While most people are probably thinking about all the different beaches they are going to tan on this summer, I implore you to think about all the different springs you could enjoy instead. Personally, I’m a spring lover more than I am a beach lover. Not having to worry about sand stuck on me for the rest of the day, or salt water that I just cannot get out of my eyes is exactly why I prefer the springs over the beaches. Luckily, for those living in Florida, there are many options to choose from! Here are three of my favorite springs to visit in Florida.
wakulla
If you are planning to stay in Tallahassee for the summer, then Wakulla Springs is the spring to visit! Located about 30 minutes from FSU, Wakulla Springs has everything one might want. If you’re looking for a nice spot to lounge, then you can choose to sit either on the beach or on floating docks. If you’re looking for a nice adrenaline rush, you can jump off a platform that is 22 feet high into the chilly water below. Either way, there is something for everyone. In fact, if you don’t mind a walk, you can take a one-mile trek to a swimming hole called Cherokee Sink. The swimming area itself opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes depending on the time of sunset. The price for admission into the park is $6 for a vehicle of two to eight occupants. There are many other things one can do in the park besides just swimming such as horseback riding, hiking, or taking a boat tour.
Madison Blue
Madison Blue Springs is around an hour and 20 minutes away from Tallahassee (the perfect middle ground for both UF students and FSU students). Madison Blue has the best of both worlds, with some areas of the springs reaching 25 feet and others reaching less than five feet. If you’re looking for more of a lazy river vibe, then lucky for you—the spring connects to a river that you can perfectly tube right through. The park opens at 8 a.m. and once again closes depending on the time of sunset. The price of admission changes from either $4 to $5 per vehicle.
Weeki Wachi
If you are from the Tampa Bay Area, you have probably visited or at least heard of Weeki Wachee Springs. Weeki Wachee Springs is the spring of my childhood, but it is just as amazing now as it was back then. Open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Weeki Wachee is both a spring and water park, a real all-in-one! For only $13 for adults, you can enjoy a mermaid show, water slides, and the beautiful natural springs. You can even take a nice leisurely stroll down the lazy river. Weeki Wachee truly has something for everyone, and it is the perfect place to visit if you have little siblings.
While springs are beautiful, it’s important that we keep them beautiful so therefore make sure you clean up after yourself if you do plan on visiting. There are so many animals and plants that call these springs home and it’s important that you respect them by following the rules set forth by the park. If that small entrance fee seems over the top to you, I promise it’s for a good cause. Most of the time, the entrance fee goes towards paying for any restoration processes and any employees. So, remember; try visiting a spring instead of a beach, please clean up after yourself, and please respect the creatures around you while you enjoy your summer break.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!