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Yes it is Spring, but this post isn't about the season. It's about the places! I love being by the water, and thankfully, Spring in Florida still means sunny skies and warm temperatures. So I've compiled a list of my favorite springs in Florida with as much information and/or personal experience I have with them, just in case y'all decide to check them out!
This one is one of my all time favorites, probably because I've been there so much.
For park admission, its only $13.09 (plus tax) and if you are super outdoors-y, (like me!) it's only $21.34 a night, and that includes the admission fee! There's restrooms and showers on the grounds as well as multiple beach volleyball courts and it sits right up against the Santa Fe River! Our favorite activity is taking tubes and tying them together with each others, (available for rent) sticking a cooler in one of them (alcohol is permitted), and floating down the river making pit stops at all the rope swings along the way! You can also snorkel or dive in the year-round 72 degree turquoise springs as well!
↑ Island↑
So these are two different places, so I've linked both sites, but you can follow the river back and forth! I've actually only been to the Island and it's amazing(and free)! There is a platform built along the river that flows from the Springs, so you can canoe, paddle board or kayak from one to the other (available for rent)!
↓ Springs↓
Parking is usual tight so it is good to get there early and get the early bird sun! You can rent cabanas right of the water and wooden lounge chairs line the river as well! The volleyball court is always poppin', and if you get thirsty there's a a tikki island bar just steps from the water. You can relax and enjoy frequent live music and events also!
Again I haven't ventured to specifically these springs yet, but it is in my future plans! I guess it's fair to say we haven't ventured there yet because Bob's is one of a kind and takes a full day of energy from you! It's owned by a guy named Bob, if you couldn't guess, and he has managed to build a one of a kind "water park," if you will, right up on the Suwannee River! This gem has a floating dock, a high dive platform, 55ft water slides, 9 rope swings from varying heights, a log roll, mini zip-line, a dry court and wet court for volley ball, picnic tables, and karaoke. It's all "at your own risk" and only $25 a car load! I linked it up to the Facebook page, because somehow, it's yet to get a website.
Fanning Springs is about 25 minutes south and is a huge spring where you can swim, canoe, kayak, hike, picnic, or even stay a night in one of their cabins for rent! It our plan to soon have a Bob's day, make a 25 minute drive to Fanning, lodge there and recover from our day for the evening, then wake up to the beautiful spring water a short walk from our front door! Maybe you'll do the same!
Hope this gave you some ideas! Bob's and Ginnie are a bit of a drive from Orlando (about 2 and a half hours) but SO extremely worth the day trip! If you're looking for a quick trip, Wekiva is under 45 minutes. And remember, this is just a few or my favorites; there's so many more hidden spots out there, so get out and exlore! And if you find one, please please please share! 👍💙
I love all your spring suggestions. I stopped going to Ginnie Springs due to all the excessive river partying, but I saw Bob's last April on my kayak trip down the Suwannee and want to check it out. I love the $25 dollars a carload option! Thanks for sharing!
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