Beautiful Springs in Central Florida You Need to Visit

Central Florida is home to some of the best crystal-clear water springs in the state. These natural springs are real Florida gems and often overlooked by tourists, myself included until recently. With over 800 in the entire state, it’s easy to find one to visit. The hard part is picking which one to choose first.  

This guide covers some of the most beautiful springs in Central Florida, and some popular things to do in each. So, take a break from the theme parks, shopping malls and famous coastlines, and check out some of these natural beauties for the day near Orlando. There is also a Central Florida Springs Map to help you plan a trip. 

Contents

• Rainbow Springs
• Three Sisters Springs
• Weeki Wachee Springs
• Silver Springs
• Juniper Springs
  • Kayaking Juniper Springs Run
• Rock Springs Run / Kelly Park / Wekiwa
• Blue Springs
• Florida Springs Map
• FAQ’s

Natural Springs Near Tampa

Rainbow River & Springs, Dunnellon

Enjoying this spring is easy. Whether you like swimming, diving, hiking, kayaking or tubing, the activity options are endless.

After the morning manatee tour relax on the afternoon Rainbow River drift where you can snorkel or scuba dive. The Rainbow River, a Florida spring, is unmatched with crystal clear water and over 200 feet of visibility. See many different varieties of fish,turtles and other wildlife up close. Discover fossils coming out of the different springs dotting the bottom. At the end of the drift is a small cavern where Sun fish hangout in abundance. This drift dive or snorkel can be enjoyed by the whole family. See prices

 The Rainbow Springs State Park features waterfalls, hiking trails and swimming areas. The headsprings have some of the most beautiful crystal-clear waters, so naturally, there are plenty of diving spots along this part of the river too. Wildlife also thrives in the area, so be on the lookout for all kinds of birds, fish and reptiles.  

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In the summer months, the Rainbow River is also one of the most popular spots for tubing. It is a natural lazy river and the perfect place to relax, float, swim and cool down from the Florida heat. I’m planning to return and experience tubing for myself. However, the park often reaches capacity, so arrive early to secure a spot on the river. During our first visit, we decided to enjoy the park by kayak. 

Kayaking on Rainbow River Springs

Getting on or in the water is a must-do activity at Rainbow Springs

Enjoy a unique kayaking experience on this Small-Group Guided Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour of Rainbow Springs in Florida. Begin your tour with a quick tutorial on basic paddle instructions and information about the tour ahead. Your kayak tour will last approximately 2 to 2.5-hours depending on the speed of our group and any wildlife we may see along the way. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures at several of the picturesque stopping points along the way (there will even be a couple chances for you to get out and enjoy the refreshing Spring water!) This paddle is what any outdoor enthusiast or adventure-seeker is looking for. Year round we experience over 14 different type of birds, fish, turtles, otters, alligators, and other wildlife. The best part of it all, is that you have a chance to see some of these directly below your Clear Kayak! See prices

.We rented kayaks from a local company called Rainbow River Kayak Adventures. They have a parking area and shuttle service that launch visitors from the KP Hole area of the river. They have a collection point at the end of the paddle by Swampy’s Bar and Grille, a local favorite. 

From the KP Hole launch area, there are two paddle options. Take a right and head downstream towards the collection point, or take a left towards the headsprings. We decided to take a left and paddle upstream towards the headsprings. This option adds around an hour to your overall paddle time. Although you’re paddling against the current to start with, the reward is worth it. The water is crystal-clear, and the actual headsprings are visible. We then paddled back the way we came, passing by our entry point and continued towards the collection area by Swampy’s. Overall, we were on the water for around 4 hours which was a perfect amount of time. 

Spring Highlights:

• Hiking Trails 
• Waterfalls
• Natural Lazy River
• Scuba Diving & Swimming
• Tubing & Paddling

For the most up to date information and fees check out the official site. 

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River

There are 70 springs feeding the Crystal River, but the one I highly recommend checking out is Three Sisters Springs. If you’re looking for some manatee encounters, this is one of the best springs to check out during the winter months. With boardwalk trails, observation decks and hundreds of manatees, Three Sisters Springs is a unique experience in a beautiful setting.   

There are so many fun things to do in the Crystal River area, it’s worth visiting for the entire day. Try out some swimming, kayaking, hiking, fishing, scalloping.

THE TOP 10 Crystal River Tours & Excursions – Trips To Crystal River 2024 & 2025

Crystal River tours and excursions. Check out Viator’s reviews and photos of Crystal River tours and tasty local seafood during your visit. See prices

Spring Highlights:

• Manatee Refuge in the Winter 
• Boardwalk Trails
• Swimming & Paddling
• Tasty Local Seafood

For the most up to date information and fees check out the official site. 

