With more than 700 crystal clear springs, endless summer days, and a variety of lush landscapes, Florida has the perfect combination for a road trip around its pristine swimming holes. Lucky for us, Florida is spoiled for choice with breathtaking and refreshing swimming holes situated within driving distance from each other, making it easy to make multiple pit stops. Starting from the Panhandle and ending in Central Florida, explore some of the most immaculate spots to take a dip in the Sunshine State.
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Credit: fs.usda.gov
Silver Glen Springs, Ocala National Forest (Nearby Hotels)
An oasis for the senses, the clear waters of Silver Glen Springs is surrounded by lush forests of oak, cedar, and pine. An ideal place for a Florida summertime swim, enjoy the emerald waters of this hidden gem in the Ocala National Forest.
Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife
Ichetucknee Springs (Nearby Hotels)
If paddling wading through crystal clear spring-fed waters under miles of leafy shaded hammocks sounds like a good idea, then Blue Hole in Ichetucknee Springs State Park is an absolute must, as it is the largest of 9 impressive springs in the area.
Credit: Paul Clark
Wakulla Springs (Nearby Hotels)
Boasting one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the entire world, Wakulla Springs is a gem in the Sunshine State. Swimming is king at Wakulla, but you can also explore the nature trails or take a glass bottom boat tour.
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Madison Blue Springs (Nearby Hotels)
Avoid the crowds at Madison Blue Springs, where you can swim to your hearts content in what feels like your own swimming hole. Shaded by hardwood and pine trees, this crystal clear spring sits in an 85-foot wide limestone basin.
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Ginnie Springs (Nearby Hotels)
Consistently ranked as the clearest spring in Florida, Ginnie Springs is popular for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, and diving. A perfect spot to have your worries drift away, soak in the lush Florida landscape where you are sure to find pure bliss.
Credit: systemslibrarian
Fanning Springs (Nearby Hotels)
An ideal swimming hole for the entire family, Fanning Springs is a 72-degree, 207-foot deep swimming hole near Gainesville with crystal clear blue waters and a unique shallow sandy area for the little ones.
Credit: US Forest Service
Juniper Springs (Nearby Hotels)
Located in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs is a beautiful subtropical swimming area with refreshing blue waters bubbling near massive springs that flow out of natural crevices, all shaded under gorgeous towering palms and oaks.
Credit: floridastateparks.org
Rainbow Springs (Nearby Hotels)
One of the oldest swimming holes you’ll find in Florida, Rainbow Springs has been around for over 10,000 years. Take a refreshing dip in the headwaters of this pristine spring and explore the park’s impressive gardens and waterfall.
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Blue Spring (Nearby Hotels)
A manatee refuge covering 2,600 acres, Blue Spring is the largest spring found on the St. John’s River. Swimming isn’t allowed during manatee season from November to March, but the 73-degree pale blue water is perfect for a summer swim.
Credit: Rain0975
Wekiwa Springs (Nearby Hotels)
Grab your floaties and enjoy this local gem of Central Florida, with some of the most picturesque natural surroundings in Florida. The 7,000-acre park has a plethora of activities, but floating in the cool waters is by far one of the most popular.
Credit: wikimedia.org
The Venetian Pool (Nearby Hotels)
The Venetian Pool holds about 820,000 gallons of crystal clear freshwater, pumped in from Artesian wells. It is America’s largest freshwater swimming pool and is now the only pool on the National Register of Historic Places.
Credit: Suwaneeparks.com
Royal Springs (Nearby Hotels)
Located down in Suwanee, this 5 acre County park is a gorgeous spot for swimmers and divers. There are plenty of decks perfect for cannon balls, and even a boat ramp.
