12 Best Natural Springs Near Tampa To Visit

Looking for a fun day trip near Tampa? Why not visit one of the area’s many natural springs?

There are plenty to choose from, and each has its own unique charm.

In this blog post, we’ll cover the 12 best natural springs near Tampa.

So pack your swimsuit and sunscreen and get ready to have some fun!

#1. Alexander Springs

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One of the best natural springs near Tampa to visit is Alexander Springs. The spring is located in the Ocala National Forest, and it forms the headwaters of the Alexander River. The spring has crystal clear water that flows at a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the spring. There is also a nature trail that leads through the forest to the spring. Alexander Springs is a beautiful natural spring that is well worth a visit.

The spring has clear water and a constant temperature, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. The nature trail is a great way to explore the forest and see the spring up close. Whether you are looking to cool off on a hot day or just explore Florida’s natural beauty, Alexander Springs is a great destination.

#2. Devil’s Den

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If you’re looking to escape the Florida heat and enjoy some time in natural beauty, the Devil’s Den is the perfect spot for you. This spring is located in Williston, about an hour drive from Tampa. It is a natural underground spring that stays a cool 70 degrees year-round.

The Devil’s Den is open for scuba diving, so you can explore the caves and see the array of plant and animal life that make this place their home. You can also take a dip in the refreshing water or relax on the shores.

There are picnic tables available, so you can make a day of it. No matter how you choose to spend your time at the Devil’s Den, you’re sure to create some memories that will last a lifetime.

#3. Gilchrist Blue Springs

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Nestled in the small town of High Springs, Gilchrist Blue Spring is one of the best-kept secrets in North Florida. The crisp, clear waters of the spring flow out into the Santa Fe River, making it a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and tubing.

Visitors can also take a short hike to Blue Hole, a smaller spring that feeds into Gilchrist Blue Spring. Despite its close proximity to Tampa, Gilchrist Blue Spring feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Whether you’re looking for a place to cool off on a hot summer day or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Gilchrist Blue Spring is definitely worth a visit.

#4. Ginnie Springs

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Ginnie Springs is one of the best natural springs near Tampa to visit. It’s a crystal clear spring that produces over 64 million gallons of flow per day. The spring is located on the Santa Fe River and is surrounded by a beautiful park with hiking trails and picnic areas.

The water is warm year-round, making it a great place to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. Ginnie Springs is also home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, turtles, and fish. Visitors can see alligators sunning themselves on the banks of the spring or lurking in the waters.

Birds, deer, and other animals can also be spotted in the park. Ginnie Springs is a great place to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

#5. Ichetucknee Springs

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Just a short drive north of Tampa lies one of Florida’s best-kept secrets: the Gilchrist Ichetucknee Springs. This natural spring is fed by the Ichetucknee River and is beloved by swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers for its crystal-clear water.

Visitors can explore the spring from a variety of vantage points, including an underwater observation deck, a floating dock, and a series of walkways. The Ichetucknee Springs is also home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, turtles, and manatees.

As a result, it’s not uncommon to see visitors enjoying the springs alongside some of Florida’s most iconic animals. Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day or get up close and personal with Florida’s wildlife, the Gilchrist Ichetucknee Springs is definitely worth a visit.

#6. Juniper Springs

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Florida is home to over 700 natural springs, and many of them are located near the Tampa area. One of the best springs to visit is Juniper Springs. This spring is located in the Ocala National Forest, and it’s known for its clear turquoise waters.

The spring is also a popular spot for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Another great spring nearby is Rainbow Springs State Park. This spring is one of the largest in the state, and it’s surrounded by lush gardens and hiking trails.

Visitors can also take a dip in the spring or go for a swim in the adjacent Rainbow River. If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, consider visiting Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

This park is home to one of the deepest freshwater springs in the world, and it’s also home to a mermaid show! Whatever spring you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a great time.

#7. Kelly Park/Rock Springs

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Kelly Park and Rock Springs offer some of the best natural springs near Tampa for visitors to enjoy. The park features a series of swimming holes, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. The water is crystal clear and incredibly refreshing.

In addition, the park offers plenty of hiking trails, picnic tables, and playgrounds for families to enjoy. Rock Springs is another great option for those looking for a natural spring experience. The spring features crystal-clear water that stays cool even on the hottest days.

Visitors can also take a dip in the swimming hole or explore the surrounding nature trails. Whether you’re looking to cool off or just enjoy some time in nature, Kelly Park and Rock Springs are definitely worth a visit.

#8. Rainbow Springs

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Rainbow Springs is one of the best natural springs near Tampa to visit. The spring is located in the Withlacoochee State Forest and is accessible by a short hike. Rainbow Springs is known for its crystal clear water and picturesque views.

Visitors can relax in the spring-fed pool, go for a swim, or take a canoe or kayak out onto the river. Rainbow Springs is also a popular spot for camping and picnicking.

There are several campsites located near the spring, and visitors can enjoy all the amenities of the state park, including hiking trails, fishing, and nature watching. Rainbow Springs is one of the best ways to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.

#9. Silver Glen Springs

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Silver Glen Springs is one of the best natural springs near Tampa to visit. The spring is located in the Ocala National Forest and is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and fishing.

The water is crystal clear and the spring is surrounded by lush vegetation. Silver Glen Springs is also a great place to see manatees. The spring is fed by underground rivers and is home to a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and bream.

The spring has a boardwalk and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.

#10. Silver Springs

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Just north of Ocala, visitors will find one of Florida’s best-kept secrets: Silver Springs. As its name suggests, the spring is known for its clear silver waters. However, that’s not all that makes it special. The spring is also home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and turtles.

What’s more, it’s one of the only springs in Florida where you can take a glass-bottom boat tour. The tours offer stunning views of the underwater world, and you might even spot a sinkhole or two. If you’re looking for an unforgettable natural spring experience, Silver Springs is definitely worth a visit.

#11. Three Sisters Springs

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Three Sisters Springs is one of the best natural springs near Tampa to visit. The spring is located in Crystal River, which is about a 90-minute drive from Tampa.

Three Sisters Springs is home to a large number of manatees, and it’s a great place to see these gentle giants up close. In addition, the spring is surrounded by a beautiful natural setting, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day trip from Tampa, Three Sisters Springs is definitely worth a visit.

#12. Weeki Wachee

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Weeki Wachee is one of the best natural springs near Tampa to visit. The spring is located in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and is crystal clear. There is a glass bottom boat tour that takes you through the spring.

You can see turtles, fish, and other aquatic life. You can also go kayaking, canoeing, or swimming in the spring. The water is 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Weeki Wachee is also home to the mermaid show.

The mermaids swim in the spring and perform for visitors. The park also has several hiking trails, a picnic area, and a playground. Weeki Wachee is a great place to visit for a day of fun in the sun.

#13. Wekiwa Springs

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With crystal clear water and a temperate year-round temperature, Wekiwa Springs is a great place to visit if you’re looking to take a dip in a natural spring.

The spring is located within Wekiwa Springs State Park, which offers hiking trails and picnicking areas in addition to the spring itself.

There’s also a sand beach for sunbathing and swimming, and canoe and kayak rentals are available if you want to explore the surrounding waterways. Admission to the state park is $6 per vehicle, making it an affordable option for a day trip from Tampa.