Summary
Orlando, Florida, is a major travel destination for people from all over the world. Many travelers visit to catch a glimpse of the iconic mouse at Disney, nevertheless, some families may prefer to escape the theme parks and enjoy the natural wonders nearby. Within a 90-minute radius of downtown Orlando, there are ten stunning natural spring state parks.
Cool, Refreshing Springs
The water temperature in Central Florida’s springs remains pleasant in the low 70s year-round, making them an excellent escape during the hot summer months. In winter, these springs even attract manatees when the local rivers are too cold for their comfort. Beyond swimming, popular activities include canoeing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, picnicking, and wildlife observation.
Florida state parks operate daily from 8 a.m. until sundown throughout the year. Generally, park entry fees are quite affordable, usually only a few dollars; however, checking the specific cost before visiting is always advisable.
Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs is located about 20 minutes north of Orlando and is a favorite weekend destination for locals. This spring discharges an impressive 42 million gallons daily, filling a swimming area before flowing into Rock Springs Run and merging into the Wekiva River. Each year, approximately 150,000 people visit this park.
In addition to swimming in the refreshing, 72-degree waters, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, canoeing, camping, picnicking, playgrounds, biking, and hiking throughout the park.
Rock Springs
While Rock Springs does not offer a designated swimming area, it serves as a fantastic destination for tubing and camping enthusiasts. Known as one of the top tubing spots in Florida, it features a nature trail and numerous camping sites.
The spring pours from a partially submerged cave, maintaining an average temperature of 68 degrees throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy tubing along a scenic 8-mile run, although tubing is limited to about three-quarters of a mile.
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park, located in Orange City approximately 35 miles from Orlando, is a renowned spot for scuba diving. The spring dives straight down 60 feet before leading into a tunnel that opens into a vast cave. In winter, it also becomes a popular site for observing manatees.
Over 358,000 visitors are drawn to Blue Spring each year, enticed by the spring’s year-round temperature of 73 degrees.
DeLeon Springs State Park
DeLeon Springs, situated about 45 miles north of Orlando, is famed for its unique sand-shell bottom and azure water, plus the nearby Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant. This lovely park boasts shaded picnic spots and attracts over 260,000 visitors annually.
Providing ample activities, DeLeon Springs State Park features snorkeling, paddleboat rentals, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking, picnic areas, swimming, canoeing, and playgrounds.
Alexander Springs
Renowned for having some of the purest water in Florida, Alexander Springs is an ideal destination for swimming and canoeing. The park is situated just north of Umatilla, approximately 50 miles from Orlando.
The swimming area spans an impressive 300 feet by 258 feet, complemented by a boardwalk for wildlife observation, hiking trails, picnic spots, and a camp store. The canoe run extends 7.5 miles and typically takes over four hours to navigate.
Juniper Springs
Located around 80 miles from Orlando, Juniper Springs features a scenic swimming area with cement and rock formations and a challenging canoe run. Each year, it attracts over 80,000 annual visitors.
The park includes 77 campsites, wildlife watching opportunities, swimming, and a 7-mile canoe trail filled with twists and turns. The surrounding Ocala National Forest adds to the allure for both locals and tourists.
Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs is better known for boating rather than swimming; during holiday weekends, it can accommodate up to 800 boats along its spring run. Located approximately 70 miles from Orlando, the designated swimming area measures 200 feet by 175 feet, and the park features tubing, canoeing, boating, and hiking.
Silver Springs
Hailing as one of the most famous springs in Florida, Silver Springs has been the backdrop for at least 24 films, including several original James Bond series. Its renowned glass-bottom boats allow visitors to observe fish, turtles, and underwater fossils.
Situated around 90 miles north of Orlando, Silver Springs is noted as the largest opening in the Florida aquifer system. Visitors can enjoy river cruises, live entertainment, and animal exhibits among the park’s attractions.
Salt Springs
Located about 75 miles from Orlando on the northwest side of Lake George, Salt Springs emerges from various magnesium, potassium, and sodium salt springs. This park features multiple spring vents in a shallow pool, forming the Salt Springs Run. With over 70,000 annual visitors, it has a hiking trail, 164 campsites, a camp store, and a marina that rents canoes, pontoon boats, and johnboats.
Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Springs, situated about 90 miles from Orlando, is the fourth-largest spring in the state. This natural wonder features crystalline waters, stunning floral gardens, and unique “sub” boats, making it a popular privately owned attraction from the 1930s to the 1970s. Although the state acquired the park, it is once again open to daily visitors.
Rainbow Springs consists of five primary springs and numerous smaller springs. The park offers scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing, 92 campsites, and a large swimming area that attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year.
