With more than 700 crystal clear springs, endless summer days and a variety of lush landscapes, Florida boasts the perfect combination for a summer trip to its pristine swimming holes. Lucky for us, Florida is spoiled for choice, with refreshing swimming holes located a short driving distance from each other, making it easy to make multiple pit stops. Starting from the Panhandle and ending in Central Florida, explore some of the most immaculate spots to take a dip in the Sunshine State.
Silver Glen Springs, Ocala National Forest
An oasis for the senses, the clear waters of Silver Glen Springs is surrounded by lush forests of oak, cedar, and pine. An ideal place for a Florida summertime swim, enjoy the emerald waters of this hidden gem in the Ocala National Forest.
Ichetucknee Springs, Fort White
If tubing adventures and wading through crystal clear spring-fed waters sounds like a good idea to you, then Blue Hole in Ichetucknee Springs State Park is an absolute must. Boasting miles of leafy shaded hammocks, it is the largest of nine impressive springs in the area.
Wakulla Springs
Boasting one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the entire world, Wakulla Springs is a gem in the Sunshine State. Swimming is king at Wakulla, but you can also explore the nature trails or take a glass-bottom boat tour.
Madison Blue Springs, Lee
Avoid the crowds at Madison Blue Springs, where you can swim to your heart’s content in what feels like your own swimming hole. Shaded by hardwood and pine trees, this crystal clear spring sits in an 85-foot wide limestone basin.
Ginnie Springs, High Springs
Consistently ranked as the clearest spring in Florida, Ginnie Springs is popular for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, and diving. This popular summer destination is the perfect spot to let your worries melt away, where you can soak in the lush Florida landscapes and discover pure bliss.
Fanning Springs
An ideal swimming hole for the entire family, Fanning Springs is a 72-degree, 207-foot deep swimming hole near Gainesville with crystal clear blue waters and a unique shallow sandy area for the little ones.
Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest
Located in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs is a beautiful subtropical swimming area with refreshing blue waters bubbling near massive springs that flow out of natural crevices, all shaded under gorgeous towering palms and oaks.
Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon
One of the oldest swimming holes you’ll find in Florida, Rainbow Springs has been around for over 10,000 years. Take a refreshing dip in the headwaters of this pristine spring and explore the park’s impressive gardens and waterfall.
Blue Spring, Orange City
A manatee refuge covering 2,600 acres, Blue Spring is the largest spring found on the St. John’s River. Swimming isn’t allowed during the manatee season from November to March, but the 73-degree pale blue water is perfect for a summer swim.
Wekiwa Springs, Apopka
Grab your floaties and enjoy this local gem of Central Florida, with some of the most picturesque natural surroundings in Florida. The 7,000-acre park has an array of outdoor activities on offer, but floating in the cool waters is by far one of the most popular.
The Venetian Pool, Coral Gables
Florida’s famed Venetian Pool holds about 820,000 gallons of crystal clear freshwater pumped in from Artesian wells. It is America’s largest freshwater swimming pool and is now the only pool on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, Ponce De Leon
Named after Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513, Ponce de Leon Springs remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. In addition to swimming and snorkeling in the spring waters, you can take a leisurely self-guided walk along the park’s nature trails.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill
Located on Florida’s Adventure Coast, Weeki Wachee Springs is world-famous for its underwater theater and thrilling mermaid shows. This is a beautiful 538-acre oasis that is also a developed state park where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and river cruising. Alternatively, you can plunge down water slides at the on-site Buccaneer Bay water park.
Blue Spring State Park, Orange City
The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring State Park is a popular spot for seeing Florida’s famous manatees. The 72-degree temperatures are ideal for swimming, while kayaking and paddling are also popular along the forested banks. However, swimming is not permitted during the manatee season from November through March.
Pitt & Sylvan Springs - Youngstown
One of the many springs along Econfina Creek, Pitt Spring and Sylvan Spring are popular recreation sites. At Pitt Spring, you’ll find an 11-foot-deep spring vent and a 40-foot diameter pool that flows through a 50-foot run to the creek. Both are great swimming spots, while a trail and boardwalk lead to a tubing dock and a 10-acre recreation area.
