10 Authentic Places to Cool Off from the Florida Heat

This afternoon was so hot. How hot was it? It was so hot that it was a great reminder that summer is just around the corner. When you’re looking for fun ways to stay cool this summer, a visit to one of Florida’s springs will definitely do the trick. With water temperatures in the 70-72 degree range, it’s an ideal way to obtain fast relief from the sizzling summer heat.

There are approximately 1,000 known springs in Florida, ranging in size from little drizzles to first magnitude springs releasing hundreds of millions of gallons of water per day. Many of Florida’s springs are found within state or national parks. Each park offers visitors an array of recreational opportunities while providing a level of protection for these essential natural resources. The entry fee to most parks is very reasonable, making the experience both fun and affordable.

Several parks offer swimming, snorkeling, boating, tubing, camping, scuba and cave diving. Kayaking, canoeing and tubing are the best ways to experience a spring because it affords you an opportunity to view wildlife up close. Plus, you can explore various nooks and crannies of the spring ecosystem.

These 10 springs have earned our Authentic Florida seal of approval, however, there are many other wonderful options beyond our list:

Blue Spring State Park (Volusia County)

North of Orlando and west of Orange City, Central Florida’s Blue Spring State Park is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River. The circular translucent hole percolates with tiny bubbles rising to the surface, also known as a boil –but it’s cool, not hot.