WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE
Splashin’ Around The summer sun is hot. How will you cool off this season? // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N
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hether visiting one of our area’s beautiful springs or enjoying a day at Lake Weir, there’s nothing more Floridian than cooling off in one of our state’s natural bodies of water. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite swimming holes, so take a dip—the water’s fine.
ALEXANDER SPRINGS
you will find Silver Glen Springs six miles north of SR 40 along SE 19 at the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest. Canoe rentals are available on-site, and there are changing facilities near the parking area.
SALT SPRINGS Alexander Springs
Alexander Run. Lifeguards are on-site seven days a week May 15 through September 15 from 10am to 6pm. Alexander Springs is located between Astor and Altoona to the east of SR 19 and the west of the St. Johns River and CR 445-A. 16
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SILVER GLEN SPRING A popular day-use area as well as an important archaeological site, this recreation area is used for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and boating. With a spring run that pours into Lake George,
Salt Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring that gives the area its name. Outdoor activities include swimming in the springs, fishing, snorkeling and boating. Canoe rentals are available at the Salt Springs Marina, and all canoe rentals are first come, first served. A valid Florida Freshwater Fishing
Alexander Springs photo courtesy of Visit Florida; Silver Glen Springs photo by New York Times for Visit Florida; Ichetucknee Springs State Park photo by Peter W. Cross for Visit Florida.
Alexander Springs is one of only 27 firstmagnitude springs that exist in Florida and the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted. The natural spring pool is a constant 72 degrees with a gently sloped beach leading to the gently sloped spring basin. Water activities include the aforementioned scuba diving, allowing you to explore the broad mouth of the spring, swimming and paddling on the
