Crystal-clear and a refreshing temperature year-round, Florida’s springs are the swimming holes of your dreams.

Home to over 1,000 freshwater springs, Florida boasts an impressive collection of natural swimming pools.

This creates many adventurous freshwater alternatives to the Sunshine State’s beloved beaches.

Ginnie springs in Florida, a Fresh Water Springs Swimming Hole

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Some are better for diving or kayaking, while others are simply more photogenic.

We’ve selected 16 of the best springs in Florida worth adding to any beach or theme park itinerary.

Because Ginnie Springs is a privately owned park, there’s an admission fee to access it.

Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida

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Mammoth fossils and Indigenous relics found nearby are evidence of their long history.

The water flows from a large pool and then travels for 100 feet until it reaches the river.

With underwater caves and sapphire waters, it’s a paradise for swimmers and scuba divers.

Cypress Trees at Madison Blue Spring on the Withlacoochee River

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There’s a small entrance fee to enter the spring.

Activities include paddling and fishing, but it’s best known for cave diving.

Located 25 miles south of Gainesville, it’s one ofFlorida’s hidden gems.

‘Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, Homosassa Springs, Florida, USA’

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you’re able to rent or bring your own gear, but advance reservations are required.

Located in an otherwise commercialized region of Florida, Wekiwa Springs feels like a breath of fresh air.

Nearby, youll find a concession stand, picnic pavilions, and a playground.

Looking down into Devil’s Den in Florida, a swamp water hole with blue water

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Theres also tent and RV camping and a launch for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in Kelly Park.

Today, an antique replica of the original mill has apancake houseopen daily for breakfast and lunch.

Swimming is only allowed in the designated area.

People kayaking in Wekiwa Springs

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Go during manatee season (November through March) for an up-close encounter.

There is an extensive underwater cave internet beneath the springs that experienced divers can explore.

At the visitors center, you might rent a tube at the General Store or a kayak throughPaddling Adventures.

A woman in a natural springs

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The site has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years, when Indigenous people settled nearby.

The visitors center also offers an amphibious mobility vehicle to assist visitors with disabilities.

Only open-water scuba diving is permitted divers must be certified, and no solo diving is allowed.

Aerial view of De Leon Springs in Florida

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Visitors enjoy swimming in the chilly but pristine waters on blazing-hot summer days and exploring the springs via kayak.

Snorkeling and swimming are only allowed in the designated areas of the main spring.

A manatee looks up the warm 3 sisters springs at Crystal River

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Local scuba diver peeks into the cavern at Little River Springs,

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Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Florida

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Trees in Wakulla springs

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Pair of manatees swimming in the public springs in the natural park of WeekiWachee, Florida.

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a staircase leading into the clear waters of Troy Springs State Park

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Kayaker Photographing at Dawn on the Silver River in Ocala National Forest

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Underwater at Gilchrist Blue Springs

Courtesy of Florida Department of Environmental Protection