20 Central Florida Springs Which Promise That Perfect Healing Swim
Central Florida’s crystal-clear springs offer nature’s perfect swimming pools, bubbling up from the aquifer at a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.
These natural wonders provide a magical escape from Florida’s heat while letting you glimpse fascinating underwater ecosystems.
Pack your swimsuit and towel as we explore 20 spectacular springs where you can float, swim, and make unforgettable memories in some of the purest water on earth.
1. Alexander Springs
Ever dreamed of swimming in water so clear you can count grains of sand 25 feet below? This first-magnitude spring pumps out a whopping 80 million gallons daily.
Gradual sloping shores make it perfect for families with small children. The sandy bottom feels wonderful between your toes while you admire the underwater vegetation and occasional fish darting past.
2. Juniper Springs
Nestled within the Ocala National Forest, this gem features a man-made swimming area constructed from native limestone in the 1930s.
The emerald waters maintain a constant 72-degree temperature, offering sweet relief from summer heat.
Ancient cypress trees and lush ferns create a magical backdrop for your aquatic adventure. After swimming, explore the historic mill house or paddle the famous canoe run.
3. Silver Glen Springs
Fancy swimming in a natural aquamarine bowl? Silver Glen’s impressive spring basin forms a near-perfect circle where freshwater bubbles up through limestone crevices.
Boats often anchor just offshore where the spring meets Lake George. The crystal waters reveal schools of striped fish swimming alongside you, creating a natural aquarium experience.
Many visitors bring snorkels to better observe the underwater wonders.
4. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Just minutes from Orlando’s theme parks lies this natural oasis where 42 million gallons of fresh water bubble up daily.
The spring pool forms a natural swimming area about 4 feet deep with a sandy limestone bottom.
Weekend warriors arrive early to secure spots along the grassy banks. After cooling off in the refreshing waters, rent a canoe to explore the Wekiva River or hike one of the many nature trails.
5. Rock Springs (Kelly Park)
Who needs water slides when nature provides the perfect lazy river? At Kelly Park, the swift-moving current carries tubers along a crystal-clear run bordered by lush subtropical vegetation.
Bring your own tube or rent one nearby before entering the park. The invigorating 68-degree water flows at 26,000 gallons per minute, creating a refreshing natural ride through this Orange County paradise.
6. Rainbow Springs
Imagine swimming in waters so pristine they’ve attracted visitors for over 10,000 years! Florida’s fourth-largest spring has been a gathering place since prehistoric times.
Ornamental gardens and man-made waterfalls from its days as a private attraction add unique charm. The swimming area features a gentle slope perfect for wading, while the deeper center reaches about 18 feet.
7. Blue Spring State Park
Winter belongs to the manatees here, but summer? It’s all yours! This stunning spring pumps out 104 million gallons of water daily, creating a vibrant blue swimming hole.
The quarter-mile spring run offers varying depths perfect for different swimming abilities. Wooden boardwalks provide easy access points to enter the refreshing waters.
Keep an eye out for fish, turtles, and occasionally river otters playing in the crystalline depths.
8. De Leon Springs State Park
Where else can you make pancakes after swimming in a spring once thought to be Ponce de León’s Fountain of Youth? This historic spring features a swimming area that reaches 30 feet deep at its center.
The popular Sugar Mill Restaurant lets hungry swimmers cook their own pancakes right at the table. Lifeguards supervise during summer months, making it family-friendly.
9. Gilchrist Blue Springs
Florida’s newest state park protects one of the Sunshine State’s most pristine springs.
The main spring produces over 44 million gallons of water daily, creating a stunning blue pool that flows toward the Santa Fe River.
A wooden platform provides the perfect jumping spot for adventurous swimmers. Underwater, the spring vent resembles an hourglass, descending about 20 feet.
Nearby smaller springs like Little Blue Spring offer quieter swimming spots for those seeking tranquility.
10. Salt Springs
Contrary to what the name suggests, this Ocala National Forest gem isn’t salty at all! The name comes from minerals in the water that give it a slightly salty taste.
Four main spring vents bubble up through limestone crevices, creating swirling sand patterns on the bottom. The rectangular swimming area features concrete edges with stairs for easy access.
