Beating the Late-Summer Heat: Best Springs to Cool Off Near Ocala
September in Ocala doesn't get the memo that summer's supposed to be winding down. The calendar says fall, but the thermometer says otherwise, and there's no better antidote than one of Florida's natural springs to take a break and enjoy the outdoors! Unlike the ocean or a backyard pool, these springs stay locked in the low-to-mid 70s year-round, no matter how brutal the air temperature gets and after you’ve weeded your landscaping beds, you deserve it! Here's your guide to the best springs within reach of Ocala.
Silver Springs State Park
5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL
Right on Ocala's doorstep, Silver Springs is one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world and the easiest cool down option if you don't want to drive far. Glass bottom boat tours ($17 adults, $9 kids 6–12, free for 5 and under on the standard 30 minute ride) let you see straight to the bottom without getting wet, or you can paddle the spring run yourself. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year, and admission is $8 per vehicle. Note that a couple of trails and the Sea Hunt Deck have had temporary closures for construction, so it's worth a quick check before you go.
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL
About 30 minutes from downtown Ocala, Rainbow Springs pairs crystal clear tubing water with manicured gardens and waterfalls left over from its roadside-attraction days. Fair warning if you're reading this in the fall: the headsprings swimming and tubing entrance runs weekends-only from Labor Day through the end of September, then closes for tubing entirely from October through March. So if you want to actually get in the water here, this month is your window, plan a visit soon rather than waiting. Tube and tram tickets run $25, with vehicle entry as low as $2–5 depending on how you arrive.
Juniper Springs Recreation Area
26701 FL-40, Ocala National Forest
About 45 minutes east of Ocala, Juniper Springs feels like stepping into old Florida, a stone-lined swimming hole framed by a historic spring house, spring-fed and constant at 72°F. It's shadier and smaller than Silver or Rainbow, which makes it a nice pick if you want fewer crowds. The recreation area is generally open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a small per-person day-use fee. It also anchors the 7-mile Juniper Creek canoe run if you want to turn your cool down into a half day paddle.
Alexander Springs
Ocala National Forest
A little farther out but worth the drive, Alexander Springs holds its turquoise, 72-degree water in a wide, sandy-bottomed pool that's easy for all ages to wade into. Certified divers can drop down the spring vent, and paddlers can follow Alexander Springs Creek through a beautiful stretch of subtropical hammock. Admission runs roughly $11–14 per person, with hours generally 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (seasonal variation applies, so it's worth a quick call ahead).
A Few Tips Before You Go
Go early or go on a weekday. Late-summer weekends draw crowds, and parking fills up fast at the more popular springs.
Bring cash or a card for day-use fees, most of these charge per person or per vehicle, and rates vary by park.
Check closures before you drive out. Several parks have had rotating trail or facility closures for construction this year, so a quick look at the park's website saves you a wasted trip.
Pack a rash guard. The water may be a relief from the heat, but at a steady 72°F it can feel cold to swim in for long stretches, most locals wear a light layer.
Whether you want a quick, close to town dip or a full day trip into the Ocala National Forest, these springs are the area's best kept secret for surviving the last stretch of Florida summer and you can check out some local plants and trees to get inspo for your fall landscaping project!