Weeki Wachee River & Springs, Spring Hill

Weeki Wachee Springs and River has been welcoming visitors for over 75 years. With live mermaid shows, a waterpark, boat tours and miles of crystal-clear river to explore, it’s one of the most recognized natural springs in Central Florida. There are two main areas you can explore.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

There is a fee to enter Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and once inside, visitors can watch the live mermaid shows, have fun on the water slides at Buccaneer Bay, relax or swim in the spring waters, take a river cruise or book a kayak/paddle down the Weeki Wachee River.

Minutes from the famous Weeki Wachee Springs State Park mermaids see the river from a whole new perspective with this clear kayaking ecotour! Kayak through a quiet estuary where, fresh and salt water mix, before paddling up the very active and beautiful spring-fed waters of the river. Be on the lookout for wildlife like manatees, turtles, fish, birds and dolphins! A great adventure for beginner paddlers but we do paddle upstream for the first half of the tour, which is a workout and worth the drift paddle back to the launch site. Your guide will stop for pics along the away! Expect an adventure that is part wild and part urban as this iconic river is a popular one to enjoy living and recreating on! We stay in our kayaks for the duration of the tour. Please remember the river and wildlife is subject to daily changes in behavior and conditions. All kayaks are tandem. Weight limit of 250lbs per seat and 425lbs per kayak. One adult to one child is required unless otherwise arranged. See prices.

Kayaking Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

You don’t need to buy a ticket for Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to enjoy an easy 2.8-mile run downstream on the river. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from Weeki Fresh Water Adventures. The numbers are controlled, so you must choose a time slot, but you can enjoy the river for 2 hours. There is also a shuttle pick-up at the end, bringing you back to the starting point. Paddling this section, I saw so much wildlife in some of the most crystal-clear waters. The current does pull you along quickly, so slowing your vessel down is a must.

Weeki Wachee River

The Weeki Wachee River stretches 12 miles from the spring vent all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from the section within the state park, river access is open to the public. If you wish to explore the river, you can launch your own vessel, book a clear kayaking tour or rent a vessel. Each of these allows you to tour the river however you’d like. Rogers Park is a popular launch area, and it also has picnic and beach areas to enjoy. On the river, don’t miss Hospital Hole. If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite, Upper Deck is a great local restaurant that offers seafood, river views and drinks.

Spring Highlights:

• Paddling
• River Boat Cruises
• Live Mermaid Shows
• Waterpark
• Array of Wildlife

Natural Springs Near Orlando

Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs

Silver Springs is one of the largest springs in the United States, and notably Florida’s oldest tourist attraction. The crystal-clear springs and underwater wildlife make it perfect for glass-bottom boat and clear kayaking tours.

Silver Springs State Park is one of the first central Florida springs I visited, so naturally, I believe it to be one of the most beautiful. The pristine waters, the array of wildlife (including a colony of rhesus macaques), lush vegetation and the 5-mile paddle run made it a delightful spring to visit. 

Spring Highlights:

• Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
• Swimming & Paddling
• Array of Wildlife – Including Monkeys (macaques)

For the most up to date information and fees check out the official site. 

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

The Juniper Springs Recreation Area is a Florida gem located in the heart of the Ocala National Forest. It’s a perfect day trip option if you are near Daytona Beach, Ocala, Orlando and Gainesville. Juniper Springs is popular as it offers a variety of activities including a beautiful swimming area, snorkeling, a 7-mile kayaking run, picnicking, and hiking trails. Visitors can also explore a historic millhouse and stay at the campsite.  

Kayaking Juniper Springs Run

Juniper Run is a stunning 7-mile route that winds down crystal-clear waters, lush old growth forest and narrow channels. The park offers a return shuttle service, which paddlers can book to be picked up at the end of their run. It’s important to note that kayaking on this route is NOT suitable for beginners, as it features many challenging areas to navigate. You can read more about it in my complete guide to kayaking Juniper Springs Run and see if it deserves a spot on your Florida bucket list.

Spring Highlights:

• Swimming & Paddling
• Historical Mill
• Hiking Trails
• Campsite
• Array of Wildlife

Rock Springs Run State Preserve, Apopka

Located only 40 minutes from Orlando is a collection of beautiful springs with a host of activities to enjoy. These include Kelly Park, Kings Landing, Rock Springs Run and Wekiwa Springs. Each one blends into the other and offers a unique way to enjoy the beauty of the springs depending on how you’d like to spend your time.

