If you’ve seen one Florida spring, you’ve seen them all, right?
Not even close!
There are over 700 natural springs spread across The Sunshine State, from tiny trickles to major fountains. On this five-day road trip, you’ll explore sparkling pools, spot monkeys and manatees, and even have a close encounter with mermaids.
Day 1: Rock Springs at Kelly Park (Apopka)
Start your road trip at Kelly Park’s Rock Springs, just 25 miles from downtown Orlando.
Tube down Rock Springs Run, a ¾-mile natural lazy river. (BYO-tube, or rent one from Rock Springs Bar & Grill just outside the park.) Peek over the side to spot turtles and small fish—the water is so clear, you’ll see down to the riverbed. Or snorkel your way along the run for an even better view.
Then, stretch your legs on the 2.3-mile Kelly Park Rock Springs Yellow Trail. You may see deer and wild turkeys as you hike through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks.
Nearby Eats
Grab a craft coffee to-go at Propagate Social House. Or sit and stay for avocado toast on their plant-covered patio. They also whip up fresh seasonal cocktails from morning to night.
For heartier fare, head to local favorite The Back Room Steakhouse, just 10 minutes from Kelly Park. Feast on ribeyes, porterhouses, lobster, and diver scallops in this classic, cozy steakhouse.
More To Do
A short 15-minute drive from Kelly Park, visit the quieter Wekiwa Springs State Park for kayaking and canoeing. Look for playful otters and tranquil manatees! Then, hike a 100-year-old trail through old-growth oak forests.
Or explore the charming streets and boutiques of Historic Downtown Apopka, like the rosy-hued Pretty in Pink Tea Room serving high tea or Aunt Gingibread’s Bakery for colorful macarons and chewy cookies.
Day 2: Silver Springs State Park (Ocala)
Next, head 85 miles down the road from Rock Springs to Silver Springs State Park. Reserve a seat on their glass-bottom boat tours for an underwater view of plant life, countless fish, and even ancient Native American artifacts. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to paddle down the Silver River. Look sharp—you may spot manatees, turtles, and even wild macaques along the banks.
Hike the Swamp Trail or River Trail to experience Florida’s famed swampland. You’ll traverse boardwalks or limerock roads on your way to scenic river overlooks. (Another chance for monkey sightings!)
Nearby Eats
The Latin fusion of Latinos Y Mas is a family-pleaser, from Ecuadorian ceviche to Colombian empanadas to Peruvian lomo salteado. Don’t miss the sweet mango juice!
At casual Brooklyn’s Backyard, the outside comes inside. Sit under indoor pergolas for New York-style pizzas, refreshing cocktails, and over 40 craft beers.
More To Do
Ocala National Forest is Florida’s largest, with over 600 lakes and rivers to swim, fish, snorkel, and canoe. Or hike through the pine scrub to look for rare plants like yellow star anise and Florida willow.
For an indoor excursion, visit the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala. Their unique exhibits include Art Deco pieces, Asian and African works, and an Equine collection spanning over 3,000 years of history.
Day 3: Ichetucknee Springs State Park (Fort White)
For your third day, head 85 miles northwest to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Nine major springs feed the Ichetucknee River, creating a cool and clear freshwater playground.
Rent a tube and float for 3.5 miles under the cypress trees. Snorkel at Head Spring, or scuba dive the deeper Blue Hole Spring to explore underwater caves (certification required). And hike through the forests of maples, oaks, and pines, looking for Sherman’s fox squirrels, Suwannee alligator snapping turtles, and American kestrels as you explore.
Nearby Eats
Get a taste of Florida at The Great Outdoors Restaurant in High Springs. Try local favorites like conch fritters and gator bites, plus 28-day aged steaks. Sit under the palms on the patio to enjoy frequent live music.
For old-fashioned fast food, step up to the window at Bev’s Better Burgers to order classic burgers, thick milkshakes, and funnel cake fries. Eat at the picnic tables for al fresco Americana.
More To Do
Wander the friendly boutiques and Victorian-era architecture of the High Springs Historic District. Shop a well-curated collection of home decor and furniture at The Bird Nest: Vintage Market, or visit eclectic market Unique Notions to browse local art and herbal body care.
If you’re mad for manatees, book a boat tour on St. John’s River at Blue Springs State Park. This two-hour narrated river cruise will take you through a popular manatee wintering site. Keep an eye out for ospreys, kingfishers, and alligators, too.
Day 4: Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon)
Discover Florida’s fourth-largest spring at Rainbow Springs State Park, about 70 miles south of Ichetucknee.
The aquamarine water at this swimming hole is like glass—perfect for snorkeling and turtle-spotting. Bring pool noodles! The water reaches 18’ deep. You can also rent an inner tube to float the wide Rainbow River. Look for fish and otters as you drift along for up to four hours.
See a more peaceful side of the park with a stroll through the lush native gardens shaded by azaleas, oaks, and magnolias. You’ll spot three man-made waterfalls along the trail.
Nearby Eats
In Dunnellon, you can get a table with a view. The waterfront deck at The Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant is perched on the Withlacoochee River, serving heaping baskets of fried fare like grouper fingers and frog legs.
Nearby, the deck at Swampy’s Bar & Grille overlooks the Rainbow River. Watch kayaks float by while you dig into their popular blackened mahi sandwich with an ice cold beer.
More To Do
At the junction of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers, Dunnellon’s Historic Village is a collection of vintage houses repurposed into quaint shops. Look for stained glass, home decor, and garden goods at Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop. And shop for vintage treasures and thoughtful gifts at The Two Sisters Gifts & Antiques.
Day 5: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Spring Hill)
Fantasy comes alive at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, about 50 miles south of Rainbow Springs State Park. Daily mermaid shows feature underwater performers doing acrobatics in colorful mermaid tails. You’ll see it all from the 400-seat submerged theater.
Then visit Buccaneer Bay, the onsite spring-fed waterpark. Grab a tube to float along the lazy river, hurtle down the waterslides, or bring little ones to Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove.
For a quieter adventure, kayak down the clear Weeki Wachee River to spot manatees, diving birds, and plenty of fish. There have even been dolphin sightings!
Nearby Eats
Treat yourself to high tea at old-fashioned The Tilted Teacup Tea Room. Snack on tea sandwiches, savory muffins, and fresh-baked scones, while sipping hot tea from pretty china.
Upscale casual Brian’s Place combines Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors with a focus on local seafood. Try the signature dish—fresh group with plantain salsa, plantain crema, and a plantain crisp.
More To Do
Escape the mainland to tiny Pine Island, just a few minutes from Weeki Wachee. There, you’ll find Alfred A McKethan/Pine Island Park with its sandy public beach and perfect palm trees. Stay all day, or just catch the sunset.Anglers bring their rods and tackle to Bayport Park, where a T-shaped fishing pier offers a casting site for grouper and snapper. Or bring your binoculars—the panoramic view makes this a great place to look for seabirds, manatees, and dolphins.
