Troy Spring is one of North Florida’s most distinctive springs. It is a 70-foot deep, first-magnitude spring basin with a sunken Civil War steamboat and short limestone swim-through. It is one of my favorites for freediving. We visited midday on in July of 2026 as the fourth stop on a spring-hopping day that started with…

While Troy and Little River are crowded, Ruth Springs still feels like a local secret. There’s no gift shop or gate, and the crowds are usually minimal. All that’s here is a short walk down to the Suwannee River and a swim in some of the quietest swimming water on this stretch of the river.…

Little River Springs is one of the most photogenic stops on the Suwannee River, where crystal-clear spring water meets the dark, tannin-stained river. It is a beautiful place to wade, take photos, let the kids explore, and watch two very different bodies of water collide. It is not, however, one of Florida’s best traditional swimming…

Three Sisters Springs is one of Florida’s most beautiful natural attractions. Whether you want to swim in crystal-clear water during the summer or watch hundreds of manatees gather in winter, this Crystal River spring deserves a spot on your itinerary. We visited after a morning of scalloping in July 2026, and here’s everything we learned…

This is the perfect Crystal River cooldown after a morning catching scallops in the Gulf. We visited in July 2026, and our guide shares everything we experienced and learned. Quick Facts Overview Hunter Springs Park is a small, well-loved park tucked into downtown Crystal River. It is built around one of the 70 springs that…

Visit one of Florida’s most historic springs with a legendary canoe run, resident American eels, and a CCC mill house that’s been here since 1935. This guide will cover everything you need to know before you go. Quick Facts Overview Juniper Springs is one of the oldest and most talked about recreation areas in Florida,…

This is the Ocala National Forest destination for blue crabs, mineral water, and springs hopping. We visit often, most recently in June 2026. Our verdict: Salt Springs is one of Florida’s most unique springs thanks to its mineral-rich water, blue crabs, excellent snorkeling, and proximity to Silver Glen, Alexander, and Juniper Springs. We recommend it…