Travel Guide To High Springs, Florida

High Springs, Florida is a picturesque town located in Alachua County, known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway. This travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to High Springs.

Top Attractions

High Springs has a lot of attractions to offer, from natural wonders to historical sites. The most popular attractions include:

Blue Springs Park – a natural spring that is perfect for swimming and kayaking
Devil’s Den Spring – a prehistoric underground spring that is ideal for scuba diving
High Springs Museum – a museum that showcases the history of the town
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park – a beautiful park with hiking and biking trails

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, High Springs has some hidden gems that are worth exploring:

Ichetucknee Springs State Park – a beautiful park with crystal clear waters and a natural lazy river
O’Leno State Park – a park that features a suspension bridge and a sinkhole
Rum Island Park – a park that offers swimming, kayaking, and picnicking

Food Scene

High Springs has a diverse food scene that caters to all tastes. The town has some excellent restaurants that serve delicious food:

The Great Outdoors Restaurant – a restaurant that serves American cuisine
The Talented Cookie Company – a bakery that serves fresh cookies, cakes, and pastries
High Springs Brewery – a brewery that serves craft beer and pub food

Budget-Friendly Tips

If you’re traveling on a budget, High Springs has some budget-friendly tips that can help you save money:

Visit the natural springs, which are free to enter
Take a picnic lunch to the parks
Stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel

Outdoor Adventures

High Springs is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The town offers a variety of outdoor activities:

Kayaking and canoeing in the natural springs
Scuba diving in Devil’s Den Spring
Biking and hiking in the state parks

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re traveling with kids, High Springs has some family-friendly activities that your kids will love:

Swimming in the natural springs
Fishing in the local lakes
Visiting the Butterfly Rainforest at the University of Florida

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something unique, High Springs has some off-the-beaten-path experiences that you won’t find anywhere else:

Visiting the High Springs Emporium, a store that sells crystals, gemstones, and fossils
Taking a tour of the High Springs Brewing Company and tasting their craft beer
Exploring the Santa Fe River Cave Diving District

Natural Wonders

High Springs is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Florida:

The natural springs, which are crystal clear and perfect for swimming and snorkeling
The Santa Fe River, which is ideal for kayaking and canoeing
The Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, which features a unique sinkhole

Vibrant Nightlife

High Springs may be a small town, but it has a vibrant nightlife. The town has some excellent bars and pubs that offer live music and entertainment:

The Great Outdoors Restaurant – a restaurant that offers live music on weekends
High Springs Brewing Company – a brewery that offers live music on Saturdays
Grady’s Bar and Grill – a bar that offers karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays

Local Markets

If you’re interested in shopping for local products, High Springs has some fantastic markets:

The High Springs Farmers Market – a market that sells fresh produce and handmade crafts
The High Springs Flea Market – a market that sells antiques, jewelry, and collectibles

Beaches and Mountains

Although High Springs is not located on the coast, it is close to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida:

St. Augustine Beach – a beautiful beach with white sand and clear water
New Smyrna Beach – a beach that is perfect for surfing and swimming

High Springs is also close to some of the most scenic mountains in North Florida:

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – a park that features a beautiful mountain range
The Ocala National Forest – a forest that offers hiking and camping

Cultural Immersion

If you’re interested in learning about the local culture, High Springs has some fantastic cultural experiences:

The High Springs Playhouse – a theater that showcases local productions
The Florida Museum of Natural History – a museum that features exhibits on Florida’s natural history

Art and Music Scene

High Springs has a thriving art and music scene. The town has some excellent art galleries and music venues:

The High Springs Art Co-Op – an art gallery that features local artists
The High Springs Music in the Park – a music event that features local musicians

Walking Tours

If you’re interested in exploring the town on foot, High Springs has some fantastic walking tours:

The High Springs Historic Walking Tour – a tour that showcases the town’s historic buildings
The High Springs Art Walk – a tour that showcases local art galleries

Architectural Marvels

High Springs is home to some of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Florida:

The Priest Theatre – a historic theater that has been restored to its former glory
The Old High Springs School – a historic school building that has been converted into an event venue

Historical Sites

High Springs has a rich history, and the town has some excellent historical sites that are worth exploring:

The Dudley Farm Historic State Park – a park that features a historic farm
The Historic Haile Homestead – a historic house that has been restored to its former glory

Biking Routes

If you’re an avid cyclist, High Springs has some fantastic biking routes:

The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail – a 16-mile trail that runs from Gainesville to Hawthorne
The Nature Coast State Trail – a 32-mile trail that runs from Cross City to Chiefland

Wellness Retreats

If you’re looking for a wellness retreat, High Springs has some excellent options:

The Zen Hostel – a hostel that offers yoga and meditation classes
The Ayurveda Health Retreat – a retreat that offers Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes

Adventure Sports

High Springs is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. The town offers a variety of adventure sports:

Cave diving in Devil’s Den Spring
Kayaking and canoeing in the natural springs
Zip-lining and high ropes courses at the nearby Ocala National Forest

High Springs is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventure. With its natural wonders, historic sites, and vibrant culture, High Springs has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and head to High Springs for an unforgettable vacation!