Why Winter is Secretly the Best Time to Visit Florida Springs (And Where to Go)

Why Winter is Secretly the Best Time to Visit Florida Springs (And Where to Go)

Most people think of Florida springs as a summer destination—a place to cool off when the heat index hits triple digits. But if you ask a local, they will tell you the truth: Winter is the magic season.

Why? Three reasons:

1. The Manatees: When the ocean temperature drops, hundreds of manatees flock to the springs for the constant 72-degree warmth.

2. The Clarity: With fewer swimmers kicking up sand, the water is often glassier and clearer than at any other time of year.

3. The "Steam": On a chilly 40-degree morning, the "warm" 72-degree water creates a mist or fog over the surface that looks prehistoric.

Here are the top Florida springs you need to visit this winter, and exactly how to do it.

1. Blue Spring State Park (Orange City)

The Manatee Capital

If you only visit one spring this winter, make it this one. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge. During the winter season (mid-November to March), swimming is often prohibited because the spring run is packed with hundreds of West Indian Manatees.

Why it’s Fascinating:

You don't need to get wet to see them. The park has a massive boardwalk that runs along the river. On a cold morning, you can count over 400 manatees huddling together. It is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Florida.

• How to Visit: Get there early. The park reaches capacity quickly, often by 8:00 AM on weekends.

• The Gear Tip: You absolutely need polarized sunglasses. Without them, you just see glare. With them, you can see the manatees, the gar, and the turtles clearly under the surface.

2. Silver Springs State Park (Ocala)

The Historic Choice

Silver Springs is Florida’s oldest tourist attraction. Before Disney, there was the Glass Bottom Boat. Since swimming isn't the main draw here (it's strictly a boating/nature park), winter is the perfect time to explore without sweating through your shirt.

Why it’s Fascinating:

This is where the original Tarzan movies and Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed. Keep your eyes on the trees—Silver Springs is home to a colony of wild rhesus macaque monkeys, rumored to have escaped from a tour boat operator in the 1930s (though the story varies!).

• How to Visit: Book a Glass Bottom Boat tour in advance. It’s a classic Florida experience that hasn't changed much in 100 years.

3. Rainbow Springs (Dunnellon)

The Paddler’s Paradise

In the summer, Rainbow River is a chaotic party of tubing. In the winter, the tubers are gone, leaving the river quiet and pristine. The water here is incredibly clear—often described as "pool water."

Why it’s Fascinating:

Rainbow Springs was once a private attraction with a zoo, monorail, and rodeos. You can still find the man-made waterfalls and remnants of the old zoo cages along the walking paths.

• How to Visit: Rent a kayak or paddleboard from the headsprings. Paddle downstream and enjoy the silence. Since the air might be chilly, dress in layers.

• The Gear Tip: If you plan to kayak, bring a dry bag for your phone and keys.

4. Devil’s Den (Williston)

The Prehistoric Swim

If you are brave enough to swim in winter, do it here. Devil’s Den is a prehistoric underground spring inside a dry cave. Because it is underground, the air temperature inside the cave remains moderate year-round, and the water is always 72 degrees.

Why it’s Fascinating:

It literally looks like a cenote in Mexico. Fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age (including mastodons and saber-toothed tigers) have been found here.

• How to Visit: You must have a reservation, and you must be snorkeling or diving. They do not allow casual swimming just to float around.

• The Gear Tip: 72 degrees feels warm at first, but it saps your body heat after 20 minutes. I highly recommend wearing a neoprene wetsuit top or thermal rash guard to extend your swim.

Winter Springs Packing List

Don't head out without these three items:

1. Polarized Sunglasses: Essential for spotting wildlife through the glare.

2. A Good Hoodie: The water is 72°F, but the air might be 50°F when you get out.

3. GoPro or Waterproof Phone Case: The water clarity is best in winter; you’ll want photos.Most people think of Florida springs as a summer destination—a place to cool off when the heat index hits triple digits. But if you ask a local, they will tell you the truth: Winter is the magic season.

Why? Three reasons:

1. The Manatees: When the ocean temperature drops, hundreds of manatees flock to the springs for the constant 72-degree warmth.

2. The Clarity: With fewer swimmers kicking up sand, the water is often glassier and clearer than at any other time of year.

3. The "Steam": On a chilly 40-degree morning, the "warm" 72-degree water creates a mist or fog over the surface that looks prehistoric.

Here are the top Florida springs you need to visit this winter, and exactly how to do it.

1. Blue Spring State Park (Orange City)

The Manatee Capital

If you only visit one spring this winter, make it this one. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge. During the winter season (mid-November to March), swimming is often prohibited because the spring run is packed with hundreds of West Indian Manatees.

Why it’s Fascinating:

You don't need to get wet to see them. The park has a massive boardwalk that runs along the river. On a cold morning, you can count over 400 manatees huddling together. It is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Florida.

• How to Visit: Get there early. The park reaches capacity quickly, often by 8:00 AM on weekends.

• The Gear Tip: You absolutely need polarized sunglasses. Without them, you just see glare. With them, you can see the manatees, the gar, and the turtles clearly under the surface.

• [Affiliate Link: My favorite polarized sunglasses for water viewing]

2. Silver Springs State Park (Ocala)

The Historic Choice

Silver Springs is Florida’s oldest tourist attraction. Before Disney, there was the Glass Bottom Boat. Since swimming isn't the main draw here (it's strictly a boating/nature park), winter is the perfect time to explore without sweating through your shirt.

Why it’s Fascinating:

This is where the original Tarzan movies and Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed. Keep your eyes on the trees—Silver Springs is home to a colony of wild rhesus macaque monkeys, rumored to have escaped from a tour boat operator in the 1930s (though the story varies!).

• How to Visit: Book a Glass Bottom Boat tour in advance. It’s a classic Florida experience that hasn't changed much in 100 years.

• [Affiliate Link: Book a Clear Kayak Tour at Silver Springs]

3. Rainbow Springs (Dunnellon)

The Paddler’s Paradise

In the summer, Rainbow River is a chaotic party of tubing. In the winter, the tubers are gone, leaving the river quiet and pristine. The water here is incredibly clear—often described as "pool water."

Why it’s Fascinating:

Rainbow Springs was once a private attraction with a zoo, monorail, and rodeos. You can still find the man-made waterfalls and remnants of the old zoo cages along the walking paths.

• How to Visit: Rent a kayak or paddleboard from the headsprings. Paddle downstream and enjoy the silence. Since the air might be chilly, dress in layers.

• The Gear Tip: If you plan to kayak, bring a dry bag for your phone and keys.

• [Affiliate Link: The 10L Dry Bag I use]

4. Devil’s Den (Williston)

The Prehistoric Swim

If you are brave enough to swim in winter, do it here. Devil’s Den is a prehistoric underground spring inside a dry cave. Because it is underground, the air temperature inside the cave remains moderate year-round, and the water is always 72 degrees.

Why it’s Fascinating:

It literally looks like a cenote in Mexico. Fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age (including mastodons and saber-toothed tigers) have been found here.

• How to Visit: You must have a reservation, and you must be snorkeling or diving. They do not allow casual swimming just to float around.

• The Gear Tip: 72 degrees feels warm at first, but it saps your body heat after 20 minutes. I highly recommend wearing a neoprene wetsuit top or thermal rash guard to extend your swim.

• [Affiliate Link: Thermal Rash Guards on Amazon]

Winter Springs Packing List