Florida's 7 best natural springs

Ask 10 people what Old Florida means to them and you’ll get 10 different answers. For some, it’s the slow pace. For others, it’s strolling among 100-year-old oak groves.

Whatever it means to you, it’s easy to come by when you visit any of the state’s natural springs. These areas embody the true, authentic Florida that so many tourists often miss.

The only tough part is deciding which ones to visit; there are more than 700 freshwater springs scattered across the Sunshine State, after all. Here are some of our favorites.

Wekiwa Springs State Park, about 16 miles from downtown Orlando, is a grand escape. Take a dip in the springs any time of the year, hike the trails or head about one mile down river to Wekiva Island.

Make it your home base, rent a paddle board and be on the lookout for turtles and birds. When you're tired, kick back in a private cabana, complete with a cozy couch, adirondack chairs and a grill.

The only tough If you’ve got enough energy left after that, hit the volleyball courts or enjoy a game of corn hole. If you visit in winter, bring s’mores supplies: there’s a fire pit for roasting marshmallows. is deciding which ones to visit; there are more than 700 freshwater springs scattered across the Sunshine State, after all. Here are some of our favorites.

Silver Springs State Park, one of the nation’s largest springs, is steeped in history. Back in the 1820s, way before Disney came along, it was one of the most visited places in the state.

By the late 1870s, the glass-bottom boat came along and became a very convenient way for travelers to see the springs.

Thanks to its exotic, jungle-like looks and its crystal-clear waters, Hollywood producers loved it as a filming destination for classics like Tarzan and Creature From the Black Lagoon.

The spring-fed river that winds through the park will have you in awe. The bright blue water, beautiful strings of green algae and a network of underwater caves is hard to beat.

Of course, you’ll see fish galore, alligators on the banks and turtles resting on logs.

But what might surprise is the rhesus macaques. Years ago, a boat captain released six of the non-native monkeys in the area and now hundreds of them roam the 5,000 acres of forests and wetlands.