Discover the Best Natural Springs and Lakes Near St. Petersburg, Florida

by Pablo Koch-Schick

Looking to trade traffic lights for turquoise waters? Just outside the bustle of St. Petersburg, Florida lies a world of crystal-clear springs, hidden lakes, and untamed river trails that feel like stepping into a different world. Whether you're in search of a peaceful paddle through ancient cypress forests or a refreshing swim in waters that stay 72°F year-round, Florida’s springs and lakes deliver the adventure—and the serenity—you’ve been craving.

Let's look at nine of the most beautiful and culturally significant natural springs and freshwater escapes within driving distance of St. Pete, from the dramatic underground caverns of Devil’s Den to the manatee havens of Blue Spring. These are places shaped by time, preserved by law, and beloved by locals and travelers alike.

Want to explore Florida’s wild side on the open sea too? After your spring adventure, treat yourself to a guided Gulf fishing trip with Reel Coquina Charters—run by a captain known for unforgettable experiences on the water.

The 9 Most Beautiful Natural Florida Springs and Lakes Near St. Pete

 

#1: Blue Spring State Park

the best natural lakes and springs near st petersburg

Approximately 2.5 hours from St. Petersburg, Blue Spring State Park is the largest spring on the St. Johns River and a designated manatee refuge. This Florida state park is especially popular in the winter (November to March) when West Indian manatees migrate here. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or taking a guided boat tour through the serene waters.

The park also offers rustic campsites and air-conditioned cabins for overnight stays. With picnic sites, hiking trails, and educational programs, Blue Spring is a sanctuary for both wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers.

You can select from various water excursions available at the Blue Spring State Park. There are numerous picnic sites and walking trails for a day trip. Air-conditioned cabins on those hot summer nights, rustic campsites, and a comprehensive campground are available for an overnight stay.

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • Look out for hundreds of manatees in the winter months.

  • It’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

  • The spring stays a cool 72°F year-round.

  • Scuba diving is allowed with proper certification. The park also offers rustic campsites and air-conditioned cabins for overnight stays. With picnic sites, hiking trails, and educational programs, Blue Spring is a sanctuary for both wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers.


2. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Natural Springs Near St. Petersburg, Florida

Located about 1.5 hours from St. Petersburg, Homosassa Springs is one of Florida’s best spring-fed wildlife refuges. It’s home to manatees, alligators, and a variety of salt and freshwater fish species. As part of the public records preserved by the state, Homosassa is rich in history and recognized nationally for conservation.

You can visit the underwater observatory, spot native birds, or learn more about the animals through ranger-led programs.

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • You can spot Lu, the oldest hippopotamus in captivity in North America.

  • The Fish Bowl underwater observatory is one of a kind.

  • Open year-round and great for educational programs for students. You can visit the underwater observatory, spot native birds, or learn more about the animals through ranger-led programs.

 

3. Rainbow Springs State Park

rainbow springs state park florida

About 2 hours away, Rainbow Springs State Park is nestled in the heart of Central Florida and feeds the vibrant Rainbow River. Once a popular private attraction, it became part of the Florida State Parks system in 1990 and continues to draw visitors from around the continental United States.

Swim in the designated area of the spring, tube down the Rainbow River, or rent a kayak for a peaceful paddle. The park offers trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to see turtles, fish, and even the occasional otter.

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • This spring has been a public attraction since the 1930s.

  • Offers both tubing and kayaking routes.

  • Known for its brilliant clarity and lush gardens. Swim in the designated area of the spring, tube down the Rainbow River, or rent a kayak for a peaceful paddle. The park offers trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to see turtles, fish, and even the occasional otter.

Pair your tubing adventure with a splash at one of the best water parks near St. Petersburg.

 

4. Wekiwa Springs State Park

The Best Natural Springs and Lakes Near St. Petersburg, Florida

Located near Orlando, this state park sits at the headwaters of the Wekiva River. A two-hour drive from St. Petersburg, it offers over 13 miles of hiking, cycling, and equestrian trails. For those who love kayaking and canoeing, Rock Springs Run and Crystal Lake provide tranquil routes.

