Fort White FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Fort White, Florida.
1. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR TUBING PARADISE
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a pristine natural oasis offering visitors the chance to tube down crystal clear springs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing along the six-mile spring-fed river. The park's cool 72-degree waters and lush surrounding forest create a refreshing escape during hot Florida summers.
2. Rum Island Park
SECLUDED RIVER RETREAT
Rum Island Park is a charming riverside escape situated on the Santa Fe River near Fort White. The park features a sandy beach area, boat ramp, and calm waters perfect for swimming and paddling. Its secluded setting makes it a favorite among locals seeking a peaceful day on the water away from larger crowds.
3. Fort Island Gulf Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GULF COAST
Fort Island Gulf Beach welcomes visitors with beautiful white powdery sand and family-friendly amenities. The 15-acre beachfront features restrooms, showers, ample parking, and a scenic boardwalk for wildlife observation. Visitors can often spot dolphins swimming in the gulf waters while enjoying this pristine coastal setting.
4. Fanning Springs State Park
REFRESHING SPRING WATERS
Fanning Springs State Park centers around a second magnitude spring that pumps millions of gallons of crystal-clear water daily into the Suwannee River. The park offers a designated swimming area with a diving platform, picnic facilities, and hiking trails through lush woodland. Visitors appreciate the refreshing 72-degree waters year-round and the opportunity to spot manatees during winter months.
5. Ginnie Springs
WORLD-CLASS CAVE DIVING
Ginnie Springs is a privately owned natural wonderland featuring seven crystalline springs along the Santa Fe River. The springs offer world-renowned cave diving opportunities alongside recreational swimming, tubing, and camping. Its electric-blue waters, underwater caverns, and vibrant atmosphere make it one of Florida's most beloved aquatic playgrounds.
6. Blue Springs Park
HIDDEN FRESHWATER GEM
Blue Springs Park features a stunning first-magnitude spring that creates a natural swimming area with incredibly clear blue water. The privately owned park includes rope swings, a diving platform, and sandy beach areas perfect for families. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, picnicking, and exploring the spring run that feeds into the Santa Fe River.
7. Poe Springs Park
NATURAL SPRING RETREAT
Poe Springs Park offers a tranquil escape centered around one of the largest springs in Alachua County, pumping out 45 million gallons of water daily. The park features a concrete retaining wall with steps leading into the swimming area, picnic pavilions, and a boat ramp for access to the Santa Fe River. Nature trails wind through the property, allowing visitors to explore the diverse ecosystem surrounding this natural spring wonder.
8. Manatee Springs State Park
MANATEE VIEWING WONDERLAND
Manatee Springs State Park is built around a first magnitude spring that produces millions of gallons of clear, cool water flowing directly into the Suwannee River. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, and paddling opportunities along with an 800-foot boardwalk for wildlife viewing, particularly manatees in winter months. Visitors appreciate the cypress tree-lined spring run, abundant wildlife, and the stunning blue-green waters that maintain a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.
9. Falling Waters State Park
FLORIDA'S TALLEST WATERFALL
Falling Waters State Park is home to Florida's tallest waterfall, where water drops 73 feet into a cylindrical sinkhole. The park features a two-acre lake with a white sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing during warmer months. Visitors can also explore interpretive exhibits, hiking trails through unique geological formations, and enjoy butterfly watching in this distinctive natural setting.
10. Steinhatchee Falls
RUSTIC RIVER CASCADE
Steinhatchee Falls showcases one of North Florida's most charming natural waterfalls along the scenic Steinhatchee River. Though modest in height, the wide limestone shelf creates a series of gentle cascades perfect for wading, swimming, and photography. Visitors enjoy the peaceful woodland setting, fishing opportunities, and the historic significance of this area which once served as a natural river crossing for Native Americans and early settlers.