One Of Florida's Most Underrated State Parks Is A Year-Round Paradise For Swimming
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Swimming and the state of Florida go hand in hand. After all, it's pretty hard to beat the tropical temperatures and warm sunshine. There are plenty of beaches along the coastline, of course, but if you're looking for something a bit different, there is a spot in central Florida that you have to check out. Rainbow Springs State Park sits about 42 miles south of Gainsville and 20 miles southwest of Ocala, and it's the perfect spot for your swimming vacation with a water temperature of 72 degrees F all year long.
The lovely blue water comes from one of Florida's largest underground springs, which pump out over 400 million gallons a day. The area was once a phosphate rock mine in the late 19th Century, and when the mine petered out, it was turned into a tourist recreation area, with three waterfalls built into the mining-altered landscape. (You can still see remnants of the attractions, like old animal cages and a rainbow fountain in the park.) Nowadays, you can hike to those waterfalls, paddle to your heart's content on a rental kayak or canoe, float two miles down Rainbow River in a tube, and, of course, swim and snorkel. Here's what you need to know before you visit the paradisiacal waters of Rainbow Springs State Park.
Swimming and snorkeling in Rainbow Springs State Park
Before you set off for your swimming adventure, note that this is a popular spot on weekends and holidays. It closes to new visitors when it reaches capacity, so it's worth visiting on an off day. There is a small fee, or you can purchase an annual pass. The headspring swimming area has crystal clear water, making it perfect for snorkeling. You can see fish hiding in underwater grasses and even turtles, but you must stay in buoyed areas and use a dive flag, per Florida law. (You can get one like this on Amazon.) The water can get up to 18-ft deep, and there are no lifeguards on duty, so keep an eye on the kiddies. You can use noodles and life preservers, but no inflatables are allowed. If you're new to snorkeling, here are some safety tips and common mistakes to avoid during your first time.
There is also a gift shop, restrooms, and concessions area, which has snacks, drinks, and ice cream from Memorial Day through October and on Fridays and weekends the rest of the year when you're ready to dry off for a bit. There are picnic tables to relax at and paddling rentals nearby for a trip down the river. (You can see a map of the park here.) However, you cannot bring your dog, including service animals, to the headspring. There are sometimes alligators in the area who could be attracted to them.
Tubing down the Rainbow River
If you've finished swimming for the day, you can rent a tube at the Rainbow River tubing area on the southeast side of the park. There is a fee, which includes a tube (you cannot bring your own) and shuttle service, which takes you two miles upstream. Then, all you have to do is get into the warm, clear river and float lazily back to your car. It's hard to imagine anything more relaxing than sitting in bathtub-temperature water as you gaze at the tropical scenery. The float takes about two hours, though you'll probably be too blissed out to register what time it is. The Rainbow River is an aquatic preserve, so disposable food or drink containers are not permitted during your watery adventure.
Outside of the water, you can wander through the lush, ornamental gardens, which are ADA accessible. There are several hiking trails to check out, including ones that bring you to the manmade waterfalls. There's a 2.5-mile trail from the visitor center that takes you along the river, and offers views of the phosphate pit. You can also try the mile-long historic attraction walk or the Sandhill Trail, which is just under a mile. Though you cannot camp or fish here, there is a separate Rainbow River camping facility a few miles away from the swimming area as well if you want to extend your aquatic vacation. Finally, don't forget your reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin from the Florida sun.