Travel Like A Local: Ocala Springs
Looking for amazing springs to chill in Ocala, Florida? Well, you are in the right place. This article will look at some of the best spring Ocala has in store for us. Just keep your swimming gears close. Otherwise, you might get wet.
Ocala: A Paradise Between Swamp
Remember those stock images of beautiful springs and natural vegetation surrounding them? Well, Ocala is one of these spots where you find several such settings. Springs near Ocala harbor a natural sense of peace and quaintness that is hardly matched by any other place in the region.
In fact, the springs are a pleasant shift from the usual sandy beaches of Florida. In fact, these spots are perfect for enjoying some therapeutic time out from the mundaneness of the city. In fact, several travelers that you meet across the winding pathway to Ocala, the kingdom of natural springs, will tell you that they are here just to feel the disconnect from the cityscape.
These springs in Ocala are not only great for enjoying crystal clear waters and a means to disconnect but also host an extensive corpus of wildlife. In fact, springs in Ocala National Forest are primary water holes where animals come to drink water. Therefore, it is a haven for all the nature lovers out there. A spot that you must visit at least once.
Notable Ocala Springs
Now before we start with our list of all the springs Ocala has to offer, we just want to clarify that the list is not arranged according to ranks or anything. Therefore, you must not judge any of the names on the list according to the position they are holding and must remember that each of the Ocala Springs that is covered in this list holds significant importance to us travelers. And with that note, let us see some of the best springs Ocala has in store for us.
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs, Ocala, Florida, is probably the crown jewel of all the springs that we discuss in this article. Popularly lauded as one of the best springs in the area, be ready to get happily mesmerized. As soon as you get up to the spring, you will be greeted with clear blue waters that shimmer with rays of sunlight. If you are done with kayaking or exploring the spring with canoes, then there is hiking. Boasting up to five hiking trails across a vast expanse, you will surely find the right trail for you. And if culture and history are your poisons of choice, you must visit the historic Cracker Village at the Silver River Museum. The museum hosts a variety of attractions that are perfect for people from all age.
Juniper Springs
Over the past couple of years, the famous Juniper Springs has become a famous tourist spot for the local population. There are several camping spots that riddle the location, so if you and your friends are looking to spend a night underneath the starry skies while roasting marshmallows. The surrounding area of the Juniper Spring is a perfect spot for hiking, exploring, camping, etc. Like Silver Springs, this spot is also a spot that is perfect for Kayaking, canoeing, and other such delightful activities.
Salt Springs
As the name suggests already, this place is essentially a salt spring that is rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and sodium. In older days, this spring was believed to be one of the Ocala springs to harbor the most healing power. As a result, people from across the state traveled to this spring in order to witness this ‘magical’ natural beauty. We would highly suggest that you take a kayaking tour during the manatee season, as this is an experience that you will never forget. Apart from being crystal clear, the water is also quite warm and good for taking a dip. So keep those swimming suits handy.
Alexander Springs
A rough gem among the lot, the Alexander Spring is a perfect spot if you want to witness something that is less traveled and not explored extensively. This is a wild natural spring that you need to explore at least once. In fact, the thing that sets this spring apart from others of the same category is the vast expanse that it stretches over. The water of this spring is very clear and comes with amazing visibility. Therefore, if you are looking for spots for scuba diving with your friends, then this is it. The gradual slant of the spring floor is perfect for swimmers of different skill levels and sets. Part from these things, you will also find some phenomenal hiking trails along the location.
Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Spring is one of the most versatile springs out there. The Rainbow Spring is a perfect place that offers a ton of activity but also retains the general simplicity. Therefore, if you are planning to go to an offbeat place with your family, then this is it. Apart from the usual activities like scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking, this place is also perfect for tubing as well. The best part about the spring is that if you lose your way while kayaking or canoeing, then there are shuttles that you can avail of to get back to the spot from where you started. So it should not be a problem whatsoever.
Conclusion.
So there you go, these were some of the best springs Ocala has to offer. From kayaking to scuba diving, all these spots host amazing ways to spend your time surrounded by friends and companions who add value and love to your life. These five were just the tip of the ice-berg, if you have some more suggestions that you want to share, do let us know and we will get back to you.
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