20 low-key springs and beaches within driving distance of Tampa Bay

Pretty much every Florida beach and spring is busy these days, especially on the weekends. But there are still a few great…

By Molly Ryan

 Juniper Springs Recreation Area 
    Estimated drive time from Tampa: 2 hours and 20 minutes 
    Juniper Springs is home to hundreds of bubbling springs, making its water crystal clear and perfect for a dip on a hot day. Located near Ocala, the site offers spots to swim, hike, camp, picnic, kayak and more. Surrounded by a dense canopy of live oaks, the shade at Juniper Springs makes it worth the trip on its own. Parking is free with the purchase of tickets, which are $8 on weekdays and $11 on weekends. 
   Photos via fs.usda.gov
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A rare Florida home with its own private freshwater spring is now for sale in Tampa Bay

For the first time in decades, Tampa Bay's historic Indian Springs, and the estimated 1 million gallons of water it pumps per…

By CL Staff

A rare Florida home with its own private freshwater spring is now for sale in Tampa Bay
36 slides

This Tampa Bay area spring house comes with backyard manatees

A house that's just a few feet from the best freshwater spring in Florida to swim with manatees is now on the…

By CL Staff

This Tampa Bay area spring house comes with backyard manatees
66 slides

The 20 best swimming holes within driving distance of Tampa

Living in Florida has many advantages, and an essential one is access to our beautiful, freshwater springs. But not all springs are…

By CL Staff

Ichetucknee Springs State Park
    12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, (386) 497-4690, starting at $6 per vehicle
    Known best for its warm weather tubing experience, the Ichetucknee River also offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing and eight major springs that join together to create the 6-mile river run. Although no camping is offered on site, River Run campground, Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins, and Ichetucknee Springs campground.
    
    Photo via Ichetucknee State Park
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25 essential road trips from Tampa everyone should do at least once

Here are a few road trip-worthy destinations, many of which are less than a couple hours away from Tampa. So, fill up…

By CL Staff

 Silver Springs 
    Estimated time:  1 hour 45 minutes     
    In the spring of 1938, a colony of rhesus macaque monkeys was established at Silver Springs State Park, in the greater Ocala area. Since then, more than 1000 have been reported, and if you’re lucky enough you’ll see these wild monkeys. Silver Springs also still offers the tourist-favorite glass bottom boat rides too. 
    Photo via silversprings.com
25 slides

25 beautiful Florida springs within driving distance of Tampa Bay

Forget the beach, Florida's natural springs are equally as stunning, and many of these gems are less than a tank of gas…

By CL Staff

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
    7450 NE 60th Street, High Springs, (386) 454-1369, starting at $24 per night
    The newest addition to the Florida State Parks is comprised of 25 campsites, 17 of which are fitted for RVs, and has not one but 5 available springs. Swimming, snorkeling and hiking are popular activities at each pool. Amenities include a picnic pavillion for larger parties and restroom facilities around the park.  
    
    Photo via Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
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