Florida's Inland Waterways: 8 Cool Freshwater Natural Springs
Between rivers, lakes and natural springs, Florida’s inland waterways offer just as much in the way of aquatic recreation as its Gulf and Atlantic destinations, but without the salt (for the most part). Natural springs offer a unique and scenic way to cool off on a hot Florida day. Other activities include snorkeling, hiking, kayaking or searching for manatees (and maybe a mermaid or two).
Bubbling up from aquifers deep beneath Florida’s limestone surface, the natural phenomenon of freshwater springs can be found in state parks and other areas around the state (mainly in the north and central regions). Most of these springs flow into rivers.
If you’re looking for some new places to visit from wherever you are renting a dock, keep reading to check out some of the best natural springs in the Sunshine State.
DeLeon Springs State Park
Photo: Sandy Allen
601 Ponce DeLeon Boulevard / De Leon Springs, Florida 32130
Named for the Spanish explorer Ponce DeLeon, DeLeon Springs State Park is located within Ocala National Forest. The springs are a tributary to the St. Johns River. Take in dip or a dive in the 68-degree water, visit the historic exhibits in the museum, book a guided boat tour or go kayaking. There are enormous cypress trees and a jungle-like forest, so be sure to take a hike along the paved nature trail.
If you have time (literally, the wait is often at least an hour), visit the popular Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where you can make your own pancakes right at your table. The structure was a former sugar cane mill and then a grist mill. The restaurant has been in operation since 1961.
Devil’s Den Spring
Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife (via Flickr)
5390 NE 180th Ave. / Williston, Florida 32696
Located southwest of Gainesville, Devil’s Den Spring is only open to snorkelers and divers due to the fact that it’s 50 feet deep. A staircase leads down to a platform over the crystal-clear water. It’s known as a karst window, which is when the roof over a subterranean river collapses and exposes the water to the surface. It’s a year-round refreshing 72 degrees. Even if you’re not into diving, this underground spring is a really cool attraction to visit. There are picnic tables, a small lake and tent camping, RV sites and rental cabins.
Fanning Springs State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
11650 NW 115th Street / Chiefland, Florida 32034
Fanning Springs State Park is located along the Suwanee River, which is convenient if you’re heading out in your boat from your private boat slip rental. Take Highway 19 if you’re traveling via tires. The 72-degree water is approximately 20 feet deep. In the river, you’ll see manatees, turtles, freshwater flounder and more.
There’s a sand volleyball court, a playground and picnic areas. Stroll along the boardwalk beneath live oaks and cypress trees as you look for birds, deer and other wildlife. It’s a popular area for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Manatee Springs State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Manatee Springs State park, nearly 10,000 years old, is just north of Fanning Springs. It’s a first magnitude spring that releases 100 million gallons of water every day. A first magnitude spring is the largest type and is characterized by its discharge of at least 64.6 million gallons of water a day. Florida has more of this type of spring than any other state.
Manatee Springs connects to the 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail for bicycling, and there are eight miles of hiking trails. An 800-foot boardwalk wanders through a cypress forest. Swimming isn’t allowed in the winter because of the manatees, who make their home in the warm waters, but you can swim in the summer.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
4150 Suncoast Boulevard / Homosassa, Florida 34446
Located along the headwaters of the Homosassa River, Homosassa Springs is the place to be for manatee viewing, wildlife exhibits and birdwatching. There are even alligators and hippos. An underwater observatory in the main spring gives you a fish-eye view of manatees and fish in their natural habitat.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Photo: Ichetucknee Springs Facebook
12087 SW US Highway 27 / Fort White, Florida 32038
Ichetucknee Springs is in the north central part of the state, just south of the Osceola National Forest. At 2,669 acres, it features hiking trails, wildlife viewing, birdwatching and tubing and kayaking along the spring-fed Ichetucknee River. There are eight springs that join together to form the river. Visit the 72-degree and crystal-clear Blue Hole Spring for diving or snorkeling. It’s the only first magnitude spring in the park. 67 million gallons of water flow from it daily. You just might share the water with turtles and a variety of species of fish.
Wakulla Springs State Park
Photo: Doug Alderson / Visit Tallahassee
465 Wakulla Park Drive / Wakulla Springs, Florida 32327
The Panhandle's Wakulla Springs State Park is located south of Tallahassee within the Wakulla State Forest. At 185 feet in depth, it’s the deepest freshwater spring in the world. It’s near the Wakulla River and is home to alligators, turtles and more. There are underwater caves, and you can take a river cruise or go swimming in the springs. The “Tarzan-like setting” was the site for the 1954 movie Creature from the Black Lagoon. It's within close proximity to boat dock rentals along Apalachee Bay or near Wakulla Beach.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Photo: Weeki Wachee Springs Facebook
6131 Commercial Way / Spring Hill, Florida 34606
This is probably the most well-known spring in Florida. If you’re looking for mermaids, look no further than Weeki Wachee Springs. Audiences have been captivated since 1947 by these synchronized swimming mermaids. Enter the 400-seat submerged auditorium to view a performance of The Little Mermaid.
You can kayak on the Weeki Wachee River, take a river boat cruise or watch a wildlife presentation. Buccaneer Bay water park has water slides and a sandy beach. If your boat dock rental is near Hernando Beach or Homosassa Bay, the park is a great day trip destination.
The next time you’re looking for a side trip from your boat slip rental, check out some of these natural springs. Let us know which ones you like best.
