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4.Rainbow Springs State Park
This historic park is situated in Dunnellon, less than half an hour from the city of Ocala. It is separated into 3 areas, the campgrounds, the main “headsprings” section, and, of course, the tubing area. This is a family-friendly place complete with several miles of lush vegetation, gardens, waterfalls, the bubbling, namesake springs, and a lovely lazy river.
Head for the tubing entrance, stop at the concessionaire’s, board the shuttle, and leap Rainbow River. If you enjoy the 2-hour float but still crave more, hit the headsprings area and go snorkeling, swimming, or simply soak in some sun.
Visit whenever it suits you. The water is between 10 and 18 feet deep and more importantly, always 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can even rent a canoe or kayak and look for wildlife in this interesting aquatic preserve. The park’s even a well-known spot for geocaching.
5.Blackwater River State Park
The beautiful Blackwater River State Park is nestled in Florida’s Panhandle under one hour away from Pensacola. It includes nearly 600 acres of verdant forests and one of the country’s purest sand-bottom rivers. Much of the area near the river is surprisingly undisturbed.
Opened in 1968, the park’s creeks are a part of the biggest wiregrass ecosystem on the planet. That’s rarer than even a tropical rainforest. It features a striking four-mile stretch of water perfect for lazy river tubing and swimming too. You can rent kayaks and canoes here as well and the white sand beaches are perfect for picnics.
The park’s name is actually misleading. The water isn’t black. It typically looks more like a clear gold color. The best time to visit is in the summer but it’s open all year, from 8:00 a.m. ‘til sunset.
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