida springs are near each other, you can easily fit more than one spring in during your trip!

It is important to know that there are many more springs than those listed below. As we visit more Florida springs, we’ll add them to our list. Also, some springs are only accessible via kayak or paddleboard, so we’re leaving those off of this list as well- since they are more difficult to find and access.

Florida Springs That Are Near Each Other

Ocala National Forest

We’ll start off with the Ocala National Forest since this is the one we’re most familiar with. There are 5 springs in the Ocala National Forest.

Alexander Springs
Fern Hammock Springs
Juniper Springs
Salt Springs
Silver Glen Springs

Suwanee River

Bob’s River Place
Convict Springs
Devil’s Den
Falmouth Springs
Fanning Springs State Park
Hart Springs State Park
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Levy/Bronson Blue Springs
Little River Springs
Manatee Springs State Park
Madison Blue Springs State Park
Otter Springs
Peacock Springs
Poe Springs Park
Royal Springs State Park
Rum Island Springs
Silver Springs State Park
Troy Springs State Park

Fort White

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Ginnie Springs
Itchetucknee Springs State Park
Rock Blue Springs

Volusia County

Blue Spring State Park
DeLeon Springs State Park
Gemini Springs (no swimming)
Green Springs (no swimming)

Orlando Area

Rock Springs
Wekiva Falls
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Check out the 12 Best Springs Near Orlando to learn more about springs that are easily accessible from the city.

Tampa Area/Spring Hill

Lithia Springs
Weeki Wachee Spring State Park

Making the Most of the Florida Springs That Are Near Each Other

Many of these regions are not far from one another, so you you could easily pair a spring in the Ocala National Forest with a spring in Volusia County or Orlando. These regions are only about an hour apart. You could easily visit 5 or more springs in one weekend!

When is the Best time to Visit?

The springs are phenomenal year round! If you want a glimpse of the manatees, come during the winter (January and February seem to be peak times). If you want to kayak, canoe, or paddle board you can do so year round, but you’ll find it less crowded in the cooler months.

If you’re brave, you can swim year round. The water temperature is the same all year. Florida’s weather is really inconsistent in the winter. We can go from being in the 80s one day to the 50s the next. As long as you can handle the outside temperatures when you exit the springs, you can absolutely swim in the springs 365 days a year.

Our Spring Essentials

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

12 Best Places to See Manatees in Florida

Elle MacRae — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 16:14:00 +0000

Seeing manatees in the wild is quite the experience! Our list of the 12 Best Places to See Manatees will help up your chances of spotting these “sea cows” out in the wild. Manatees are fascinating, graceful, and playful animals that can often be spotted in Florida springs and rivers.

Manatees in Florida

Manatees have graced the waters of Florida since prehistoric times. Years of habitat loss caused the population dwindle to the point that manatees were added to the list of Endangered Species in 1973.

Today, there are between 3,000 and 5,000 manatees living in Florida and the sea cows are no longer considered endangered.

Before you Hop in the Water...

Manatees come to the surface of the water every 3-5 minutes to breathe. However, they can spend as long as 20 minutes under water. Kayakers and paddleboarders that hover over the manatees can sometimes cause the animals to stay underwater longer than they are comfortable with. If you plan on getting in the water with the manatees, please give them some space and don’t park your vessel directly on top of them.

Best Places to See Manatees

Crystal River & Three Sisters Spring

In the winter months, more than 1,000 manatees congregate in the Crystal River. This is probably the one of the best places to see manatees in the wild! The gentle sea creatures flock here due to the warm waters put out by Three Sisters Springs. In the summer months, there are some resident manatees that you may be able to see. Crystal River is the best place for swimming with manatees and the only place that you can do it year round.

Chassahowitzka River & The Seven Sisters Spring

“The Chaz”, as we call it, is truly a hidden gem. Manatees are known to hang out here year round however, you’ll have a better chance of spotting them during the winter months. For the best opportunity to see the manatees, visitors should rent a kayak (or bring their own) and paddle down to the Seven Sisters Spring.

Silver Springs State Park

Manatees have recently started migrating back to Silver Springs. This state park is known for its incredibly clear water and its glass bottom boat tours. The best time to visit Silver Springs, to see manatees, is in the winter months. We saw about 5 manatees on our glass bottom boat ride.

