Florida springs are more than a swim spot. They are places where you can slow down, feel the cool water swirl around your ankles, and watch wildlife go about their day. You can paddle, picnic, walk trails, or sit quietly by the spring as fish dart.
If you want to add a little more joy to your visit, here are some fun and easy things you can do while you are there.
Table of Contents
- Paddle Crystal-Clear Waters
- Spot Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat
- Picnic with a View
- Walk Nature Trails and Boardwalks
- Try Snorkeling or Swimming
- Take a Boat Tour
- Respect and Protect the Springs While You Visit
- Plan Your Next Florida Springs Adventure
Paddle Crystal-Clear Waters
One of the best parts of exploring Florida springs is paddling them. It’s a great way for folks who do not want to swim to still enjoy the beauty and peace of the water. The clear water lets you see the bottom, fish, turtles, plants, and sometimes even a gator on your adventure.
If you can choose your launch point, paddle against the current first, then let the current carry you back. You will use your energy at the start, when you are excited, and can relax on the way back when you are ready for lunch.
Not sure where to paddle? Here are my top recommendations where you can paddle upstream first, then ride the current back:
Spot Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat
If paddling feels intimidating, you can still enjoy wildlife viewing from the land or a boardwalk.
Florida springs are scenic, and many have overlooks where you can watch the water and the animals that live there.
During manatee season (Nov. 15 to March 31) you can see manatees gather in the warm, 72℉ water. Some of the best places to see them are Blue Spring State Park, Silver Springs State Park, and Three Sisters Springs.
Wildlife you may see year-round includes otters, deer, limpkins, fish, turtles, and alligators. You might even catch a glimpse of a bobcat or Florida black bear.
Picnic with a View
Picnicking while overlooking a spring is a peaceful way to spend the day.
Pack your reusable containers, chairs, blankets, cooler, drinks, and favorite picnic foods, and find a spot on the grass. If you prefer a picnic table, there are plenty of those too.
To get a shaded spot near the water, arrive early and try to avoid weekends and holidays. If you can go during the week or off-season, you will have your choice of spots.
Some picnic areas have grills, so you can spend the day grilling in a beautiful spot.
Some of my favorite springs for a picnic:
Walk Nature Trails and Boardwalks
Many people come to the springs to swim, but some miss the beautiful trails and boardwalks around them. Parks often protect both the spring and the land around it.
Walking the trails is a good way to see how quickly Florida’s ecosystems change, from sandy scrub trails to muddy swamps.
If you prefer, visit springs with boardwalks that run along the spring for water views or that take you through shaded, swampy areas.
You can make any trail as short as you need. Just because a trail is listed as 10 miles does not mean you have to hike the whole thing.
My favorite spring for a walk is Gemini Springs.
Try Snorkeling or Swimming
Swimming and snorkeling in a spring can be refreshing and fun. The water is clear and a beautiful turquoise or emerald color, letting you see straight down to the bottom. You may swim alongside fish or a quick-moving turtle.
Worried about alligators? For the most part, they are not interested in people, especially in busy swimming areas.
Top spots for snorkeling:
- Seven Sisters Springs
- Three Sisters Springs (you can snorkel with manatees here)
Top spots for swimming, especially with kids since these have shallow areas:
Take a Boat Tour
A boat tour is a relaxing way to see a spring while learning about its history and wildlife. Not every spring offers boat tours, but one of the most unique is the glass-bottom boat tour at Silver Springs State Park.
Boat tours are accessible and led by captains who know where to spot wildlife and will share stories about the springs. They are a good option for visitors with mobility needs and for families with kids who tire easily.
As much as I love paddling, I enjoy a boat tour, and my kids will always choose the boat. Lol!
Respect and Protect the Springs While You Visit
These natural places need our care. Rangers and volunteers help, but it is not like a theme park with crews to pick up every piece of trash. It is up to us to take care of these spaces.
Pack out what you pack in, stay on designated paths, and give wildlife space. For more on visiting springs responsibly, check out my post: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Florida Springs.
Plan Your Next Florida Springs Adventure
Florida springs invite you to slow down and connect with nature, from paddling and spotting wildlife to picnicking and taking quiet walks.
Pick one of these activities for your next visit and let the springs add peace and joy to your day. If you have been to a spring recently, share what you did there in the comments below. I would love to hear about your adventure.