11. Gemini Springs
Hidden in suburban DeBary, this twin-spring oasis offers a peaceful alternative to more crowded swimming spots.
Though swimming is currently prohibited due to water quality concerns, it remains on this list as restoration efforts continue.
The park’s twin springs pump five million gallons daily into spring runs leading to Lake Monroe.
While waiting for swimming to return, visitors enjoy fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing along scenic boardwalks.
12. Silver Springs
You’ve probably seen this iconic spring in movies without realizing it! Famous for glass-bottom boat tours since the 1870s, Silver Springs is Florida’s largest and among the world’s biggest artesian springs.
While swimming isn’t permitted in the main spring, this historic attraction deserves mention for its crystal-clear waters and cultural significance.
Hollywood has featured these magnificent waters in films including Tarzan and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
13. Wekiva Springs
Surrounded by subtropical forest, this natural swimming hole offers a refreshing escape just minutes from Orlando’s urban sprawl.
Wooden steps and a handrail provide easy access to the 72-degree waters. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot otters, turtles, and a variety of birds while floating in the crystal-clear spring.
The Wekiva River, designated a National Wild and Scenic River, begins its journey here.
14. Poe Springs
Located along the scenic Santa Fe River, this lesser-known spring offers a more secluded swimming experience than its famous neighbors.
A wooden boardwalk leads to the spring basin where 45 million gallons of crystal-clear water emerge daily.
Recent renovations have improved facilities while maintaining the natural charm. The spring run extends about 1,500 feet before joining the Santa Fe River.
Local families appreciate the children’s playground and picnic facilities that make this a perfect day-trip destination.
15. Jackson Blue Springs
Worth the drive to Florida’s panhandle, this magnificent blue gem pumps over 65 million gallons of water daily. The spring pool stretches over 200 feet wide and reaches depths of 20 feet near the vent.
Limestone ledges provide natural diving platforms for adventurous swimmers. The water clarity is simply astonishing – you can easily see the detailed limestone formations on the bottom.
16. Madison Blue Spring State Park
Certified cave divers flock here for the underwater limestone caverns, but swimmers love the perfectly round spring basin. The crystalline waters maintain a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.
A wooden platform and steps provide access to the 25-foot-deep swimming hole. The spring produces 55 million gallons daily that flow into the Withlacoochee River.
Underwater, the limestone cave entrance beckons experienced divers while swimmers float above in the sapphire waters.
17. Manatee Springs State Park
Fancy swimming where gentle giants spend their winters? This first-magnitude spring produces over 100 million gallons of water daily, creating a stunning swimming area before flowing toward the Suwannee River.
A boardwalk follows the quarter-mile spring run, offering multiple entry points. During summer months, the spring belongs to human swimmers while winter brings dozens of manatees seeking warm water.
18. Peacock Springs
Beneath this unassuming swimming hole lies one of North America’s longest underwater cave systems! While certified cave divers explore the labyrinth below, swimmers enjoy the surface spring pool.
The main spring basin offers a refreshing dip with remarkable visibility. Educational displays explain the fascinating geology creating these underwater passages.
Six sinkholes and a spring within the park connect to nearly 33,000 feet of surveyed underwater passages – a world hidden beneath swimmers’ feet.
19. Fanning Springs
Childhood memories are made at this family-friendly spring where a concrete retaining wall creates a perfect swimming area.
The second-magnitude spring pumps up to 65 million gallons daily into the nearby Suwannee River.
A wooden observation deck provides a great vantage point for photos before you plunge in. The spring depth reaches about 18 feet at its deepest point.
After swimming, explore the boardwalks through cypress swamps where you might spot wildlife including the occasional alligator – safely away from swimming areas!
20. Troy Spring
History and natural beauty merge at this spring where the remains of a Civil War-era steamboat rest on the bottom! The 70-foot-deep spring offers one of the most dramatic swimming experiences in Florida.
Limestone steps lead down to the spring basin as it cascades toward the Suwannee River. During lower water levels, you can see the skeleton of the Madison, scuttled in 1863 to prevent capture.