Swimming is not permitted at Silver Springs. However, you are allowed to boat, kayak or canoe to get up close and personal with the manatees. To up your chances of seeing a manatee, plan on arriving the to park as soon as it opens, at 8 AM and rent (or bring your own) kayak.. This is 2 hours before the glass bottom boat tours start.

Blue Spring State Park

Lately, one of the best places to see manatees has been Blue Spring State Park. In 2022, the park saw record breaking numbers of manatees flocking into the springs. On any given day, in the winter, visitors can see hundreds of manatees.

The park offers several vantage points where you can spot manatees in the spring.

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Wakulla Springs State Park

If you want to see manatees at Wakulla Springs, your best bet is to book a boat tour or rent a kayak. Manatees are found here year round, but like all other places, it is most common to find them during the cold months.

Fanning Springs State Park

Another popular hang out for manatees is Fanning Springs State Park. The water here is extremely clear making it easy to spot the manatees grazing on the bottom.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

This is one of the prime wildlife locations in the entire state. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has an observation deck where you can frequently spot manatees. Manatees are typically seen during the fall and spring months.

Manatee Lagoon

Manatee Lagoon is located in West Palm Beach. The park has an observation area where in the winter months you may see up to as many as 800 manatees.

Manatee Park, Fort Myers

Manatees are drawn to Manatee Park for a different reason- the Fort Myers power plant. The power plant warms the waters making it one of the best places to see manatees. Local manatees tend to hang out here during the cool months. There are great walkways and viewing platforms at the park that make it easier to see the manatees. They also offer kayak rentals, if you want to get a little closer.

Manatee Viewing Center, Tampa

Similar to Manatee Park, the Manatee Viewing Center is located near a power plant. The park is open from November 1st through April 15th each year when spotting manatees is most common.

Where Can I Swim with Manatees?

When is the Best Time to See Manatees?

You can pretty much see manatees in the Crystal River year round. Many of the year-round manatees here are young manatees that don’t quite have the courage to venture into the rivers.

However, the peak season for seeing manatees is from November to March. During this time of the year, the manatees migrate from the rivers into the springs to stay warm.

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5 Springs in Ocala National Forest

Elle MacRae — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 17:50:00 +0000

The springs in Ocala National Forest are some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find in the Sunshine State. Most people that vacation in Florida head to the beaches or the theme parks…us Floridians, on the other hand, head straight for the springs! There are more than 1,000 natural springs sprinkled throughout Florida- more than any other place on the planet! The springs stay a refreshing 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round, making them a great place to beat the heat.

There are five springs in the Ocala National Forest that are accessible to visitors. These springs are: Alexander Springs, Fern Hammock Springs, Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, and Silver Glen Springs. Join us as we explore the springs in Ocala National Forest and explore the real Florida!

5 Springs in Ocala National Forest

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs is one of the best springs for snorkeling and diving. The swimming area is a huge, wide open space and there are parts that are shallow enough for little ones to enjoy. There are steps that lead down to the spring. This is a great spot for little ones to get acclimated to the temperature of the water. Once you’re in the water, it isn’t exceptionally deep (but still deep enough that they can swim).

The kayak and paddleboard launch site is also very close to the swimming hole, making it easy to go back and forth between the two.

The swimming area isn’t all shallow, however. In fact, local dive schools use the springs for training since parts of the spring are as deep as 25 feet.

Alexander Springs is also known for camping, hiking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. There is a 0.9 mile interpretive trail called the Timucuan Trail. The loop consists of a shady boardwalk that travels through the forest along the spring run.

Fern Hammock Springs

Fern Hammock Springs are accessible from Juniper Springs. Unlike the other springs in the Ocala National Forest, swimming isn’t permitted here. This spring is environmentally protected and has a higher alligator and snake population. It’s still absolutely worth the short walk from Juniper Springs. Fern Hammock Springs is absolutely stunning and considered by many to be one of the most beautiful springs in the world!

Juniper Springs

An old watermill constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s helps make this one of the most picturesque springs in the area. The springs are popular for swimming, snorkeling, floating, camping, hiking, and paddling.

Juniper Run is a narrow, winding waterway that travels through a dense canopy of an ancient forest. It is an excellent spot to paddle out in search for turtles, fish, birds, and alligators.

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is another excellent swimming hole found in the Ocala National Forest. The swimming area is massive and the parts away from the spring head are shallow enough for wading. The water near the boils, however, are deep and full of slippery rocks.