There are 60 campsites and equestrian stables for those looking for a multi-day getaway into the wilderness. Wekiwa Springs is ideal for swimming in cool waters or observing Florida wildlife in their natural habitat.

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • Close to Orlando and perfect for weekend warriors.

  • The park has equestrian trails and horse stables.

  • The crystal-clear waters are great for snorkeling. There are 60 campsites and equestrian stables for those looking for a multi-day getaway into the wilderness. Wekiwa Springs is ideal for swimming in cool waters or observing Florida wildlife in their natural habitat.

 

 

5. Crystal River Preserve State Park

best river park near tampa florida

Crystal River Preserve 

Spanning 27,500 acres along the Gulf Coast, Crystal River Preserve offers a glimpse of what Florida looked like hundreds of years ago. Here, freshwater springs meet the salty Gulf of Mexico. Explore tidal creeks by kayak, walk through butterfly-filled trails, or take a boat tour.

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • You can see the Gulf of Mexico meet freshwater springs.

  • Popular for birdwatching and scenic trails.

  • Offers five unique trails, each less than 2 miles long.

Before your next fishing trip, get inspired by our Inshore Fishing Charters in St. Petersburg.

 

6. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

From its inception in 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has enthralled tourists with its stunning beauty. 

A classic destination known for its live mermaid shows, Weeki Wachee combines old Florida charm with outdoor thrills. Visitors can kayak or tube down the Weeki Wachee River, swim in the designated spring area, or explore Buccaneer Bay Waterpark.

Birdwatchers, snorkelers, and curious families will all find something here. The park often gains national attention for its unique blend of recreation and education. It also offers free birding guides and a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, fish, and manatees.

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • Home to one of the deepest freshwater caverns in the U.S.

  • Real mermaid shows happen daily!

  • Buccaneer Bay has four giant waterslides. Birdwatchers, snorkelers, and curious families will all find something here. The park often gains national attention for its unique blend of recreation and education. It also offers free birding guides and a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, fish, and manatees.

Pair this magical day with a relaxing Sunset & Dolphin Cruise in St. Pete.

7. Ginnie Springs

A woman on a paddleboard enjoying the crystal-clear waters of a natural spring surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing one of the best springs near St. Pete, Florida.

Ginnie Springs is more than just a place to tube, it’s an oasis for adventure seekers.

Located on the Santa Fe River, Ginnie Springs is a hotspot for tubing, scuba diving, and paddleboarding. This privately owned spring has been a favorite for students and campers for decades. Expect volleyball courts, gear rentals, and designated trails that loop through shady hammocks.

The spring is one of the clearest in the state, making it a popular site for underwater photography and cave diving. Don’t forget your snorkel!

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • Rated as one of the clearest springs in Florida.

  • Cave diving attracts scuba pros from around the world.

  • Bring your own grill for the perfect riverside BBQ. The spring is one of the clearest in the state, making it a popular site for underwater photography and cave diving. Don’t forget your snorkel!

 

8. Silver Springs State Park

Two people kayaking in the clear, tranquil waters of a natural spring surrounded by trees, showcasing one of the best springs near St. Pete, Florida.

Silver Springs State Park is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Florida. Known for its glass-bottom boat tours, the park features lush trails, kayaking opportunities, and a history that spans back to the steamship days.

SpringsFest in March celebrates the importance of Florida springs and efforts to protect them, drawing visitors from across the nation. Educational exhibits also highlight restoration initiatives by Florida's government and universities.

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • Home of the famous glass-bottom boat tours.

  • You might spot wild monkeys along the riverbanks.

  • The park has a museum and an on-site restaurant. SpringsFest in March celebrates the importance of Florida springs and efforts to protect them, drawing visitors from across the nation. Educational exhibits also highlight restoration initiatives by Florida's government and universities.

