Destin is known for the beautiful while beaches and greenish waters, and of course, the magical fishing that takes place close by. But did you know that the beaches aren’t the only places near Destin to find that beautifully-colored water underscored by white powdery sand?
Springs of Northwest Florida can be found just about an hour away — an entire collection of springs, with swim areas, nature trails, picniking and more. If you didn’t know better, you might just think you’re hidden away at a special oasis paradise.
Let’s explore…
Springs in Northwest Florida
Vortex Spring
The Vortex Spring is an entire complex for the outdoor enthusiast, run by Vortex Spring Adventures. With campgrounds, pavilions for picnicking, a lodge, slides, and a diving and beach area there’s a little for everyone who likes being around the water. Be prepared for a chill, though; the water temperature is around 68 degrees F all year long.
Both experienced and novice divers love the Vortex. There are caves that run deep below the water’s surface—so deep that parts are gated off from even experienced cave divers for safety reasons.
Less experienced divers can even take a course from the very-experienced certified crew they staff there.
Here are some pictures from our recent trip there:
The address is:
1517 Vortex Springs Lane, Ponce de Leon, FL 32455; Ph: 850-836-4979
To get there, take Hwy 98 to the 331 bridge over the bay. Make a right onto Hwy 20 and then bear left onto State Road 81. Stay on 81 for about 23 miles until you can make a right onto Vortex Springs Lane.
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
As the name might give away, this swimming hole is not far from the other springs also located in Ponce de Leon and is part of the Florida State Park system. With renovations taking place over the years since it was originally opened for public use, there is a retaining wall to prevent the pool’s edges from eroding, some trails around the spring where you can fish or take in the wildlife and vegetation. Be on the lookout for pitcher plants which capture insects in their sticky “pitcher” and then ingest them as part of their nutritional stores. Also, according to Florida State Parks, along with tortoises, you may see animals like deer, foxes, alligators and bats. (1)
This park is located at:
860 Ponce de Leon Springs Rd.
Ponce de Leon Springs FL 32455; Ph: 850-836-4281
To get there from Destin, you can go Hwy 20, which is more back roads, or go over the Midbay bridge and take the Mossy Head ramp (FL 285). From 285 get onto I10 and travel about 25 miles east to FL 81 toward Ponce de Leon. Turn left onto N Hwy 81, then make a gradual right onto Hwy 90E. Turn onto Ponce de Leon Springs Road in about a ¼ mile.
Morrison Spring
Located roughly 50 miles from the city of Destin, in Ponce de Leon, is Morrison Spring. With a sandy bottom and good visibility, it’s known by locals as a favorite freshwater escape from a hot summer day. It’s a favorite spot for divers, snorkelers and just those who want to wade or swim in the crystal clear, albeit chilly waters from the spring. (These waters stay between 65 and 68 degree Fahrenheit throughout the year.)
The spring and surrounding acreage, filled with beautiful and expansive cypress trees is maintained by Walton County. It has a meandering pier set over the floodplain area which opens up to a beach and a swim pontoon.
Snorkelers and divers like to explore the fish, as well as the interestingly formed cypress tree knees that pop up here and there.
The address of Morrison Springs is:
874 Morrison Springs Rd, Ponce De Leon, FL 32455; Ph: 850-892-8108
To get there from Destin, you’d cross either the Midbay bridge or 331 bridge and go east on Highway 20. Bear left on State road 81. Travel on that about 15 miles, then make a right on County road 181 for about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Morrison Springs road.
Pitt Spring
Just northeast of Panama City, Florida is Pitt Spring Recreation Area. While this spring is a little over an hour from Destin, it can be worth the trip for a full day of relaxing in or by the water or taking in all that nature has to offer as you meander along the boardwalk nature trail between Pitt and Sylvan Spring.
There’s plenty of parking and several picnic spots, as well as steps that lead to the water’s edge. Bring a tube or other float and let the water take you to the finishing dock, just before Ecofina Creek.
The address is:
6315 FL-20, Youngstown, FL 32466; Ph: 850-539-5999
To get there from Destin, take the Hwy 331 bridge over the bay and make a right onto Hwy 20. Travel about 55 miles on Hwy20 until you reach the destination.
Last Note:
The springs are a great escape from what most people expect from Destin and its surrounding areas, but do be careful. These springs do not usually have lifeguards. Also, while you typically won’t see any, the surrounding wetlands of the springs are a natural habitat for snakes and alligators. You certainly don’t want to corner one of these and risk an otherwise wonderful day.
Also, please be aware that most of the springs do ask for a small admission fee. This fee is generally between $5-$20 per adult (unless you’re renting equipment or needing diving assistance/ instruction.) These fees go toward keeping up with maintenance of the grounds and paying staff, among other things.
Have you had a great experience at one of these naturally beautiful blue-green gems? If so, let us hear about it!