Find Local Treasure!

Showcasing sparkling springs in a subtropical setting, Juniper Springs is one of the oldest and best known recreation areas on the East Coast. Located between Ocala and Ormond Beach along SR 40, this complex of swimming and picnic area, campground, and trails was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The setting is unlike any other found Read more...

Named to honor the late world-class explorer, diver, cinematographer and photographer Wes Skiles, Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park has two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes, all in near pristine condition. Cave divers travel from all over the world to explore nearly 33,000 feet of surveyed underwater passages at Peacock Springs. This park features one of the Read more...

Located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, the beautiful vistas within this park offer a glimpse of what Central Florida looked like when Timucuan Indians fished and hunted these lands. Just one hour from most central Florida attractions, Wekiwa Springs offers visitors the opportunity to relax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the Read more...

Weeki Wachee is a town with a name as quirky as its main attraction – the famous underwater mermaid show. Found in north central Florida close to the Gulf Coast and about an hour north of Tampa, Weeki Wachee proudly bills itself as “The Only City with Live Mermaids.” At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, the water bubbles up from Read more...

Relax in the renowned waters of Warm Mineral Springs Park! You’ll feel better. The City of North Port is home to Warm Mineral Springs Park. The natural spring maintains 85 degrees year round and contains an estimated 51 minerals – one of the highest mineral content of any natural spring in the United States. At Warm Mineral Springs Park, you Read more...

For open-water scuba diving, travel downriver to Troy Springs State Park, where visitors can dive, snorkel and swim in the 70-foot-deep Troy Spring. The spring hosts the remains of the 19th-century steamboat Madison, which was purposely sunk during the Civil War to avoid capture by Union troops. This site is a breathtaking glimpse of history, surrounded by diverse aquatic life. Read more...

Explore one of America’s largest and best loved springs from the park’s world famous Glass Bottom Boats! The 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park encompasses not only the springs, but the entire 5-mile Silver River and surrounding sandhill forest. Wander among the historic structures and serene gardens surrounding the main spring, reminders of the park’s past history as a major tourist Read more...

As the sun shines, rainbows play across the bottom of the crystal-clear spring basin at Silver Glen Springs. This beautiful spot along the edge of the Big Scrub offers a spring run that pours out into Lake George, the largest of the St. Johns River Chain of Lakes. Both a popular day use recreation area and an important archaeological site, Read more...

Salt Springs Recreation Area is one of the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest. The recreation area is located in the lush, semi-tropical setting of central Florida. Within the recreation area is a natural spring rising from vertical fissures (cracks) from deep within the earth. The presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts give the waters in the spring Read more...

Kelly Park features a free-flowing natural spring (Rock Spring – 68 degrees Farenheit year round) issuing from a vertical rock bluff. Rock Springs Run, a clear, swift creek, is popular with tubers. The park features a full-service concession, picnic pavilions and playground. Tent and RV camping are also available at this park. Kelly Park’s Camp Joy for group camping is Read more...

The history of Rainbow Springs dates back centuries to a time when native peoples regularly visited this lush spring. Although the modern era has seen the land shaped by both enterprising developers and the loving hands of local volunteers, the draw of the beautifully serene park endures. When swimmers take their first dip in the sapphire-blue waters of Rainbow Springs, Read more...

Located north of Gainesville, Poe Springs is the largest spring in Alachua County. It pumps 45 million gallons of cool, refreshing water daily. The park features a playground, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, volleyball courts, softball/kickball/soccer field, nature trails and its own spring. Poe Springs Park is a 202 acre public park filled with scenic woodlands and rolling Read more...

18th century naturalist William Bartram named a swath of land in Northwest Florida “Manatee Springs” because he spotted a manatee carcass along the shores of the Suwannee River. Now a state park, Manatee Springs lives up to its name, not with dead manatees, but with live ones. Manatees swim into the Gulf of Mexico and into Florida’s many springs in Read more...

Lithia Springs Campground sits on the eastern shore of Lake Shelbyville in the heart of central Illinois. This facility has a variety of amenities and offers outdoor activities for people of all ages, including fishing, swimming, picnicking and simply relaxing. The park’s major attraction is the natural spring that provides an excellent swimming experience since the water temperature remains at Read more...

Visitors to Lafayette Blue Springs State Park can take a dip in the first-magnitude spring, cross the natural limestone bridge that spans it, marvel at the iconic Suwannee River or picnic under the shade of oak trees with their swaying Spanish moss. The spring is Lafayette’s most visited location and accommodates every kind of adventurer seeker. Fish or canoe on Read more...