Salt Springs is unique in the sense that it is salty and is home to an abundance of blue crabs. The water is naturally salty due to the high levels of magnesium and potassium- but not nearly as salty as ocean water.

Silver Glen Springs

Silver Glen Springs is one of many Floridian’s favorite springs! The water is crystal clear and the swimming area is massive. Historians believe that this site has been popular with humans for over 10,000 years! It was once the home to an ancient village. Today, it is home to Florida black bears, racoons, an abundance of fish and birds, turtles, and manatees.

Silver Glen Springs is popular for swimming, snorkeling, floating, and paddling.

When is the Best time to Visit?

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

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Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Exploring the Beautiful Salt Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest

Elle MacRae — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 11:32:00 +0000

Salt Springs Recreation Area is one of the highlights of the Ocala National Forest. The forest is just north of Orlando and is the perfect day trip for nature lovers! It is a great spot for hiking, paddling, swimming and camping. Within the forest there are four crystal-clear, picturesque springs just begging to be explored! The springs are Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and the lovely Alexander Springs.

One of our favorite things about Salt Springs is that it is perfect for families! Most of the swimming area is actually quite shallow- once you get away from the entrance area. The park also permits floats, which makes the springs extra fun for kids! We found a cove across from the entranceway and it was the ideal spot for our littles.

The closer you get to the spring vent, the deeper- and rockier- the water gets. Rows of limestone rocks line the floor the the springs- almost as if an earthquake rumbled through the area causing a massive ancient ruin to collapse. Other rocks look like giant fingers reaching out from the underworld. It’s really quite magical! These rocks allow you to stand around the vent, which can be very slippery at times. You’ll probably want to pack some water shoes with you! These will help protect your feet from the rocks and the blue crabs that inhabit the area.

Several visitors tried their hand at diving into the spring vents only to find they were almost immediately forced back up to the surface by the pressure. Salt Springs is a 2nd magnitude spring which pushes about 55 million gallons of water out through the four vents. That’s a lot of water pressure escaping through these small caverns!

The water at Salt Springs is a constant 72-degrees, which can be quite an adjustment in the summer months. Once you’re in the water though, you’ll acclimate quickly. You probably may have guessed by the name that the springs are a little salty. The water is nothing like you’ll find at the beach however, it does have some salinity to it due to natural magnesium, sodium, and potassium salts.

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

Yes! There are most definitely alligators in the springs. And snakes. In fact, a rule of thumb here in Florida is that you should assume that there is an alligator in every body of freshwater. That being said, alligators typically want nothing to do with you. They are completely content laying on the bank of the spring catching some rays. As long as you don’t approach them, you’re typically fine. Even during the summer, when the springs are jam-packed with people, there will be alligators present. They tend to situate themselves outside of the run (where you can’t swim or tube) so that they don’t have to deal with you. Chances are, if you kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you’ll spot a gator sunning on the banks.

What Animals Live at Salt Springs?

Around the springs you’ll find bears, racoons, deer, and an impressive number of vultures. Inside the springs you may find fish, otters (in the early morning hours), turtles, and alligators. During the winter months, you may also spot a manatee. The spring is also well-known for having blue crabs. These crabs are a small reminder that Florida was once completely underwater millions of years ago. This is also why you can find shark teeth in Central Florida!

Where is Salt Springs Located?

The springs are a part of the Ocala National Forest. Salt Springs is easily accessible as a day trip from Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville.

Physical Address: 13851 SR 19, Salt Springs

Visiting Information

The hours vary by season so be sure to check their website to plan accordingly. During the summer months it is typically open from 8 AM until 8 PM.

The current fees are:

Weekday Day Use: $8/person
Weekend Day Use: $11/person

What is there to do at Salt Springs?

It goes without saying that most people visit this park to visit the springs. This is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Other activities include hiking, camping, boating, and fishing.

Hiking: There is a 1.4 mile Bear Swamp Trail loop that begins near the campground. There is also the Salt Springs Observation Trail which is a 1.9 mile easy loop.

Camping There are over 150 campsites at the park. In fact, Salt Springs is home to the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest.

Boating & Fishing: Just outside of the park, you’ll find the Salt Springs Marina. Parking is $10 and the site features a boat launch and kaya rentals. There is not boating, paddling, or fishing permitted in the swimming area, so if you want to get your pole or paddle wet, you’ll have to do it here.

Fun Fact: The above mentioned marina butts up to the edge of the park. Many of the locals enjoy the springs from the boat launch rather than the park because it is more cost effective.

