Florida is well known for its beautiful hot springs and attract millions of people every year. From the Panhandle to the Keys, there are a variety of natural and man-made hot springs that offer visitors a unique experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. Some of these spots have been around since the 1800s while others were recently developed as part of eco-tourism projects. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just want to soak away your stress in soothing waters, here are the best hot springs offered throughout the state.
1. Alexander Springs Recreation Area – Hot Springs in Altoona, Florida
Florida Alexander Springs Recreation Area is a beautiful natural park located in Altoona, Florida. The area is known for its crystal-clear springs and lush vegetation. It’s also home to many different species of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, birds and fish. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the spring’s cool waters or hike one of several around the park.
The springs aren’t necessarily considered hot, but these warm mineral waters offer visitors a relaxing retreat from everyday life. The crystal clear water is heated naturally by volcanic activity deep beneath the earth’s surface and features temperatures ranging between 74°F and 76°F year-round. Visitors can enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the refreshingly cool spring-fed pool or take part in activities such as canoeing, hiking, bird watching, fishing, camping and picnicking
The recreation area offers camping sites for both tents and RVs along with cabins that can accommodate up to six people each. All campsites have access to restrooms with hot showers nearby. There are boat ramps available so visitors can easily launch boats into Lake Norris from the convenience of their campsite!
2. Blue Spring Park – Hot Springs in Orange City, Florida
Blue Spring Park in Orange City, Florida is a popular destination for visitors looking to take advantage of the natural hot springs that have been attracting people since the 19th century. The park features crystal clear waters and an array of aquatic wildlife including manatees, fish, and alligators.
Blue Spring Run at Blue Spring Park in Florida is a spectacular spot for kayaking, canoeing and swimming. The crystal clear blue waters of the spring are fed by the St. Johns River which creates a perfect environment for wildlife to thrive in. Along with its stunning beauty, it also serves as an important refuge for manatees during winter months when water temperatures drop below 68°F (20°C).
The park has two main areas, the run and lagoon side. The run offers visitors a chance to explore calm shallow waters where they can observe manatees, fish, turtles and other aquatic life up close. It is also popular among swimmers due to its gentle current that flows into Lake Monroe near Sanford city limits.
3. Cypress Springs – Hot Springs in Vernon, Florida
Cypress Springs in Vernon, Florida is a popular destination for those looking to relax and rejuvenate. The hot springs at Cypress Springs offer visitors the chance to soak in natural mineral water that has been heated by the earth’s core. The waters of this spring are considered therapeutic due to their high levels of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which help soothe tired muscles, improve circulation, reduce stress, and aid digestion. In addition to soaking in these healing waters, visitors can also take advantage of nearby trails for hiking or biking and explore the surrounding area’s wildlife.
This crystal-clear spring has an average temperature of 72°F year-round and is surrounded by lush vegetation that creates an idyllic atmosphere for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. The spring itself flows from both sides into the river which makes it perfect for tubing or just floating along with the current. Cypress Springs also offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving experiences to explore its depths and experience its numerous fish inhabitants up close.
4. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring – Hot Springs in Williston, Florida
Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring in Williston, Florida is an incredible natural wonder that offers visitors the chance to explore a unique underwater cave system. This underground spring was formed thousands of years ago and is now filled with crystal clear water. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring offers visitors the opportunity to dive into its depths and explore a unique geological formation.
The Devil’s Den Spring area is composed of two caves: one dry cave at the surface and one submerged cave beneath the waterline. The dry cave features ancient petroglyphs created over 500 years ago by prehistoric people who lived in this area. Underwater divers can also explore a large cavern filled with stunning limestone formations, fossils, and other interesting artifacts from the past.
As part of its conservation efforts, Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring allows only certified divers access to its waters so that this fragile environment can remain unspoiled for future generations to enjoy. Visitors are treated to guided tours which allow them to learn about local wildlife as well as archaeological findings from within the spring itself.
5. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs Park – Hot Springs in Crawfordville, Florida
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is a 6,000-acre park located in Wakulla County, Florida. The park is named after Edward Ball, who donated the land to the state of Florida in 1959 for preservation and conservation. It is one of Florida’s most popular natural attractions and offers visitors an opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful springs and wildlife found anywhere in North America.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is its namesake spring – the largest freshwater spring in the world by volume! This crystal clear spring produces over 200 million gallons per day and maintains a constant temperature of 68 degrees all year round.
