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
- 30.65875, -85.68437
- Access
- Cypress Spring is reached by watercraft on Holmes Creek, not by driving to the spring. The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s 2026 restoration notice says shoreline access may be restricted while work is underway, but the spring remains accessible by watercraft; its 2026 annual report schedules project completion by June 30, 2027. The 2026 outfitter season ended October 31. Confirm 2027 launch, shoreline and outfitter arrangements before travel; do not land on private shoreline.
- Admission
- No separate spring-entry fee is listed by the land manager. For its 2026 season, Cypress Springs Adventures listed a single kayak at $45 and a tandem kayak or canoe at $55, with shuttle included; those rates are not a 2027 quote. Its 2026 pages disagree on personal-boat shuttle price ($30 in the FAQ, $35 on the rates page). The 2027 rates and opening date were not posted on the checked pages.
- Time needed
- The outfitter’s FAQ estimates about one hour of paddling for its one-mile option and 2.5–3 hours of paddling for its four-mile option; it says many visitors spend 4–5 hours on the water. These are operator route estimates, not an official spring visit duration. Build in launch, return, weather and any restoration-related access limits.
- Best season
- No authority names a preferred season. The outfitter’s published 2026 season ran March 1–October 31, but it had not posted a 2027 opening date by November 2. The Water Management District’s restoration project is scheduled through June 30, 2027 and may restrict shoreline access while leaving watercraft access available; check current conditions before planning a trip.
- Opening hours
- The natural spring has no verified gate hours and is reached by water. Cypress Springs Adventures states its last operating day of the 2026 season was October 31, so its rental service is now closed for that season; 2027 dates are not yet posted. The District says shoreline work may restrict access but the spring remains accessible by watercraft. These are separate facts about the natural site and one outfitter; confirm 2027 status before travel.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-23
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-02
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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?