In Northeast Florida, we are surrounded by water, primarily the Atlantic Ocean and St. Johns River. But with a short drive, area residents and visitors can enjoy a day at one of Florida’s many springs. Here’s a list of some of the most notable nearby.
De Leon Springs State Park: 601 Ponce De Leon Blvd., De Leon Springs. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Fee: $6 per vehicle. Phone: 386-985-4212. Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/de-leon-springs-state-park. Distance from Ponte Vedra Beach: About 80 miles.
Naturalist John James Audubon visited this spring in 1831. The spring run once turned the sugar cane mill at the site.
Activities here include birding, boat tours, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and wildlife viewing. The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park: 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Fee: $6 per vehicle. Phone: 386-454-1369. Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ruth-b-kirby-gilchrist-blue-springs-state-park. Distance from Ponte Vedra Beach: 107 miles
The main spring run is well-known for its diversity of wildlife species, including turtles, fish and invertebrates. Redbreast and spotted sunfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish can be seen in waters with unparalleled visibility.
Activities here nclude camping, geo-seeking, hiking, paddling, snorkeling, swimming and wildlife viewing.
Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring: 5390 NE 180th Ave., Williston. Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Phone 352-528-3344, email Diveshop@devilsden.com or go to devilsden.com/home.html before visiting. Distance from Ponte Vedra Beach: 121 miles.
Devil's Den is a privately owned scuba diving training center that allows snorkeling.
Blue Spring State Park: 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Fee: $6 per vehicle. Phone: 386-775-3663. Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park. Distance from Ponte Vedra Beach: 107 miles.
Visitors may see manatees, fish, wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers here.
Activities here include birding, boat tours, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and tubing.
Rainbow Springs State Park: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Fees vary. Phone: 352-465-8555. Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park. Distance from Ponte Vedra Beach: 130 miles
Rainbow Springs are known for their sapphire-blue waters. Visitors will find ornamental gardens, constructed waterfalls and sloping hills and can walk through lush, mossy hammocks.
Activities here include birding, camping, fishing, geo-seeking, hiking, paddling, picnicking, snorkeling, swimming, tubing walking and running and wildlife viewing.
Kelly Park/Rock Springs: 400 E. Kelly Park Road, Apopka. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer. Park Admission Fee: $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people; $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people; and $1 for additional person/walk-ins/motorcycles/bikes. Phone: 407-254-1902. Website: ocfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx?d=22&m=dtlvw.
Distance from Ponte Vedra Beach: About 130 miles
Silver Springs State Park: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Fees: glass-bottom boat, $14-$30; canoe, $45-$85; paddleboard, $35-$70; kayak, $30-$60. Phone: 352-261-5840. Website: silversprings.com. Distance from Ponte Vedra Beach: About 100 miles.
The park, famous for its glass-bottom boats, is home to many historic structures, serene gardens and the Silver River Museum. Activities here include: paddling, hiking, camping. There is also a restaurant and gift shop.