 

#9: Devil's Den

A stunning view of a natural spring inside a cave with wooden stairs leading down to the crystal-clear water, showcasing one of the best springs near St. Pete, Florida.

Near Gainesville, Devil's Den is an underground spring perfect for scuba divers and adventurous snorkelers. Early settlers dubbed it "Devil’s Den" after seeing steam rise from the chimney-like opening on cold January mornings.

This natural wonder is home to fossils, making it an educational site as well. It’s even been studied by the University of Florida for its rich prehistoric findings. If you're daring enough, experience one of the most surreal swimming holes in all of Southeast Florida.

Quick Tips & Fun Facts:

  • It's an underground spring inside a dry cave.

  • Named after the steam rising from the cave on cold mornings.

  • Fossils found here date back thousands of years. This natural wonder is home to fossils, making it an educational site as well. It’s even been studied by the University of Florida for its rich prehistoric findings. If you're daring enough, experience one of the most surreal swimming holes in all of Southeast Florida.

Bonus Adventure: Go Fishing with Reel Coquina Charters in St. Petersburg

After exploring Florida’s incredible freshwater springs, why not top off your trip with a deep-sea fishing adventure on the Gulf of Mexico? Reel Coquina Fishing Charters, based right in St. Petersburg, offers personalized guided tours on the Orion 29, a top-of-the-line 29-foot fishing vessel outfitted with the latest tech and twin Suzuki 300 engines.

Founded by lifelong angler Captain Pablo Koch-Schick, Reel Coquina provides family-friendly, luxury fishing experiences that are tailored to your group’s skill level and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned sport fisherman or a first-timer looking to reel in your first snapper, Captain Pablo’s passion, multilingual expertise (English, Spanish, German), and South African fishing roots bring a unique touch to every outing.

What Makes Reel Coquina Special:

  • Experience hands-on fishing with high-end gear and expert guidance.

  • Great for families, tourists, and corporate groups.

  • Combine your charter with a Sunset & Dolphin Cruise for the ultimate day on the water.

  • Fish for snapper, grouper, kingfish, tarpon, and more — all year long.

Location: 6701 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL
Book Your Charter: Call 404-438-8732
Visit our Site: Reel Coquina Fishing Charters

What are some camping ideas near Everglades National Park or Southwest Florida?

Looking for camping ideas in Southwest Florida? You’ll find excellent campgrounds near Everglades National Park, including sites within Big Cypress National Preserve. This region is perfect for spotting wildlife, kayaking, and learning about ecosystems protected under Florida law and supported by efforts from the Florida Legislature. Many areas also offer seasonal camping during June and August.

Can I visit springs and lakes from cities like Fort Lauderdale, Cocoa Beach, and Tampa?

Absolutely. While based in Tampa, you can plan day trips or weekend escapes to springs and natural lakes even from Fort Lauderdale and Cocoa Beach. These cities are well-connected by highway, and you’ll find that hundreds of thousands of visitors from every town, office, or other state make similar trips each year to enjoy Florida’s freshwater gems.

Are there Florida springs near historic places like St. Augustine or Tallahassee?

Yes! Near St. Augustine, several springs and preserves lie just inland, offering peaceful nature escapes. Around Tallahassee, you’ll find places like Wakulla Springs that attract hundreds of thousands of nature lovers annually. Many of these locations are operated under guidelines set forth by Florida law, with oversight from the governor and local park authorities.

How are Florida springs and parks supported by the Florida Legislature and other state agencies?

The Florida Legislature, with support from the governor’s office and various departments, allocates funding for conservation, water quality, and public access projects each year. This includes parks in southwest Florida, as well as natural sites near Tampa, Miami, and other cities. Whether you're camping in June, visiting with friends from other state regions, or road-tripping from Fort Lauderdale to Cocoa Beach, these programs ensure Florida’s springs remain protected and accessible.

 

 

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