6. Fanning Springs Park – Hot Springs in Gainesville, Florida
Fanning Springs Park in Florida is a beautiful natural oasis located on the banks of the Suwannee River. The park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience nature first-hand, with its crystal clear springs and surrounding wilderness. Fanning Springs State Park is known for its 72 degree year round temperature, perfect for swimming or snorkeling in its cool waters.
There are two fanning springs that feed into the river at either end of the park, both boasting breathtaking views and crystal clear water. These two springs have been designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection due to their high quality and diverse aquatic life.
7. Gilchrist Blue Springs Park – Hot Springs in High Springs, Florida
Gilchrist Blue Springs Park is a stunning park located in High Springs, Florida. It features crystal clear springs that are fed by the Santa Fe River, creating an inviting atmosphere for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. The park offers picnic areas with grills and pavilions as well as nature trails to explore.
There is also an observation tower overlooking the springs where visitors can get an up close look at all of the wildlife and forests surrounding them.
8. Ginnie Springs Outdoors – Hot Springs in High Springs, Florida
Ginnie Springs Outdoors is a privately owned, family-operated business located on the Santa Fe River in Gilchrist County, Florida. The springs are home to some of the clearest and most beautiful freshwater diving experiences in North America. With crystal clear water that remains at a constant 72 degrees year round, Ginnie Springs is an ideal location for snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving enthusiasts alike.
The spring system consists of seven main springs:
- Twin Spring
- Devil’s Eye Spring
- Little Devil’s Eye Spring (a cave dive)
- Poes Cave (also known as Ginnie Cave or Bell’s Cavern)
- Devils Ear Spring (a cave dive)
- Orange Grove Sink
- Gator Hole Sink
Each hot spring has its own unique characteristics and offers incredible visibility ranging from 40-100 feet depending on conditions. Along with the stunning scenery there are many interesting geological formations such as limestone ledges and caves to explore while submerged in the pristine waters of Ginnie Springs Outdoors.
9. Green Cove Springs Pool – Hot Springs in Northeast Florida
Green Cove Springs Pool in Florida is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located just outside of Jacksonville, the pool offers an array of activities to keep visitors entertained. The pool itself is Olympic-sized and heated year round, making it perfect for swimming laps or playing water sports. There are plenty of other activities available such as basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball nets and playgrounds.
10. Ichetucknee Springs Park – Hot Springs in Fort White, Florida
Ichetucknee Springs Park is a beautiful 6,000-acre natural park located in North Central Florida. The park features more than 20 crystal clear springs with temperatures ranging from 67 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, tubing and kayaking. Located just south of Lake City and about 45 minutes north of Gainesville, the park offers plenty of outdoor activities for everyone.
The Ichetucknee River runs through the entire length of the park and is fed by 22 freshwater springs that create an incredible blue-green hue throughout its waters. Visitors can choose between two main entrances: The South Entrance or High Springs Entrance off
Highway 27 or take a short drive to reach either entrance from Interstate 75 at Exit 439.
11. Jackson Blue Springs Recreation Area – Hot Springs in Marianna, Florida
Jackson Blue Springs Recreation Area is a beautiful nature park located in Marianna, Florida. It features a stunning spring-fed river and crystal clear blue water that flows from the Jackson Blue Spring into the Chipola River. The area also has picnic areas, playgrounds, campgrounds, and trails for visitors to enjoy.
The recreation area offers something for everyone of all ages to enjoy including swimming pools for those who don’t want to go into the river itself but still have fun with family members or friends! The nearby campground provides an excellent place to stay overnight if you are looking for an extended visit. Facilities at this site include showers and restrooms as well as access to electricity hookups so you can make your stay more comfortable during your time here.
12. Juniper Springs Recreation Area – Hot Springs in Silver Springs, Florida
Juniper Springs Recreation Area is a 7,000-acre outdoor recreation area located in Ocala National Forest in Central Florida. It is one of the oldest and most popular recreation areas in the state and has been around since 1937. The park offers a wide variety of activities including camping, swimming, canoeing, hiking, fishing, and more. There are also several trails that wind through the forest for visitors to explore.
People from all over the world come to Juniper Springs for it’s crystal clear waters with temperatures ranging from 72-76 degrees Fahrenheit (22-24 Celsius). This makes it perfect for swimming or snorkeling during warmer months. Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks at the concession stand near the springhead. The campground at Juniper Springs features over 100 campsites with electric hookups as well as primitive sites available on a first come basis.
