Right now, outdoor activities are en vogue. If you can stand the heat, Florida is a great spot to enjoy some adventures in the fresh air. While there are 15 publicly accessible springs, here are a handful of our favorites across the state.

Wakulla Springs State Park (Wakulla Springs)

Not too far south of Tallahassee, you’ll find this beautiful park, which is actually the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world. If you’re used to the chilly waters of the Northeast, you’re in for a treat: the springs here stay around a balmy 70 degrees. There’s so much to admire, too, from the cypress swamps to the 1930s Spanish-style lodge. Access is $6 per vehicle, and you’ll find accommodations right on-site at the park’s full-service hotel.

Blue Spring State Park (Orange City)

Looking for manatees? You’ll find plenty of them here, along with lots of wading birds like ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers. In addition to admiring the wildlife, you can also canoe, scuba dive, hike, camp, and fish. Or, relax and learn about the history of the area on a guided riverboat cruise.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (Homosassa)

This park is home to a wide variety of animals, including alligators, black bears, whooping cranes, wolves, and manatees. View the springs from the unique (and really cool) floating underwater observatory, known as the “Fish Bowl.”

Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon)

You can’t visit Rainbow Springs without going for a swim—legend has it that the warm water possesses magical healing powers. But you can be the judge of that. The gorgeous natural landscape here has been made even prettier with man-made waterfalls, gardens, and more.

Crystal Springs Preserve (Zephyrhills)

Spanning 530 acres, Crystal Springs Preserve is home to an actual functioning spring that discharges 30 million gallons of water per day. Opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat abound—including a gorgeous and colorful butterfly garden. 

Ready to Dive in?

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