While the “Sunshine State” of is known for its amazing beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, inland Florida has a lot to offer with its 161 state parks. Many of them offer beautiful swimming holes for locals and tourists to cool off in the heat. Visiting one of these beautiful swimming holes is a great day trip during your next Florida vacation, and can be a fun and adventurous alternative to the beach. Here are some of the best swimming holes in Florida that you should plan to visit on your next trip to the state.


Visit These Gorgeous Florida Swimming Holes


1. Wekiwa Springs

Located just north of is the beautiful Wekiwa Spring State Park. The park offers great swimming in crystal clear water that is 72 degrees all year round. There are also 13 miles of hiking and biking trails in the area as well as a campground. The location is prime for vacationers in the Orlando area if you’re looking to sneak away to see some of the beautiful nature that Florida has to offer.


2. Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs is home to a beautiful state park with memorable scenery and wildlife. It’s one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the whole world, with clear water that is perfect for swimming. You can find alligators, turtles, manatees and deer in the park as well. The park is located in northwest Florida, south of the state’s capital, .


3. Crystal River

Crystal River is about 90 minutes north of and is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Florida. There are several freshwater spring located on Crystal River, including Three Sisters Springs. Crystal River is home to one of the largest manatee sanctuaries in the state and here you can get up close and personal with scuba and snorkeling. It’s one of the coolest adventures that you can experience in Florida and definitely worth checking out.


4. Silver Glen Springs

Located inside the beautiful Ocala National Forest, Silver Glen Springs is a very popular recreation area with beautiful waters for swimming as well as snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Ocala National Forest is absolutely stunning for nature lovers and Silver Glen Springs offers a great opportunity to cool off from the intense heat.


5. Madison Blue Spring State Park

South of the Georgia line is a treasure in Madison Blue Spring State Park that offers beautiful, crystal clear blue water for swimming and snorkeling. There’s great cave diving as well, if you’re a certified diver, which makes Madison Spring State Park a great destination for diving enthusiasts.


6. Fanning Springs

West of , you can find Fanning Springs on the Suwannee River that has been a destination for thousands of years. Like other state parks, there’s great hiking, biking camping and boating to go along with the great swimming and snorkeling that can be had in this year-round 72-degree water.


7. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located southwest of the Ocala National Forest and offers a lot of fun for all ages. There’s great swimming to be had in the springs and many people tube down the Ichetucknee River, which is said to be very exhilarating.


8. Morrison Spring State Park

For another beautiful spring with crystal clear blue waters that will cool you off from the heat, check out Morrison Spring State Park near Ponce De Leon, Florida. It’s north of and has been a very popular spot among locals and tourists for years. The park offers great swimming, snorkeling and even scuba diving.




This article was written by Cameron Lafontaine.