Looking to Make a Splash? Visit These Three Freshwater Springs in Florida

By Cynthia De Saint

February 17, 2023

Florida is well known for its beaches and theme parks, but one of the best things about the Sunshine State is its natural springs.

Longing to escape the oppressive heat and humidity to enjoy a refreshing (and maybe even rejuvenating!) adventure? These unique spots offer visitors crystal clear waters, lush forests, gorgeous waterfalls, ornamental gardens, and the opportunity to go tubing, kayaking, picnicking or birdwatching in the most magical and historical places in the Sunshine State.

Devil’s Den Springs

In case you’re wondering how this spectacular natural wonder got its devilish name, wonder no more. On cold winter mornings, visitors can see steam rising (like smoke from Hades!) from the chimney opening. This inspired the early settlers to name it Devil’s Den.

So what makes it unique? With crystal clear waters, year round 72 degree water temperatures, and fossil beds dating back 33 million years, one of North America’s most prehistoric places is an underground spring inside a dry cave that dates back to the Pleistocene Age.

Among its many attractions, Devil’s Den Springs features 120 ft. surface diameter, inverted mushroom shape below the surface, and a maximum depth of 54 ft. Recreations include a heated swimming pool, picnic tables, 5 cabanas, and assorted lawn games.

5390 NE 180th Ave.

Williston, FL 32696

Phone: (352) 528-3344

Website

Ginnie Springs

This charming place boasts not one, but seven springs, and rightfully claims to be “a slice of pure Florida.” And we promise that once you look over its amenities, you’ll wholeheartedly agree. That’s because from innertubes to kayaks, and from paddleboards to canoes, there’s a lot of water fun to be had at Ginnie, where swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear 72 degree water is fun year round.

If diving is your thing, this place is considered by many to be the world’s favorite freshwater dive. It is even claimed that famed French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, a connoisseur, if there ever was one, remarked on its “visibility forever!”

Love camping? Imagine over 200 wooded acres and spring-side tent sites at your disposal, including by the river, and full electric and water hook-ups for your RV.

7300 Ginnie Springs Rd.

High Springs, FL 32643

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

If you love Florida’s wildlife, and we don’t mean the South Beach kind, this park features a variety of captive animals that for different reasons are unable to survive on their own in the wild. They include alligators, black bears, red wolves, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes, and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity.

But that’s not all: the Underwater Observatory allows visitors to “walk underwater” beneath the spring’s surface to watch the various fish and manatees swim about. There’s also a Wildlife Walk consisting of elevated boardwalks that are accessible for visitors in wheelchairs or strollers and allows an elevated view of the natural habitats.

4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa FL 34446

Phone: (352) 628-5343

Website