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Cool down at these natural springs within 2.5 hours of Lakeland

Take a break from the pool + dive in to one of these springs that are less than 2.5 hours away from Swan City.

See wildlife (or even a mermaid) up close and personal at Weeki Wachee Springs.

Photo by @carlie.stach

We know that Lakeland has no shortage of places to swim, but sometimes a change of scenery is in order when you’re looking to cool down. Good thing Florida is home to the largest concentration of natural springs in the world. Check out these destinations less than 2.5 hours from Lakeland the next time you want to get your feet wet.

📍 Lithia Springs Conservation Park | 45 minutes from Lakeland

A landscape picture of Lithia Springs Conservation Park.

Make sure to get to the park early so you can snag a spot for swimming before the spring reaches capacity.

Photo via Hillsborough County Government

Swimming at this natural spring is broken up into two, four-hour time slots with a maximum capacity of 200 swimmers.

📍 Wekiwa Springs State Park | 1.5 hours from Lakeland

Several swimmers float in the emerald waters of Wekiwa Springs.

If you’re heading to Wekiwa Springs, don’t forget your floaties — they’re welcome in the swimming area.

Photo by Florida State Parks

Lauded as Orange County’s longest-running tourist attraction, the emerald-hued waters of Wekiwa Springs make an idyllic setting for taking a dip. If you’d rather stay dry, there’s plenty of hiking trails available, too.

📍 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park | 1.5 hours from Lakeland

A girl dressed up as a mermaid swims underwater with a zebrafish.

Ever wanted to see a real-life mermaid? Weeki Wachee Springs can make that happen.

Photo by Florida State Parks.

If adventure is what you’re after, Weeki Wachee Springs has you covered. Take in a mermaid show, kayak down the river, or make a splash in Buccaneer Bay Water Park. Fun fact: It’s also home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the US.

📍 Ocala National Forest | 1 hour 45 minutes from Lakeland

A bridge goes over bright blue water and is surrounded by trees.

Do you feel your shoulders loosening looking at those crystal waters? We certainly do.

Photo by US Forest Service

This spot boasts more than 600 lakes and rivers across its property, including several natural springs where you can swim, fish, snorkel, and boat (distances to specific springs vary).

📍 Rainbow Springs State Park | 2 hours from Lakeland

A woman sits in a yellow inner tube floating on Rainbow River in Florida.

Floating down Rainbow River is totally tubular experience.

Photo by Kossina Creative via Florida State Parks

Grab your snorkeling gear and dive on in to find wildlife in the crystal clear waters of the headspring, or enjoy a tube ride down Rainbow River.

📍 De Leon Springs State Park | 2 hours from Lakeland

A natural spring is shown with a park bench next to it. In the distance, there's a wooden building and a dock.

Fueling up with pancakes after a long day of swimming? We’re in.

Photo by Florida State Parks

Not only does this state park offer natural springs + historic boat tours, but you can also make your own pancakes at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House.

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