Outdoors & Nature Insider

Rainbow Springs Swimming and Paddling Credit: Kevin Mims

Here's a secret from a Florida native - you can't say that you've experienced the Sunshine State until you have spent an afternoon cooling off in a crystal clear freshwater spring. Some people will tell you that Florida can be found in a bag of oranges, that it's all about the beach, theme parks or a multitude of other references. While those things are great, a dip in a bubbling cool spring on a warm day beats them all. Yep, I probably just started a fight with that statement, but it's true!

Think about it - springs are Florida's original tourist destinations. Some are even said to have healing powers. Silver Springs, for example, has been attracting visitors since the late 1800's. Books, movies and poems have been written and produced that have immortalized Florida's springs and their natural beauty. Both Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs were home to filming of classic Tarzan movies, and Weeki Wachee Springs, now a state park, has been the "Spring of the Mermaids" since 1947.

What's this mean to you, the spring breaker, that's looking for excitement and way to unwind for a week? Well, it means that true relaxation can be found centered around a trip to one of the real gems of Florida. Diving, snorkeling, paddling and tubing are just a few of the adventures that can be enjoyed at our freshwater springs. Here are a few locations that will have you kicking back and taking in the warm Florida sunshine - take it from me, you'll be glad you did!

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park - A trip to Wakulla Springs is always a great time. It's one of the largest and deepest springs in the world. Wildlife viewing, swimming and riverboat tours make Wakulla Springs one of my favorites.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park - Want to go tubing? Ichetucknee Springs is a fantastic place to float. 

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - Check out Homosassa Springs' "Fish Bowl", an underwater observatory that gives visitors a view of manatees and other marine wildlife. While in the area, Three Sisters Springs is a must-do paddle. Head over to Kayaks and Beyond to rent kayaks and launch to the springs.

Rainbow Springs State Park - Rainbow Springs is a fantastic state park that's been my go-to place since high school. The swimming area in the headsprings is perfect, and the scenery is beautiful. Another classic tubing adventure awaits on the Rainbow River. I once got so carried away on a tube trip down the Rainbow River that I somehow missed the take-out point and had to walk back a few miles down the side of the highway carrying a rented tube. Oh, it gets better. I didn't have any shoes on and there were too many sandspurs on the edge that I was forced to tip-toe down the side of the hot asphalt, balancing on the white line. The tube trip was great, but missing the take-out point? Not so much, but it makes for a great story!

 Here's some more reading about Florida's Real Life Water Parks!