Florida is one of the best places in America to discover hot springs. With more than 700 natural springs located here, visitors are sure to find something they’ll enjoy.
Many of these springs remain at a consistent 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for year-round enjoyment of soaking or floating. Others maintain an ambient 85 degrees for those seeking the authentic hot springs experience.
Silver Springs
Silver Springs, one of Florida’s most beloved tourist spots, has been captivating generations of visitors since the 1870s. This state park, now a National Natural Landmark, features one of America’s most stunning first magnitude artesian springs.
This 4,000-acre (1,618,000 hectare) park is renowned for its crystal clear springs, picturesque river and manicured gardens. It’s an ideal family destination that offers camping, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals, wildlife viewing opportunities as well as the iconic glass bottom boat tour.
There are walking trails and paved walkways throughout the grounds for you to take a leisurely walk. Additionally, there are some pavilions and picnic areas where you can enjoy your time in the park.
The park is best known as the location of six Tarzan movies starring Johnny Weissmuller, shot during the 1930s and 1940s.
Troy Springs
Troy Springs is a hidden oasis along the Suwannee River in north-central Florida. It offers restrooms, an accessible walkway, picnic tables, a nature trail and riverside dock for canoeists and boaters alike.
This 70-foot deep first magnitude spring offers excellent swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. It also contains the wreckage of Civil War-era steamboat Madison which was intentionally scuttled in 1863 to avoid capture by Union troops.
The park is renowned for its hiking trails and wildlife viewing. It boasts white-tailed deer, turkeys, eastern cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels, gopher tortoises, and feral hogs.
The park is managed in collaboration with the Suwannee River Water Management District and spans nearly 2,000 acres, divided into three tracts primarily comprised of floodplain forests.
Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs offers the best of hot springs in Florida. Here, you can see a variety of wildlife including manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), who come here during winter months to escape Gulf of Mexico water temperatures that drop too low.
While visiting, it is essential to respect and be aware of the manatees around you. These delicate creatures can become stressed out by large crowds of people and end up injured or killed due to stress.
On non-manatee seasons, kayaking inside the springs is allowed. However, during manatee season this activity is restricted to a small section of river and you won’t be permitted access into the actual springs themselves.
One of the most popular ways to experience Three Sisters Springs is by taking a guided tour. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the area and view its top attractions, such as the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk.
Caladesi Island State Park
If you’re searching for an unspoiled natural area to get away from it all, Caladesi Island State Park is the perfect destination. Situated north of Clearwater Beach and south of Honeymoon Island, this protected section of the island is truly a hidden gem.
This wild and rugged barrier island was once home to native peoples, as evidenced by a burial shell mound. Nowadays it’s an idyllic haven of beaches, mangroves, and maritime hammocks.
Visitors to this idyllic island can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing along its 3 miles of palm-lined sugar sand beaches. Additionally, the state park’s 3.5 mile nature trail provides an opportunity to explore the interior of the island and spot wildlife.
To reach this secluded island, guests should take a kayak or boat across Saint Joseph Sound and explore the forests of mangroves on the eastern side. Those without access to their own vessels can use the ferry service which runs hourly during summer months and half an hour during wintertime.