Central Florida Springs

Florida is the state with the most springs in the country, and mostly in the world. The Highly porous limestone that can hold vast quantities of water underlies most of the state. Combined with relatively high rainfall amounts and subsurface water flow, the two are responsible for the occurrence of so many springs in Florida. All of Florida’s springs are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year round!

As visitors and/or residents we can all enjoy some of the beautiful Central Florida springs that feed our rivers. You can swim, snorkel, dive, boat, kayak, hike, picnic, camp, take boat rides, enjoy wild life and just overall experience the beauty of Florida. 

Blue Springs

Blue Springs State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. During manatee season, which approximately runs from mid-November through March, several hundred manatee can be viewed atop the spring’s overlooks. The spring and spring run are closed to all water activity while manatees are present during this time.  Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted.

The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner during our designated swimming season. Fishing, canoeing and boating are also enjoyed along the St. John’s River.

A self-guided tour inside The Historic Thursby house, built in 1872, can also be experienced. In addition the park has plenty of picnic areas as well as three covered pavilions. Air-conditioned cabins and a full-facility campground are available for visitors interested in staying overnight.

Blue Springs Website  2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

De Leon Springs

 

 

The outstanding feature of the De Leon Springs 625 acre park is the spring, overlooking beautiful Spring Garden Run, producing 19 million gallons of water a day at 72 degrees year-round.  The swimming area is accessible by stairs, ramp, and a swimmer lift. 

Snorkeling is a popular activity but access into the cave is prohibited.  Canoes, paddleboats and kayaks may be rented from the park's concession.  The park's paddling trail provides access to the 22,000 acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, with lakes, creeks and marshes to explore. 

Picnic tables, grills and a playground are available under the grand live oak trees, with four pavilions available for rent. Visitors can hike the 4.2 mile Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail or take a leisurely stroll on the one-half mile paved Nature Trail to see the 600 year-old cypress tree.  The Butterfly Garden has about 500 plants for the benefit of resident and migrating butterflies and hummingbirds. 

De Leon Springs Website 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130

Silver Springs

Silver Springs State Park combines the charm of a historic Florida attraction with the crystal clear beauty of one of the last uninhabited spring runs in the state.
 
Enjoy the headspring from a viewing deck, walk along the river on paved trails, see the ornamental gardens, and enjoy an easy stroll through the Real Florida. Visitors can enjoy a meal from the restaurant with a view of the spring. Glass bottom boat rides and canoe and kayak rentals are offered through the concessionaire. 

Visitors can paddle down the crystal clear river, hike or bike along one of the nature trails, or just sit and watch the wide variety of birds and wildlife.The picnic area features three pavilions available for rental with grills and a playground nearby. For overnight stays, the park has a 59 site full facility campground and 10 modern cabins.

Silver Springs Website 1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site 

Spruce Creek Park - An Oasis at Your Fingertips

It doesn’t have to be all ocean all the time. Here on the Central Florida east coast, we are fortunate to have a few remarkable nature preserves and parks. Among them is the Spruce Creek Park, located at 6250 Ridgewood Avenue in Port Orange. You can get a dose of nature, some quiet beauty, recreation, and relaxation without a big production.

 This verdant park spreads over 1,637 acres. An extensive boardwalk takes you through lush nature and leads to a 15-foot observation tower overlooking the wetlands. You can see some of our fascinating wildlife, including an enormous array of birds. Continue along the boardwalk and you will discover the beautiful (and quite large) Rose Bay. 

Over three miles of low-impact walking trails allow for ample activities and include a playground, picnic tables, an interpretive trail, a fishing pier, and two docks to launch your kayak or canoe. There are fire pits, and dogs are welcome as well!

The park free to the public is open from 7am-7pm. It is a true find for anyone living in this area, as well as for our seasonal residents. Spruce Creek Park

 Creative Florida Living

Janet's Real Estate Site 

Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet

Alicia Keenon Photography

Ponce Inlet is one of the beautiful treasures of our Daytona Beach Area. There is, of course, the lighthouse, the lighthouse museum, the park, the jetty, and – the Marine Science Center!

The Marine Science Center plays an important role in rehabilitating, preserving and rescuing sea turtles, as well as other water animals, including mammals and birds. Since opening in 2002, Marine Science Center has cared for nearly 900 juvenile and adult sea turtles; more than 15,000 hatchlings and washbacks; and nearly 1,000 gopher tortoises, freshwater turtles and snakes. 

There are lots of fun and educational activities for children, which adults will also enjoy. For a very minimal entrance fee, you can visit the exhibit gallery that tells you all about flora, fauna, and habitats of our area. There are stingray petting tanks, the turtle rehab center, a nature walk, a bird observation tower, a variety of nature displays, and a very nifty gift shop.

Next time you are in Ponce Inlet or are showing your out-of-town guests around, visit the Marine Science Center for an educational good time for a mere $5 ($4 for seniors). Check out their website and activities here: Marine Science Center