Orlando dazzles with world-famous theme parks, but just beyond the magic lies another kind of Florida wonder: pristine natural springs. Imagine crystal-clear, refreshingly cool 72-degree water year-round, bubbling up from ancient aquifers, surrounded by lush forests teeming with wildlife. These natural oases offer the perfect antidote to the Florida heat and theme park hustle – a chance to reconnect with nature, splash with the family, or simply float in serene beauty. And the best part? Many of Florida's most stunning natural springs near Orlando are incredibly easy day trips from your spacious villa at Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts! Located just minutes from major attractions and highways, Summer Bay Orlando is your ideal launchpad. After thrilling park days, unwind in your villa's full kitchen (perfect for packing a picnic!), gather the crew, and within an hour or so, you can be diving into adventure. Here are the top 10 refreshing natural springs near Orlando you absolutely need to explore: The Top 10 Natural Springs Near Orlando:1 | Wekiwa Springs State Park: Pristine Swimming & Kayaking ParadiseDiscover the emerald heart of Central Florida! Wekiwa Springs boasts a large, stunningly clear swimming area perfect for families, with a sandy bottom and gentle slope. Rent kayaks or canoes to explore the Wekiva River, spotting turtles, birds, and maybe even an otter. It's a haven for Orlando natural springs swimming and paddling. Distance: ~45 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts. Practical Info: Entry fee per vehicle. Kayak/canoe rentals, picnic areas, hiking trails available. Can get busy; arrive early on weekends. Exploria Connection: Pack your Exploria villa cooler for a riverside picnic after a morning paddle! This serene escape is the perfect contrast to theme park energy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VISITFLORIDA (@visitflorida) 2 | Blue Spring State Park: Gentle Giant Manatee Haven (Winter) & Summer SwimmingFamous for its hundreds of wintering manatees (Nov-Mar), Blue Spring transforms into a fantastic family-friendly spring near Orlando for swimming and tubing in the summer. The expansive, crystal-clear run is long and perfect for floating. The boardwalk offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. Distance: ~45-50 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts. Practical Info: Entry fee per vehicle. Tubing available (rentals or bring your own). Swimming area, picnic shelters, kayak rentals (St. Johns River access). Manatee season viewing is spectacular but can be crowded; summer is prime for swimming/tubing. Exploria Connection: Witness majestic manatees in winter or enjoy a lazy summer tubing adventure – an unforgettable experience easily accessible from your Exploria home base. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike Winkles (@narcosis27) 3 | Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park: The Ultimate Tubing AdventureExperience the quintessential Florida tubing experience! Float down the emerald-green Rock Springs Run, propelled by the steady current. The water is incredibly clear and refreshing. Perfect for all ages, it's a top pick for family-friendly springs near Orlando seeking active fun. Walk upstream and float down repeatedly! Distance: ~45 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts. Practical Info: Park entry fee per vehicle. Tube rentals available outside the park gate; arrive VERY early (often reaches capacity by 9-10 AM, especially summer/weekends) or consider weekdays. Bring cash for rentals/entry. Limited parking inside. Exploria Connection: Load up your Exploria SUV with tubes and snacks for a full day of effortless floating fun – a unique adventure minutes away. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fun 4 Lake Kids (@fun4lakekids) 4 | Silver Springs State Park: Glass-Bottom Boat Wonders & KayakingDiscover one of Florida's largest artesian springs! Famous for its legendary glass-bottom boat tours (showcasing underwater life and history), Silver Springs also offers excellent kayaking near Orlando springs through serene, jungle-like waterways. Paddle amongst cypress trees and spot monkeys (descendants of old Tarzan movie sets!). Distance: ~1 hour 15 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts. Practical Info: Entry fee per vehicle. Glass-bottom boat tours are a must-do (fee). Kayak/canoe rentals available. Hiking trails, museum. The main spring head isn't a designated swimming area, but kayaking access is superb. Exploria Connection: Enjoy a unique blend of history, wildlife, and paddling adventure – a fantastic Orlando day trip to springs showcasing Florida's wild side. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Silver Springs State Park (@silverspringsstatepark) 5 | De Leon Springs State Park: Make Your Own Pancakes & Swim in HistoryCombine history, a unique activity, and swimming! Swim in the large, cool, historic spring pool. The big draw? The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House inside the park – cook your own pancakes right at your table! Also offers boat tours and kayaking near Orlando springs on the Spring Garden Run. Distance: ~1 hour from Orlando/Exploria Resorts. Practical Info: Entry fee per vehicle. Pancake house is popular (expect waits, especially weekends). Swimming area, picnic spots, kayak/canoe rentals, historic sites. Exploria Connection: Fuel up with a fun, family pancake breakfast before a refreshing swim – a quirky and delicious family-friendly spring near Orlando experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fun 4 First Coast Kids (@fun4firstcoastkids) 6 | Rainbow Springs State Park: Majestic Waterfalls & Pristine PaddlingExperience breathtaking beauty! Rainbow Springs features stunning, terraced gardens with man-made waterfalls (remnants of its past as a tourist attraction) leading down to the headsprings. While swimming is limited to a designated area at the headsprings (check current status), the real magic is in kayaking near Orlando springs down the Rainbow River – renowned for its crystal clear springs Florida visibility and vibrant blue hues. Distance: ~1 hour 30 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts (Dunnellon entrance). Practical Info: Entry fee per vehicle. Kayak/canoe rentals available at the headsprings or via vendors along the river. Tubing also popular (downriver from headsprings). Hike the gardens. Swimming area is smaller than others. Exploria Connection: Paddle one of Florida's most beautiful rivers, a longer but incredibly rewarding Orlando day trip to springs for nature lovers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clear Kayaking Rainbow Springs (@getupandgorainbowsprings) 7 | Alexander Springs: Sandy Entry & Scenic Snorkeling SpotEnjoy one of Florida's only first-magnitude springs where swimming is allowed right at the spring boil! Alexander Springs features a large, clear pool with a unique sandy beach entry, perfect for young kids. The consistent flow makes it ideal for Orlando natural springs swimming and snorkeling over the bubbling vent (see freshwater eels!). Distance: ~1 hour 15 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts (in Ocala National Forest). Practical Info: Entry fee per person. Amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, snorkel gear rentals (sometimes), and a campground. Kayak rentals for the Alexander Run. Exploria Connection: The sandy slope and clear water make this a top choice for families with small children staying at Exploria – easy water access for everyone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trips To Discover (@tripstodiscover) 8 | Juniper Springs: Historic Oasis & Wild Kayak RunStep back in time at this historic CCC-built recreation area within the Ocala National Forest. The stunning, crystal clear springs Florida pool is fantastic for swimming. The big adventure is the challenging Juniper Run – a 7-mile wilderness kayak/canoe trip through tight bends and swift currents (not for beginners!). Distance: ~1 hour 15 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts. Practical Info: Entry fee per person. Swimming area is great. The Juniper Run is renowned but requires skill; rentals and shuttle available. Book kayak trips well in advance. Picnic area, historic mill. Exploria Connection: Experience classic Florida wilderness – enjoy the serene pool or tackle the thrilling run, knowing your comfortable Exploria villa awaits your return. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Georgia 🌻 Theme Parks & Travel (@gee.in.wonderland) 9 | Salt Springs: Mineral-Rich Waters & Vibrant WildlifeUnique among Florida springs! Salt Springs gets its name and slight salinity from mineral content (potassium, magnesium, sodium). The water has a beautiful turquoise hue. Enjoy Orlando natural springs swimming in the large, roped-off area. Fantastic for snorkeling – look for mullet and other fish drawn to the minerals. Great fishing spot too. Distance: ~1 hour 20 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts (in Ocala National Forest). Practical Info: Entry fee per person. Amenities include a marina, boat ramp, picnic areas, campground, and nearby restaurants/stores. Kayak rentals available for Salt Springs Run. Exploria Connection: Experience something different! The mineral waters and abundant fish life make Salt Springs a unique stop on your Orlando day trips to springs itinerary. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Florida Springs Passport (@flspringspassport) 10 | Gemini Springs Park: Peaceful Paddling & Picnics (No Swimming)While swimming isn't permitted (to protect the manatees and ecosystem), Gemini Springs is a beautiful, peaceful spot perfect for a relaxing Orlando day trip to springs. Paddle the calm, clear waters of DeBary Bayou via kayak or canoe (rentals available), spot manatees (especially in cooler months), fish from the dock, or enjoy extensive paved trails and shaded picnic areas. Distance: ~45 mins from Orlando/Exploria Resorts. Practical Info: Free entry! Kayak/canoe rentals on-site. Playground, dog park, fishing pier, restrooms, large covered pavilions. Ideal for a low-key, cost-effective outing. Exploria Connection: Pack a gourmet picnic from your Exploria villa's kitchen and enjoy a serene morning paddle or a relaxing afternoon under the oaks – a perfect, easy escape. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jeff Moore (@jefftmoore) From thrilling tubing adventures at Rock Springs to serene paddling on Rainbow River, and from manatee encounters at Blue Spring to unique mineral dips at Salt Springs, the natural springs near Orlando offer an unforgettable, refreshing dimension to your Florida vacation. They provide the perfect counterbalance to the excitement of the theme parks – a chance to immerse yourself in the state's stunning natural beauty, cool off in crystal-clear waters, and create lasting family memories. And with Exploria Resorts' spacious villas, convenient location near major highways, and amenities like full kitchens (perfect for packing those spring day trip picnics!), you have the ultimate comfortable and strategic home base for exploring it all. Ready to dive into adventure? Book your spacious Summer Bay Orlando By Exploria Resorts villa today and discover your perfect home base for exploring Orlando's thrilling theme parks and its breathtaking natural springs!