13. Kelly Park Rock Springs – Hot Springs in Apopka, Florida
Kelly Park Rock Springs is a beautiful park located in Apopka, Florida. It’s known for its crystal clear natural springs and stunning rock formations. The park covers more than 200 acres of land with rolling hills and vegetation. Guests can enjoy swimming in the cool spring waters or take part in water activities such as tubing down the river or kayaking on Lake Gem.
Kelly Park premier attractions is Rock Spring Run which begins at Rock Springs itself before winding through dense forests and eventually returning back to the main pool area. This run is especially popular during summer months when temperatures are hot, providing an escape from heat exhaustion while still enjoying all that nature has to offer!
14. Lithia Springs Conservation Park – Hot Springs in Lithia, Florida
Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a conservation park located in Lithia, Florida. It is part of the Hillsborough County Parks system and offers visitors a chance to explore natural habitats and enjoy outdoor recreation activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching and more. The park features over 20 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty levels.
15. Madison Blue Spring Park – Hot Springs in Lee, Florida
Madison Blue Spring Park is a nature park located in Madison, Florida. The spring itself is an impressive 72-foot deep natural pool with clear visibility down to the bottom. Visitors can take advantage of the sandy beach area or explore the trails through nearby woods and wetlands.
The park also has an educational center with interpretive displays about the history of Madison Blue Springs State Park and its unique ecosystem. Learn how to protect this fragile environment by participating in volunteer opportunities such as cleanups or helping out at special events throughout the year. There’s even a Junior Ranger Program where kids can earn badges while exploring! This gorgeous park is open daily from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and admission fees range from $4-$6 per vehicle depending on size. With over 400 acres of beautiful scenery to explore, it’s no wonder why Madison Blue Spring Park continues to be one of north Florida’s most popular tourist destinations.
16. Merritt’s Mill Pond – Hot Springs in Marianna, Florida
Merritt’s Mill Pond is a natural lake located in Jackson County, Florida. It covers an area of approximately 1,000 acres and is the largest body of water in the county. The pond was formed by a dam on Merritt’s Creek, which flows south into the Choctawhatchee River near Marianna. The pond is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and beautiful scenery.
Merritt’s Mill Pond has been used for recreation since at least 1866 when it was first developed as a millpond to power several mills along its shoreline. In recent years, it has become popular with anglers from all over the country who come to enjoy some of Florida’s best bass fishing. Other fish species such as catfish, panfish, crappie, and sunfish.
17. Morrison Springs Park – Hot Springs in Ponce De Leon, Florida
Morrison Springs Park is a popular park located in Ponce De Leon, Florida. It is situated on the Choctawhatchee River and offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy a day or even weekend out in mother nature. The park has two main springs that are open year round for visitors to enjoy.
The first spring at Morrison Springs is called “Blue Hole” which is known as one of the best places in the state to snorkel or swim due to its crystal clear water and abundance of fish. There are also several other smaller springs around the area that can be explored by scuba diving or wading through shallow waters. Visitors can also rent kayaks or canoes from nearby outfitters to explore this beautiful river system further.
18. Pitt & Sylvan Springs – Hot Springs in Youngstown, Florida
Pitt & Sylvan Springs is a historic spring site located in Youngstown, Ohio. It was first discovered by William Pitt and Charles Sylvan in 1820 when they were searching for oil and gas deposits nearby. The site consists of two natural springs that have been used for generations as a source of fresh water. This area has also been known to contain minerals which were once thought to possess healing properties.
Today the springs are still open to the public with access provided via an unpaved road off of South Avenue.
19. Ponce de Leon Springs Park – Hot Springs in Northwest Florida
Ponce de Leon Springs Park is a public park located in Ponce De Leon, Florida. It features natural springs, hiking trails, and camping sites. The park is named after Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León who discovered the area in 1513 while searching for the fountain of youth.
Ponce de Leon Springs Park has two springs which flow from an underground aquifer that originate near Lake Jackson. Each spring produces nearly 20 million gallons of water per day with temperatures ranging from 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Visitors can take a dip into the crystal clear water or enjoy various water activities.
20. Rainbow Springs State Park – Hot Springs in Dunnellon, Florida
Rainbow Springs State Park in Florida is a beautiful natural wonder located in the city of Dunnellon. The park offers visitors a chance to explore and enjoy its crystal clear springs, wilderness areas, and diverse wildlife. It is home to one of the largest artesian springs in the world that produces an average of 450 million gallons per day!
