Florida is known for its admirable climate, beautiful outdoor spaces, and of course, its magical and natural springs. Although there is only one true warm spring in Florida, and no hot springs, the state offers a wide variety of warm geothermal pools within its many parks.
Make the most of your time in The Sunshine State with a visit to one of its natural mineral springs. Water temps here range from the high 60s to 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, with the minimum cut-off for warm springs being 68 degrees F. Many of them are located in state parks, so camping is usually on-site; just remember to reserve your campsite early.
From Warm Mineral Springs Park to Edward Ball Wakulla, here are some of the closest natural springs to Orlando, FL, in order of proximity:
Wekiwa Springs State Park – 16 mi | 25 min
Wekiwa Springs is a large emerald spring popular year-round for swimming, located near Apopka, FL. The spring water feeds into the great Wekiwa River and is known for its lush green waters and close proximity to Orlando.
The springs have been attracting visitors for years, and are open from 8am to sun down year-round. You can even rent canoes or kayaks to explore the large open spring with. It’s a terrific place to cool off on a hot summer day and soak in all that Florida has to offer.
1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712 | 407-553-4383 | floridastateparks.org/…
Blue Springs State Park – 33 mi | 45 min
In Orange City, an hour outside of Orlando, visitors can enjoy Blue Springs State Park. The springs are one of the largest winter gathering sites for manatees in the state of Florida. You can scuba dive, swim, and enjoy the beautiful waters in the summer months. The park is closed for water activities in the winter when the manatees arrive.
This refreshing spring is a true gem located right off the St. Johns River. With that in mind, make sure to arrive early, as the park often reaches capacity in the summer season. This spring is definitely worth waking up early for.
2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763 | 386-775-3663 | floridastateparks.org/…
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – 78 mi | 1.5 hr
Weeki Wachee Springs is located in Spring Hill, FL less than two hours west of Disney World. The springs are easily accessible and offer an extremely magical experience.
This state park allows visitors to experience the springs in a number of different ways, including; by river boat, paddling, kayaking, or swimming. For all you mermaid fanatics out there, Weeki Wachee is said to be the best place to spot them. It will be a trip for the books.
6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606 | 352-610-5660 | weekiwachee.com
Ginnie Springs Outdoors – 139 mi | 2 hr
Ginnie Springs Outdoors is located around 45 minutes northwest of Gainesville in northern Florida. The gorgeous location boasts a number of different unique and admirable characteristics. Not only does the spring have a limestone bottom, but the water is extremely clear.
The springs stay a steady seventy two degrees year round, providing the adventurous of heart with a nice and relaxing spot to cool off during the hot summer months. In addition, the bowl shaped spring measures an average of one hundred feet across, giving visitors plenty of room to spread out and enjoy their own peace. It’s a must visit spot for those looking to swim in natural springs in the north of the state , and will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643 | 386-454-7188 | ginniespringsoutdoors.com
Fanning Springs State Park – 135 mi | 2 hr
Fanning Springs State Park is another one right outside of Gainesville, about an hour west of the city. It offers visitors a stunning natural spring to explore and enjoy. Not only does the spring stay a steady 72 degree year around, but it produces a whopping 65 million gallons of water daily. Now that’s a lot of water!
This state park offers a good deal of neat experiences, but the spring is truly the most notable. In addition to its powerful and historic roots, Fanning Springs is a true beauty. The pool boasts stunning clear green-blue water and is located near the Suwannee River. You won’t want to miss it.
18020 N.W. Highway 19, Fanning Springs FL 32693 | 352-463-3420 | floridastateparks.org/…
Warm Mineral Springs Park – 152 mi | 2.5 hr
Warm Mineral Springs is Florida’s one and only true “hot” spring, although it too, is more of a warm springs. It’s located just under three hours south of Orlando, in North Port, Southwest Florida. The spring includes a large swimming area, emerald green waters, and is beautifully lined with palm trees. It’s the perfect escape to relax and enjoy the year-round warm weather.
The spring itself stays at a steady 85 degrees year-round. If you’re a fan of hot mineral water, this is definitely the spring for you. Most of the other springs in Florida stay closer to 70 degrees year round.
12200 San Servando Ave, North Port, FL 34287 | 941-426-1692 | cityofnorthport.com/…
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs Park – 240 mi | 4.5 hr
Located in Florida’s Panhandle 20 minutes south of Tallahassee, this state park is one of the worlds largest freshwater springs. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs is a must see…as long as you’re not afraid of deep water. The natural spring is the deepest in the world, offering swimmers a unique and memorable experience.
In addition to its world renown fame, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park offers attendees year-round lodging and facilities, making it easy to enjoy the sapphire green mineral waters. The spring is a great place to stop for anyone visiting the northwest part of the state.
465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327 | 850-561-7276 | floridastateparks.org/WakullaSprings
The adventure travel options in Florida are endless, and the state’s unique and beautiful warm springs scene is not something you want to miss out on. It’s time to slip on a suit and head to one of the many springs near Orlando for a good, old-fashioned recharge.