Kelly Park, Apopka

Kelly Park is one of the most popular springs in the Orlando area. Many families choose this park as it’s a budget-friendly day out. The park is well-equipped with picnic areas, waterfront trails, a tubing run, pavilion areas and waterfront views. Crystal-clear waters also form part of a natural lazy river, and the shallow waters make it an ideal spot for tubing on a hot summer day. Tubes are available for hire nearby, or you can bring your own. Just check the size restrictions before visiting. Tip: Arrive early! Lines for Kelly Park start forming from as early as 5 am, especially on weekends. 

King’s Landing, Apopka

King’s Landing offers a kayak/canoe launch site directly next-door to Kelly Park. There are multiple routes to explore, such as Emerald Cut, Rock Springs Run, and Wekiva Springs. However, we rented a double kayak and reserved the shuttle run option. It includes a pick-up shuttle bus downstream at Wekiva Island. The collection time is 4 pm, with the bus bringing you back to the car park at the end of the day. You can also launch your own vessel for a fee and request the shuttle. 

Shuttle Run (Rock Springs Run) 

Shuttle Run is a self-guided 8.5-mile paddle from Kings Landing to Wekiva Island. If you include Emerald Cut, it becomes a 10.5-mile paddle.  

Once you hit the water, you can turn right or left. We turned right so we could explore the area known as Emerald Cut. You’ll be paddling upstream for around 1.5 miles until you reach the bridge, where you turn and head back. This section has some of the best swimming holes and crystal-clear water on the whole run. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort, but it’s crowded and humid in summer. There are also options to explore the Emerald Cut area only.  

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka 

After the detour, you’re heading downstream the rest of the way (8.5 miles). It’s a beautiful run down the Wekiva River. You’ll end the run at Wekiva Island, where there is a dedicated dock to leave your kayak. We enjoyed a well-deserved drink overlooking the river while we waited for the shuttle to take us back at 4 pm. It was a perfect day on the water. Wekiva Island is also a great day trip and starting point for a fun day on or by the water. 

There is also an option to leave from Sanford and paddle down the Wekiva River

Spring Highlights:

• Natural Lazy River with Varied Wildlife
• Short & Long Paddle Runs
• Closest to Orlando
• Tubing, Paddling & Swimming 

Blue Springs State Park, Orange City 

Located on the St John’s River, Blue Springs is another spring known for its manatee population during the winter months. There is no swimming allowed during manatee season, but the spring can be enjoyed by following the Blue Spring boardwalk trail up to the spring vent. There are also several alternative trails throughout the park to enjoy. 

Spring Highlights: 

• Cave Diving
• Manatee Refuge in Winter
• Hiking Trails
• Historical Home 

For the most up to date information and fees check out the official site. 

Map – Central Florida Springs Near Me 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1wwlURV7vvSlQaPhszwp4GJFzc2mx6TTT&ehbc=2E312F

Central Florida Springs FAQ’s

– What temperature are the springs?

The average temperature of Central Florida Springs is between 70°F and 75°F (21-24°C).  

– Which springs are the best to see the manatees?

Blue Springs and Three Sisters Springs (Crystal River in general). During the winter months is best.

– Are there alligators, and is it safe to swim?

This is Florida so there is a high chance you will see an alligator. But most avoid crowded springs and larger alligators are often relocated away from popular areas. If there are ‘No Swim’ signs showing, please take note and do not get into the water.  

– Which springs allow dogs or pets?

Rainbow Springs, Blue Springs, Silver Springs, Wekiwa Springs, Alexandra Springs and Emerald Cut run allow dogs with restrictions. But please double check each location for their current rules.

IMPORTANT: Leave no trace behind while you enjoy the beauty of the Florida Springs. Dispose of any trash and any other trash you may find along the way. Respecting the environment and wildlife ensures these pristine areas remain for others to enjoy for years to come. 

With so many springs to visit in Central Florida my wish list is never empty. Below are the springs I’m hoping to go to next. I’ll also update this guide as I go:

• De Leon Springs 
• Alexander Springs  
• Silver Glen Springs

For more outdoor ideas, check out this list of 6 Florida adventures that go beyond the beach.

Thanks so much for reading. I hope this guide has inspired you to visit or discover some new springs in Central Florida during your next visit. Do you have a favorite spring, or one you think I should head to next? Let me know in the comments below or find me on Instagram.    

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