If you’ve got time to spare and are looking for sparkling waters to take a dip in, go snorkeling, kayaking or even manatee-spotting, then plan a trip to one of Florida’s absolutely stunning freshwater springs! Sure, these may require a slightly long car drive, but the heavenly, restorative power of nature makes up for it. Not to mention they’re a great option for when you need to escape Miami’s suffocating heat and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are some of the best natural springs to check out around Miami.
1. Ginnie Springs
No list of Florida springs is complete without the crystal clear waters of Ginnie Springs! Hidden away in High Springs, FL, this stunning natural park of blue lagoons and wondrous underwater caves is waiting to be explored. Home to the Devil’s Cave system for certified scuba divers, this natural spring is also an ideal destination if you’re just looking to just spend the day floating away and paddling.
📍 Find it at 7300 NE Ginnie Spgs Rd, High Springs, FL 32643
🚘 Drive time from Miami: 5 hours
2. Devil’s Den Spring
Unlike other springs, Devil’s Den in Williston isn’t exactly one you’re able to dive straight into. For starters, you’ll have to take a set of stairs down a mysterious cave just to get a glimpse of it! Even more remarkably, there’s ancient rock formations and fossil beds dating back 33 million years beneath the clear water’s surface. General swimming isn’t allowed here, so if you prefer to go snorkeling or scuba diving, this is the place!
📍 Find it at 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696
🚘 Drive time from Miami: 4 hours, 50 minutes
3. Rainbow Springs State Park
Featuring stunning ornamental gardens, man-made waterfalls and sapphire blue waters, Dunnellon’s Rainbow Springs is an absolute must-see, especially if you enjoy tubing and kayaking. Plus, it’s one of the largest springs in the state churning out 500 million gallons of pure and pristine water per day!
📍 Find it at 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432
🚘 Drive time from Miami: 5 hours
4. Ocala National Forest
Located in the heart of the Sunshine State, Ocala National Forest is home to far too many bodies of water to count: 600 lakes and rivers, to be exact. We won’t be listing every single one here, of course, but some of its most famous springs include Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Glen Springs, all of which are perfect for snorkeling among the local wildlife and through mysterious, natural grottos!
🚘 Drive time from Miami: 4 hours, 20 minutes
5. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Not too far from Orlando, this is arguably one of the better attractions to make the four-hour trip for. Wekiwa’s azure waters and surrounding hammocks make this spring an absolute oasis! If you’re looking to encounter some of the local wildlife, from herons to otters — even the occasional gator — we suggest hopping on a canoe and wandering down the nearby river.
📍 Find it at 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712
🚘 Drive time from Miami: 4 hours
6. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Home to multiple springs, including a large, second magnitude spring that pumps over 44 million gallons of water daily, Blue Springs is known for its turquoise waters. It’s all in the name, after all. Go for a swim, snorkel and paddle while admiring the scenic vistas.
📍 Find it at 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643
🚘 Drive time from Miami: 5 hours
7. Three Sisters Springs
Did someone say manatees? Three Sisters Springs, north of Tampa, is one of the best places to see these gentle giants because it’s the only one in the U.S. where you can legally swim with them! Thousands of manatees migrate to the spring, which stays at 72 degrees year-round, to keep warm during the winter. You can observe the sea cows on a guided tour or by renting a clear kayak; just be mindful not to disturb or touch them, and float as still as possible when a manatee approaches you on its own.
📍 Find it at 917 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
🚘 Drive time from Miami: 5 hours