Nearby Springs

The four springs of the Ocala National Forest all are within a 30 minute drive of each other. Many visitors choose to “spring hop” and visit more than one spring in a day. We like to take things a little slower, however, so we pick just one spring to visit each day.

Silver Glen Spring Recreation Area (10.3 miles)
Juniper Springs (16.9 miles)
Alexander Springs (26.9 miles)
de Leon Springs State Park (35.6 miles)
Wekiwa Springs State Park (40 miles)
Blue Spring State Park (61.8 miles)

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

When is the Best time to Visit?

The springs are phenomenal year round! If you want a glimpse of the manatees, come during the winter (January and February seem to be peak times). If you want to kayak, canoe, or paddle board you can do so year round, but you’ll find it less crowded in the cooler months. Just remember that you’ll have to launch from the marina next door as the park doesn’t allow paddling within its boundaries.

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Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

12 Best Springs Near Orlando

Elle MacRae — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 19:34:00 +0000

Believe it or not, there is more to Orlando than Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and SeaWorld. Orlando is home to a ton of natural attractions, too. Some of the best springs near Orlando make for the perfect day trip from this super busy city.

What better way to break up your days at the theme park than by spending some time in Florida’s crystal clear waters?

Florida is home to more than 1,000 natural springs. It has more natural springs than anywhere else on the planet! Not only are the springs drop-dead gorgeous, but they are super relaxing! The springs are home to some of Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, turtles, otters, and yes…alligators.

The springs near Orlando were Florida’s original tourist attraction. People would migrate from the north to relax in the cool Florida waters. Silver Springs and de Leon Springs were once some of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States.

Today the springs offer visitors a space to swim, relax on an innertube, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, snorkel, scuba dive, and even enjoy a boat tour.

While some of these springs are near Orlando, others require a little bit of a longer drive. The great thing about some of these springs is that you can often hit more than one spring a day. For instance, Alexander Springs and DeLeon Springs are really close to each other. You could easily hit one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. No matter which spring you choose, you seriously cannot go wrong. All of them make a perfect day trip from Orlando.

12 Best Springs Near Orlando

Wekiwa Springs State Park

It’s amazing to think that this gorgeous natural wonder is just 14 miles from downtown Orlando. Wekiwa Springs State Park has fabulous emerald waters, lush tropical hammocks, and miles of trails for your to explore.

The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle. Like many of the nearby springs, it’s suggested that you arrive early as the springs tend to hit capacity early in the day.

The park is popular for swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and simply floating on an innertube.

You could easily spend the day at the theme park and unwind in the crisp cool water in the afternoon.

Kelly Park/Rock Springs

Kelly Park/Rock Springs is 31 miles from Orlando. This stunning oasis has some of the most gorgeous crystal clear water. Kelly Park is a nature park that is popular for hiking, swimming, and camping. The lazy river run for Rock Springs starts in Kelly Park and continues over 8 miles outside of the park.

The cost for Kelly Park is $3 for a car of 2 people or $5 for 3-8 people. The park is super popular on warm days so we strongly suggest getting there early. The park often reaches capacity early. This is truly one of the best springs near Orlando! We cannot wait to explore this park!

Blue Spring State Park

34 miles outside of Orlando, you’ll find one of our favorite hangouts- Blue Spring State Park. This park is extremely popular on hot days so plan on getting there early!

What makes it so popular, you might ask? Not only is it close to the city, but it is literally the most perfect place in the world for tubing. The natural lazy river is incredibly refreshing- especially during the heat of summer.

The park is also popular for swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling, hiking, and biking.

The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. The park offers inner tube rentals at the park.

The park is equally impressive during the winter months. When the thermometer drops, the park becomes a sanctuary for manatees. You can expect to see anywhere between 25 and 500 manatees in the springs!

De Leon Springs State Park

46 miles miles away, you’ll find one of our favorite springs near Orlando! De Leon Springs State Park is another site that was once a popular tourist destination. The site was once home to the Ponce de Leon Springs Hotel and Casino which was popular with wealthy northern visitors.

By the 1950s the site featured tropical gardens, a jungle cruise, a tram tour, oh yeah… and a water skiing elephant.

While the days of water skiing elephants are long gone, this place is still pretty rad. It features a unique restaurant where you make your own pancakes, and a swimming hole the resembles a swimming pool.

There are so eco-boat tours available where you can see what the park looks like from the river without having to get wet.

