Dixie County’s waterways are fed by the same cool springs that make this region famous. While exploring Dixie, you’re never far from a refreshing spring to splash in. In fact, at the county line, Fanning Springs State Park offers a natural swimming pool of clear blue water that stays 72°F year-round – perfect for a summer cool-down with the kids. Locals often boat or paddle to little spring boils along the Suwannee River to take a dip on hot days. The crystal-clear water lets you see fish darting around your feet! Even if you just relax on a spring bank under the shade of cypress trees, you’ll appreciate how these hidden springs add a touch of magic to any Dixie County adventure. So pack a swimsuit – you never know when you’ll stumble on a secret swimming hole.

Gilchrist County proudly wears the title “Springs Capital of the World” – and it lives up to the name. Within its borders lie dozens of freshwater springs, each bubbling up crystal-clear water at a refreshing 72°F year-round. You can snorkel at the famous Ginnie Springs, swim at the family-friendly Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, or splash around at Hart Springs Park (which even has a fun diving platform for the brave!). Many of the springs flow into the Suwannee or Santa Fe Rivers, creating a network of natural swimming holes – you could spend days spring-hopping from one to another. With picnic spots, campgrounds, and trails often nearby, enjoying these springs is easy and family-friendly. There’s nothing like that first cool plunge into a Gilchrist spring on a hot day – it’s pure Florida magic that will leave everyone grinning and refreshed.

Levy County is home to some of Florida’s most inviting natural springs. At Manatee Springs State Park, a first-magnitude spring pumps out crystal-clear water that’s perfect for a swim or snorkel on a hot day. In cooler months, manatees often swim upriver to bask in the spring’s warmth – a magical sight if you catch these gentle giants in the water. The park’s boardwalk follows the spring run out to the Suwannee River, offering beautiful views (and maybe a sunbathing gator on a far bank!). Not far away, Fanning Springs State Park provides another lovely spot to splash around; it even has shallow areas great for small children and a playground for when they’re out of the water. Spring water stays about 72°F year-round, so bring your suits and enjoy nature’s crystal pools in Levy County.

Taylor County isn’t home to the big swimming springs that some of its neighbors boast, but spring water still plays a part in local adventures. The Steinhatchee River, for example, is fed by small springs upstream (and even features a little waterfall at Steinhatchee Falls). If your family is craving a classic freshwater swim, you’re in luck – a short drive outside the county takes you to several incredible springs. Lafayette Blue Springs and Troy Spring on the Suwannee River are about an hour north, offering refreshing 72°F water for swimming, snorkeling, or tubing. Many folks staying on Taylor’s coast plan a “springs day” during their trip to float in cool blue water and picnic under live oaks. So if you need a break from saltwater, know that a natural freshwater spring (and an unforgettable cannonball opportunity) isn’t far from Taylor County’s beaches and marshes.