11 Best Swimming Lakes in Florida [2024]
SEARCHING FOR THE BEST SWIMMING LAKES IN FLORIDA?
You’ve come to the perfect place. We’ve spent months traveling Florida and love to get our feet wet whenever we can. The truth is that most Florida travelers are so concerned about seeking out the best swimming beaches in Florida that there isn’t as much content highlighting the lakes in Florida.
That’s where we come in. There are some stellar swimming holes in Florida that often get overlooked, but we think they are worth talking about. Come along as we count down the best swimming lakes in Florida!
Best Swimming Lakes in Florida
1. Silver Glen Springs
If you find yourself looking for good swimming spots in Florida, swing by Silver Glen Springs!
This tranquil shallow lake in the Ocala National Forest, off St. Johns River, is known for its clear and calm turquoise water.
With water temperatures at 72 degrees year-round, this peaceful oasis is not only great for swimming but also offers great snorkeling and paddling conditions. A rare and secret find, your family will love spending time here, especially when the manatees make an appearance!
2. Lake George
Lake George is one of the most famous lakes in Florida. Located in the northern portion of the state, the lake spans 46,000 acres, qualifying it as one of the largest lakes in Florida. The brackish water (the result of a mixture of fresh water and seawater) has an average depth of 10 feet.
Swimming is a popular pastime here, along with other recreational activities like fishing, boating, and camping. Thousands of alligators call this lake home, so it’s very important to only swim in the spring-fed channels.
You can tell which areas are safe to swim by the color of the water. The crystal-clear waters and those specifically sanctioned for swimming are safe to use.
Always keep a watch out for alligators, regardless of where you are swimming here.
3. Lake Stella
Lake Stella is one of the best secret swimming holes in Florida. Created by a sinkhole in Auburndale, it’s one of the most fun natural pools in Florida to visit.
The beach here is a great place for families to swim and picnic on a hot day, so be sure to pack your beach toys and chairs!
Given the lake’s exceptional water depth, it’s also a popular spot for fishing. Anglers can test their luck by catching Florida fish like largemouth bass. The lake is also a lovely place to kayak and explore.
Best Swimming Holes in Florida State Parks
If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors during your family vacations like we do, you may already be planning a visit to Florida’s national parks, but don’t forget about the state parks, too!
You’ll find some of the very best swimming spots in Florida at these natural springs located throughout the beautiful and fascinating state parks.
4. Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Springs, located in Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, is one of the prettiest bodies of water in Florida. Its name says it all, as the springs magically radiate a rainbow hue. We can’t do it justice in words; it’s really a sight to behold!
The water here is transparently clear and so gentle but deeper than some of the other entries on our list, ranging from 10 to 18 feet deep. At 72 degrees year-round, It’s perfect for a day of swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around.
While we were staying in Ocala, we visited Rainbow Springs and had a great time. The water was so warm to swim in, even during the winter months.
So be sure to load up your beach tote with snorkel gear and bring a boogie board to kick around on, too! We also recommend packing a picnic for this visit. There are plenty of beautiful places to set up a picnic area while you enjoy a day under the Florida sun.
After you’re done playing in the water, be sure to spend some time exploring the gorgeous gardens and nature trails throughout the park. Trust us, nature lovers won’t want to miss it!
5. Wakulla Springs
Wakulla Springs at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is one of the best swimming holes in Florida thanks to its stunning freshwater lake appearance. The crystal clear spring holds the title of the deepest freshwater springs in the world.
With a constant water temperature right around 70 degrees, this is one of the best Florida lakes to cool off in during warmer months.
The spring is surrounded by cypress trees and a swamp, and the park is full of stunning Florida flowers and plants. If you have extra time, be sure to take one of the boat tours offered here; you will learn so much about the history of the area as well as the plants and wildlife.
If you visit Wakulla Springs as a family, your kids will likely be excited to know that a slew of alligators, manatees, and several species of birds call this state park home. You never know what kind of wildlife you might spot during your visit.
6. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is known mainly for its river tubing, but also offers a couple of swimming areas. We recommend families enjoy splashing around at the head of Ichetucknee Spring, where the current isn’t as strong and swimmers of a variety of skill levels can enjoy the water.
More experienced swimmers can head over to Blue Hole Spring, where the water is deeper and there is a more swift current.
If your schedule allows for it, we do recommend floating the Ichetucknee River in addition to your swimming adventure. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend a portion of your day, enjoying the beautiful Florida landscape as well as some exciting wildlife like beavers, turtles, and even ducks.
