Location: High Springs
Top Things to do in High Springs
What to do and see in High Springs, United States: The Best Places and Tips
High Springs in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Nature & Wildlife Areas. Discover best things to do in High Springs with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in High Springs
1. O'Leno State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, it disappears underground and reemerges over three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve. One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The suspension bridge built by the CCC still spans the river. Visitors can picnic at one of the pavilions or fish in the river for their dinner. Canoes and bicycles are available for rent. While hiking the nature trails, visitors can look for wildlife and enjoy the beauty of native plants. The shady, full-facility campground is the perfect place for a relaxing overnight stay. Located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs.
Reviewed By SueFromWinnipeg - Winnipeg, Canada
We love historic sites and, if they have amazing scenery, even better. O'Leno State Park scores above average on both scales.
O'Leno State Park is located on the old town site of Leno, and previous to that, Keno. The history of this little town is surprising but, even more amazing is that disappearing Santa Fe River.
Our walk across the CCC swinging bridge gave us the chance to walk beside this dark, fast moving little river and enjoy the amazing flora and birdlife that abounds here. After a bit of a workout hiking beside the river, we found ourselves back at the townsite ....... but on the opposite side of the Santa Fe? We hadn't crossed any bridges (or so we thought) to get to the opposite side but here we were, definitely on the other bank.
Turns out that this is one of 3 Florida rivers that drop into sink holes and then pop up again as a spring. The Santa Fe choses to run underground about 4 1/2 miles before showing up again to be enjoyed by nature lovers. Our walk had actually taken us on "land bridge" over the river so got us to the other side without realizing it.
There is a small history building with displays about the town, the area, and the CCC work done in this park. Great information in a very neat little building.
Another neat little building is the Nature Center that displays the fascinating wildlife in the area. Part of the fascinating wildlife was the gentleman who seemed to know every historical fact about Florida in general and O'Leno in particular. Truly a wise and knowledgeable person who was eager to share the wonders of his home State with every interested person. Who knew that Florida once raised more cattle than Texas? Well he does and that was just the start of the much appreciated nature hour with him. All State Parks should be so lucky as to have such a gem available to mesmerize visitors.
The camping area is a bit rough. When the pavement stops, the gravel gets pretty sketchy. On our visit, holes had just been filled in with buckets of rough gravel that created hills where the valleys had been so no improvement until things get battered down again.
No Laundry, no wifi, no free pizza & beer but the gravelled sites offer some separation between neighbors. There is a kiddies playground at one end of the campground so choose your site accordingly.
2. Blue Springs Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 169 reviews
Explore 250 acres of the "Real Florida" and stroll along our 1/4 mile boardwalk as it follows the springs run to the Santa Fe River. Gaze into the crystal blue depths from the dock overlooking the spring's boil. Whether it's swimming, picnicking, tubing, canoeing, camping, hiking or just plain relaxing...make Blue Springs your adventure destination!
Reviewed By AineFlorida - Florida
The springs are beautiful. Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals are reasonable. The campground should only be opened to tents or very small camping trailers. The dirt road into the park is deplorable. Potholes across the entire road and filled with water. We were afraid our vehicle would become stuck in the muddy pothole. It only got worse when we arrived at the site. Our camper is only 20 feet long so it is not large. We had to pull into the site across from our site (unoccupied) and back ours into our site. The utilities are located in the wrong place on the sites. They should be toward the middle or back on the left hand side. We had to park our camper in the middle of the site to reach the utilities. No place to park our truck so we had to park it in the road. The dirt roads are all being washed away and you really don't know where to drive. While we were setting up in the rain another camper came to set up on his site. He was unable to get into the site and ended up leaving. The bathhouse is not wheelchair accessible. I believe that is against the law. It does have a small wooden ramp that has sunk into the dirt but a gap from the ramp to the concrete makes it inaccessible. I had a difficult time getting my stroller onto the concrete. No dump station. If you have a tent and don't mind the road conditions it would be okay to camp here. This campground needs a lot of improvements.
3. Ginnie Springs
Overall Ratings
4 based on 381 reviews
This diver's paradise offers shallow spring, river and cave diving.
Reviewed By Rachel M
The springs are gorgeous! The water is kept very clean, I didn’t see any trash or bottle caps or anything in the springs or in the Santa Fe river. The snorkeling rentals and paddle boards were well priced and SO MUCH FUN! All primitive campsites were first come first serve, so we were able to take our pick. I don’t know when I’ll be coming back to Florida, but when I do, I will absolutely stay here again. (Also, it was super cool to see so many scuba divers!)
