Exploring the Serene Waters of Rainbow Springs State Park

Experience the timeless allure of Rainbow Springs State Park, where Florida's fourth-largest spring offers a refreshing escape with its clear waters, picturesque gardens, and gentle river activities.

Last updated: May 2024

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$2 per person for park admission, additional fees for tubing
More than 500 Miles from you
State Gem: Exceptional experiences within your state that are bucket list-worthy
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Description

Dive into the tranquil teal-blue waters of Rainbow Springs State Park, a perfect blend of Florida's natural beauty and rich history. Experience the timeless allure of Rainbow Springs State Park, where Florida's fourth-largest spring offers a refreshing escape with its clear waters, picturesque gardens, and gentle river activities. Rainbow Springs State Park, a verdant oasis in Dunnellon, Florida, captivates visitors with its ancient, teal-blue springs, lush gardens, and tranquil river. As Florida's fourth-largest spring, this park offers a sanctuary for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. The cool, refreshing waters of the headsprings invite swimmers and snorkelers, while the Rainbow Springs River provides a serene backdrop for tubing and kayaking adventures. Wander through the shaded gardens, admiring azaleas, magnolias, and oaks, or explore the 2.5 miles of paved trails that meander past charming waterfalls. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Rainbow Springs State Park is a must-visit destination that harmoniously blends natural beauty with a rich tapestry of history.

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Itinerary

Arrive early to enjoy the headsprings before the crowds
Take a dip or snorkel in the cool, clear waters of the spring
Explore the gardens and waterfalls along the paved trails
Enjoy a leisurely tubing or kayaking trip down the Rainbow Springs River
Relax in the shaded picnic areas or capture the scenic views through photography

Location

19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432

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Packing List

Swimwear and towels for the springs
Snorkeling gear to explore underwater life
Life jackets or pool noodles for non-swimmers
Sandals or water shoes for comfort on gravel paths
Sunscreen to protect against the Florida sun
Camera for capturing the park's scenic beauty

4.7 ● Google reviews

We really enjoyed going here. The springs were a ton of fun. It was super clean. The grounds are beautiful. It was pretty packed and half the river is residential backyards. Not the best place if your trying to get into raw nature. It's much more party on the river. None the less we had a great time. Pre warning kayaking back up river is way harder than down! Have fun.

Located right outside of Ocala city center. It’s state park so there is a small entrance fee. Ample parking and very clean park. The park has beautiful spring river, several falls, walking trails, greenery and clean rest rooms. There are water activities like swimming and kayaking. For swimming, only noodles and life vests are allowed with snorkeling gear. You can rent kayaks but also can bring your own. It’s long walk from parking to kayak launch so make sure to have help or wheels. There are picnic tables and a cute gift store. If you are into photography, it’s a great place to capture nice shots. It can get crowded but I went there early in the day and there were not too many people.

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this park by myself. Beautiful walking trails with man-made waterfalls were very peaceful. The water is gorgeous and I highly recommend paddling down the rainbow river on a shuttle run if you'd like to kayak or paddleboard. It's the clearest river you will find. There was lots of wildlife. This park is well-maintained and absolutely worth visiting!

While we didn’t make it in to the park during the daytime, the officer told us, “come back around 3p or 4p.” That’s when Rainbow Springs State Park would reopen. And….so we did! Beautiful and breathtaking views. The “watering hole” was jam packed with people at 4:30pm so I can’t imagine what it looks like when the park is at capacity. That said, we were able to enjoy some time in the very cold waters of Rainbow Springs. Definitely worth a stop and a return!! Canoe and kayak rentals are available, as well as a restaurant for eating. Learned that there are 3 waterfalls here so we went in search Enjoy the pics!

Experience is definitely the word to describe Rainbow Springs! The water is cool, clean, and clear. The paddle was great. If you have your own kayak, be ready to walk your kayak about a 1/4 of a mile with turns, downhill, uphill, stairs, and more walking. The website says no disposable items. We brought our food in containers. It is very beautiful. We saw 2 alligators. They did not mess with us. We saw an otter, turtles, fish, and birds.

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