Date at the Springs | The Perfect Valentine's Day Adventure

Whether you want to share this date or outing with a significant other, your best friend, or just yourself, visiting a spring is the perfect setting or companion for a date.

Picnic at the Springs

Picnics are an iconic date outing. Most springs have picnic tables and grills shaded by oaks dripping in Spanish moss. And large grassy areas perfect for laying down a blanket. And always in view is the beautiful blue waters of the springhead.

Brunch at the Springs

De Leon Springs has the famous Old Sugar Mill Pancake House if you want to move that picnic inside. Brunch food is always a great date idea, especially when it means endless pancakes and adorable views of a water wheel pushing through fresh spring waters, like out of a Disney movie. 

Adventures at the Springs

For those wanting a little adventure, you can hike the trails, swim in the stunning waters, or paddle to explore the adjoining river. Most springs have trails you can enjoy, ranging from winding dirt through Florida foliage to boardwalks guiding you over flowing waters. Rainbow Springs has a paved strolling trail that will take you around the man-made waterfalls that were created in the 1930s. If you want a fairytale moment, follow the boardwalk trail at Juniper Springs that will take you through an enchanted wetland forest to beautiful Fern Hammock Springs. Or take quick a stroll off the beaten path from Rum Island Springs to Jonathan Spring also known as Mermaid Spring by some locals.

For an even more adventurous date activity that will give you plenty to talk about and be in awe of, paddle the waters flowing from the springs. At many of the spring locations, they have kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for rent. Most springs work on a first come first serve basis. But a few like Itchetucknee Springs, Silver Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs it is recommended that you make a reservation ahead of time to guarantee a watercraft at the time you want. You can choose to do a self guided tour or book with a local tour company. Florida Springs Passport holders will receive a discount with tours with Ecoventure, Get Up and Go Kayaking (certain locations), and King's Landing.  

For more information about recommended guided eco-tours, click HERE

Manatees and more Manatees

 A special fun unique date idea you can only do in Florida is go see the manatees. You can go out to Blue Springs or Three Sisters Springs, grab a cup of coffee, tea, or warm cider beforehand, then stroll the long boardwalks gazing upon an aggregation of manatees. There is the option to view them closer from a watercraft, or at Three Sisters Springs, you can book a tour and swim with them. If you book with Manatee Tour & Dive, Florida Springs Passport holders receive a discount.

 For more information about Swimming with the Manatees, click HERE

 

Lunch with a View

After working up an appetite consider having lunch with a view at Crump's Landing. This waterfront Tiki Bar is located in Homosassa Springs making it the perfect place to eat if you are just getting done swimming with the Manatees or taking a stroll at Homosassa Wildlife State Park. Crump's Landing has a terrific drink and food menu and the perfect view of Monkey Island. 

For more information about Crumps Landing, click HERE

 

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Another fun activity to do on the water that is less strenuous is to take a guided boat tour down the river attached to the spring. Many springs have boat tours, including Blue Springs, De Leon Springs, and Wakulla Springs. And one can’t forget Silver Springs and their iconic glass bottom boat tour.

Mermaid Show

A special offering only at Weeki Wachee Springs, plan to go see the legendary mermaid show that has been there since the 1940s, and then continue the fun by enjoying the slides and mini lazy river of this unique and only spring water park called Buccaneer Bay.

Whether you are going on this date with a significant other, friends, or let the spring be your companion, you will leave with memories and so much to talk about.