Not every opportunity to keep cool in Florida this summer needs to include the ocean. There are plenty of other places throughout The Sunshine State that are worthy of spending an afternoon staying refreshed. Take the world’s largest freshwater swimming pool for instance. But for those who are looking for more of a natural experience, then we have a crystal clear natural spring that will elevate your entire summer.
One of the newest state parks in Florida is perhaps one of the most stunning of them all.
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Following the springs which run to the Santa Fe River, visitors to Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park are in for a treat.
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Whether it’s picnicking, tubing, paddle boarding, camping or swimming, there is so much to do at this one-of-a-kind park.
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I mean truly, have you ever seen water this crystal clear before?
TripAdvisor Emily Anne
The surrounding area around the park, too, is worth exploring with plenty of hiking opportunities and natural flora and fauna.
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There are a collection of natural springs in the park which contribute to the pool, averaging 44 million gallons of water each day.
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But it’s the spring known as Gilchrist Blue which has the most outstanding water clarity, allowing guests to see straight down to the bottom especially on sunny days.
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Rent a kayak or canoe on-site and take to the Santa Fe River for more of an active afternoon in the park.
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Or simply bring the family and a few blankets and stick to the shallows for a day on the water under the summer sun.
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For those who want to do a bit of underwater exploration, this is the place to do it, with snorkeling and scuba diving activities available, too.
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Plan a trip to Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park for an epic summer experience for the whole family.
TripAdvisor Bunker10
The address for Gilchrist Blue Springs Park is 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643. Admission fees range from $3.00 per day up to $10.00 per day depending on the age of the guest. The hours for the state park are from 8 a.m. to sundown every day. To find more information about Gilchrist Blue Springs Park, visit the website here.
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TripAdvisor Emily Anne
TripAdvisor Bunker10
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