Between Jacksonville And Orlando Is A Laid-Back River City With A Natural Spring Park

Florida is widely known for its majestic beaches, some of which are among the best beaches in America. However, the Sunshine State has other natural wonders, including the St. Johns River and artesian springs where pure water naturally bubbles up to the surface. Visitors can experience both in Green Cove Springs, a small city of about 10,000 people, sandwiched between Jacksonville and Orlando. Named for the lush green environment, a bend in the river, and its spring, Green Cove Springs is a destination where visitors can soak up the scenic views and laid-back vibes of Central Florida.

For thousands of years, Native Americans – and later tourists — visited Green Cove Spring, the town's spring, for the water's perceived medicinal qualities. After being incorporated in 1874, Green Cove Springs developed into a popular destination for northerners in winter in the late 19th century, and in its heyday, it was known as the "Saratoga of the South." Riverboats ferried passengers up the the St. Johns River to beautiful resorts around the town's spring where they could relax, recover from illnesses, or dodge the cold. You can now soak in the mineral-rich waters in the local natural spring park.

The best option to reach Green Cove Springs is by car. It's about one hour from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and less than three from Orlando International (MCO), making it easy enough to reach for a day trip or a quiet weekend away. For motorists on I-95, it's about a 30-minute detour west of St. Augustine. 

Whether you'd enjoy a day as slow as the St. Johns ("one of the laziest rivers in the world," according to the St. Johns River Water Management District) or as active as the town's spring (releasing over 1,300 gallons a minute), you'll have plenty of options for outdoor activities in Spring Park. Over the last decade, Green Cove Springs redid the city's centerpiece park, adding a kayak launch, improving the picnic area, and building short, well-manicured walking trails. If you prefer to take in the sights with a coffee in hand, Spring Park Coffee, a local favorite, is near the edge of the park. Alternatively, bring a few snacks to enjoy while overlooking the water. As of this writing, there are no major supermarkets around the park, though a Dollar General and a Walgreens are nearby. 

Green Cove Springs may be a long way from the pristine, spring-fed swimming holes of Texas Hill Country; however, it, too, has a spring-fed swimming pool, located in Spring Park. The spring provides refreshing 77-degree water and is open for swimming from May through September. When you're nearby, you may, like other past visitors, notice the sulfuric smell from the water. The community has posted information about the water quality and content outside the pool, so you know which minerals you're soaking in. If you plan to swim, be sure to bring a few bucks to pay for the admission fee, which ranges from $3 to $5 per person.

Though the grand resorts no longer stand, the community still retains Florida's past charm and laid-back vibes throughout the Green Cove Springs Historic District. The area spans blocks of former houses and encompasses the county's Historical Triangle. Park around the Old Jail and meander through time and a local history lesson at the Clay County History Museum. Green Cove Springs also has a piece of space history in Reynolds Industrial Park. On display, you'll find an old rocket booster from the Space Shuttle program. Safe to say, you won't have to drive to Kennedy Space Center, one of Florida's top tourist attractions, to unleash your inner astronaut.

Whether you're fueling up before or after exploring (or swimming), you'll have several local options for a bite to eat. For early birds, Sunrise to Sunset prepares home-cooked breakfasts, including waffles, omelets, and biscuits and gravy. Hundreds of reviewers on Google Maps have been impressed with the diner's food and service. Other popular local options for later in the day include La Casita for Mexican food or wings, sandwiches, or even gator tail at Roger That Wings & Things.

For visitors planning to spend the night in town, you'll find several cute homes on Airbnb, as well as the charming and simple Green Cove Springs Inn. Visitors on Google Maps noted the warm and friendly service, though the rooms only have basic amenities. About 15 minutes north of town, you'll find a Holiday Inn Express in Fleming Island and several more hotels as you head toward Jacksonville. You'll also find historic inns and dozens of hotels in underrated and charming St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, 45 minutes east of town.