Cypress Springs: Florida’s Pristine Hidden Spring
When most people think of Florida, they think of the ritzy beaches of Miami Beach, or the white sandy beaches of Panama City. Florida is home to many hidden natural wonders. One of the most remarkable is Cypress Springs. Cypress Springs is a stunning natural spring basin with several Cypress trees growing in the water that is located in Northwest Florida. The inviting blue waters of Cypress Springs have long been a favorite among locals who are seeking a less touristy destination for relaxation and recreation.
Cypress Springs is a gargantuan, pristine natural spring that expels nearly 65 million gallons of water per day. Spring water is celebrated for its high mineral content and time-honored healing properties. Soaking in the clear waters of Cypress Springs is an excellent way to ease muscle pain, joint pain, and various skin maladies such as eczema. The gorgeous blue waters of Cypress Springs remain 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. It is no wonder that Floridians flock to Cypress Springs to kayak, swim, and canoe. It is possible to launch a small boat or kayak on nearby Holmes Creek, and travel to Cypress Springs over the water. Holmes Creek is fairly shallow, so be prepared for some slight bumps if you attempt to reach Cypress Springs by boat.
Coldwater Excursions offer Eco Tours of the diverse landscape that surrounds Cypress Springs. There is plenty of wildlife—but, there has yet to be an alligator sighting in the crystal clear waters of Cypress Springs. If you want to the ditch the spring break crowd and soak in a pristine body of water that will leave you refreshed and revived, Cypress Springs is well worth the Northwest journey. Rent a paddleboard, kayak, or inflatable raft and allow yourself to to be swept away by the beauty of Cypress Springs.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Cypress Spring pool, Holmes Creek near Vernon, Washington County, Florida, USA (spring-area reference; not a public land entrance)
- Coordinates
- 30.6587472, -85.6843722
- Access
- The spring is reached by boat or kayak via Holmes Creek, not by walking across the surrounding private shoreline. Florida DEP lists Cotton Landing and Culpepper Landing as public trail access points and warns visitors to avoid trespassing and trampling fragile aquatic vegetation around the spring. The current outfitter says its rentals include a shuttle; call ahead for availability and water conditions.
- Admission
- No general admission charge for the spring is listed in the reviewed sources. The outfitter lists single kayaks at $45, tandem kayaks at $55, two-person canoes at $55 and three-person canoes at $65; shuttle service for your own vessel starts at $35 per vessel. These are outfitter services, not a spring-entry fee. Its separate water park is $5 without a rental; confirm current prices directly.
- Best season
- Florida DEP recommends weekdays and cooler months for quieter paddling; the popular springs have more swimmers and boat traffic in summer. The outfitter says its days are reduced and appointment-only after Labor Day.
- Opening hours
- The outfitter lists spring/summer hours of 9:00–17:00, with rental check-in ending at noon. After Labor Day it operates by appointment only and asks visitors to call for available days. These are outfitter hours, not posted spring access hours.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-28
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-28
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Absolutely gorgeous! I would love to free dive there. How deep can I go down and is it accessible from the entrance? Are there any hotels or motels close by? What about parking?