Alexander Springs: Florida Springs Day Trip

Alexander Springs Recreation Area​ is located in the Ocala National Forest and ​has everything a family needs for a day of fun in the sun. There are hiking trails, swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, picnicking, and more waiting to be explored. It’s the perfect spot for a summer day trip from Jacksonville.

Alexander Springs is a Spectacular First Magnitude Florida Spring

First magnitude springs are classified as the largest springs and discharge at least 64.6 million gallons of water per day. Alexander Springs pumps out 70 million gallons a day!

The Swimming area at Alexander Springs is Perfect for all Level Swimmers

The natural slope into the water provides a shallow area perfect for the young swimmer. Leading to the water is a sandy beach area; surrounding the beach area is a spacious green lawn with ample space for setting up a picnic or basking in the sun.

Enjoy the large, lake-like swimming area and soft sandy bottom at Alexander Springs

The spring head is a swim out to the right and is quite deep. Floats, noodles, and tubes are welcome here, they do ask that no flippers are worn in the spring. The water is crystal clear and perfect for a snorkeling adventure. Water gently bubbles up from the spring head beneath the limestone floor and is consistent 72 degrees.

Hike the Timucuan Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that showcases Florida’s natural vegetation of stately palms and abundant foliage at Alexander Springs

The boardwalk path to the trail is right near the swimming hole. ​However, the Timucuan Trail was closed for repairs on our most recent visit. Call ahead to check trail status if you plan on hiking 352-669-3522.

Besides swimming and hiking, Alexander Springs also offers canoe rentals. If you are up for it paddle down the ​Alexander Run​! Along the run, you may see plenty of Florida wildlife from alligators, great herons, and turtles galore.

​Alexander Springs​ is located just under two hours from Jacksonville, go ahead pack the car and make it a day trip!

Call ahead to see what amenities are open before setting out to visit any Florida Spring. There are concessions on site, along with showers, changing rooms, and restrooms. Camping is available through the ​Recreation.gov​ website.

---

Touring the Springs of Florida: A Guide to the State’s Best Springs is a great good if you’re looking for more information about Florida Springs. It’s a great resource for day trips that your family is sure to love!

---

Jillian Gishler is a New Englander at heart. Born in Jacksonville Beach, she grew up in Massachusetts but was beckoned back to Florida by Mickey Mouse for a Disney World Internship. She returned to the beach in 2005 after graduating from Florida State. Ten years ago she opened her handmade & vintage collective shop, Sew Vicious, in Neptune Beach. Jillian raises chickens, is a passionate gardener, a DIYer, a thrift store junkie, a deal loving mama, and has several inspirational travel journals available on Amazon. She leads her daughters Girl Scout Troop, teaches sewing at a local Montessori School, and is a Parents Who Lead Alumni. She loves surprising her husband and daughters with mini-vacations around the Sunshine State.