7. Blue Hole Spring
Also located at Ichetucknee State Park, Blue Hole Spring is a wonder to explore. Sometimes referred to as Jug Spring, this spot is one of the only first-magnitude springs in this part of the state.
While swimming here, you can actually feel the power and pushback behind the 67 million gallons of water that flows through this spring each day. One of the best springs to snorkel in, the world below the surface is filled with turtles and a variety of fish.
8. Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is most famously known for its massive manatee population during the coolest times of the year, but the spring run here makes it one of the best Florida natural lakes to swim in, too!
As is the case with so many of the best lakes in Florida, the water at Blue Spring State Park is stunningly clear and is an amazing place for snorkeling as well as swimming.
Keep in mind that there are limitations on when and where you can swim in Blue Spring State Park when the manatees are present. We visited Blue Spring State Park in January one time and the river run was closed to swimming as well as floating because there were manatees in the river.
If the main river run is closed, there are some spots further down the river where kayaking is open.
9. Fanning Springs State Park
Fanning Springs State Park and be found next to the Suwannee River. The spring here has a gorgeous turquoise appearance, making it one of the prettiest Florida bodies of water.
Fanning Springs is a top-notch spot to swim with your family in Florida. The amazing water is also perfect for snorkeling, paddling, or kayaking.
After taking a refreshing dip, we recommend taking your family on an adventure on the nature trails throughout the park. It’s an excellent way to spend some time outside enjoying nature and some beautiful wildlife.
10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
We didn’t include any lakes in Orlando on our list, but Wekiwa Springs State Park is only a short drive out of town. Known for its stunning emerald waters, the spring waters here are comfortable and clear, making it a wonderful spot to spend a day snorkeling.
This is yet another exceptional park for nature walks as well. We highly recommend taking the family on a hike before or after playing in the water. There’s so much natural beauty to enjoy at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Wekiwa Springs State Park would be a wonderful addition to your itinerary if you’re looking for things to do in Orlando for 4th of July.
11. Buccaneer Bay
Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is unlike any of the other places on our list. Trust us when we say you’ve never visited a natural spring quite like this. Buccaneer Bay is one of the only spring-fed water parks in the country.
Kids and adults alike will have the time of their lives on the park’s water slides, Cannonball and Pirate’s Revenge, each of which drops riders right into the natural spring pool. The slides and the ambiance of pure fun make Weeki Wachee Springs a must-stop during your Florida vacation!
Where Not to Swim in Florida
While Florida lakes are some of the best places to cool off and enjoy some water fun, it’s important to research where you plan to swim ahead of time and be prepared for that area’s water conditions.
Several factors, including Florida lake water quality issues like harmful algal bloom, swift currents, and wildlife, can throw a wrench into your swimming plans, so it’s always a good idea to stay aware of current conditions.
Not all lakes in Florida are recommended for swimming. Lake Eloise, Seven Seas Lagoon, and Lake Cannon are the top lakes to avoid during your family vacation to the Sunshine State.
FAQ: Best Swimming Lakes in Florida
Most people visit to spend time on the Atlantic Ocean coast, but Florida is home to over 30,000 lakes!
Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in Florida at 467,000 acres of lake! Seminole Indians first named the lake “Okeechobee,” which translates to English as “big water.”
Rainbow Springs Lake is thought to be the cleanest Florida lake. The water is gorgeous, making it a wonderful spot for families to visit.
Yes, there are so many safe and fun lakes to swim in in Florida. Lake Stella and Rainbown Springs are some of the safest lakes to swim in Florida.
Many families visiting Florida enjoy swimming at Lake George. Though some areas at this large lake are safer than others, the lake is estimated to be home to over 2,600 alligators, so it’s important to be very vigilant while swimming at Lake George.
The Florida lakes with the most alligators include Lake Okeechobee, Orange Lake, and Lake George.
Alligator attacks are rare, so as long as you stay aware of your surroundings, keep your distance, and don’t bother wildlife while in the water, you can swim safely.
Alligators love to bask in the sun as much as humans do. The best giveaway that a lake is home to alligators is if you spot them sunning near the water’s edge.
Conclusion: Best Swimming Lakes in Florida
The state of Florida is home to some amazing lakes. Whether they are referred to as swimming holes or springs, the state is full of captivating and fun bodies of water.
We hope this guide has been helpful in offering insights on the best swimming lakes in Florida. We can’t wait to explore more of them on our next visit!
