Between Tallahassee And Gainesville Is Florida's River City With Nearby Natural Springs

If you're thinking of traveling to Florida, you may assume the best places would be beachside cities like Tampa, Miami, or the coastal city with stunning white sands, Sarasota. While these spots are certainly appealing if you're trying to catch some rays and relax next to the waves, the Sunshine State is more than just its coastline. In fact, Florida has many natural springs, which you can explore in cities like High Springs.

Nestled next to the Santa Fe River, High Springs isn't a bustling metropolis, but instead it's a great place to experience inland Florida's more natural scenery. During your visit, you can check out places like Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs Park, or the Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, among others. Since each of these parks is next to the Santa Fe River, you can follow the water and visit each green space sequentially, depending on how much you're trying to do during your vacation.

High Springs is close to other Florida hotspots like Gainesville, which is about 30 minutes southeast by car, or Tallahassee, which is about two hours northwest. Overall, if you're interested in seeing a greener side of the state, full of pristine waters and scenic parks, High Springs should be near the top of your travel list.

In case you weren't aware, there are over 1,000 natural springs throughout the state, such as the pristine springs for swimming and paddling at Ichetucknee Springs. However, one of the best options near High Springs is Ginnie Springs, where you can float, swim, or dive into crystal-clear waters that stay around 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. 

Alternatively, journey to a place where you can see multiple springs without leaving the property. Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is a recent addition to Florida's collection of state parks, and as the name suggests, it contains the Gilchrist Blue Springs. This particular spring produces over 40 million gallons of water a day, making it the most impressive one in the park. However, there are four other springs you can explore while you're here, too. At the time of this writing, the park is undergoing renovations, so water activities and on-site amenities are limited.

There are two more state parks located in High Springs that also follow the Santa Fe River. First, there's O'Leno State Park, where the river actually disappears underground and then reemerges 3 miles south in River Rise Preserve State Park. Although these parks don't feature natural springs, they're great for swimming, paddling, and fishing along the river. O'Leno State Park even has campsites (and River Rise Preserve has equestrian campsites) if you're looking to immerse yourself in nature as much as possible during your vacation.

For the most part, High Springs is notable for its proximity to so many natural waterways and green spaces. After all, the city is known as the "Gateway to the Springs" for a reason. However, that doesn't mean you're limited to the outdoors while visiting. For example, if you're interested in local history, you can check out the High Springs Museum, which dives into the city's past as a railroad hub.

If you're more of a foodie, High Springs has a decent dining scene, particularly around the downtown area and city hall. For a unique take on sandwiches, try Spinwiches, which uses traditional Hungarian bread that adds a little sweetness to every bite. For more of an interactive experience, the Great Outdoors Restaurant offers live music and outdoor seating to accompany menu items like fish, chicken, and burgers. Finally, if you're craving pizza, you can order a slice or a whole pie from Prohibition Pizza. This place lives up to its name with the Blind Pig pie, which comes with a token for a free beer from High Springs Brewery Company across the street.

To reach High Springs, the closest major travel hub is Jacksonville near the Atlantic coast; the city is about 90 minutes southwest of the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). Alternatively, if you're planning an epic Florida vacation and want to experience Orlando during your visit, the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which doesn't use TSA for security, is about two and a half hours south. Once you arrive, there are a few hotels in town, such as the Grady House Bed & Breakfast or the High Springs Country Inn.