The Rainbow River flows through this amazing state park which features three distinct sections:
- The Headwaters area located at the spring head
- Kona Pool with its unique mix of limestone formations
- Blue Run where you can find some excellent fishing spots
21. Three Sisters Springs – Hot Springs in Crystal River, Florida
Three Sisters Springs is a beautiful and serene area in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, located in Citrus County, Florida. The springs are named after three sisters who lived nearby long ago. The hot Springs are fed by a natural underground aquifer producing over 28 million gallons of crystal clear spring water each day at an average temperature of 73°F (23°C). This warm water allows manatees to survive during cold winter months when other areas have become too cold for them to survive.
Manatees often seek refuge here from November through March creating one of the largest congregations anywhere in North America. During peak season hundreds can be seen frolicking in these waters making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
22. Vortex Spring – Hot Springs in Ponce De Leon, Florida
Vortex Spring is a spring-fed pool located in Ponce de Leon, Florida. It is renowned for its crystal clear water and is the deepest natural freshwater dive site in the United States. The spring has been used as a training ground by divers from all over the world since it was discovered by local divers in 1971.
Vortex Spring is well known for its incredible clarity of up to 200 feet underwater. This makes it an ideal environment for snorkeling, scuba diving and underwater photography. There are several sunken wrecks around the spring that are popular with recreational divers including two restored B-17 bombers from World War II and a plane crash site from 1970s Vietnam War era air force planes.
23. Warm Mineral Springs Park – Hot Springs in North Port, Florida
Warm Mineral Springs Park is a natural park located in North Port, Florida. It is known for its warm mineral springs and its historical significance as the site of an ancient Native American settlement. The spring water temperature averages around 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius).
The area was once home to a large population of Calusa Indians who built mounds and used the warm mineral-rich waters for spiritual ceremonies and healing rituals. Evidence suggests that these inhabitants lived here from 500 BC to 500 AD before eventually leaving due to disease or war with other tribes.
24. Weeki Wachee Springs Park – Hot Springs in Spring Hill, Florida
Weeki Wachee Springs Park in Florida is a unique and exciting destination for visitors of all ages. Located near Tampa, the park offers an array of activities including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and more. Visitors can also explore the underwater mermaid show where professional mermaids perform for audiences above ground.
Weeki Wachee Springs Park brings travelers from all over the world to it’s crystal-clear spring water with depths reaching up to 200 feet that are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Weeki Wachee Springs Park also hosts educational programs about local wildlife and ecology as well as events such as concerts and festivals throughout the year.
25. Wekiwa Springs Park – Hot Springs in Apopka, Florida
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located in Apopka, Florida, and is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Central Florida. The park encompasses 7,000 acres of wetlands, hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub and flatwoods. Wekiwa Springs provides visitors with plenty of activities such as swimming in the cool spring-fed waters or canoeing/kayaking down Rock Springs Run.
Wekiwa Springs State Park spring flows from an underground aquifer into the Wekiva River Basin where it joins several other springs including Rock Spring Run and Blackwater Creek before eventually flowing into Lake Apopka. The crystal clear waters of the springs provide an ideal environment for wildlife such as manatees, turtles, and fish.
Details about Florida’s Natural Freshwater Springs
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful and unique natural freshwater springs in the world. These pristine bodies of water are a source of recreation, relaxation, and exploration for locals and tourists alike. Located throughout the state, Florida’s freshwater springs give both locals and tourists the ability to enjoy everything from crystal-clear swimming holes to serene kayaking trips down winding rivers.
Many of Florida’s natural springs have designated areas specifically designed for swimming with lifeguards on duty. Kayakers can paddle their way through narrow creek beds while spotting gators and other wildlife along the way. The variety of flora found in these waters provides a stunning backdrop that will make any outing unforgettable.
Many of Florida’s natural freshwater springs also serve important ecological purposes by providing habitats for native species such as fish, turtles, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. They also act as buffers between land masses which help prevent soil erosion due to heavy rainfall or flooding events.
The beauty of Florida’s natural freshwater springs has been attracting people since long before Europeans settled here. Native Americans often used them as sources of drinking water and fishing spots while exploring new territories centuries ago. Today they still remain one of our most treasured resources, offering respite from urban life and reconnecting with mother nature.
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