Florida has so many springs that our state geological survey ranks these by size based on how much water comes out of them.
First magnitude springs are the largest, gushing 65 million gallons a day or more. We have more of them than any other state.
Florida's Largest Springs
In order of size, here is where to find Florida’s largest springs with easy public access. Many, but not all, have swimming areas.
Resources
These are our books that mention specific springs as destinations. Of these, the Explorer’s Guide to North Florida & the Panhandle contains the most.
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us continue to provide public information on this website.
Spring Hopping
During the summer months, plan a spring-hopping adventure to beat the heat. Show up at parks at opening time, as they can get filled to capacity early on weekends.
Springs of the Suwannee River Valley
It’s August. It’s Florida. Where do you go to cool off? The springs of the Suwannee River Valley. No matter the size, these natural swimming holes are a delight.
Three Days of Lower Suwannee Springs
Not so busy thanks to their locations on the lower Suwannee River, this series of four major springs provide another 3-day weekend getaway option for active outdoor recreation in Florida
Three Days of Nature Coast Springs
Between New Port Richey and Crystal River, explore a variety of springs along the Nature Coast that provide splashing fun in summer and manatee watching in winter.
Spring Hopping Around Tallahassee
Between Madison and Marianna and across Wakulla County, explore a colorful collection of natural springs for swimming and snorkeling, all within an hour of Tallahassee.
Paddling Holmes Creek
With a dozen launch points and more than 15 springs along its 16 mile length, Holmes Creek, a tributary of the Choctawhatchee River, is a must-do paddling trip along a remote waterway.
Three Days of Central Florida Springs
Have a three-day weekend coming up and an urge to spend it with Florida’s springs? Here’s an itinerary for the Orlando area that’ll have you splashing in beautiful locations.
Why Does Florida Have Springs?
Springs come out of the earth in Florida because the limestone bedrock beneath the state is very porous.
Rainfall soaks into the ground and fills natural underground reservoirs called aquifers, building up pressure. Water must emerge at the surface through crevices in the landscape.
Our spring temperatures are constant year-round, but vary by spring and location. Springs in the far northwest corner of Florida are as cool as 68F year-round.
Those in North Florida and Central Florida tend towards 70F and 72F. Warm Mineral Springs is Florida’s hottest spring at 85F.
Warm Mineral Springs
One of the largest natural mineral water springs in the world, Warm Mineral Springs near Venice is Florida’s only hot spring open to the public
Best Springs for Swimming
These are our favorite spring destinations for swimming and snorkeling.
Best Springs for Beauty
These are some of Florida’s most beautiful springs. Not all are open for swimming. Some can only be seen on foot, while others can be paddled to or visited by boat.
