The highest concentration of Florida natural springs are in the northern and central regions, making it very easy to visit these crystal-clear natural wonders. We compiled our list of the top five springs that you can visit in five days! The sample trip is along a mostly linear route, making a-spring-a-day simple and fun to accomplish!
Day 1 – Wakulla Springs State Park
PHOTO: Flickr/orientalizing
Located less than 7 hours north of Fort Lauderdale, or 15 minutes south of Tallahassee, is Wakulla Springs State Park. This is the perfect northern anchor to start your Florida natural springs road trip. Wakulla Springs holds the title as being the deepest in the world! For movie enthusiasts, the scenery might look familiar. The area was featured in classic movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon and Tarzan. We recommend taking the famous river cruise during your visit.
Day 2 – Ichetucknee Springs State Park
PHOTO: Flickr/Ross Tsai
About two hours east of Wakulla Springs State Park is your next adventure at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. While there are quite a few places around the state where you can take a tube trip, the Ichetucknee River is arguably one of the best. It’s a no-frills, easygoing adventure that can be enjoyed by most age groups. While there, hang out at headsprings and take the half-mile trail to Blue Hole Spring, another outstanding gem located in the park.
Day 3 – Fanning Springs State Park
PHOTO: Flickr/Paul Clark
Head south from Ichetucknee Springs State Park for about 40 minutes and you’ll be treated to Fannings Springs State Park. This is a great park for a swim. If you have a kayak or canoe, be sure to bring them along for this stop. Fanning Springs feeds the legendary Suwannee River, which makes it a great spot to spend some time paddling.
Day 4 – Three Sisters Springs
PHOTO: threesistersspringsvisitor.org
Travel south, close to Florida’s west coastline, for less than 90 minutes to get to your next stop at Crystal River’s Three Sisters Springs. This is one of the most magnificent jewels in the state. In winter you can expect to see more manatees here than you’ve most likely ever seen in one place. Visitors generally access the spring by tour boat, kayak or paddle board. Another option is the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk, which is open on a limited basis.
Day 5 – Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
PHOTO: floridastateparks.org
Resume your journey south for about 30 minutes and you will reach the grand finale of your five-day Florida natural springs adventure — Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. This is the place where the world-famous mermaids have been delighting guests with regular performances year-round since 1947! Also, in the summer months, hang out at the park’s Buccaneer Bay attraction, with water slides and a white sandy beach. Round out your experience here with a kayak trip on the Weeki Wachee River, one of the most scenic paddling trips found anywhere. No need to bring equipment to this park, Paddling Adventures has all your rental needs.
Summary
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, there are over 700 natural springs in the state. 21 of those springs are conveniently located in a Florida State Park. Below is a map showing where our top 5 Florida natural springs are located. Whether you visit one spring or more, we think you’ll be in for a treat.