4. Poe Springs Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By JupiterFLMom - Jupiter, Florida
We visited the park on Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. There were only a handful of cars when we arrived around noon. It was overcast, so possibly that accounted for it not being too busy. We used the bathrooms / changing facilities by the parking lot. Unlike other reviews, we found them clean and well maintained. It was nice having separate changing stalls from a bathroom stall, and showers to rinse off after enjoying the springs. We did not use the bathrooms by the springs, so we cannot comment on their cleanliness. The walk down to the springs was not too long on a nice boardwalk. We did have to walk fast, however, to avoid the mosquitoes which were prevalent. We have visited other springs in the area, so had some expectations. We were surprised by the green color of the springs rather than the beautiful blue we have found at other springs. There is a large shallow area where families were playing, and then a deeper area around the spring head. There was a lot of algae on the steps making them extremely slippery, but signs warned you of this hazard. The area around the springs seemed nice for picnicking. Some people ventured out to the mouth of the spring and were tree jumping into the river. Overall, we are glad we came and saw and spent a little bit of time here. It was quiet, clean and free.
5. Blue Spring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Spring known for its deep color of blue.
Reviewed By Shawna G - Jacksonville, Florida
Beautiful water! Swim, float, kayak, or jump off the wood platform. During the summer and holidays this place is busy. Go during the week for a less crowded spring. The swimming area is connected by a long flowing spring/river that makes its way out to the Sante Fe River. Shallow enough to walk that part or float down on a tube. Going back against the flow is a bit of a challenge but still lots of fun. Plenty of shade from the trees and a beautiful boardwalk that follows the spring/river. Lot's of kids and adults jumping off the platform, it's a bit scary so use caution. Great place to spend the day when summer arrives!
6. High Springs Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Local museum in historic downtown High Springs, Florida (near Gainesville). Inside the restored schoolhouse you'll learn about our railroad history, the local springs, how our town grew and the things to do in the area. Kid-friendly.
Reviewed By kyoung78130 - High Springs, Florida
I like learning about the history of High Springs: Our springs and rivers, the history of the past people and what brought different industries to our community!
As technology continues to push the market, it is always difficult to preserve history so its really cool to learn from the train diorama and the artifacts collected. However, it will be more challenging to draw in the customers.
It is a small museum. I hope that there will be opportunities for it to grow.
I really appreciate the volunteers taking time to educate the patrons visiting.
7. North Florida Springs Environmental Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Located in downtown High Springs, in the middle of the springs heartland. We are a non-profit educational center focusing on Florida's freshwater springs. Touch-screen map of the region's springs, the latest on springs research and protection, knowledgeable staff and volunteers to help you plan your springs adventures and learn how to protect our water.
Reviewed By ravenkite
The North Florida Springs Environmental Center is an amazing educational resource for anyone who lives or travels in this beautiful part of Florida. Some wonderful short day classes are offered through out the year and are very informative and enjoyable. Understanding our water ways and the springs we love is crucial for the future of them and NFSEC gives the Springs a voice. Stop by and say hello and browse the info freely shared.
8. The Antiques Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By BentleyBoy - Central Florida, Florida
I'm sure we aren't the first to think the "Antique Stores" all across America have declined several (giant) notches in quality over the last few years, as nearly all on this trip to North Carolina and back to FL. contained primarily 'Garage Sale Junk'. Such is the case here in High Springs...a beautiful little,old Southern Town, just North of Ocala. The exception were two really nice Antique Stores next to each other both had very nice merchandise. The first we visited was higher-end with prices to match. Everything I found there I wanted, ''was not for sale". Luckily we went next door and "Betty" was very helpful. My budget was pretty much tapped out from shopping in North Carolina but, we managed to buy a mint 8mm Projector by Swiss manufacturer Bolex Naillard complete with case,cord, take-up reel and a roll of film + a beautiful vintage Jewelry Casket- all at a great price. Also saw the typical, repro. Auto Advertising Signs but, the ones for sale were of really high quality Porcelain, beautifully made and priced very fair. My wife visited the resident 'House Cat' and 'Betty' was very cordial as well. This is a great stop in North Florida and unlike 'Micanopy', not blanketed in the Mold Smell.
9. Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Linda H - High Springs, Florida
Only art supply store in the area. Has plenty of supplies for all kinds of Art. It also has a nice selection of local artists work on the walls. Just drop in.
10. Anderson's Outdoor Adventures Santa Fe River Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
With on-site canoe,kayak,tube, and paddle board rentals Santa Fe River Park is a prime attraction in High Springs FL. A Gilchrist County park located on the scenic Santa Fe River in the heart of springs country is home to Anderson's Outdoor Adventures who offers full service canoes,kayaks,paddle boards, and tubes 365 days per year covering over 55 miles of river. This is a great place to take a river trip or guided tour!
Reviewed By Linda H - High Springs, Florida
Great place to book your canoe and go on a tour. Lars, the owner, is one of the most knowledgable and likable guides around. Worth your time.
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