If you don’t mind getting wet, you can rent a kayak or canoe (or bring your own) and hit the water. The cost to enter the park is $6 per vehicle. This unique park is one of the best springs near Orlando and definitely worth the visit!

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs is one of the largest and most accessible springs in the state. It is the perfect place for families with young children. Alexander Springs is 59 miles away from downtown is truly one of the best springs near Orlando.

The park is well known for camping, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and paddling. The launch site really close to the swimming hole so it is easy to go back and forth between the two.

Entrance fees are $7/person on weekdays and $10/person on weekends.

Juniper Springs

68 miles from Orlando, you’ll find one of the most picturesque kayak trails in Florida. The seven-mile route will take your breath away. Juniper Springs is idea for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and hiking. Paddling is popular year round, so don’t feel like visits are limited to just the warm months.

The cost to enter the park is $7/person on weekdays and $10/person on weekends. There is a launching fee of $10/watercraft.

Silver Glen Springs

69 miles outside of Orlando you’ll find Silver Glen Springs. Trust us, this park is well worth the drive! The aquamarine water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and floating. The water here is super clear and shallow making it perfect for children.

Like Blue Spring, it is also a refuge for manatee during the winter months.

Admission is $6 per person.

Silver Springs State Park

Although this park is 80 miles outside of the city, you should still definitely consider visiting it! Silver Springs State Park was one the state’s first tourist attractions and one of the most unique springs near Orlando.

In the 1950s, more than 800,000 people a year would visit the park! The park is famous for its glass bottom boats and kayaking trail. It is also known for being the winter home to manatees.

We suggest taking the glass bottom boat tour as soon as you enter the park, it’s a great way to get acquainted with the area. The cost of the boat tour is $12 for adults.

Although there is no swimming permitted, the park is perfect for paddling. The park offers rentals, or you can pack your own vessel. The cost to launch is $4/vessel. There is also an entrance fee of $2/person.

Rainbow Springs State Park

The name alone makes us want to check this place out! 83 miles away from Orlando you’ll find one of the most stunning springs the state has to offer. The water here is sapphire blue and the swimming area is massive! The park features some of the best hiking trails in Florida and features man-made waterfalls and beautiful natural gardens.

The park is popular for hiking, snorkeling, tubing, paddling, and swimming. The cost to enter is $2/person.

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is one of the jewels of the Ocala National Forest. Located just 85 miles from the city, this unique spring is home to freshwater and saltwater fish. Blue crabs, turtles, and manatees also call these springs home. Swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and hiking are all popular here. Admission is $7 /person.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs was rated the #1 Florida spring by our Instagram followers. 136 miles away from Orlando, you’ll find Florida’s newest state park- Gilchrist Blue Springs. The park is known for paddling, swimming, and snorkeling.

There are kayaks and canoes available to rent on the site. If you go out for a paddle, be sure to wander past the ropes that mark off the swimming hole. The river is absolutely remarkable!

The cost to enter is $4 to $6 per vehicle. If you make the drive from Orlando, we suggest also making a stop at nearby Poe Springs and Rum Island Springs to make the drive worth your while! These are also great places to check out in the event that the park is at capacity when you arrive.

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is 138 miles outside of Orlando, making it just over 2 hours away. You would definitely need to dedicate an entire day to visiting this state park. Ginnie Springs advertises itself as a “true slice of pure Florida”. It is made up of seven springs and several caves. These caves make the spring one of the most unique freshwater diving spots in the world. Aside from diving, the springs are also popular for tubing, paddling, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.

Admission ranges between $15-$20/adult depending on the season. Children ages 5-12 are $5. Although this site is the furthest from Orlando, it is definitely worth the drive!

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

We hope this list compels you to get out there and explore the springs near Orlando! After all, there’s much more to the Sunshine State than theme parks! Grab a towel and a bathing suit, and get out there and explore the natural side of Florida!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventures

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

The Magical Silver Springs State Park

Elle MacRae — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 01:51:00 +0000

Silver Springs State Park is home to one of America’s largest and most-loved springs. The park is famous for its Glass Bottom Boats and its kayaking trail. Silver Springs State Park is perfect for leisurely walks, hikes, kayaking, paddle boarding, and camping. It is the perfect day trip from most major north and central Florida cities.

From the moment that you pull into Silver Springs State Park, you know that this place is totally different than most of the nearly 1000 Florida springs. There is a massive theme park-esque sign that welcomes you to the park.

