Jessica Meinhofer

Updated July 25, 2024 According to the Blue Spring State Park website, the Blue Spring Run will be closed to all in-water activities effective Monday, April …

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Are you looking for an inland beach surrounded by dense Florida forest? Look no further than Alexander Springs. 

Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest is a great place to visit, no matter the season. The spring is a clear, turquoise swimming area with constant 72°F water and a soft, sandy bottom. There are plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, dive, hike, paddle, and camp. 

In this post, I will share everything you need to know to plan your visit to this Central Florida Spring.

Have you ever run out of water during a hike? Did you panic as your thirst grew and grew? Yeah, me too! 

I found a solution to being on the trails and running out of water. A portable water filter can be a lifesaver, even on a day hike. This post will explain why you need a personal water filter, which ones are on the market, and how the top three stack up.

Do you love to paddle on clear, cool waters? Want to see turtles and unique fish while you float above a spring flowing at 70 million gallons per day? 

Then Blue Spring State Park is for you! It’s an excellent place for a first paddle but has enough nearby areas to challenge you as your ability grows. It’s one of those places you can visit repeatedly and have a different but still stunning experience each time.

I’ll share route options for beginner, intermediate, and expert paddleboarders. I also offer suggestions for apps, gear, and the best times to visit. Please note that the Blue Spring Run is closed to water activity effective April 2024. I have modified the routes to skip the spring run.

Ready to trade theme park hustle and bustle for a quieter nature retreat? Head 45 minutes north, hit the trails, and discover the authentic beauty of Florida!

I’ve curated a list of my 10 favorite places where you and your family can explore trails and walking paths suitable for ages five and up. Whether you’re strolling, walking, or wheeling with strollers or wheelchairs, there’s something for everyone.

Being a local, I’ve grown up here and am now raising my family in this vibrant community. Over the years, my family and I have ventured through these trails, going from strollers and baby carriers to now keeping up with our energetic older kids. 

Join us in rediscovering our beloved hikes and uncovering new ones – it’s a journey through nature for every age and stage!

Hiking in Florida is a unique experience. It’s a wild place, a land of sand, lakes, springs, sinkholes, underwater caves, beaches, and wildlife. There are also surprising areas with waterfalls, caverns, rocky coastlines, rapids, and coral reefs. And you can discover them all!

Immerse yourself in the trails, enjoy a picnic, observe wildlife, and see if the park lives up to all the hype. Blue Spring State Park caters to visitors of all kinds, offering engaging activities for both day trips and extended stays. An added bonus is its accessibility—wheelchair, walker, and stroller-friendly!

Reflecting on my own childhood, I fondly remember visiting Blue Spring State Park with my parents. Its proximity to our home made it a budget-friendly and enjoyable outing. 

As a parent, I continue the tradition of bringing my family to this versatile park. Whether as day visitors, on educational field trips, or enjoying camping experiences—be it in tents or RVs—we have created cherished memories during our numerous visits. 

In this post, I’ll detail all the family-friendly activities you can enjoy at Blue Spring State Park.

Have you ever wondered how those Baywatch-looking paddlers stay on their paddleboards and don’t fall off? 

Yeah, I used to wonder about that, too. Then we started paddleboarding and learned a lot about the sport. 

Now, we can stand, talk about the best boards for beginners, and stay safe on the water. 

We also know the best places to go and how to paddle with kids, pets, and those with mobility needs.