Jessica Meinhofer

Paddle through clear spring water, healthy eel grass, and forest views deep in the Ocala National Forest. This guide covers everything you need to know about paddling Alexander Springs, including launch tips, route options, and helpful advice before you go.

When cancer interrupted my fast-paced adventures, I discovered something unexpected: peace, joy, and healing in the slowest walks and paddles.

Discover fun ways to enjoy Florida springs beyond swimming. Paddle clear waters, spot wildlife, picnic with a view, and find easy activities for your next visit.

I’ve paddled a lot of Florida springs, but I keep coming back to King’s Landing. It’s beautiful, beginner-friendly, and just plain fun. Here are 7 reasons it keeps calling me back.

Planning a spring day? Don’t forget your gear. If you’re paddling, floating, or just dipping your toes in the water, having the right stuff can really shape your Florida springs adventure. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what’s actually useful to bring and what ends up being extra weight. This list includes my must-haves, helpful finds, and a few things I wish I had known about earlier.

If you’re craving a peaceful, no-fuss outdoor spot with real wild Florida energy, Rock Springs Run State Reserve might be just the place. It’s quiet, rugged, and full of sandy trails, wildlife, and scrubby views. Not the kind of park where you paddle or swim—but the kind where you get dust on your shoes and maybe spot a Florida scrub-jay if you’re lucky.

Here’s everything you need to know before heading out.

Oscar Scherer State Park might not be the first place people talk about when planning a Florida adventure, but after spending three days there, I can say it offers a lot more than you’d expect. It’s tucked between Sarasota and the Gulf, surrounded by neighborhoods, yet filled with quiet trails, peaceful paddling, and a surprising amount of wildlife.

We didn’t stay overnight, but we explored plenty—and I left thinking a glamping trip here would be perfect next time. If you’re thinking about checking it out, this guide has everything you need to know before you go.

Oscar Scherer State Park is a surprisingly quiet place to paddle, especially considering it’s surrounded by neighborhoods. South Creek flows right through the park and eventually connects to the bay, giving you options for short shaded paddles or longer sun-filled routes. South Creek is calm, easy to access, and usually doesn’t draw big paddling crowds, but connects to more challenging areas in and around Dryman Bay and Blackburn Bay for those looking for a bit more excitement.

Blue Spring State Park is a favorite summer spot for swimming, tubing, and paddling—but will it reopen for water activities this year? Here’s what we know so far, and what it could mean for your next visit.

Electric pumps can totally change your paddleboarding setup—but are the mid-range ones actually worth it? I tested the Airbank Puffer Pro head-to-head with my go-to pump to find out. Same board, same PSI, same conditions. Here’s how they performed—and what surprised me.