24 Best Natural Hot Springs in Florida
When planning your trip to Florida in the summer, it is recommended that you visit a hot spring to help you escape the heat and humidity. All throughout Florida, there are natural hot springs of various sizes with some of them being quite the hotspot for tourists and locals.
Florida has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and the sunshine state doesn’t fall short of natural hot springs as there are over 800 to choose from!
Here are the best natural hot springs in Florida!
Natural Hot Springs in Florida Worth Visiting
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1. Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida is a part of the wildlife refuge. The name of the spring comes from the three lobes that contain 19 freshwater springs. The three spring areas are subject to a fee upon arrival except for children 5 and under.
In order to swim at Three Sisters Springs, you must have a paddle craft or a motorized vessel. However, motorized vessels aren’t allowed inside the springs. Kayaks can be found at Hunter Springs Park and King’s Bay Park. To protect the natural springs from erosion, the entrance is through the waterways.
Did you know that there are 200 manatees that spend the winter months in Three Sisters Springs?
Address: 917 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL
Book a wonderful experience with Manatees below!
2. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
This gorgeous spring in Florida is home to clear water and an abundance of wildlife including alligators, turtles, and even turkeys. Ichetucknee Springs offers a perfect place for the whole family to relax with an affordable entry fee and an accessible walkway to the cave.
When you’re done swimming in the clear, blue water, it is time to picnic or barbecue! To experience the Ichetucknee Springs fully, it is recommended to have a kayak or a tube.
The natural hot spring is known for weather tubing as well as the eight crystal clear springs to form the Ichetucknee River. If you decide to explore nature, there are three trails that will allow you to soak in the lush greenery of the park’s forest.
Address: 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL
3. Ponce De Leon Springs State Park
Named after Juan Ponce de Leon who led the first Spanish expedition, this beautiful spring holds a constant temperature of 68 degrees all year long. There is also the option to take self-guided tours on nature trails to learn more about wildlife and ecology.
Besides picnicking, fishing for catfish and other local fish is a popular activity.
When visiting Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, it is advised to go early in the morning as it tends to become busy around lunchtime during the summer. For a fee of just $4, your family can enjoy the hot springs for the whole day.
Address: 2860 Ponce De Leon Springs Rd, Ponce De Leon, FL
4. Madison Blue Spring State Park
The Madison Blue Spring State Park is well known for cave diving and swimming. The aqua blue water keeps visitors coming back every year. Located in one of Florida’s newest state parks, the first magnitude spring is a serene place to explore through scuba diving.
If you’re looking to explore the hot springs with a furry friend, make sure they are always on a leash.
With the water measuring 25 feet deep to 82 feet wide, the spring goes into a limestone basin along the Withlacoochee River.
Address: 8300 FL-6, Lee, FL
5. Rainbow Springs State Park
This natural hot spring is one of the first magnitude formations in Marion County. One of the best parts about Rainbow Springs is the three large waterfalls.
Many locals love to visit this spring every year, but Rainbow Springs actually dates back centuries ago when native people used the spring as a relaxing getaway.
With the state park now a tourist attraction, gardens, and waterfalls have been added to the magic.
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL
6. Rock Springs Kelly Park
Other than the gorgeous water of Rock Springs, the park has plenty of room for your hiking and camping adventures. Orlando locals love to spend their weekends here as it is only forty minutes away from Orlando. The admission fee depends on the number of people in your vehicle but can range from $3 to $5.
The Kelly Park tube run is a fairly short one compared to others in Florida, measuring out to be 3/4 of a mile in length. As you spend a day at Rock Springs, keep on the lookout for bears as bear sightings are common.
Address: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL
7. Fanning Springs State Park
The Fanning Springs State Park is a perfect attraction, especially if you love going on family outings. This natural hot spring is located on the Suwannee River and is open all year round for snorkeling, swimming, and camping.
Fanning Springs offers beautiful cabins if you plan on staying the night. Although, primitive camping is only available for those arriving without vehicles.
Address: 18020 Northwest, U.S. Hwy 19, Fanning Springs, FL
8. Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs is known for its scenic boardwalk that traverses through the forest, overlooking the beautiful spring. To spot any manatees, make sure to visit in the cooler months.
Once you’ve taken a dip in the hot springs, ride a bike on the nature trails.
Address: 11650 NW 115th St, Chiefland, FL
9. Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs offers an adventure like no other with a glass bottom and opportunities to try out a kayak in the springs.
The highlight of visiting this natural hot spring in Florida is not only the crystal clear water but also the immense amount of wildlife.
Animals spotted at the park: monkeys, alligators, manatees, and turtles.
Address: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL
10. Troy Springs State Park
Located in Lafayette County, Florida, Troy Springs is a fairly deep spring reaching a depth of 70 feet. This deep spring allows visitors to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive for a chance to see a sunken ship.
If you want a place that feels like a true getaway, Troy Springs should be added to your list!
Address: 674 NE Troy Springs Rd, Branford, FL
11. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
A collection of hot springs in Gilchrist County, the riverside state park has everything you could want with options for swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and camping.
The best part about the campsites is the unlimited shade; however, be prepared to share a bathhouse with daytime visitors. Since Gilchrist Blue Springs has campgrounds, BBQ grills, and a beach, it is one of the best springs for bringing your entire family.
