If you’re not sure what to do in Florida in the spring, there are plenty of spring vacation activities to choose from. Though Florida is a popular vacation destination year-round, spring is the busiest time of year, thanks to spring breakers and other tourists. One of the most popular spring break destinations is Panama City, known for its high number of young tourists, free concerts, and interesting nightlife. Regardless of your age and preference, you’re sure to find something to do in Florida at spring.
Three Sisters Springs
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll love visiting Three Sisters Springs in Florida. With three main spring vents and several minor ones, this spring is a perfect place to spot manatees. While manatees are not permitted to enter the water, visitors are allowed to enjoy their presence from the shore. Visitors are not permitted to touch or feed the manatees, but you’ll be able to see their playful nature from a boat tour.
The springs themselves are incredibly beautiful. The Three Sisters Springs Wetland Treatment Project was constructed on property owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the City of Crystal River, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Known as “nature’s kidneys,” wetlands play a vital role in our environment. The Southwest Florida Water Management District constructed the Six-acre wetland section on the Three Sisters Springs property to improve the quality of stormwater before it enters Kings Bay.
Visitors can visit Three Sisters Springs in Florida throughout the year. The springs are open to swimming, but kayakers should wear a PFD or other flotation device. Visitors should arrive early to avoid parking issues. Although kayaking is not permitted during manatee season (November 14 to April 1), visitors are welcome to swim and snorkel. Just keep in mind that the area is protected, and motorized boats are not allowed inside.
Manatee viewing at Three Sisters Springs is a unique experience. You’ll have the opportunity to see hundreds of manatees in their natural habitat. The water is translucent blue and looks like an ocean. The spring is best visited during winter when over 300 manatees are present. In January 2016, the springs were home to 400-500 manatees. There’s always something exciting to see at Three Sisters Springs.
Ginnie Springs
There are a number of activities to choose from when you’re considering what to do in Florida at spring. If you’re an adventure-seeking kind of person, you might enjoy a day in the Florida Springs. The waters here are refreshing and chilly, yet they are also home to a thriving freshwater ecosystem. You can even try snorkeling to discover the world below the surface.
If you’re a baseball fan, you’ll want to attend some Spring Training games in Florida. Major League Baseball teams play in Florida from late February to late March. Five different MLB teams play in the state. On the Atlantic side, you’ll find the Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Mets. You can enjoy the baseball games in all these ballparks, as well as visit various luxury resorts and golf courses.
For a more unusual attraction, head to Weeki Wachee, a natural spring located 30 minutes outside of Orlando. The show features real mermaids and ladies in full mermaid costumes in a 400-seat auditorium submerged in the water. The show has been running for more than six decades, and is perfect for those who want to get away from the theme park crowds and reconnect with “real” Florida.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity, you can also head to Florida’s state parks. Springtime is the perfect time to visit the beach towns, and there are plenty of opportunities to do just that. You can go swimming, or go boating. Florida’s springs are also a good place to go on a boat excursion and get close to the manatees. If you’re lucky enough to find a boat excursion, you can snorkel with them.
Royal Springs
Scuba divers and beach goers can enjoy the clear water and natural shoreline of Royal Springs, Florida. The waters are 42 feet deep and have wooden staircases for easy access. There are four overlook decks to enjoy the clear blue water and elegant tree canopy. In addition, there are portable restrooms located in the area. While Royal Springs has a small number of beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy the many activities in the area.
The first area is a free county park in Royal Springs. The park is small, with picnic tables and outhouses. There is also a boat ramp for river access. A half-mile long horseshoe-shaped trail follows the run-off of the spring from the park to the river. Afterward, follow the path to the spring. During the dry season, the water is too cold to be swimmable. Visitors should be aware of the dangers.
During the summer months, Royal Springs is moderately crowded, but there is ample parking space. It is popular among local residents but also has a relatively low tourist population. Popular attractions include the wooden diving platform and rope swing from a huge Cypress tree. The park is just 30 minutes north of Live Oak and 20 minutes south of Branford. Taking a left on 198th Terrace will take you to the park. Then, make your way to the main entrance.
In addition to the spring, visitors to Royal Springs can take a swim in the large spring. The park features four overlook decks around the spring, many picnic tables and portable restrooms. The park also has one lane concrete boat ramp and portable restrooms. If you are looking for an afternoon of relaxation, you should visit Royal Springs, FL, where a beautiful spring awaits you. There is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained in this beautiful town.
Wekiva Island
If you’re visiting Wekiva Island at springtime, you should definitely visit the art festival. This annual event is held along the Wekiva River and features a variety of artists exhibiting their work. Visiting the festival will give you a chance to see them up close. Here are some other things to do on Wekiva Island at spring:
Take a scenic paddle down the Wekiva River. Rent kayaks or canoes to explore the island’s wildlife. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. Explore the area while soaking up the beautiful spring water. Visit Wekiva Island, an eco-conscious, art-filled resort dedicated to education and sustainability. While you’re there, enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Florida’s springs.
There are several activities to keep you busy and entertained on Wekiva Island during springtime. Firepit Fridays, for instance, feature live music and themed dinners. Aside from the water activities, you can also attend paint nights, wine events, or live music performances. If you’re staying overnight, make sure to visit the General Store to buy souvenirs and other unique gifts. There are plenty of things to do on Wekiva Island at springtime and in the summer. There’s no better time than now to take advantage of these activities, and Florida Springs offer just the right amount of freshwater fun.
Silver Springs
Silver Springs in Florida is a group of artesian springs. Located in Marion County, the city is part of the Ocala metropolitan area. The town is home to an artesian spring and is now part of the Silver Springs State Park. It’s best known for its spring-themed events. However, the town is more than just a spring, it is an oasis. There are many things to do and see in Silver Springs.
The hot springs first opened in the late 19th century and quickly became popular with Northerners. Over the years, the property changed hands a number of times. The first Hollywood film was filmed here in 1916. The park was also used in Tarzan films in the 1930s. In 1993, the State of Florida purchased the underlying land and began operating the park. However, private businesses continued to operate attractions. Today, the area is a popular tourist destination.
The springs are home to many species of aquatic life. Among them are mastodons, manatees, and extinct elephants. The springs flow into the Silver River, and over 550 million gallons of water are produced every day. Visiting Silver Springs is a unique experience. The water here is so pure that it shimmers like silver flakes in the sunlight. It is estimated that more than thirty different springs are located in the upper portion of the Silver River.
The area has a rich history. Its clear waters were used in many movies, including the Tarzan movie and parts of “The Creature From the Black Lagoon”. In fact, the springs were so popular in the 1960s that the National Park Service registered it as a national landmark. Today, tourists can enjoy the springs with family and friends. They can also enjoy the park’s nature trails and glass-bottom boats, which are unique features of Silver Springs.
