![]() ![]() ( Directions - 138 Miles) College students from the University of Florida flock to this private natural spring for the party and the adventure. Now the park is owned by the state of Florida and attracts nature lovers with blue waters for swimming and boating wildlife viewing with a butterfly garden and native plant observatory, and exploring options like camping and hiking. The pits dug for mining later served as a perfect landscape for the waterfalls. Its natural history goes back even further as a phosphate mine in the 1890s which brought jobs to the area. After closing in 1973, there are still 3 man-made waterfalls left in the park to enjoy. Privately-owned back in the 1970s as a tourist attraction, the park's zoo and rodeo couldn't compete with nearby Disney. ( Directions - 84 Miles) As a combination of man-made and natural features, this park offers something for everyone. The spring extends into lakes and streams giving water-sport enthusiasts a never-ending array of options. Today, the park serves visitors as a large vestibule for swimming, boating, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. The Timucuan natives used these pristine waters for scared cleansing as it was called Acuera meaning "healing waters." Later, during the Civil War, the stream was used to mill sugar cane and corn. ( Directions - 49 Miles) If you are looking for natural springs in Florida that include an Orlando history lesson, the DeLeon Spring is the place to go. Try canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling or take a hike on one of their trails during your stay. In addition to renting a tube, the park also has tent and RV camping available. So, plan your trip on the weekdays and avoid holidays to avoid large crowds. This 30-minute ride is a huge attraction that gives families hours of water fun. The water steady at 68 degrees cools you off on a hot summer day while making it accessible all year. ( Directions - 28 Miles) It doesn't get lazier than tubing down a clear natural spring at a steady pace. The swimming section is blocked off with a net to keep critters out. There are no worries if the alligators frighten you. Some spots are shallow and allow you to take a quick dip or search for turtles in the clear water. They have canoe rentals that take you down a long narrow stream with alligators resting on the banks. This park is a favorite for locals, so get there early to grab a premier sunbathing spot on the sloped hill facing the swimming hole. You will be surprised how developed shopping centers turn into a natural wonder so quickly. ( Directions - 16 Miles) If you are looking for swimming holes near you, this one doesn't get much closer to central Orlando. There are also boat tours or launch pads for kayaks and canoes that take you down the spring. To get to this majestic park you can walk alongside the spring or take the 4.5-mile hiking trail. You can view over 400 manatees congregating here each year.ĭon't get too distracted as other activities keep you busy like canoeing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. This park protects these gentle giants by providing them a safe winter home during their migration. ( Directions - 33 Miles) Why tackle the maintenance of a home swimming pool when you can take a dive with a manatee in the natural springs near Orlando. Keep an eye out for alligators, turtles, black bears, deer and an array of subtropical birds in the area. Enjoy the shade under maples, palms, and sweet gum trees that are home to many wildlife. The short hiking trail provides a boardwalk over the crystal clear water to view the sandy bottom. Plus, swimming can be enjoyed year-round as the water stays a pleasant 72 degrees. It also offers canoe and kayak rentals, overnight camping sites, and hiking. The expansive spring is one of the only parks in this forest that allows scuba diving. It is part of the Ocala National Forest that stretches across 4 counties and 383,000 acres. ( Directions - 56 Miles) This first-magnitude spring provides a large area for everyone to enjoy, making it one of the best springs in Florida. So, get your bathing suit and towel ready to enjoy these 10 secret places to take a dip in Orlando without a hefty admission price. ![]() Has much to discover within a reasonable distance. ![]()
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