The History of Silver Springs

Native Americans were known to use the river as a food source as far back as 1500 (but probably before then). Evidence of their presence can be found at the bottom of the Silver River in the form of a 500+ year old sunken dugout canoe.

Spanish explorer Hernado de Soto is thought o have been the first European to discover the area.

Years later, it became one of Florida’s first tourist attractions. In the 1950s, more than 800,000 people a year would visit the park! The main entrance to the park is a reminder of this former roadside attraction.

Silver Springs was classified as a national natural landmark in 1971 and was acquired by the state of Florida in 2013.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

The Glass Bottom Boat Tour is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your visit. Glass Bottom Boat tours began in 1878! Not only are the boat captains totally hilarious, they are also incredibly knowledgeable. Our tour took us past 4 spring heads, an impressive 400+ year old sunken dugout canoe, and down the Silver River. We saw manatee, alligators, turtles, fish, and birds, as we heard stories about the history of Silver Springs State Park. The Glass Bottom Boat tour was a great introduction to the park.

The cost of the boat tour is $12 for adults.

Pro-Tip: There is no swimming at Silver Springs State Park. The springs are best experienced via Glass Bottom Boat Tours, kayak, or paddle board.

Rentals

The park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals.

One Hour Paddle Rental- $20
Two Hour Paddle Rental- $30
Full Day Paddle Rental- $35
Full Day Paddle Rental with Shuttle Service- This option is great for more experienced paddlers. After journeying 5 miles downstream, you’ll be shuttled back to Silver Springs State Park. $40
2 Hour Guided Paddling Tour- Prices vary

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The Monkeys of Silver Springs

About 100 years ago, an eccentric boat captain released rhesus macaques monkeys on an island within the parks grounds in an attempt to create a Tarzan themed tourist attraction.

The monkeys were able to swim and escaped the island. Today, an estimated 176 monkeys call the Silver River home. Since the monkeys are known to carry disease, the park is working on relocated the monkeys elsewhere.

Visiting Silver Springs State Park

Physical Address:

Silver Springs State Park
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd
Silver Springs, FL 34488

Entry Fees:

$2 per person. Children 6 and under a free.

The park is open 365 days a year from 8 am dark.

Know Before You Go

There is no swimming or tubing at Silver Springs State Park. If you want to tube, we suggest checking out Blue Spring State Park, Kelly Park, or Ichetucknee State Park.
There is a launch fee of $4 per vessel (+$2 per person admission) if you bring your own kayak, canoe, or SUP.

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses. There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around. However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

Are there Manatees at Silver Springs?

Yes! Your best chance for manatee sighting is in the winter months. Because the springs maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees, the manatees tend to leave the cold river for the warmer spring waters.

What is there to do Nearby?

The park is an excellent base for exploring the Ocala National Forest. Be sure to check out Juniper Springs (30 mins away), Alexander Springs (45 mins away), and De Leon Springs (50 mins away).

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

Closing Thoughts

We absolutely loved our time at Silver Springs State Park. Our biggest regret was that we didn’t take our paddle board and kayak. The kids already started planning our return trip before we even left the park. I have a feeling we’ll be visiting again, very soon!

Save a Pin and Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Updated: 5/5/2022

18 Gorgeous Florida Springs State Parks

Elle MacRae — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 16:09:18 +0000

Did you know that Florida’s first tourist attraction was its fresh water springs? For ages, people have flocked from all around to experience some of the most remarkable natural springs in the world. In fact, Florida has more natural springs than any other place on the planet.

The Florida State Park system has created parks at several of the 700 natural springs. The parks offer amenities such as hiking trails and campsites. Some parks also offer eco tours and watercraft rentals.

Florida Springs State Parks

Blue Spring State Park- Blue Spring State Park is a great day trip from Orlando. The park offers kayak and canoe rentals and has an excellent boat tour that will take you out on the Saint Johns River.

Our favorite thing about this spring is that there is a launch area for inner tubes so that you can float down the spring. The exit landing is a short hike back to the beginning of the run.

If you plan on launching a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, consider putting in at nearby French Landing.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park- The Ichetucknee Springs are iconic Florida springs. People come from all around to float down the river. There are several different launch sites, so be sure to do your research before you head out. The park has kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards available to rent. There are also vendors that rent out inner tubes.

