Florida is home to over 1,000 beautiful springs to explore, but some especially visit-worthy springs close to St. Augustine are well worth the drive. These 10 top spots will make for a fun summer adventure for you and the crew!
- Ichetucknee Springs – A popular spot for Northeast Florida locals, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is about two hours from downtown St. Augustine and one of the area’s most well-known springs. Float, swim, paddle, or snorkel your way downstream and encounter abundant wildlife like otters, snakes, and the occasional manatee. Hiking trails are also available for those who prefer dry land. Tube rentals are available, but we recommend checking the State Park website for availability and locations.
- Wakulla Springs – A little over three hours west of St. Augustine, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is a great day trip or an addition to your Panhandle experience. This park is full of recreational and sightseeing activities, including riverboat tours, hiking, biking, and equestrian. Home to the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, Wakulla Springs boasts 70-degree waters year-round, offering a refreshing reprieve from the hot Florida sun.
- Ginnie Springs – As one of Florida’s most popular springs destinations, Ginnie Springs Outdoors is a privately-owned recreational park home to seven accessible springs across 600 acres. Campsites, picnic pavilions, and shower and bathroom facilities are available on the property so you can make a weekend out of your visit. SCUBA diving and cave diving are popular, along with snorkeling, inner-tubing, and paddling.
- Silver Glen Recreation Area – Nestled within Ocala National Forest and west of Lake George, Silver Glen Springs is a popular spot for boaters looking to spend a casual day on the water near shallow sandy beach areas. Although there isn’t camping in the area, picnic areas and portable restrooms are available for public use throughout the day. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife like Atlantic stingrays, blue crabs, manatees, and alligators.
- Wekiwa Spring State Park – Close to Orlando, the shallow Wekiwa Spring (or Wekiva – the names are interchangeable) is a great area for swimmers of all skill levels. The swimming area is over a half-acre offering lots of room for exploring and relaxing with friends and family. As a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Wekiwa attracts bird watchers from all over. If you’re lucky, you may spot a bald eagle! Activities abound in this park, including swimming, paddling, hiking, camping, and horseback riding.
- Weeki Wachee State Park – Home to the famous mermaid show, Weeki Wachee Spring offers underwater viewing windows for the best views of these mystical swimmers. Buccaneer Bay, the on-site water park, was added to the spring in 1982 and is a popular feature with waterslides and swimming areas. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available or hop on a riverboat tour to experience an interpretive exhibit.
- Troy Spring State Park – About two hours west of St. Augustine near Live Oak, Florida, Troy Springs is a delight for SCUBA and free divers. As one of the deepest springs in the area, the park features a Civil War-era steamboat at the bottom, ready to be found by those able to reach it! The spring is also ADA-accessible and hosts a myriad of diving classes for beginners.
- Madison Blue Spring State Park – Ending along the western bank of the Withlacoochie River, Madison Blue Spring is a popular swimming spot measuring about 25 feet deep. The crystal clear water makes it a perfect location for all manner of aquatic activities like snorkeling and diving. More experienced divers can also access underwater caves, home to some spectacular wildlife. Bring a float or a paddle board to relax on the calm waters and enjoy a peaceful day with the family.
- Ponce de Leon Springs State Park – Despite its name, Ponce de Leon Springs isn’t quite in St. Johns County, but it’s a short one-hour drive near Deland, making it a perfect day trip from St. Augustine. At a year-round temperature of 68 degrees, this cool spot offers swimming and snorkeling, which can be a nice relief after hiking either of the two on-site trails. This park also includes picnic areas, pavilions, and grills, so pack a lunch and find a spot early to make the most of your day!
- Warm Mineral Springs – For our final destination, Warm Mineral Springs is the furthest away from St. Augustine, approximately four-and-a-half hours southeast, near Punta Gorda. However, it’s worth a mention because, unlike the others listed, the waters at Warm Mineral Springs are – you guessed it – warm! At 85 degrees, this park has a long history of visitors seeking the relaxing waters and its rumored healing properties. Minerals like potassium and magnesium are found here, which are part of the springs’ appeal. It may not be the Fountain of Youth, but it may be a close second!
