Sensational Summer Springs in Florida

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Relax and have fun at Wakulla Springs State Park.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

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A swimming area at Rainbow Springs State Park

Photo Credit: Kevin Mims, VISIT FLORIDA Outdoors & Nature Expert

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Park visitors take in the inviting waters and riverboat tours of Wakulla Springs.

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Let the gentle current pull you and your tube along the Ichetucknee River

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Beat the summer heat with five of the best freshwater springs in Florida

Ok, I admit it – I am a bona fide freshwater spring junkie. Being a Florida native, I suppose it can’t be helped. The beaches are some of the world’s best here in the Sunshine State, but there’s another cooler, more refreshing way to beat the heat in the summer months – with a laid-back, old Florida feel. Put on your swim trunks, load up your picnic gear and have a ball at these five original Florida summer destinations.

Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs, one of the largest freshwater springs on earth, lies just 15 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Tallahassee – yet you would think you were a world away. The Wakulla Springs basin encompasses four acres of land and is the source of the nine-mile Wakulla River, a favorite for paddlers in North Florida. Make a splashdown from the two-story diving platform into 69-degree water, and afterwards grab a snack at the old fashioned soda fountain.

www.floridastateparks.com/wakullasprings

Ichetucknee Springs

Bring your own tube to this classic Florida tubing destination in Fort White, or rent one outside the park and choose from three launch points along the 6-mile Ichetucknee River – trams are available to take you back to your vehicle. For those just wanting to swim, take a dip in the head spring, or if you are more experienced choose the Blue Hole. A full-service concession stand can be found at the south entrance on U.S. Highway 27.

Put on your swim trunks, load up your picnic gear and have a ball at these five original Florida summer destinations.

www.floridastateparks.com/ichetuckneesprings

Rainbow Springs

Another popular tubing spot can be found in Dunnellon at Rainbow Springs, Florida’s fourth largest spring. Put in at the Rainbow Springs State Park tube entrance on S.W. 180th avenue and choose a two-hour float. For swimmers, the headsprings inside the park are where you’ll want to be. While at the park, take a leisurely walk around the gardens and marvel at the large manmade waterfalls that hearken back to the days when Rainbow Springs was a privately owned attraction.

www.floridastateparks.com/rainbowsprings

Juniper Springs

The Ocala National Forest is home to several old Florida swimmin’ holes – Juniper, Salt, Alexander, and Silver Glen Springs –all in easy driving distance from one another. Create a perfect summer vacation centered around exploring these crystal clear gems by setting up camp at Juniper Springs and taking time to visit each location. These four recreation areas offer plenty of picture-perfect scenery and opportunities for a wide array of outdoor activities – you can hike, bike, snorkel and swim to your heart’s content.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/ocala/

Wekiwa Springs

Forbes Traveler named Orlando as the number one vacation spot in North America for 2009, and just 45 minutes away from the major tourist destinations you can get a sample of the real Florida at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Spend a hot summer day with a picnic and swimming in the spring – hikers, cyclists and equestrian riders can spot wild turkeys, deer, and even the occasional Florida black bear on thirteen miles of nature trails. The paddling’s great, too – Rock Springs Run and the Wekiwa River are two of Central Florida’s most scenic trips and are designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/

If You Go

The number one tip for any springs visit is to arrive early – these popular summer destinations will close when their daily maximum capacity is reached. You’ll want to bring along plenty of sunscreen, towels, a snorkel and mask, and picnic items.