This popular destination often closes due to reaching full capacity early on. If the park is closed when you arrive check nearby Poe Springs, Rum Island, Ginnie Springs, or Gilchrist Blue Springs.

Wekiwa Springs State Park- Did you know that you could find emerald springs and a lush tropical hammock just minutes from downtown Orlando? Wekiwa Springs is Orange County’s oldest tourist attraction and the perfect place to hit up during your Orlando vacation! They offer canoe and kayak rentals on site.

The park also has several trails ranging from 8/10 mile to 13.5 miles in length! From the trails you might spot white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, turkeys, and many other birds. You might even spot a bobcat or Florida black bear!

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park- Gilchrist Blue Springs is one of Florida’s newest state parks. The park offers an impressive spring that leads out to the Sante Fe River. The park offers camping, and kayak/canoe rentals. The park is located right next to Ginnie Springs, Rum Island, and Poe Springs, so if it is at capacity, you can always try one of those.

De Leon Springs State Park- This park served as one of Florida’s first tourist attractions. Visitors would cruise down to the springs via steam boat to relax and unwind in the springs.

Today, De Leon Springs has relics that help document the history from the park- all the way back to its days as a plantation.

The park offers kayak rentals, boat tours, and has a popular restaurant where you can make your own pancakes. Be sure to check out the hiking trails while you’re there.

Silver Springs State Park- This is probably the most commercialized Florida spring. One of the main attractions is the glass bottom boat ride- Florida’s oldest attraction! The 30 minute tour will set you back $12/person, where as the 1.5 hour one is $25/person. It is an amazing way to experience the springs!

Silver Springs State Park also has kayak, SUP, and canoe rentals. You can even book a guided paddling tour!

Silver Springs also has a restaurant on site where you can purchase sandwiches, wraps, burgers, chicken tenders, salads and more. There is also an ice cream shop on the property. You could easily spend an entire day at these springs!

Madison Blue Springs State Park- Did you know that Madison Blue Springs was voted as America’s #1 Swimming Hole? Spend a day here and it is easy to see why! Pack an innertube so you can kick back and enjoy this amazing spring!

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park- Located on the Suwannee River, this first-magnitude spring is the perfect place to take a dip or paddle. The park also has a unique feature- a nature limestone bridge that crosses the spring run. Be sure to check the Florida State Park official website before heading to these springs (and any on the Suwannee), as it sometimes gets browned out from the rain.

Fanning Springs State Park- Also located on the Suwannee, you’ll find Fanning Springs. These springs are known for their abundance of underwater wildlife! You’ll find turtles, bass, flounder, mullet, bowfins, and even manatees (on cooler days!).

Fanning Springs is also known as a training site for divers. The maximum depth is about 21 feet, making it a great place to begin learning how to scuba.

Troy Springs State Park- Troy Springs is a hidden gem along the Suwannee River. Like the neighboring springs, it is well-known as a paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving site. One thing that set this site apart from the rest, is that just under the water’s surface you’ll find the remains of a Civil War-era steamboat. The Madison was scuttled in 1863 to prevent it from being captured by Union Troops.

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park- This amazing park has two major springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes all in near-perfect condition! The park was named in honor of a world-class underwater explorer and diver so it is no surprise that cave divers from all over the world flock here to explore the underwater caverns. To date, more than 33,000 feet of underwater passages have been surveyed, making it one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world!

Don’t worry, if diving isn’t your thing you can also swim and paddle here!

Rainbow Springs State Park- Picture this- ornamental gardens, waterfalls, surrounding a sapphire blue spring. That, my friends, is Rainbow Springs.

This is one of the state’s most popular springs, so it often hits capacity very early in the day.

Manatee Springs State Park- The park has a 800-foot boardwalk that runs through the cypress forest and looks out onto the emerald green springs. The park was named for the manatees that flock to these waters in the cooler months.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park- This spring is small but mighty! It measures an impressive 351 feet deep! Unfortunately, there is no swimming at Werner-Boyce (due to the mangroves), but it is a popular place for paddling. The Salty Dog offers kayak and canoe rentals on-site. There are also guided paddling tours and kayaking lessons.

Wakulla Springs State Park- This sapphire blue spring is the world’s largest and deepest freshwater spring! The spring maintains a year-round temperature of 70 degrees (a bit cooler than most other Florida springs).

The park offers historic boat tours and has concession stands and a restaurant on site.

