Posted in Florida July 04, 2020 by

15 Florida Swimming Holes That Are Ideal For A Summer Adventure

It may be time to ditch the pool for a little while and try something a bit more natural. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best swimming holes in Florida so that you can have your pick at which stunningly beautiful swimming spot you’d like to venture out to first. Visiting natural swimming holes throughout Florida is one of the coolest warm-weather experiences you can have and the whole family can enjoy the fun together. Check it out…

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Wakulla Springs
Flickr/Paul Clark
Near Tallahassee lies one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Springs. Swimmers can find an observation and diving platform at the head of the spring for a fun way to enjoy the water. Bonus points: Scuba diving for those certified is allowed at Cherokee Sink, but calling ahead is recommended.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 465 Wakulla Park Dr., Wakulla Springs FL 32327
2. Silver Glen Springs
www,fs.usda.gov
Located in Ocala National Forest, the drop-dead gorgeous surroundings and crystal clear water will blow you away. Bonus points: Ocala National Forest offers yearly passes for a low price so you don't have t pay every time you visit!
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 5271 Florida 19, Salt Springs, FL
3. Fanning Springs
www.floridastateparks.org
Fanning Springs State Park is located only an hour from Gainesville, on the Suwannee River. The clear blue water stays a perfect 72 degrees year-round. Bonus points: There's a designated shallow area for parents with toddlers and others learning to swim.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 18020 NW HWY 19, Fanning Springs FL 32693
4. Juniper Springs
Flickr/anoldent
Featuring sparkling water under palms and oaks in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs is one of the East Coast's oldest and best-loved recreation areas.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 26701 E Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488-6741
5. De Leon Springs State Park
www.floridasprings.org
Guests can swim in this historic park (where Ponce De Leon was believed to have visited) at depths up to 30 feet. Children and weak swimmers must stay with an adult swimmer at all times. Bonus points: Start your day pouring your own pancakes at your table at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill. It's located about 30 minutes from Daytona.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
6. Wekiwa Springs
www.floridastateparks.org
The springs at this 7,000-acre park 20 minutes north of Orlando are so popular they often have to turn people away on the weekends, so be sure to arrive early.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Cir., Apopka FL 32712
7. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
www.floridastateparks.org
Ichetucknee is a very popular place to cool off in the summer, and the head spring is a National Natural Landmark. Bonus points: Every Floridian should tube the Ichetucknee at least once in their lifetime, because it is easily one of the best swimming holes in Florida.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White FL 32038
8. Manatee Springs
commons.wikimedia.org/Ebyabe
This stunning oasis is only 20 minutes from Fanning Springs, so try to fit both into your plans if you have the flexibility. Use caution when swimming here, however, as the current is swift.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 11650 NW 115 St, Chiefland, FL 32626
9. Salt Springs Recreation Area
Sandra Friend via http://www.fs.usda.gov/
Salt Springs Recreation Area is another spot located in the Ocala National Forest and is named for the minerals that give it its slight salinity.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134
10. Troy Spring State Park
www.floridastateparks.org
This park in Branford, FL, houses not only a perfect swimming spot but also the remains of a Civil War-era steamboat deliberately sunk by its owner to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 674 NE Troy Springs Rd, Branford, FL 32008
11. Madison Blue Spring State Park
www.floridastateparks.org
Visitors here can swim in a crystal clear spring in a limestone basin on the west bank of the Withlacoochee. Scenic woodlands surround this perfect summer picnic spot. Bonus points: Extensive cave diving for those certified. Cave diving can be very dangerous, so leave this to experts if you're not certified.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 8300 NE, FL-6, Lee, FL 32059
12. Rainbow Springs
Flickr/Greg Workman for Florida Fish and Wildlife
About two hours north of Tampa in Dunnellon sits one of Florida's most beautiful state parks. Take a swim in the headsprings or tube down the crystal clear Rainbow River. Bonus points: hike through the park and check out the man-made waterfalls firsthand.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 19158 SW 81st Place Rd. Dunnellon FL 34432
13. Alexander Springs
Flickr/Paul Clark
Alexander Springs Wilderness is also located within Ocala National Forest. This is the only place in Big Scrub where scuba diving is allowed.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 49525 County Rd 445, Altoona, FL 32702
14. Ginnie Springs
TripAdvisor BGTravels2
Ginnie Springs is located in High Springs, Florida, and is a privately owned park. You’ll be able to dive right into this fresh, clear swimming hole, or tube down the river for an extra dose of daily fun.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643
15. Three Sister Springs
TripAdvisor hanahwy
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River is one of the few places in Florida where you can legally get up close and personal with our beloved aquatic sweethearts, the manatees. You won’t want to miss out on this clear water spring or these gentle giants. You can't have a list of the best swimming holes in Florida without this gem.
Click here for more information about this Florida swimming hole.
Address: Three Sisters Springs Center, 123 NW HWY 19, Crystal River, FL 34428

 

So, what do you think about the best swimming holes in Florida? Did we happen to miss one that is your favorite? Make sure to let us know in the comments section!

Address: Wakulla Springs, FL 32327, USA
Address: Silver Glen Springs, Florida 32134, USA
Address: Fanning Springs, FL 32693, USA
Address: Juniper Springs, Florida, USA
Address: 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, USA
Address: 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA
Address: 11650 NW 115 St, Chiefland, FL 32626, USA
Address: 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, USA
Address: 674 NE Troy Springs Rd, Branford, FL 32008, USA
Address: 8300 NE, FL-6, Lee, FL 32059, USA
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Address: Alexander Springs, FL 32702, USA
Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643, USA
Address: 601 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Swimming Holes In Florida

July 18, 2020
Marisa Roman

Where can I find the bluest water in Florida?

It’s likely that you’ll find the bluest water in Florida at some of the above-mentioned swimming holes. For instance, visiting Ginnie Springs will really elevate your summer in Florida, but also the experience will also lead you to some of the clearest, bluest, cleanest water in the entire state. Check out the brilliantly blue water in Ginnie Springs, Florida.

How many state parks are in Florida?

While there are plenty of swimming spots in Florida within the state parks system, it begs the question—how many state parks are there in Florida? In total, there are 175 state parks and 9 state trails within the entire state of Florida.

Are there any natural lazy rivers in Florida?

If you’re searching for unique things to do in Florida, then check out the options to tube the natural lazy rivers! Tubing the rivers or springs in Florida is a welcomed summer pastime that the whole family can enjoy. Check out these 8 natural lazy rivers in Florida perfect for tubing.

Address: Wakulla Springs, FL 32327, USA
Address: Silver Glen Springs, Florida 32134, USA
Address: Fanning Springs, FL 32693, USA
Address: Juniper Springs, Florida, USA
Address: 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, USA
Address: 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA
Address: 11650 NW 115 St, Chiefland, FL 32626, USA
Address: 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, USA
Address: 674 NE Troy Springs Rd, Branford, FL 32008, USA
Address: 8300 NE, FL-6, Lee, FL 32059, USA
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Address: Alexander Springs, FL 32702, USA
Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643, USA
Address: 601 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA