9 Must-Visit Florida Springs

Troy Springs State Park is home to one of Florida’s 33 first magnitude springs and a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Fun fact: At the bottom of the springs lies the sunken Confederate sidewheel paddle steamer Madison, deliberately scuttled to prevent it from falling into Union hands during the American Civil War. © Erin Westgate | Dreamstime.com

Located along the Gulf, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is one of the best places in the state to witness manatees. While you cannot swim in the springs due to its protected status, you can view the gentle giants from a floating observatory, as well as walk around the park to spot bobcats, black bears, deer and alligators. © Jeff Stamer | Dreamstime.com

Ginnie Springs has been a beloved spot for decades. The spring pool is 90 feet wide and 12 feet deep, and its clear and cold waters are especially welcome in summer. At the bottom of the pool are accessible caverns for experienced divers. You can also go river tubing, too, down Santa Fe River, situated just north of the springs. © Valerijs Novickis | Dreamstime.com

Fanning Springs offers both a shoreline and dock for visitors to take a dip in the cool waters. Snorkeling, scuba diving and paddling are also available here. There are also two-bedroom cabins on site to fully experience Florida’s wilderness. © Michael Wood | Dreamstime.com

You may not think you’re in Florida when you enter Devil’s Den, but you’re smack in the center of the state at this spring. The den is actually a sinkhole that opened up into a large cavern and filled with water. Privately owned, the site is open as a scuba diving training and recreational facility. When the sinkhole opened, archaeologists uncovered prehistoric animals like camels, dire wolves, saber-toothed cats and mastodons. © Erin Westgate | Dreamstime.com

Just 30 minutes south of Gainesville, Blue Grotto is a beloved freshwater dive site and natural spring. The privately owned dive resort features a large, open-water basin with depths of up to 40 feet. There’s also a large upper cavern and the grotto’s favorite resident, Virgil the Turtle. © Erin Westgate | Dreamstime.com

One of Florida’s most well-known springs is Ichetucknee Springs in North Florida. In summer, you’ll find countless visitors floating down the river on inner tubes. Visitors also often participate in kayaking and canoeing. Because the river is spring-fed, snorkeling and scuba diving allow for perfect underwater views. © Heirbornstud | Dreamstime.com

The largest diving facility in the state is Vortex Spring, a cold freshwater spring spanning a 200-foot basin with sloping sides and a cave. Experienced and novice divers take to these waters to practice and swim, but the park is also open to visitors wishing to swim and rope swing into the water. © Michael Wood | Dreamstime.com

Just south of Tallahassee is Wakulla Springs, a recreational park with trails, boat tours and swimming spots. There’s a popular diving platform for thrill-seekers, too. The springs have been featured in films like Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). Historically, the springs were home to prehistoric animals, but today, you’ll find manatees, otters and more. © Miroslav Liska | Dreamstime.com