O’Leno State Park & River Rise- This unique park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It is one Florida’s first state parks! The CCC constructed a suspension bridge and other structures amongst the trees on the banks of the Santa Fe River. There are more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to explore.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park- Anytime the word “wildlife” is included in the name of a park- it’s gotta be great! This park is home to the endangered Florida panther, red wolves, key deer, Florida blackboards, the elusive bobcat, manatees, an abundance of birds (even flamingos!), and of course, fish, turtles, and alligators.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park- Naturally, we’ve saved one of the most unique springs for last! Weeki Wachee is home to the famous mermaid shows! The iconic mermaids perform in a stunning, natural, spring. Oh…and there is also a water park here called Buccaneer Bay. The waterpark features two water slides that dump out into the springs. There is also a play area designed for children 6 and under.

In addition to all of the commercial hooplah- visitors can swim or paddle in the stunning water. The park is also known for housing the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**This post contains affiliate links. This means that I receive a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you**

Post Updated: 3/5/23

Madison Blue Springs- Voted #1 Swimming Hole in the USA

Elle MacRae — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 17:39:00 +0000

Madison Blue Springs is one of the first springs that I ever visited. The springs shockingly beautiful vibrant blue water and overall chill atmosphere is what drew me to visit as many springs as I could! The snorkeling, swimming, and paddling here is top-notch. There’s nothing quite like spending the day floating at the spring!

About Madison Blue Springs State Park

Madison Blue Springs was voted as the Number One Swimming Hole in the Country by USA Today. This instant family-favorite is a fantastic place to spend the day! It is popular for swimming, tubing, and cave diving.

What is there to do at Madison Blue Springs?

The park is well known for its swimming and diving opportunities. The first-magnitude springs are a great spot for snorkeling. Certified cave divers from all around the world come to explore the expansive underwater cave system. There are over 26,000 feet of underground passages.

The springs are also a great place for paddling. Visitors may launch kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from the river side of the spring. There is no vehicle access close to the river so you’ll have to tote your vessel about 175 yards from the parking lot. There are no rentals at the park.

Tubing is also allowed at the spring and adjacent river. Visitors must bring their own inflatable or rent one from a private vendor that operates within the park on weekends from May through September.

Madison Blue Springs State Park has a trail that follows the Withlacoochee River.

Visiting Information

Madison Blue Springs is a popular park from Memorial Day to Labor Day- especially on weekends and holidays. Plan on arriving to the park early as it will close when it reaches full capacity.

The park is open 365 days a year from 8 AM until sunset. The cost is about $5 per vehicle.

Location:
8300 N.E. State Road 6
Lee, FL
2059

Nearby Springs

Pot Springs (3.5 miles)
Peacock Springs (38 miles)
Royal Springs (42 miles)
Troy Springs (50 miles)
Little River Springs (49 miles)
Turtle Spring (64 miles)

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

Are there Alligators in the Springs?

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking arounding.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

*This post may contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience*

Gilchrist Blue Springs

Elle MacRae — Sat, 29 May 2021 17:20:51 +0000

Awhile back I took to Instagram to ask my followers what their favorite Florida spring is. Many people responded that Gilchrist Blue Springs was their #1 choice. Obviously, we had to make the trek out west to check it out. Let me just say that it did not disappoint.

About Gilchrist Blue Springs

Gilchrist Blue Springs is Florida’s newest State Park. This means that even bigger and better things will be happening at this natural beauty. They are expanding the campground, building a bathhouse, and making road improvements. Of course, the highlight of the park is a large second-magnitude spring that pumps out 44 million gallons of water each day. The park is also home to Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring.

What is there to do at Gilchrist Blue Springs?

Obviously the main attraction at the park is Gilchrist Blue Spring. We didn’t get a chance to check out the other springs (Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring), but we will definitely scope those out next time!

The springs are a great place to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, swim, and snorkel. There are kayaks and canoes available to rent on the property.

We sure to wander past the ropes (if you have a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe). You won’t regret it!

Visting Information

The park is open from 8 AM to sundown, 365 days a year.

The cost is $4 to $6 per vehicle.

The park is located in Gilchrist County about 5 miles west of the town of High Springs and 25 miles south of Lake City.

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

Nearby Springs

Rum Island Springs County Park (12.8 miles)
Poe Springs (2.7 miles)
Ichetucknee Springs State Park (20.3)
Troy Springs State Park (33.4 miles)

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking arounding.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**This post may contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience**