LaCrosse FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near LaCrosse, Florida.
1. Lake Santa Fe Beach
SCENIC LAKESIDE RETREAT
Lake Santa Fe Beach offers a tranquil setting along the shores of one of North Central Florida's largest and clearest lakes. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking on sandy lakefront areas shaded by tall pines and moss-draped oaks. The lake's gentle waves and clear water make it a favorite escape for both relaxation and active water recreation.
2. Ginnie Springs Outdoors
CRYSTAL-CLEAR SPRINGS ADVENTURE
Ginnie Springs Outdoors is world-renowned for its crystal-clear spring runs and stunning blue waters along the Santa Fe River. The site offers swimming, snorkeling, tubing, paddleboarding, and diving in a lush, natural setting, with amenities including campgrounds and picnic facilities. Its unique combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunities attracts families, outdoor enthusiasts, and divers alike.
3. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
LEGENDARY BLUE SPRING RIVER
Ichetucknee Springs State Park showcases the pristine Ichetucknee River, famous for tubing, swimming, and snorkeling in spring-fed waters. Surrounded by lush forests and wildlife, the park provides a serene backdrop for a variety of water activities and picnicking. Its cool, clear springs and relaxed flow make it one of Florida's iconic freshwater escapes.
4. Rum Island Park
HIDDEN SPRING OASIS
Rum Island Park features a picturesque spring that empties into the Santa Fe River, offering a cool retreat for swimming and wading. The park's sandy beach area, shaded picnic spots, and clear blue waters create a peaceful atmosphere suitable for families and nature lovers. Its easy river access also makes it a convenient stop for paddlers and tubers.
5. Hart Springs Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RIVERFRONT
Hart Springs Park lies along the Suwannee River, offering a large spring swimming area with gentle slopes and shaded picnic grounds. Boardwalks meander through cypress swamps, and the spring's consistently cool water is inviting throughout the year. The park is ideal for families, boaters, and campers seeking scenic natural beauty and classic Florida recreation.
6. Poe Springs Park
PEACEFUL COUNTY SPRING
Poe Springs Park presents a peaceful environment with its crystal-clear spring pool and shaded riverside picnic areas. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or paddle in the spring run, or explore short hiking trails in the surrounding forest. The park's natural setting and relaxed pace make it a local favorite for weekend escapes.
7. Blue Springs Park
CLASSIC NORTH FLORIDA SPRINGS
Blue Springs Park provides visitors with a classic Florida springs experience, featuring a large swimming area with clear, cool waters. The sandy spring bottom and grassy surrounding areas are perfect for sunbathing and family picnics. The park is popular for swimming, tubing, and wildlife viewing, especially on warm summer days.
8. Santa Fe River Park
PEACEFUL RIVERSIDE ACCESS
Santa Fe River Park offers easy public access to the scenic Santa Fe River, with a sandy launch area ideal for swimming, wading, and boating. Towering oaks and cypress trees provide a shady atmosphere, while the gentle river current attracts paddlers and families alike. It's a laid-back spot to enjoy the beauty and quiet of North Florida's waterways.
9. Lake Wauburg North Park
UNIVERSITY LAKESIDE RECREATION
Lake Wauburg North Park, operated by the University of Florida, features a large sandy beach area and expansive lakefront for swimming, paddling, and sunbathing. The park includes equipment rentals for kayaks and paddleboards, as well as picnic areas under shade trees. Its vibrant campus atmosphere and well-kept facilities make it a popular destination for both students and the public.
10. Silver Springs State Park
HISTORIC SPRING AND RIVER
Silver Springs State Park is famed for its glass-bottom boat tours that glide over crystal-clear spring waters teeming with fish and aquatic plants. While swimming is not permitted, visitors can paddle, take boat tours, and enjoy scenic river views from the shore. The park's blend of natural beauty and historic charm make it one of Florida's most iconic spring destinations.