Ever feel like you need a quick escape from the sticky Jacksonville humidity but don’t want to travel too far? Some beautiful natural springs nearby are the perfect refreshing respite without booking an entire getaway.
Just over an hour away lies the Ichetucknee Springs State Park – but have you visited its crystal-clear runs yet? Floating down the emerald-colored river on an inner tube is one of the most relaxing ways to cool off in Jax. While you float you will spot lots of birds, turtles, and other wildlife (including gators!) while enjoying the scenic waters.
Another great spot is Silver Springs State Park, about 2 hours south. Its clear spring boil is like swimming in an aquarium. You can often see right through to the silvery fish. And who doesn’t love watching manatees glide by?
Blue Springs State Park is a bit closer, at an hour and 45 minutes southwest, if you just need a half-day escape. Its smaller run is a great size for all ages and the water is filled with manatees, fish and turtles. Sometimes, you will even see alligators sunning nearby!
The natural springs around northeast Florida truly are treasures. On those scorching summer days, you will surely feel replenished after spending time at one. So, beat the heat by taking a dip at any of these nearby springs this summer!
Beat The Heat At Blue Spring State Park
If July has you feeling drained, pack up for a fun day escape to Blue Springs State Park. Just shy of two hours from Jacksonville, Fl., you will find a shady natural waterbed with grand cypresses and pine trees.
The biggest attraction is the crystal-clear spring waters, flowing steadily at a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. Dive right in to cool off. The sand bottom makes it safe for little swimmers, too. So, float along the spring run on an inner tube if you want to enjoy the scenery drifting by. Bring your own or rent one on site.
After your dip, set up a picnic under the shade of massive oak trees near the spring. Birds like to flock here, and this is a hotspot for them seeking shelter from the sun. Sit and watch for feisty blue jays and other colorful songbirds in the branches above.
After your meal, the hiking trails offer a gentle way to burn off some energy while spotting local wildlife. Deer can often be seen grazing in the woods, and don’t be surprised if an alligator sunbathing alongside the trail doesn’t notice your passing by.
Blue Springs is also a hot spot for manatees to group together during the winter months, when water temperatures drop around Florida. You may not be able to swim with them during these months, but seeing them grouped together by the hundreds is a sight worth seeing.
If you want to make a full day of it, the campground has sites right on the river. Pack your fishing poles, too – bass and panfish love the sheltered waters here.
Blue Spring is the perfect summer escape away from the hot pavement and crowds. Spend your day swimming, soaking up nature, and just chilling out with a natural Florida breeze. Recharge at one of our wonderful state parks! Enjoy the best manatee viewing spots. And new friends are always happy to chat about sea cow tales!
The campground offers shaded riverside sites for overnight adventures. Pitch a tent and fall asleep to the sounds of nature. Wake to a new day on Florida’s scenic waterways. The park is perfect for escaping the summer heat for a day of swimming, nature, and relaxation.
Float Down The Ichetucknee River Through A Lush Surrounding
Next, over an hour from Jacksonville, is Ichetucknee Springs State Park. It is home to one of Florida’s pure natural beauties – the stimulating waters of the Ichetucknee River. This emergent spring-fed run is the best summer heat killer through a variety of water activities.
Swimmers, tubers, and snorkelers should delight in the 72-degree currents. You can see small fish and native plants in the blue waters. Paddle here to enjoy a special way to commune with this exquisite environment. Just drift leisurely along and let supreme peace take over you. Dense greenery lines the limestone banks and provides shelter for birds like herons and osprey. The tube run is a ton of fun and takes about an hour and a half total, with a trolley service to take you back up to your starting point when you finish. You can even catch a glimpse of turtles basking on half-submerged logs or alligators hiding near the shore. Spanish moss hangs from tall cypress trees wrapped with strangler figs. If tubing down stream is your jam, this is your spot.
Cool Off At Scenic Silver Glen Springs
With crystal clear springs flowing at 73 degrees year-round, Silver Glen is another refreshing hub for swimming, snorkeling, and boating.
What makes this place truly special is that it’s also an archaeological site, containing fossilized snail shells and ancient items from a village that thrived in the area long ago. You will also find 58 picnic tables and over 30 grills for you to use.
You would love swimming, snorkeling and floating in the gorgeous crisp waters. On weekends and holidays, spots like this one sometimes fill to capacity, so we recommend arriving early in the day.
A Chill Day At Rainbow Springs
Now, have you had enough of the regular parks and pools? Check out Rainbow Springs just northeast of Dunnellon and about 2 hours from Jacksonville for a different kind of water fun. These springs pump out over a billion gallons of 72-degree water daily – perfect for beating the summer heat.
In the main spring boil, you can see straight to the bottom even though it’s over 70 feet deep. Schools of minnows dart around while you float nearby on an inner tube. Paddleboards and canoes are also a blast for exploring the lily pad-dotted waters.
When you need a break from swimming, spread out a picnic under the gigantic oak trees. Spanish moss hangs all around, so it really feels like you’re in another world. Try to catch some wildlife in the shallows, too.
After energizing yourself, hit one of the short nature trails through the hardwood hammock. You never know what cool bugs or birds you will see. There are a ton of big alligators sunning themselves, so keep an eye out!
Between the jungle-like vibes and cleanest springs, Rainbow is a totally unique spot.
The park has a long history dating back over a century. These days, it’s managed by the state as a protected natural area, but you can still see hints of its past. An old limestone building from the first lodge in the 1880s is now the nature center, filled with educational displays.
Be sure to stop by and learn about the incredible volume of water pumped out daily from the aquifer below – it helps feed the nearby Rainbow River, too. At certain times, you can also join a guided boat tour to really take in the size of the main boil.
There are plenty of picnic areas and BBQ grills scattered in the shaded hammock if you work up an appetite from all the activity. And don’t miss seeing “Ginny,” a 13-foot gator who often sunbathes by the main overlook boardwalk.
Between the crystal clear springs, lush scenery, and peeks back in time, Rainbow Springs is well worth the short drive from Ocala. Spend a restful day relishing it all before heading back to the ordinary world.
Plan Your Visit to the Florida Springs
To start planning your adventure, mark your calendar for a trip during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild, or a summer trip is a great way to beat the heat. Come during the week, if possible, as weekends tend to draw huge crowds.
If you want to make an entire vacation out of it, consider staying in New Smyrna Beach (near Blue Springs), Ocala, or Orlando- where you are even closer to these popular destinations!
Wrap Up
Visiting Florida’s magnificent springs allows you to beat the summer heat and refresh your body and mind. In addition to these top picks, there are dozens more springs to experience and enjoy- your options are plentiful!
