Central Florida

Blue Hole Spring inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida

The Best Springs in Florida

Beaches and theme parks get a lot of tourist attention, but if you ask me, Florida’s springs are the best part of our state. They are absolutely beautiful and I love exploring them. Here are some of my favorite springs in Florida. Florida Spring Maps and Guides Florida’s springs are located throughout the state. There…

swimming with manatees in florida

Crystal River

Crystal River is a small waterfront city on Florida’s central Gulf coast.  Crystal River is known for its nature, beautiful natural springs, manatee tours, cute historic downtown area and water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Location The city of Crystal River is located on Florida’s gulf coast in western central Florida.  The small city…

Daytona beach, Florida, aerial view

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a busy beach town on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Daytona is known for its crowded beaches, party vibes, festivals and motorsports.  Note: The terms “Daytona Beach” and “Daytona” refer to the same city. Daytona Beach is also known for being one of the few beaches in Florida where you can drive…

Weeki wachee springs state park mermaid show

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs is a popular spring in central Florida. Weeki Wachee Springs was once privately owned, but the spring became a Florida state park in 2008. Weeki Wachee Springs is located near Orlando and Tampa, making it a popular destination for many visitors. Weeki Wachee Springs is most famous for mermaid shows, its spring-fed…

A statue of a sponge fisherman in the historic sponge docks, Tarpon Springs, Florida

Things To Do in Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is a hidden gem in Florida’s nature coast. It’s conveniently located near several of the largest cities in Florida, and is a great alternative to the stereotypical list of “Things to do in Florida”. Tarpon Springs is a fantastic weekend getaway for Florida locals who want to explore an interesting place, or a…

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is a small coastal town on Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico coast. Tarpon Springs is known for many unique elements, including its: Historic sponge docks Cute, historic downtown area Fascinating sponge diving history Large population of Greek-American residents Strong influence of Greek culture Tarpon Springs has more than 51 miles of waterfront, mostly consisting…

Silver Springs State Park Aerial Photo

Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park is a 4000-acre recreational paradise in Central Florida. The park includes Silver Spring, the Silver River, and surrounding forest areas. Visitors come to experience its gorgeous blue springs and famous glass bottom boats. Location Silver Springs State Park is located in Silver Springs, Florida, just outside of Ocala National Forest.  Silver…

aerial photo of the villages, florida

The Villages

The Villages® is one of the largest retirement communities in Florida.  All combined The Villages cover more than 80 square miles, which is equivalent to more than 51,200 acres. Amazingly, The Villages is still growing, and is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida. Most people imagine The Villages as a single block of…

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida. It is a favorite spot for nature lovers and water activities.  Blue Springs State Park offers a wide variety of things to do, including: Tubing Swimming Manatee viewing Birdwatching Wildlife viewing Hiking Scuba diving Kayaking and canoeing Picnicking There are full-service facilities…

Sanlando Springs near Orlando

Sanlando Springs

Sanlando Springs is a natural spring near Orlando, in central Florida.  In the past Sanlando Springs was a major regional attraction. For much of the 1900s, Sanlando Springs was one of the most popular things to do near Orlando. Natural springs were especially in the summertime when they were the only refuges from the hot…

Treehouse Spring, Santa Fe River, Florida

Treehouse Spring

Treehouse Spring is a spring near High Springs, Florida. It’s one of many springs on the Santa Fe River, and is designated as an Outstanding Florida Spring.  Treehouse Spring was once a first magnitude spring, but has suffered from reduced water flow in recent years.  The water flow in Treehouse Spring is drastically reduced because…

Poe Springs

Poe Springs

Poe Springs is a lovely spring near Gainesville and the town of High Springs. Poe Springs is set inside Poe Springs Park, alongside the Santa Fe River. It’s a favorite local spot for swimming, picnicking and family gatherings. Poe Springs Park provides Santa Fe River access via Poe Springs run, and also via a separate boat…

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs is one of the best springs in Florida. The spring’s water is clean and incredibly clear.  The bottom is mostly sand, with some exposed limestone and areas of aquatic grasses, which are important for the springs’ water quality and environmental health.  Alexander Springs is one of 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, and is…

Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs is one of the most beautiful springs in Florida. The water is crystal clear and the surrounding environment is beautiful.  There are many things to do in Rainbow Springs, including kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding, picnicking, and more. Rainbow Springs forms the headwaters of the beautiful Rainbow River, which flows from north to south, and…

Fern hammock springs, ocala national forest

Fern Hammock Springs

Fern Hammock Springs is a beautiful spring in Ocala National Forest, in central Florida. The spring is stunningly beautiful. The spring features unusual natural features, including exceptionally clear water and numerous sand boils. Fern Hammock Spring is a second-magnitude spring. Can you swim in Fern Hammock Springs? Sadly, visitors cannot swim in Fern Hammock Springs’…

Royal Spring, Florida

Royal Springs

Royal Springs is a popular spring and swimming hole in Suwannee County, Florida. Royal Springs is set inside a Suwannee County park on the north shores of the Suwannee River. The park covers approximately 5 acres.  The spring is a popular destination for local visitors, and visitors from around Florida. It is a very popular…

Little River Springs, Florida

Little River Springs

Little River Springs is a popular natural spring in north west Florida. It is located off of the Suwannee River in O’Brien, Florida, in an area known as “Spring Country”.  Little River Springs is a popular destination for swimming, cave diving, picnicking and more. Dangers in Little River Springs Natural bodies of water always carry…

Peacock Springs

Peacock Springs

Peacock Springs is one of the best springs in Florida, and one of top cave diving sites in the world.  Peacock Springs offers a complex cave system and some of the best, most affordable and high-quality cave diving in the world.  Unlike other state parks, Peacock Springs doesn’t attract endless crowds. It’s well off of…

Salt springs, florida

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is a heavily developed spring inside Ocala National Forest. There is a shallow spring pool and a spring run. The pool has several vents and the spring water is rich with minerals.  There is an on-site campground near Salt Springs. The spring and campground are very popular and are sometimes crowded. Notice: There…