Fanning Springs State Park

We know people throw around the phrase “crystal clear water” all the time — but with Fanning Springs, no description is more apt. The spring stays at a cool 72-degrees year round, thanks to the 65 million gallons of water it pumps in daily. And like we said, the water is as clear as a freshly-windexed window — which makes it super easy to spot the manatees that float into the spring from time to time. So don your swim goggles, snorkel, or full-on scuba gear and take a dip. When you’re ready to dry off, try exploring the park’s nearly mile-long hiking trail that winds through hearty hardwoods and pines. Just be sure to watch your step; you’ll spot quite a few small sinkholes along the trail, which were formed when underground caverns collapsed. Since the spring sits right off of the Suwannee River, it’s a super popular spot for paddlers to launch from. And pro tip: Fanning Springs in only seven miles away from Manatee Springs, so paddling from spring to spring on the river makes a great trip.