Experience these five fabulous Florida freshwater springs! Each is located within a state park and combine the charm of historic Florida attractions with the most beautiful crystal clear springs in the state. These spectacular springs offer an inviting source of cool, clear crisp water perfect for swimming and paddling.
Where Does The Water Come From?
A spring is a natural opening in the ground where water flows directly from the aquifer to the earth’s surface. The source of this fresh water is from seasonal rainfall that soaks into the ground, which is referred to as groundwater. Springs form when groundwater is under pressure and flows up through an opening called a spring vent, supplying flow to a river or other water body. A spring can occur individually or as a group of many springs. Click here to learn more about the springs and how to protect them.
Activities at the Springs
The crystal clear water of these fabulous freshwater springs provides the perfect backdrop for swimming, paddling, and boating. But there’s more! All five are located in Florida State Parks so there are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, geocaching, and even camping. Click each location below to learn more.
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I was SCUBA certified in Rainbow Springs. There are other springs for SCUBA divers that are lovely, but many not part of the state park system. Florida is full of underground caves and tunnels filled with fresh cool water–it’s like an entire alternate universe. They are absolutely heavenly on a hot, muggy Florida afternoon!
I’ve never done SCUBA before, but may try take lessons one of these days.
Love the photos – and the postcard style framing. It’s interesting how much variation there is in the colors of the water. It’s especially noticeable when the photos are right next to each other. All of them are beautiful.
They are gorgeous! I just wish it had been a little warmer on this trip so I could jump in!