Introduction
Florida is one of the most beautiful states in America, and it’s also home to some of the country’s most incredible springs. So if you’re looking for some good old-fashioned water fun and relaxation, you’ve come to the right place!
A spring is a place where groundwater flows out of the ground, typically forming a pool or flowing through a cave, and then going back underground. In Florida, most springs have clear water that comes from underground rivers and lakes rather than rainwater (which would be called an artesian well). The water can be very cold in winter but usually stays warm all year round.
Florida has hundreds of springs. Here are some of their best.
Homosassa Springs
Located in Homosassa, Florida, and surrounding areas, Homosassa Springs is one of the largest and deepest springs in the state. It’s also home to a large manatee population that makes its way here each winter to escape colder temperatures. This is one of several sites in Florida where you can swim with these gentle creatures—more on that later!
In addition to being an excellent place for wildlife viewing (you’ll see alligators and eagles here as well), it’s also home to over 200 species of fish. To top it all off, this spring serves as a state park where you can explore its underwater ecosystem by canoe or kayak.
Ginnie Springs is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Florida because there are so many different things to see and do here. The springs are home to a wide variety of aquatic life including alligators, turtles, fish, snakes, and more.
Weeki Wachee
At Weeki Wachee springs, you can watch live mermaids swim in the water! How cool is that!
If you’re looking for a place to cool off on a hot day or want an exciting adventure with your friends, then check out Weeki Wachee State Park!
Weeki Wachee is a great place for families to spend the day. There’s plenty of fun for everyone and the park is very safe. It’s one of Florida’s best-kept secrets and shouldn’t be missed if you are in the area!
Blue Spring
Blue Spring is the largest spring in Florida. It’s located in Orange City, Florida, and is a first-magnitude spring with a flow of about 200 million gallons per day. The water from this spring has been used for drinking and swimming since the late 1800s.
Blue Spring also has a unique feature that draws many tourists to it every year: it can be seen from space! The spring looks like a giant blue ball surrounded by green trees, which makes it easy to spot on Google Maps or Google Earth.
Rainbow Springs
Located in Dunnellon, Rainbow Springs is a natural spring. Just a short drive from Ocala, the springs are famous for their beautiful blue water that flows into a small pool. The largest natural spring in Florida, Rainbow Springs State Park contains an array of wildlife and plants that are native to this region. This park’s picturesque scenery makes it a popular tourist attraction for those looking to get away from urban life and enjoy the great outdoors.
The park is open year-round, with facilities closing only on Christmas Day. There are numerous activities for visitors to enjoy, including kayaking, canoeing, and tubing down the spring run. Visitors can also rent bikes and take advantage of 10 miles of paved trails that weave throughout the park.
Silver Springs
Silver Springs is the largest spring in Florida and is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the state. It’s located in Ocala National Forest and its main attraction is a glass-bottom boat tour through a mile-long stretch of clear water that runs past wildlife such as alligators, manatees, and otters.
The springs flow out from under an area called Silver River State Park. The water then flows into Orange Lake, which connects to Lochloosa Lake via an underground canal system. This creates what’s known as “the River of Grass,” where nearly 70% of Florida’s freshwater originates from these limestone springs!
Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs is located in High Springs and is a popular scuba diving destination. It is also a nature preserve, wildlife refuge, and one of the largest spring complexes in Florida. Ginnie Springs has over 100 springs, some of which are underwater caves that you can explore while scuba diving!
Conclusion
With so many springs in Florida, it can be difficult to know where to start. We hope that our guide has given you some ideas for your next trip. Whether it’s for a day or a week, there is plenty of beautiful scenery and adventure waiting for you at one of these springs!