Howey-in-the-Hills FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
1. Lake Louisa State Park
PRISTINE LAKE OASIS
Lake Louisa State Park offers a serene lakefront experience with swimming beaches and crystal-clear waters just a short drive from Howey-in-the-Hills. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking across its six lakes, with the main beach area providing amenities like picnic pavilions and hiking trails. The park's natural setting surrounded by cypress trees and rolling hills creates a peaceful escape for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
2. Wekiwa Springs State Park
REFRESHING NATURAL SPRINGS
Wekiwa Springs State Park features a stunning natural spring with emerald waters maintaining a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. The spring basin forms a natural swimming area where visitors can cool off, snorkel, and observe the underwater ecosystem. Beyond swimming, guests can rent canoes or kayaks to explore the Wekiva River, making it a perfect day trip from Howey-in-the-Hills.
3. Juniper Springs Recreation Area
HISTORIC SPRING WONDERLAND
Juniper Springs Recreation Area is a hidden gem in the Ocala National Forest featuring one of Florida's oldest and most beautiful springs. The crystal-clear headspring and swimming area are surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation, creating a magical setting for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can also enjoy the historic mill house, picnic facilities, and the famous 7-mile Juniper Run canoe trail for an adventurous day on the water.
4. Clearwater Beach
POWDERY WHITE PARADISE
Clearwater Beach is renowned for its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear Gulf waters, making it one of Florida's most celebrated beaches. Visitors can swim in the warm turquoise waters, participate in water sports like parasailing and jet-skiing, or simply relax on the pristine shoreline. The beach is complemented by Pier 60, which hosts daily sunset celebrations featuring street performers, crafters, and magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico.
5. Siesta Key Beach
AWARD-WINNING QUARTZ SAND
Siesta Key Beach boasts some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, composed of 99% pure quartz that stays cool underfoot even on hot days. The beach features shallow, calm waters ideal for families, with lifeguards on duty year-round and amenities including volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a playground. Consistently ranked among America's best beaches, Siesta Key offers breathtaking sunsets and plenty of space to spread out despite its popularity.
6. Alexander Springs
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING
Alexander Springs is one of the few first-magnitude springs in Florida, pumping out 70 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily into a large swimming area with a gradually sloping bottom. The spring maintains a constant 72-degree temperature and offers exceptional underwater visibility, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Surrounding the springs are hiking trails, a canoe run, and picnic facilities, all nestled within the lush Ocala National Forest.
7. Silver Glen Springs
BOATER'S WATERFRONT PARADISE
Silver Glen Springs features a large, bowl-shaped swimming area where crystal-clear water bubbles up from limestone vents in the sandy bottom. The spring run extends a quarter-mile to Lake George, making it popular with boaters who anchor in the cove on weekends to swim and socialize. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling among fish in the main spring basin or exploring the surrounding Ocala National Forest trails when taking a break from the water.
8. Blue Spring State Park
MANATEE VIEWING HAVEN
Blue Spring State Park centers around a stunning first-magnitude spring that creates a vibrant blue swimming hole and serves as winter refuge for hundreds of manatees. During swimming season (typically late spring through early fall), visitors can enjoy the refreshing 72-degree waters for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The park also offers tube and canoe rentals to explore the spring run that flows into the St. Johns River, plus boardwalks that provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
9. De Leon Springs State Park
HISTORIC SWIMMING HOLE
De Leon Springs State Park offers a historic swimming area centered around a natural spring that pumps millions of gallons of refreshing 72-degree water daily. The spring pool features a gradual slope from shallow to deep areas with a swimmer's platform, making it ideal for visitors of all ages and swimming abilities. After swimming, guests can enjoy the famous Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant where they cook their own pancakes at the table, or explore the ecological boat tours and hiking trails.
10. Englewood Beach
SHARK TOOTH TREASURE HUNT
Englewood Beach on Manasota Key offers a more relaxed Gulf Coast experience with beautiful white sand shores and crystal blue waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the gentle Gulf waters, searching for prehistoric shark teeth along the shoreline, or watching dolphins play offshore. The beach features excellent amenities including picnic areas, volleyball courts, a playground, and nearby restaurants, making it perfect for a full day of waterfront enjoyment.