Florida is home to an abundance of gorgeous natural springs. Below are six springs, some nearby, others a bit of a drive, and all perfect spots to cool off on a hot summer day.
Lithia Springs
Lithia Springs Park is well-known for its natural springs, which flow year-round at a crisp 72 degrees into the Alafia River. It is a great spot to swim, but the park also offers fishing, volleyball, picnic tables with a playground within view. Camping is also available for those who want to extend their stay.
Location: 3932 Lithia Springs Rd., Lithia, FL 33547
Summer hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: $2 per vehicle park admission (up to 8 people); swimming $2 per person
Note: To manage crowds, swimming is now restricted to two, 4-hour time slots (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) with a maximum cap of 200 swimmers per session. The swimming area closes entirely at 6 p.m., one hour before the park gates close.
Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee may be known for their mermaids, but they are also a great spot to cool off in beautiful, brisk spring water. Here, guests of all ages can enjoy swimming, tubing, kayaking and tons of fun in Buccaneer Bay Water park, which includes a water slide, lazy river and kiddie pool all in gorgeous spring water. This is definitely not your typical water park. There is also a Wilderness River Cruise that runs daily from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34606
Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $13 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 to 12. Ages 5 and under admitted free.
Note: Due to high demand and parking lot renovations, all visitors must secure an online Day-Use Entry Pass in advance via reserve.floridastateparks.org before arriving. Parking is strictly capped at 250 vehicles. If you want to tube, note that the tubing entrance is located at a separate address (10830 SW 180th Ave Rd) and requires a separate $25 rental/tram package.
Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Springs is roughly an hour and a half north of Tampa in Dunnellon. With its crisp, crystal clear water that flows into the Rainbow River, this is one of the most popular tubing destinations during the summer months. The adjacent spring is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the hiking trails that surround the spring feature some of the tallest waterfalls in Florida.
Location: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Rd, Dunnellon FL 34432
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, daily
Cost: $5 per vehicle (2-8 people); $4 for single occupant vehicle. Tubing is an additional cost.
Note: This site is an easy day trip but, due to high demand, all visitors must secure a Day-Use Entry Pass before arriving. The best bet is to go on a weekday and to go early. Camping is available for those who don’t want to make an early drive.
Wekiwa Springs
This unique park just minutes from downtown Orlando features emerald springs feeding the Wekiwa River and lush tropical hammocks perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The crystal-clear water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. The swimming area at the spring is just over a half-acre in size with an average depth of four feet and is surrounded by wide-open grassy spaces perfect for picnicking. This is also a great place to snorkel.
Location: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka FL 32712
Hours: 8 a.m.-sundown, daily
Cost: $6 per vehicle
Note: To avoid massive traffic backups on local roads, Wekiwa Springs now requires mandatory online day-use reservations prior to arrival. Be sure to book your vehicle entry pass online before heading out.
Ichetucknee Springs
This area features spring-fed rivers, lush canopies and cool swimming hole, making it a perfect spot for both tubing and swimming. Tubing is available year round. With two drop-in spots. Swimming is available at either Ichetucknee Spring (head spring) or Blue Hole Spring, but it’s important to note Blue Hole Spring is for experience swimmers only due to its depth and current. The area is also home to 2,669-acre Ichetucknee Springs State Park, which is a wildlife haven where beaver, otter, gar, softshell turtle, wild turkey, wood duck and limpkin all find a home. This area is a bit of a drive from Tampa, so book a campsite in advance to make the most of your stay.
Location: 12087 S.W. U.S. Hwy 27, Fort White, FL 32038
Hours: 8 a.m. to sundown, daily
Cost: $6 per vehicle; Tubing is an additional charge and information can be found here.
Note: While the park is open all year, full-river tubing from the upper launches is highly seasonal to protect the river’s delicate ecosystem. For year-round tubing, floating is limited strictly to the shorter, 45-minute route starting at Dampier’s Landing.
Silver Glen Springs
Both a popular day-use recreation area and an important archaeological site, Silver Glen Springs showcases the delicate balance between enjoying the outdoors and preserving precious resources. With constant 73°F crystal-clear water, Silver Glen Springs is a popular swimming hole. Bring your snorkel and meet the fish face to face. Vehicle Reservations Required for weekend and holiday visits May through September. Visit Vehicle Reservation website for Ocala National Forest Recreation Areas to reserve your spot!
Location: 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL,
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., daily
Cost: $14.50 day-use admission; children 5 and under, free. Campsites, kayak launch and rentals are additional.
Note: From May through September, an online weekend/holiday vehicle reservation is strictly required via ReserveOcala.com. This vehicle pass costs an extra $20 and must be secured in advance to gain access to the grounds.