Fanning Springs

The Suwannee River, while an iconic water landmark here in Florida, is not known for its beautiful waters. But located just off the muddy water river, are several springs whose coloring differs quite a bit, becoming those turquoise pools Florida Springs are known for.

And speaking of being well known, Fanning Springs has always been a happening spot, especially for locals. In the 1930s, surrounding the swim area was a bathhouse, an epic diving platform, and a skating rink. Fanning was the place to hang back then, and still to this day.

The park ranger I was chatting with went and found this awesome photo depicting Fanning Springs in its full glory!

Because this spring is located on the river and is not within minutes of any major town, it doesn't get as busy as some of the other springs super close to Orlando and Gainesville. Very rarely hitting capacity, there are times of having space to yourself and plenty of room to swim or set up a picnic on one of the small portions of lawn.

When first entering Fanning Springs, you will see the park ranger kiosk and pay a meager entrance fee ($4.00 for a single vehicle, single occupant) to enter this paradise along the river. There is a garden right by the ranger kiosk. While waiting for them to stamp my Florida Springs Passport, I got to watch a hummingbird daintily sip from a flower.

The driveway will wind you to a curved parking lot that surrounds a green area with trees and a picnic table. The little hut at the top of the stairs is the concession stand, with snacks and necessities like sunscreen and goggles available for purchase. They also have great pamphlets on local springs to visit and state parks to explore, aiding you in your Florida bucket list quest.

Concession Stand

Restrooms are located in the building next door.

Descending the picturesque stairs, the full beauty of Fanning Springs comes into view.

View from the top of the stairs

I first decided to take it all in before diving in.

You must check out the view from the old diving platform!

This view.....just wow!

On the opposite side is a boardwalk path leading you through a forest of cypress trees, eventually revealing the great and legendary Suwannee River.

You can see the Joe Anderson Boat Ramp across the way from the gazebo lookout.

*Fun Fact* You can easily pull up your boat to the floating dock and hop on over into Fanning Springs. The floating dock is small, so keep that in mind. There is a box to drop your payment in for visiting the spring, make sure you have $CASH$.

Small boat dock

The views were great, but it was a warm summer day and I was ready to jump in.

There are several ways to get into spring. There is the floating dock, a ramp over by the floating dock, and a ramp by the old diving platform. The one by the old diving platform is where you will see most of the scuba divers getting in. So be aware and courteous since they have a lot of gear on.

Yes, you can scuba dive Fanning Springs, but from my chats with the locals and other dive guides and instructors, it is mostly used as a place to train new divers getting their certification.

Back at the beginning of my day, I was chatting with one of the rangers who mentioned a mama and baby manatee appeared at the spring the evening before. While manatees seek the consistently warmer waters of the springs in the winter, it is not common to see them in the springs in the summer.

While swimming around, I saw large shadows and gasps from the crowd. Mama and baby had returned! In the summer. In the middle of the day. At one point, they were swimming right up to me. I was so grateful to have witnessed this special moment. I know I have seen manatees plenty of times, but I am in awe of this sweet sea cow each time.

The park in general has plenty to do with swimming, boardwalk trails, spots to picnic, even a playground, and a volleyball court. Even in 2025, this place is still a happening spot along the Suwannee River.

Additional adventure!

Nearing that 3 o'clock time on a Florida summer day, the clouds began to clump together and become darker. Next thing you knew you were being showered with a classic summer storm. So I took to finding a port in the storm while it moved on through. Just across the river, or down the road is the most quintessential river bar. The Suwannee Belle Landing, is a great place for any river rat to grab a refreshing beer, eat some classic Florida foods, or wait out a summer storm.

Oh! And make sure to grab the classic chair pic while you are there!