Top 10 Natural Springs Within Driving Distance to Tampa Bay

By community-highlights January 26, 2023
Top 10 Natural Springs Within Driving Distance to Tampa Bay. The water is crystal clear and blue with a yellow fish swimming.

Top 10 Natural Springs Within Driving Distance to Tampa Bay

Top 10 Natural Springs within driving distance to Tampa Bay.  Florida is known for its beautiful natural springs, and for good reason. Not only do these springs offer crystal clear water and stunning scenery, but they also provide a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are just a few reasons why visiting natural springs in Florida can be a fun and memorable experience.

Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boat. The boat is green and there is a little boy with a yellow shirt looking through the glass.

Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boat

Reasons To Visit The Top 10 Natural Springs Within Driving Distance to Tampa Bay

  • Swimming and Snorkeling: With crystal clear water and a constant temperature, natural springs in Florida are the perfect place to swim and snorkel. The water is typically crystal clear, allowing you to see a variety of fish and other aquatic life up close.
  • Tubing and Kayaking: Many natural springs in Florida offer the opportunity to explore the spring by tubing or kayaking. This is a great way to see the spring from a different perspective and get a little exercise in the process.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Florida’s natural springs are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, otters, and birds. Visiting a natural spring is a great opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitat and learn more about them.
  • Scuba Diving: Some natural springs in Florida offer scuba diving opportunities for certified divers. Diving in a natural spring is a unique experience and allows you to see the spring from a different perspective.
  • Picnicking: Many natural springs in Florida have picnic areas, making them a great place to spend a day with family and friends. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a relaxing day in nature.
  • Hiking: Many natural springs in Florida have hiking trails that allow you to explore the surrounding wilderness. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and see the spring from a different perspective.

If you’re looking for a day trip or weekend getaway, these Top 10 Natural Springs within driving distance to Tampa Bay offer a variety of activities for nature lovers.

Here are the Top 10 Natural Springs Within Driving Distance to Tampa Bay

 

Weeki Wachee Mermaids swimming in a circle in aqua blue water.

Weeki Wachee Mermaids

  1. Weeki Wachee Springs: Located about an hour north of Tampa, Weeki Wachee Springs is home to a world-famous underwater mermaid show. The spring is also a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and tubing. With crystal clear water and a constant 72-degree temperature, Weeki Wachee is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
  2. Homosassa Springs: About an hour and a half northwest of Tampa, Homosassa Springs offers visitors the chance to see manatees up close. The spring is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including alligators, otters, and birds. Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park is a great place for a family outing, where you can learn about the local wildlife and see them in their natural habitat.
  3. Rainbow Springs: Located about two hours northwest of Tampa, Rainbow Springs is a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. The spring is also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life. The natural beauty of Rainbow Springs State Park is breathtaking, with lush vegetation and crystal clear water.
  4. Ichetucknee Springs: About two and a half hours northwest of Tampa, Ichetucknee Springs is a popular spot for tubing and canoeing. The spring is also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life. Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a great place to enjoy a refreshing swim and explore the natural beauty of North Florida.
  5. Silver Springs: Located about an hour and a half northwest of Tampa, Silver Springs is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The spring is also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, as well as a wide variety of birds. Silver Springs State Park offers a variety of activities including boat tours and nature walks.
  6. Blue Spring State Park: Located about two hours northeast of Tampa, Blue Spring State Park is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The spring is also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, including the West Indian manatee, which can be seen during the winter months.
  7. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located about an hour and a half northwest of Tampa, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The spring is also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, as well as a variety of hiking trails through the surrounding wilderness.
  8. De Leon Springs State Park: Located about an hour and a half northwest of Tampa, De Leon Springs State Park offers swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The spring is also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, and visitors can also take a guided boat tour of the spring.
  9. Alexander Springs (Cover Picture with the yellow fish): Located about two and a half hours northwest of Tampa, Alexander Springs is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The spring is also home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, and visitors can also take a guided tour of the spring.
  10. Juniper Springs: Located about two and a half hours northwest of Tampa, Juniper Springs is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The spring is also home to a variety of fish
Homosassa Springs Manatee Swimming in a blue/green water.

Homosassa Springs Manatee Swimming

Pack A Picnic and head to one of the Top 10 Natural Springs Within Driving Distance to Tampa Bay

In conclusion, Florida’s natural springs are a must-see for nature lovers. The Top 10 Natural Springs within driving distance to Tampa Bay, including Weeki Wachee Springs, Homosassa Springs, Rainbow Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, Silver Springs, Blue Spring State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, De Leon Springs State Park, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Springs offer a wide range of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, tubing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Each spring has its unique features such as the world-famous mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs, close encounters with manatees at Homosassa Springs, and guided boat tours at Alexander Springs. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, these natural springs offer something for everyone. So pack a picnic, grab your swimsuits, and head out to explore the natural beauty of Florida.

Surreal blue waters in the springs are super blue in Florida.

The blue water is so surreal at the natural springs in Florida.

Author:  Rob Johnson

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Raised in a family of creative entrepreneurs, Aaron Hunt, Realtor St Petersburg FL, guides his clients with the same irrepressible spirit he was surrounded by as a kid. A Florida transplant, Aaron relates well to the out-of-state buyers, retirees, and vacation home-dwellers who make up the bulk of his clientele. He makes no secret of his love for St. Petersburg and its neighboring cities and towns, and it fuels his passion for helping buyers find their dream home.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Aaron grew up on the West Coast. His family owns hotels throughout California, Idaho, and Las Vegas, which has shaped Aaron’s eye for detail and his mind for business. In his subsequent career in the spa industry, he established a high bar for client service designed to cater to every discerning taste. From pampering spa customers to tending to real estate clients, Aaron knows how to take care of people.

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