Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, Florida: Crystal-Clear Water in the Panhandle

 

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park was another stop on our trip exploring the freshwater springs of Northwest Florida. Located in the small town of Ponce de Leon in the Florida Panhandle, this spring is easy to visit and makes a great addition to a Northwest Florida springs road trip.

Compared with some of the more natural, undeveloped springs we visited, Ponce de Leon Springs has a more traditional state park feel. The main spring is easily accessible, with a developed swimming area, picnic facilities and short nature trails.

Pitt and Sylvan Springs, Florida: Two Beautiful Springs Along Econfina Creek

While exploring the freshwater springs of Northwest Florida, we stopped at Pitt and Sylvan Springs, a beautiful little recreation area tucked along Econfina Creek near Youngstown, Florida.

This was one of several springs we visited on this trip, and one of the things I loved about traveling through this part of Florida was discovering just how many springs are hidden along the creeks and backroads. Pitt and Sylvan Springs are especially nice because you can see more than one spring without having to drive to another location.

Hightower Springs, Florida: A Quiet Winter Visit to a Beautiful Natural Spring

Florida has plenty of famous springs, but some of my favorite discoveries have been the smaller places that we almost could have missed. Hightower Springs, located near Vernon in the Florida Panhandle, was one of those stops.

We visited in January, so the trees were bare and the landscape didn't have the lush green look you might expect from Florida. But none of that mattered once we saw the water. It was incredibly clear, with beautiful shades of blue and green that stood out against the winter landscape.

Morrison Springs Florida: A Crystal-Clear Spring in the Panhandle

Florida is famous for its beautiful springs, and some of the most impressive are tucked away in the state's northern counties. Morrison Springs, located near Ponce de Leon in Florida's Panhandle, is one of those places.

With its large, crystal-clear spring pool surrounded by trees and natural scenery, Morrison Springs is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and especially scuba diving.

If you're exploring Florida's springs, Morrison Springs is one to put on your list.

The Ultimate Minnesota North Shore Road Trip: 12 Incredible Stops Along Lake Superior

 There are some road trips where the journey is just as memorable as the destinations, and Minnesota's North Shore is definitely one of them.

Following Highway 61 along the shores of Lake Superior, this scenic drive takes you past rugged cliffs, rocky beaches, waterfalls, historic lighthouses, quiet coves, charming small towns, and some truly incredible views.

During our trip, we explored the North Shore from Duluth all the way to Grand Portage near the Canadian border. Along the way, we stopped at waterfalls, walked along the rocky shoreline, visited historic lighthouses, discovered a black sand beach, and found several beautiful places that made us want to slow down and simply enjoy Lake Superior.

If you are planning a trip to Minnesota's North Shore, this guide will take you through our route from south to north and help you plan your own unforgettable road trip.