Devil’s Den is a privately owned SCUBA diving training facility that allows snorkeling. The Den is a pre-historic underground cave that is only accessible via narrow stairs that end underwater. Therefor the only admission to the Den its self is for people who are snorkeling or SCUBA diving and by definition are good swimmers. Children under the age of 6 Read more...

A swimming hole as a work of natural art, the deep gash in the earth that is Ichetucknee Spring glows as a ribbon of blue, cradled in a limestone bowl within a leafy glen. Four miles of trails ramble through the forests, leading past historic phosphate mines, weird rock formations, and fields of wildflowers that bloom in spring. Read more...

This beautiful park is a pride and joy for Crystal River. It is a local favorite and has won a 2019 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. Hunter Springs is the perfect place to cool down on those hot summer days, have a picnic, go kayaking or standup paddleboarding and there is even a brand new playground for the childern. During Read more...

Come visit Hart Springs, one of the largest spring-fed swimming areas in the state of Florida. The beautiful 200+ acre park offers camping, bird watching, boardwalk, and hiking trails. Enjoy canoe rentals, fishing, and boating on the Suwannee River Wilderness trail and Gilchrist Blueway trail. Swimming in the crystalline springs, tracing the flow of the spring run along a boardwalk Read more...

Located on the Santa Fe River in High Springs Florida, Ginnie Springs is one of the clearest springs in Florida. The 72-degree water is perfect for river tubing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba and cave diving. Visitors to Ginnie Springs Outdoors can enjoy camping (wilderness sites or sites with electricity), an overnight rental cottage, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, river Read more...

The 200-acre Fanning Springs State Park features a beautiful spring nestled along the Suwannee River. The popular crystal clear 72-degree, year-round springs provide a great way to cool off on hot summer days. There is an area for canoe and kayak launching into the Suwannee River as well as a 2/3-mile-long hiking trail and birding opportunities. Visitors can enjoy grilling Read more...

Meet a manatee up close, face-to-face, under water, without even getting wet. This Florida State Park is a showcase for Florida’s native wildlife in a natural setting of woods and wetlands. Stroll along the Wildlife Walk to view black bears, foxes, river otters, bobcats, key deer and hundreds of birds. Endangered species include a Florida panther, Red wolves, and two Read more...

Devil’s Den is one of Florida’s premier pre-historic springs. Located in Williston, Florida, this karst cavern is home to one of the most unique diving spots in the United States. With crystal clear water, year round water temperatures of 72 degrees, ancient rock formations with stalactites, fossil beds and much more you’re guaranteed to leave with an experience you’ll never Read more...

Grab a spatula and start flipping pancakes! Once a Florida roadside attraction, De Leon Springs State Park still draws big crowds for its unique make-your-own-pancake restaurant with griddle top tables, set inside a historic sugar mill. The outstanding feature of this 625 acre park is the spring, overlooking beautiful Spring Garden Run, producing 19 million gallons of water a day Read more...

Citrus County is known as “Mother Nature’s Theme Park” and is the only place in the world where interaction with the manatee is own habitat. The Crystal River/Homosassa area is known for snorkeling or swimming with the manatees, one of mother natures most amazing creatures. Yes right here in Crystal River, Homosassa. Kayak with dolphins, or take a fishing trip Read more...

Looking for somewhere new to explore this summer? The newest addition to Florida State Parks, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is home to a beautiful display of natural springs that is sure to lure you in with its cool, crystalline waters. This natural wonder is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure, where you can spend a day paddling, snorkeling Read more...

Perfect for a trip any time of year Blue Spring State Park boasts the largest spring on the St. Johns River with a springhead that pumps 100 million gallons of crystal-clear water into the river every day. Whether you’re enjoying manatees and other wildlife in their natural habitat or lazing away in the water that’s always 73º you’re sure to Read more...

There are only 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, and Alexander Springs is by far one of the easiest for visitors to enjoy. A broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool becomes a natural water park when visitors come to picnic, swim and play. The water is a constant 72°F and extraordinarily clear. Ripples play across the sand bottom as small Read more...

Weeki Wachee Springs is known as one of the most unique family destinations in all of Florida, offering mermaid shows, riverboat cruises, and even wildlife exhibits. But what some travelers don’t realize is that there’s an amazing water park inside Weeki Wachee Springs that provides a perfect way to spend a summer day. Buccaneer Bay offers a fun-filled flume ride Read more...