Take the VW and Check Out These 5 Great Swimming Spots Near Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, FL residents are lucky to have the Atlantic Ocean on the east side and the St. Johns River flowing through the center. It provides them with a multitude of possibilities nearby for a completely different swimming experience. Keep reading to learn about some of our favorites, and visit them all in your VW Jetta!

Take the VW and Check Out These 5 Great Swimming Spots Near Jacksonville, FL

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

The Ichetucknee River is six miles long and runs through nine breathtaking springs. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, such as a leisurely swim, snorkeling, or diving into the 50-foot-deep Blue Hole. There are canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards to rent or slip in a tube and float along the lazy river. After the trip, just board a tram to return to the starting point. The park is open from 8 am to dark, and parking is just $6.

Blue Spring State Park

This state park, which has the biggest spring on the St. Johns River, provides a variety of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing, and much more. You can pitch a tent, go for a trek, or set up a picnic around the lake. If you’re visiting during winter, keep an eye out for manatees that poke around when the water temperature dips. Parking ranges from $4 to $6, depending on the number of occupants in the vehicle.

Bob’s River Place

Bob’s River Place is located on the Suwannee River and was converted from private property to an open venue where visitors can enjoy a casual swim, water slides, rope swings, leaping platforms, and floating rafts. Please note that there are no lifeguards at Bob’s River Place, so visitors should take every safety precaution possible. There’s an $8 entry fee, and it’s open from 11 am to 6 pm on weekends and closes for the season after Memorial Day.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Juniper Springs, located in the center of Ocala National Forest, is a big swim hole with both a shallow portion and deep waters complete with platforms for jumping. The Juniper Run is a seven-mile canoe or kayak trip along the creek’s crystal blue waters. While the run eventually becomes a relaxing float, the beginning may be challenging with its tiny tunnels and fallen branches. It’s open from 8 am to 8 pm with a $5 entry fee.

Spring Park Pool

This spring-fed pool was renovated last year to improve the spring’s outfall and to install a new two-story pavilion and water splash feature. You can view the spring while enjoying a dip in the luxurious pool from Tuesday to Sunday. It opens at 11 am and closes at 7 pm with a $4 entry fee.

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