There are so many water activities to do in the sunshine state. Springs are beautiful and refreshing during summer. If you’re lucky, during winter, you can even get to hang out with manatees!
Here are 4 natural springs just a short drive, about an hour and a half, from any location in Central Florida. These are easy to find, easy to park and easy to enjoy!
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Located in the city of Weeki Wachee, this beautiful spring is separated in two areas. You can kayak or paddle board down the river. Or, you can spend the day in the park, watch the famous mermaid show and just refresh in the crystal clear water.
Just keep in mind this spring is very popular during summer so plan to arrive early. Also, plastic is not allowed in the park and river, including water bottles and Ziploc bags.
Location: 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee FL 34606.
Hours: 9am to 5:30pm
Fees: Entrance to the water park and the mermaid show is $13 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 to 12. Ages 5 and under admitted free. If you just want to kayak down the river you can go straight to the rental concession or launch area.
Silver Springs State Park
One of America’s largest springs! It produces an average of 550 million gallons of crystal-clear water each day. Silver Springs has been a popular filming location for numerous movies and television shows as “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” and “Sea Hunt”.
Silver Springs became a state park in 2013 after being operated privately for many years. The transition to a state park helped in the conservation and protection of its natural resources. The Silver River, which is fed by the Silver Springs, is one of the few rivers in Florida that flows north. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and is designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway.
Here you will have several rental options including glass-bottom boats or you can always bring your own kayak or boat. Usually, you will kayak down the river and the rental will give you a ride back to the parking lot.
Location: The main park’s address is 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488. Since there are several rentals in the area, make reference of the rental address to find your launch location.
Hours: open from 8am to sunset.
Blue Springs State Park
If you want to see manatees, Blue Springs is your best bet. During the winter months the park becomes a critical haven for West Indian manatees seeking warmer waters.
This will be a good opportunity to try a bottom clear kayak. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic and a lazy walk overlooking the spring. The park features a 1/3 mile long boardwalk that follows the spring run, offering visitors an excellent opportunity to observe the manatees and other wildlife.
While swimming with manatees is not allowed in the spring during manatee season (mid November through March), visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the spring during other times of the year. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and picnicking.
Blue Spring State Park is also home to various plant and animal species, including some that are threatened or endangered. The park’s natural communities include sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods and oak hammocks.
Location: 2100 W. French Ave. Orange City FL 32763.
Hours: 8am to sundown.
Fees: $6 per vehicle.
De Leon Springs State Park
Last but not least is De Leon Springs State Park, known for the iconic Sugar Mill that now is a Restaurant where you can cook your own pancakes at the table. After breakfast, sunbathe overlooking the natural pull and then take a chili swim to cool down.
The park’s name is derived from the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon who is believed by some to have searched for the Fountain of Youth in this area. The springs were named in connection with the legend of Ponce de Leon’s quest for eternal youth.
In addition to swimming and dining, De Leon Springs State Park offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and wildlife viewing. There are also boat tours available for those who want to explore the spring and its surroundings from the water. The park features waterways suitable for canoeing and kayaking. Paddlers can explore the spring run and the nearby Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, know for its abundance of bird species.
The park is very busy on the weekends and it closes when it reaches max capacity so plan to arrive early.
Location: 601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. De Leon Springs FL 32130
Hours: 8am until sunset
Fees: $6 per vehicle.
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