Orlando, Florida, is a travel destination across the globe for the exciting attractions, lovable characters, and thrilling rides, but there is so much more to experience in Florida. But outside of the amusement parks and frenzied commotion of International Drive are gorgeous natural gems of Florida that wouldn’t believe exist right here in this state. Keep reading for the top 5 natural beauties Florida has to offer! This page has affiliate links and if you purchase something from this page I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 5% of this blog’s revenue to the Environmental Defense Fund, so you help donate to a great cause if you click on any affiliate links or ads that may be on this page!
5. Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park is a first magnitude spring on the St. John’s River that is a popular spot for swimming, tubing and diving during the summer months in the crystal clear 72 degree water. However, from November to March, water activities are closed to allow for hundreds of manatees to inhabit the spring during their migration in the winter months. Its an incredible sight to visit Blue Springs and see so many of these gentle giants. You can bring a picnic and explore the boardwalk for a beautiful scenic walk along the water through a lush Florida hammock all the way to Blue Spring.
4. Rock Springs Run and Emerald Cut
Rock Springs Run is a spring-fed stream originating from Rock Springs, which is situated inside Kelly Park, located in Apopka, Florida. The Rock Springs Run flows for 9.2 miles before ultimately joining with the Wekiwa River.
After launching at Kings Landing, if you turn right, upstream to towards Emerald Cut. This is a part of the stream known for crystal clear waters of which you have perfect visibility to the sandy stream bed below. As you paddle the river upstream, you’ll navigate over fallen tree trunks and occasionally under looming branches as you continue to wind through the tropical greenery and sandy stream below. If you head downstream, you will begin the 9 mile journey towards Wekiwa Springs for a peaceful, scenic paddle through many twists, turns and over branches. We left our second vehicle here so we can get back to our first vehicle when the trip is completed. Be sure to read my post Rock Springs Run: A Tropical Oasis in Orlando, Florida for details on the navigating this river and what you need to know before you go!
I bring my own iRocker Stand Up Paddle Board on our trips. It only takes about 20 minutes to inflate and its extremely light and portable. I couldn’t be happier with this board, it’s incredibly durable and is easy to deflate and toss right back in the trunk when the trip is complete. The paddle board comes with the pump, paddle, skags, leash and a carrying backpack and for the price, its a great quality inflatable SUP!
3. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
On the west coast of Florida, just outside of Central Florida, is Weeki Wachee Spring State Park, built around a natural spring that pushes into the gorgeous and winding, Weeki Wachee River. Weeki Wachee Spring introduced the underwater show featuring “mermaids” using hoses to transport oxygen to the swimmers in the 1950s. The show continues with the same technique today. =The park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. We rented a house on the Weeki Wachee River for the weekend which was a beautiful little spot off one of the canals closer to the estuary the river spills out into. The house we stayed at was The Weeki Wachee River Flip Flop Cottage that we found on Air BnB, we loved it so much we’re contemplating another trip here! Check my post, How to Explore Florida Like a Local: Weeki Wachee Springs to read all about our weekend at Weeki Wachee!
2. Rainbow Springs State Park
In the 1930s, Rainbow Springs became a privately owned theme park that boasted waterfalls, a zoo, a monorail and submarine boats that allowed visitors underwater views. The private park eventually closed in 1974, but reopened as a state park in the 90s. Today Rainbow River is a designated National Natural Landmark. Although the unique attractions no longer exist, you can still explore the trails and see the beautiful man-made waterfalls that were created during the early days. The park overall is 1,472 acres and the spring season is the best time to visit as the azaleas are typically in full bloom. Check out my post, Rainbow Springs State Park: Everything You Need to Know! to read all that Rainbow Springs has to offer. Definitely consider tubing here when the season opens!
1. Silver Springs State Park
Located in north central Florida, just east of Ocala, Silver Springs State Park is my favorite place to get the most authentic and natural feel of Florida. Here you can really appreciate Florida as it was hundreds of years ago. Silver Springs first got its name on the map when steam ships began inhabiting the river in 1850. Glass Bottom Boat tours then kicked off the tourism industry in 1870. These tours are still going on today and offer an amazing perspective of the pristine water below. You’ll see the multitude of springs and shipwrecks as you make your way down the river. In the 1930s, Silver Springs became a filming destination for major motion pictures and television series, and statues left from this era can be seen still in the spring today. Silver Springs is a great place to explore to experience beautiful natural wildlife and experience a historic Florida landmark. Check out my post, Everything You Need to Know When Visiting Silver Springs State Park to read more about our day on the water at Silver Springs State Park.
Have you been to any of these Florida gems? Do you have your own favorites that you would recommend? Leave a comment below, I can’t wait to hear from you!