Address: 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL
12. Morrison Springs
Morrison Springs is a large state park measuring 161 acres. In Walton County, this park is home to natural springs ranging up to 250 feet in depth. Due to the water depth of Morrison Springs, it is ideal for diving and swimming.
Most springs allow parking for a small fee, but Morrison Springs offers free parking with plenty of space. One of the other things that makes this spring different from the others is the water temperature.
The cool water can definitely be refreshing on a hot day in summer.
Address: 874 Morrison Springs Rd, Ponce De Leon, FL
13. Pitt and Sylvan Springs
The gorgeous turquoise water surrounded by luscious trees makes for a perfect place to relax and have fun. Pitt and Sylvan Springs have some of the best boardwalks that allow you to get up close to nature.
While walking in the park, there are a few signs to learn about the history of the natural hot spring.
Pitt and Sylvan Springs have an easy entrance way into the spring, so make sure to bring a tube or a kayak to experience the spring to its fullest.
Address: 6315 FL-20, Youngstown, FL
14. Lithia Springs Park
Lithia Springs is perfect for beginners that are just starting to snorkel. The natural spring is surrounded by trees but is less secluded and is where you will find a lot of fish.
Once you have entered the area of the hot spring, you are not allowed to have food, drinks, or pets. However, this spring is also perfect for kids due to how shallow the water is.
Address: 3932 Lithia Springs Rd, Lithia, FL
15. Weeki Wachee Springs
Located in Hernando County, Weeki Wachee Springs is a natural wonder and tourist attraction with stunning blue water and mermaid shows. You will also have the chance to come across a peacock if you’re lucky.
One of the best ways to get into the sparkling water is by sliding down the water slides. Besides this spring being home to ‘live mermaids,’ it is also open to camping.
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL
16. Alexander Springs Recreation Area
The most popular activity to do at Alexander Springs is canoeing due to the water tucked within the trees. Even though this spring is open to an array of water activities, the entrance fee starts at $11.
The picnic area of the park is an ideal way to connect with family after spending the day in the water.
Address: 49525 County Rd 445, Altoona, FL
17. Wes Skiles Peacock Springs
Similar looking to a cenote in Mexico, Wes Skiles Peacock Springs has a boardwalk entrance into the springs. The secluded hot spring is a favorite amongst locals and tourists.
The hot spring is open all year long and can be quite picturesque during the fall when the leaves change.
Address: 18532 180th St, Live Oak, FL
18. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
Two miles north of Juniper Creek, Silver Glen Springs is a first-magnitude spring that lies on the edge of the national forest.
Under palm trees and a luscious forest of trees, this natural hot spring is perfect for family activities such as snorkeling and swimming. There is plenty of space on land to set up your own lounging with the very limited sun beaming down on you.
Address: 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL
19. Lafayette Blue Springs
Lafayette Blue Springs looks like a place out of a fairytale. The tones of green and blue water make the hot spring look majestic, living up to its name. The springs offer activities like boating, fishing, and camping.
There are places to explore nature and have a BBQ. But please be wary of alligator sightings.
Address: 799 Blue Springs Rd, Mayo, FL
20. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Springs
The Devil’s Den Prehistoric Springs is not open to just anyone as it is privately owned by a scuba facility. The underground cave is a natural wonder that is only accessible by stairs that lead underwater.
This natural spring is the perfect place for experienced swimmers and divers. Make sure you keep in mind that they do cap off the number of people snorkeling at 35.
Address: 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL
21. Blue Spring State Park
Although Blue Spring is popular for kayaking and swimming, you can enjoy activities like scuba diving and wildlife watching.
The entrance fee is $2 giving people the opportunity to enjoy the crystal clear water as well as learn about the different types of fish living inside the springs.
Address: 2100 W. French Ave, Orange City, FL
22. Salt Springs Recreation Area
Spend a relaxing day swimming and spotting manatees at Salt Springs! The mineral spring is a hidden gem and is part of the Ocala National Forest.
There is plenty of room to set up your own camping site, so you can thoroughly enjoy the spring and the wildlife.
Address: 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL
23. Wekiwa Springs
If you’ve ever wanted to canoe or kayak, Wekiwa Springs may be the perfect place as they offer guided and self-guided tours for canoeing and kayaking.
The stairway leading to the hot spring forces you to connect with nature as the gorgeous forest makes you feel like you’re in a deserted paradise. Many of the animals you will find in the spring are raccoons, turtles, and turkeys.
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL
24. Warm Mineral Springs
A natural spring with an average temperature of 85 degrees, Warm Mineral Springs is one of the best hot springs in Florida for its relaxing atmosphere.
This spring in particular is rumored to have one of the highest mineral content in the United States and provides healing properties that draw in people from all over the country.
The spring is a beautiful getaway with exotic plants and fish. Make sure you bring your family and your swimsuits to this relaxing attraction!
Address: 12200 San Servando Ave, North Port, FL
Final Thoughts
One of the best tips for exploring the natural hot springs in Florida is to always bring insect repellent. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting these gems during the off-season.
The hours and days of these hot springs can vary, so check before embarking on your trip.
Hope you enjoyed these natural hot springs in Florida, for more fun locations worth exploring, check out these: