Where’s the best Destin florida springs?
Devils Den is located just north of Ocalo in Central Florida. This hidden gem is actually underground. The most prehistoric of Florida spring, this natural wonder is a perfect spot for both divers and snorkelists. Visitors walk down a wooden stairway into a cavern that opens up into another ethereal realm.
Divers can descend up 120 feet in the springs (54 feet in diameter), looking through the clear, aquamarine water which is always 72°F, making it one of Florida’s best springs. The grounds of Devils Den also boast cabins, RVs, and a heated swimming pool, with charcoal grills and picnic table, nature trails, and even pavilions with lawngames for the whole family to play!
Ponce de Leon Springs This beautiful clear spring is named for Juan Ponce de León, who led the first Spanish expedition.
Key Takeaways
- Devils Den in Central Florida is an underground spring that is perfect for both divers and snorkelers. The clear water is always 72°F, making it one of Florida’s best springs.
- Ponce de Leon Springs is a clear spring named after Juan Ponce de León, who led the first Spanish expedition.
- Crystal River, Rainbow River, Ginnie Springs, and Weeki Wachee are also among the best natural springs in Destin, Florida.
- Visitors can indulge in activities like tubing, kayaking, camping, canoeing, swimming, and renting cabins while visiting Ginnie Springs.
- Weeki Wachee features a real-life mermaid who performs daily shows and gives tours of her underwater world.

1. Destin Florida Springs: Crystal River
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was established by Congress in 1938 as part of the Everglades National Park system. It is home to more than 100 species of birds, including bald eagle, osprey, wood stork, ibis, heron, egret, roseate spoonbill, snowy plover, great blue heron, American bittern, and many others.
2. Destin Florida Springs: Rainbow River
The Rainbow River is located near Orlando, Florida, and is known for being the place where Native Americans used to come to heal themselves. Today, visitors enjoy the natural wonder of this spring and surrounding areas.
Because the springs are located so close to Destin, you can take a morning saltwater dip at the beach, hit the road to the spring and hang out for a few hours, and be back at your Ocean Reef Resorts vacation rental by dinner time.
3. Destin Florida Springs: Ginnie Springs
Along the Santa Fe River lies one of the best slices of pure Florida. Ginnie Springs boasts some the clearest waters of the natural springs in Florida, making it a great destination for anyone looking to spend a day relaxing in nature.
Made up of a group of 7 springs, white sand, caves, and a river, Ginnie Springs offers visitors tubing, kayaking, camping, canoeing, swimming, and even renting a cabin.
If you choose to stay longer, there are plenty of things to do around the area including hiking trails, fishing, picnicking, and even horseback riding.
If you decide to snorkeling or canoe down the Florida springs, you’ll likely see fish, turtles, and maybe even a few manatees along the way.
4. Destin Florida Springs: Weeki Wachee
The natural springs in Florida are some of the most popular attractions in the state, but there is another side of the story. There is no shortage of places to swim in the Sunshine State, but what about those people who want something different? For those looking for a little whimsy, Weeki Wacheenie offers just that.
Located in Weeki Wachee, Florida, this attraction features a real life mermaid. Not only does she perform daily shows, but she also gives tours of her underwater world. She even has her very own swimming pool!
While swimmers can bask in beautiful blue waters, divers can explore the deep caves of the area, confirmed in 2007 to contain the deepest freshwater cave system in all of North America!
5. Destin Florida Springs: Ichetucknee Springs
The Ichetucknee River begins near Lake Okeechobee and flows southward into Florida. This beautiful spring is located just north of Gainesville, Florida. The crystal clear water of the Ichetucknee springs is known for its amazing scenery, including the Blue Hole Spring, which is the largest in the park!
6. Destin Florida Springs: Gilchrist Blue Springs
Florida’s newest state park, Gilchirst Blue pours 44 million gallon of freshwater out of its 2nd magnitude spring before flowing out into the Santa Fe River. The waters, lying along the floodplain in the area, boost & support a wide variety of environmental habitats. We are obsessed and think it’s truly one of the best Springs in Florida! If you drive about 25miles south of Lake City, there are several access points to the main springhead and the spring run. Visitors can participate in snorkelng, swimming, and paddlin at the main springhead & on the spring run.
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