8 Gorgeous Springs in Ocala for Fun Outdoors!

Have you seen photos of crystal clear waters at natural springs and wanted to check out that experience? Do you know the best place for this? Ocala National Forest in Florida.

That’s right, instead of thinking Florida is all about beautiful beaches (which yes, it is) it’s also the best place to enjoy the warm, therapeutic spring waters. Sourced from the Florida Aquifer system, the springs have beautiful, clear water that’s warm all year (68-74 degrees F).

Springs in Ocala are also wonderful places to see wildlife and even swim with the manatees.

And since Ocala is only about one hour from Orlando (perfect day trip!) you can escape to the springs when you’re looking for something to do besides theme parks around Orlando.

Thought to have magical, healing powers, people have been visiting the springs for centuries. In Ocala, there are so many springs you’re bound to find one right for you. Choose from one that’s perfect for scuba diving, others with miles of water for swimming and snorkeling, plus hiking trails along the water.

Here are eight awesome springs to visit in Ocala.

1. Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park is the place to be. As one of the best springs in Ocala, it checks off about everything you’d want to do.

Gorgeous clear blue waters? Check!

Canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals? Yup, they’re the best way to discover the Silver River.

Glass bottom boat tours? That’s what Silver Spring is known for. And during manatee season you’ll get the best view of these gentle giants.

Culture and history? The historic Cracker Village at Silver River Museum is the perfect way to learn more about the area and its inhabitants.

Is there hiking? With more than 5 trails it’s easy to find the path that’s right for you.

Young manatee beside mother manatee in Florida.

Manatees love the warm spring water in Florida too!

2. Juniper Springs

Juniper Springs is a beautiful place that’s become super popular and it’s no wonder why. Located in the Ocala National Forest, visitors can do much more than just take a dip in the spring making it one of the best springs to visit in Ocala.

The surrounding area is perfect to explore. Hiking the Juniper Run Trail easily brings you through the park and back again.

If you’d like a view from the water kayak down Juniper Run to see the magnificent wildlife and vegetation.

Ocala National Forest is also on our list of 12 Best Weekend Getaways in Florida

Picturesque and relaxing Juniper Springs in Ocala National Forest

3. Salt Springs

You can guess from the name that Salt Springs is a mineral spring with potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Thought to have healing powers, it’s become a favorite spot for visitors to Florida.

During manatee season (November – February) you can take a kayaking manatee tour departing from Salt Springs Marina and Landing. An experience you will never forget!

The waters are crystal clear so you can see down to the bottom. You may even catch a glimpse of blue crabs enjoying the 74 degree waters too.

You can rent a canoe and paddle down the Salt Springs Run to Lake George. Out of the water, the trails are perfect to hike through the Ocala National Forest.

LEARN MORE: Places That Are Hot in February in USA

Salt Springs Ocala is the perfect place for snorkeling and soaking in the mineral springs

4. Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs has a lot to brag about. As the widest natural spring pool there’s tons of space for visitors to enjoy a refreshing swim.

The waters are super clear with great visibility. And it’s the only spring in the Ocala National Forest where you can go scuba diving.

The floor of the natural pool at Alexander Springs has a gradual slant, perfect for swimmers of all ages especially those with little ones.

If you’re diving or snorkeling you’re likely to see fish swimming along the sandy floor.

At Alexander Springs you’ll also find shady hikes that include a boardwalk, natural terrain and an observation deck for the best views.

Alexander Springs signage for SCUBA divers and info about alligators in the forest.

A friendly reminder at Alexander Springs that there are alligators in the forests in this area of Florida

5. Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs is a huge area with so much to do and enjoy. The natural pool is so large that the swim area is roped off to provide space for swimmers and boaters alike.

Rent a canoe, kayak, or go tubing at Rainbow Springs and travel down Rainbow River.

It’s a treat to leisurely float down the river on a tube for about two hours.

The best part is that there are shuttles that will bring you back to the starting point. This way you don’t have to figure out how to do it on your own.

Kayak rentals are available at all the major springs in Ocala

6. Paradise Springs

This super cool spring is an experience you can only get here. The only thing is that this spring is open only to certified scuba divers.

So, you must show proof of your certification when you arrive. To dive further than 100 feet (max 140 ft) you must be cave certified.

This is not a spring for folks looking to swim.

Okay, now let’s get into the fun part: Paradise Springs is a hidden gem in Florida. This unassuming spot is the small entrance to the best cavern diving around.

The clear warm waters are perfect to explore the cavern and the fossils that line the cave walls.

7. Silver Glen Springs

Silver Glen Springs is an awesome natural swimming hole and an archaeological site. This area was once the site of a village and is still sacred to Native Americans.

You’re likely to see fish swimming through the rainbows created on the floor of the spring. This happens because Silver Glen has some of the clearest water.

Silver Glen is one of the larger springs in the area with a designated swimming area. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to explore Silver Glen Run.

During the winter season you will likely see manatees while snorkeling at Silver Glen Springs.

When you’re ready to dry off, take a walk through the beautiful Ocala National Forest.

8. Scott Springs Park

Scott Springs Park is a perfect place for families to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of Ocala.

This city park has a great playground, picnic tables (and grills for cooking) and no admission fee, it’s a lovely place to spend the afternoon.

Explore the hiking trails on foot or bring your bike and hit the trails for a beautiful day outdoors.

You can let the kids play as they please and take a leisurely walk through the park. The spring in the center of the park is cool to take a look at but if you’re looking to take a dip, it’s better to choose one of the other springs on the list because there’s no swimming at Scott Springs.

Map of Springs in Ocala

Below is an interactive Google map of the springs around Ocala so you can plan a trip to visit these beautiful natural areas during your Florida travels.

Final Thoughts on Springs of Ocala

See what I’m saying?! With eight different springs in Ocala to choose from, this is the best place to enjoy beautiful natural springs in Florida. From scuba diving to glass bottom boat tours, there are so many ways to explore these therapeutic waters.