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 clear water swimming holes 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.

1. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327, USA
Flickr/Paul
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. For more information about this swimming hole in Florida, visit Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park's website.
2. Silver Glen Springs, Salt Springs
Silver Glen Springs, Florida 32134, USA
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 to pay every time you visit! Discover more about this clear water swimming hole in Florida on Silver Glen Springs' website
3. Fanning Springs, Fanning Springs
Fanning Springs State Park, 18020 Northwest, US-19, Fanning Springs, FL 32693, USA
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
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. Read more about this swimming hole in Florida on Fanning Springs State Park's website.
4. Juniper Springs, Silver Springs
Juniper Springs, Florida, USA
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. Discover more about this secret swimming hole in Florida on Juniper Springs' website.
5. De Leon Springs State Park, De Leon Springs
De León Springs State Park, 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
Trypp Adams/TripAdvisor
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. Find out more about this Florida swimming hole on De Leon Springs State Park's website.
6. Wekiwa Springs, Apopka
Wekiwa Springs, FL 32779, USA
mpeacock_10/TripAdvisor
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. For more information about this secret swimming hole, visit Wekiwa Springs' website.
7. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA
Explorcation/TripAdvisor
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. Discover more about this swimming hole in Florida on Ichetucknee Springs State Park's website.
8. Manatee Springs, Chiefland
Manatee Springs State Park, 11650 NW 115th St, Chiefland, FL 32626, USA
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. Discover more about this secret swimming hole on Manatee Springs' website.
9. Salt Springs Recreation Area, Fort McCoy
Salt Springs Recreation Area, 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, USA
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. Find out more about this swimming hole in Florida on Salt Springs Recreation Area's website.
10. Troy Spring State Park, Branford
Troy Springs State Park, 674 NE Troy Springs Rd, Branford, FL 32008, USA
o0ohhmai/TripAdvisor
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. Read more about this secret swimming hole on Troy Spring State Park's website.
11. Madison Blue Spring State Park, Lee
Madison Blue Spring State Park, 8300 FL-6, Lee, FL 32059, USA
Thomas J S/TripAdvisor
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 is available for those certified. Cave diving can be very dangerous, so leave this to experts if you're not certified. Read more about this swimming hole in Florida on Madison Blue Spring State Park's website.
12. Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon
Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
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. Discover more about this swimming hole in Florida on Rainbow Springs' website.
13. Alexander Springs, Altoona
Alexander Springs, FL 32702, USA
Flickr/Paul
Alexander Springs Wilderness is also located within Ocala National Forest. This is the only place in Big Scrub where scuba diving is allowed. Read more about this swimming hole in Florida on Alexander Springs' website.
14. Ginnie Springs, High Springs
Ginnie Spring, Florida 32643, USA
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. Discover more about this secret swimming hole on Ginnie Springs' website.
15. Three Sister Springs, Crystal River (temporary closure for canal stabilization project through November 2023)
Three Sisters Springs, 601 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
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. Read more about this swimming hole in Florida on Three Sister Springs' website.

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!

And for more fun, check out this list of 13 ways to have summer fun in Florida.

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More to Explore

Best Swimming Holes In Florida

Marisa Roman | July 18, 2020

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 lead you to some of the clearest, bluest, cleanest water in the entire state. And the water is an impressive 72 degrees year-round with seven springs pumping thousands of gallons each day. 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 nine state trails within the entire state of Florida. One on the list is Colt Creek State Park in beautiful Lakeland. Located at the Green Swamp, this hidden gem offers the perfect habitat for wetlands, pine flatwoods, and cypress domes. You'll also discover 12 miles of multipurpose trails for another way to experience Florida's stunning natural surroundings. For more information, visit Colt Creek State Park's website.

Are there any natural lazy rivers in Florida?

If you’re searching for unique things to do in Florida, 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, including Blue Spring State Park in Orange City. The spring is the largest on the St. John River. Look for manatees here between November and March. In addition to the wet fun, this amazing park includes 2,600 acres of scenery full of wildlife for watching birds and other cool creatures. Discover more on the Blue Spring State Park's website.

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