When it comes to Florida, summer promises endless sunny days mixed with picture-perfect sunsets and fun in the sun. As temperatures rise, the Sunshine State offers many ways to beat the heat this summer season. From waterparks, natural springs, and famous beaches to award-winning beach bars and local beer trails, discover Florida’s variety of attractions to help stay cool.
To take advantage of an abundance of natural beauty, here are our Favorite 5 Coolest Places to Swim in Florida.
Tubing on the Ichetucknee Springs
One of the most natural ways to stay cool in Florida is swimming in an authentic spring. Having one of the largest concentrations on earth, Florida is home to more than 900 freshwater springs. Fed from the ground, the water is approximately 21 Celsius year-round.
Tucked away in northern Florida is the Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Here, you can swim around in the springhead, or spend hours floating along the Ichetucknee River. Hop on a tube and be guided by the gentle and natural flow of the water as you achieve complete relaxation. Become one with nature through the overhanging trees and green luscious foliage.
Swim with the Manatees at Crystal River
Enjoy the privilege that is exclusive to Citrus County Florida by swimming with the manatees in the spring-fed King’s Bay Wildlife Refuge. Crystal River is home to the world’s largest population of endangered manatees and having the chance to encounter these curious, gentle giants in their natural habitat is an adventure that your family will never forget.
The springs are the only place in the U.S. where you can legally swim with manatees, with trained guides making sure the manatees are treated with care and respect.
Devil’s Den
Visit one of North America’s most prehistoric places, Devil’s Den Spring. (As seen in lead photo). This natural wonder has been transformed from a simple scuba diving site to a world-class tourist attraction.
Located inside a dry cave, this underground spring promises a unique Florida adventure and Instagram-worthy photos.
Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key
The centerpiece at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key is the beautiful crystal clear saltwater lagoon fed from the Atlantic Ocean.
Totally unique, this pond makes for the perfect pool with the ability to snorkel with tropical fish, paddle about in a kayak, or catch some rays poolside.
Florida Keys Diving and Snorkeling
Explore the United States’ only living coral barrier reef along the breath-taking 120-mile Florida Keys island chain. The coral formations are famous for their abundance of fish about five miles offshore and offer scuba diving and snorkeling memories that last a lifetime.
There is no more versatile marine destination in the world with coral-encrusted shipwrecks and intricate natural coral formations. Dive into a whole new world.
Article Concept via Visit Florida