We’re well into Spring now and Summer is around the corner. So, it’s time to find your Central Florida swimming holes before you take your trip here. The State of Florida is known for its gorgeous beaches and hopping nightlife, but beautiful natural swimming spots are what make Florida stand above all others. Let’s unpack 5 Top Swimming Spots in Central Florida.
#1 Kelly Park – Rock Springs
Located on East Kelly Park Rd in Apopka, Kelly Park – Rock Springs is a 355-acre public park with cool, clear waters. This natural spring pumps an average of 26,000 gallons per minute and is a cool 68 degrees year-round. Along with the refreshing spring, there are also seven miles of hiking trails as well as campsites.
Rent a tube from a vendor outside of the park as they aren’t available within. Tube down the .75 miles of stream or play around in the huge natural swimming hole. And it will only set you back $3 – 5$ per vehicle plus the cost of renting tubes.
#2 Blue Spring State Park
Located on W French Ave in Orange City, Blue Spring State Park is a popular tourist destination. Here you can canoe, scuba dive, kayak, fish, camp, hike or simply swim in the clear, 72-degree water. Hiking along the 3.6 miles of Pine Island Trail offers great opportunities to check out the diverse wildlife.
Use caution though as you can watch manatees from the boat but swimming with them is prohibited at Blue Spring. The cost to get into the park is merely $6 bucks a car.
#3 Dunnellon’s Rainbow River
Located in Marion, Levy, and Citrus counties in Florida, Dunnellon’s Rainbow River has a small waterfall, multiple freshwater springs, and plenty of diverse wildlife. The spring has multiple vents that maintain 400 to 600 million gallons of water at 73 degrees, perpetually.
The 5.7-mile river is great for a swim, or you can bring along a tube for a relaxing float. Some choose to rent a kayak and paddle down the river. Also, the cost of entry is just $2.
#4 Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring
Located on NE 180th Ave in Williston, Florida, Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring is formed by a karst window. In such a “window,” the roof over a subterranean river has collapsed, exposing the water to the open surface.
A dry cave surrounds the beautiful spring and is one of the most popular natural wonders in North America. The cost of entry, at $15 – $20, is a bit higher than most, but you’ll quickly discover why. Not just for swimming, snorkel or scuba diving gear is available to rent on site.
#5 DeLeon Springs State Park
Ponce Deleon Blvd, in De Leon Springs, DeLeon Springs State Park is packed with cultural history and a variety of nature activities. Once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by Mayaca Indians this is a great place to cool off in summer.
The park’s paddling trail features 22,000 acres of lakes, creeks, and marshes to explore within the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Also, the cost to get in is merely $6 a vehicle. So, be sure and stay up to speed on all the hot spots and sweet destinations in Florida.
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