Florida’s Magical Springs: The Hidden Gem That Makes Living Here Feel Like a Dream
By Deidre “Dee” Omahen | Holistic Real Estate | deeomahen.com
I recently posted on social media about my trip to Rainbow River. Many people reached out to me and wanted more information about the springs. I was surprised how many people had not visited any. It inspired me to write a blog to share my experiences and more details about the springs. It was a challenge to pick my 3 favorite. Reach out to me if you want to hear about the other springs I love!
Rock Springs Run
Florida is home to more freshwater springs than any other place on earth (over 1,000 recognized) . If you’ve never been, I genuinely cannot explain what you’re missing. The springs flow at a constant 72°F year-round, fed by underground aquifers that have been filling for thousands of years. The water is so clear you can see the bottom many feet below you. They are, without question, one of Florida’s best-kept secrets and as someone who has paddled and swam in many of them, I can tell you they never get old. They are surrounded by ancient cypress trees, lush green vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife: turtles, herons, alligators (I have only seen 2 baby alligators since I was a kid) and of course, the star of the show- the West Indian manatee.
The Manatee Magic — A Winter Secret Worth Knowing
Manatees in Blue Springs
When water temperatures in Florida’s coastal areas and rivers drop below 72 degrees in the winter months, manatees follow the warmth to the springs, which stay at a constant 72 degrees year-round.
This means that between roughly December and February, the springs become gathering places for hundreds of these gentle giants. They all fill with manatees seeking warmth and refuge. For anyone who has ever wanted to see these remarkable animals in the wild, a winter visit to the springs is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
My Favorite Florida Springs
1. Silver Springs — Florida’s Oldest Attraction
Glass Bottom Boat at Silver Springs
Silver Springs State Park near Ocala is where Florida’s spring story really begins. This is one of the largest artesian spring formations in the United States, and it holds the distinction of being Florida’s very first tourist attraction, people have been coming here to marvel at it for well over a century and movies have been filmed here!
The most iconic experience here is the glass-bottom boat tour. You board a flat-bottomed boat with a glass panel in the floor and glide over the spring vent, peering 30 feet down into water so clear. You’ll see springs bubbling, fish, turtles, and if you look hard enough at the trees lining the banks, wild monkeys. Yes, monkeys. A colony of rhesus macaques has lived along the Silver River since the 1930s. I have yet to see them though. I also recommend renting a cabin in the park and then go kayaking on the river. You won’t regret it!
2. Rainbow River — The Most Beautiful Water You’ve Ever Seen
Chilling downstream on Rainbow River
If you want to understand why people fall in love with Florida, take them to Rainbow River in Dunnellon. Visibility in some sections exceeds 200 feet. There are homes along some sections of the river but it still has many peaceful spots. If you start at Rainbow Springs state park you now need to reserve a spot ahead of time. The local community has done great work stopping people from polluting the water so no disposable plastics are allowed on the water. Also, they have a strict no alcohol policy too.
The Rainbow River is approximately five miles long and flows gently enough that the paddle is easy and relaxing for all skill levels. We have camped in the park here and kayaked upstream to the head stream and then enjoyed the float back. My kids held on to our kayaks and snorkeled the entire way back.
3. Suwannee River Springs — The Most Adventurous Way to Experience the Springs
Springs off of the Suwannee River
If you want a springs experience that feels truly off the beaten path, the Suwannee River area is something special. This stretch of river has countless spring offshoots tucked along its banks. You’ll be floating along and suddenly spot one, pull over, and spend time just soaking it in before continuing downstream. Each spring has its own personality, its own color, its own feel. Some are wide and glassy, others are tucked into shady coves. No two are quite the same.
We rented an Airbnb that provided canoes and it was one of the best outdoor experiences I’ve had in Florida. We spent the days paddling the river, exploring every spring we came across, jumping in when the mood struck. If you’re someone who loves adventure this is the option I most highly recommend. It feels like a true expedition, and every bend in the river holds the possibility of finding something magical.
4. Weeki Wachee — Where the Mermaids Live
Mermaid Show at Weeki Wachee
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is Florida at its most wonderfully quirky. It’s home to a live underwater mermaid show that has been running since 1947 — actual performers who perform choreographed routines in the crystal-clear spring and it is every bit as magical as it sounds. I got see them perform the Little Mermaid show. The park also has a water slide, pool and tube run through a section of the springs. It is worth a trip to see this iconic place.
What This Has to Do With Living in Florida
As a holistic real estate agent, I believe the area you live in is just as important as the home itself. The springs are a big part of why I love calling Northeast Florida home — and why my clients who discover them feel the same way.
Blue Spring is 1 hour 45 minutes away, Silver Springs two hours, Rainbow River two and a half, and Weeki Wachee about three and a half hours. All of it within reach on a day off. That kind of access to genuine natural beauty is something you simply can’t put a price on.
Deidre “Dee” Omahen is a holistic real estate agent specializing in Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Augustine and Jacksonville. She believes that where you live shapes how you live and that the best home is one that supports your health, your values, and the life you want to lead.
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