Florida has over 700 natural freshwater springs, more than anywhere else on earth, with water so pristine that exotic fish and manatees can be found swimming nearby. Whether you're planning a family outing or just looking to cool off on one of Florida's sadly hot summer days, the refreshing spring water in one of these unique natural spots is sure to satisfy your needs. Great for swimming, kayaking, rowing and manatee watching. Here are 10 great Florida springs for nature lovers.
Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River
 |
| Three Sisters Springs, Springs in Florida |
If you would like to swim with manatees, visit Crystal River. Loved by photographers and nature lovers, locals flock to the area to watch these gentle giants interact in their natural environment. You can either take a guided tour and let an expert take you to the manatees and introduce you to one of the most attractive and endangered species, or you can take a canoe, kayak or snorkeling gear and explore the park on your own.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill
 |
| Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Springs in Florida |
Famous for its famous underwater theater and mermaid show, this Old Florida ride has more to offer than kitsch nostalgia. Today, Weeky Wachee is a developed state park and attracts those looking for crystal clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Combined with a kids' water park, this is a great place to chill out and enjoy the fun for all ages slides that serve up Buccaneer Bay.
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
 |
| Rainbow Springs State Park, Springs in Florida |
Rainbow Springs, the oldest on the list, bears witness to the fact that people have enjoyed it for over 10,000 years. Visitors recommended strolling through the moss-covered cypress trees to see flower gardens, impressive waterfalls, and five main springs, before taking a refreshing dip. Those looking to unwind will find themselves spoiled for choice, as Rainbow Springs are popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. Adventurous travelers can snorkel and swim along the river, or hike one of the trails known for spotting whiteflies, turkeys and deer.
Rock Springs, Apopka
 |
| Rock Springs, Florida Springs |
Rock Springs is located in Kelly Park, just 30 minutes from Orlando. A local favorite, this beautifully shaded park is perfect to escape the heat. Fresh water flows into a series of pools where crowds of people grab their pipes and swim a quarter of a mile down the crystal clear waters, which will surely make you lose track of time.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White
 |
| Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Springs in Florida |
If you're a tubing enthusiast, Ichetucknee Springs State Park will make your heart sing. With an impressive nine crystal clear springs, tubers can float to one of Florida's favorite spots. If you are an adrenaline junkie, the park is home to the Blue Hole and the only place where cave diving is allowed. Blue Hole Spring is the largest of the nine and is popular with scuba divers looking to explore something truly unique.
Ginnie Springs Outdoors, High Springs
 |
| Ginnie Springs Outdoors, Springs in Florida |
Recognized as one of the cleanest springs in Florida, Ginnie Springs is popular with swimmers, tubers, snorkelers and divers. Ideal for all day swimming, the river is a blissful place to swim and relax. The crown and jewel of this area is 1,000 feet of underground passages under a 50-foot head spring giving access to another mind blowing 30,000 feet of passages, a haven for adventure cave divers and outdoor divers.
Blue Springs State Park, Orange City
 |
| Blue Springs State Park, Springs in Florida |
Blue Springs State Park, the largest spring on the St. John's River, spans over 2,600 acres and is home to manatees. While swimming is prohibited during manatee season (November to March), the 73-degree temperature is ideal for summer activities. Swimming is the most popular activity, as the forest banks and pale blue waters in the bathing pit are a quarter mile of perfection.
Silver Glen Springs, Ocala National Forest
 |
| Silver Glen Springs, Florida Springs |
Unlike the surrounding forests of oak, cedar and pine, Silver Glen Springs is an oasis for the senses. The blue-green waters will take your breath away and are some of the best in Florida, but what lies beneath them will pique your interest. Swimming above the shallow sandy bottom this spring, you'll find tilapia, striped bass and a host of other fish species. Unsurprisingly, the site has been popular with Native Americans and European settlers since 7,000 years ago.
Alexander Springs, Ocala National Forest
 |
| Alexander Springs, Florida Springs |
Located in Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs Hotel is popular with the locals. With the opportunity to see a turtle swimming among the lilies, the area is a great place to dive and gaze at a variety of fish. Kayaking, kayaking and canoeing and paddle boarding (SUP) are popular activities, along with walking along the surrounding trails covered with cabbage palms, maples and magnolias.
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
 |
| Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, Springs in Florida |
An intricate and intricate feat of nature, Peacock Springs prides itself on providing two pristine springs, a spring and six sinkholes. With this impressive summary, it comes as no surprise that Peacock Springs is known worldwide for attracting cave divers from all over the world looking to explore one of the longest underwater cave structures in the United States. For those looking for a more humble experience, there is no need to worry. There is a small swimming pit in which to relax and explore the trails, giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to appreciate this gem in all its glory.