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Florida is full of sandy white beaches and postcard-worthy vacation destinations. But they’re also quite expensive.
So wouldn’t it be great to find a free, beautiful place to hang out for the day? Morrison Springs offers this exact opportunity.
Whether you want to kayak for a few hours or splash around in the spring waters, Morrison Springs is a breathtaking oasis.
Let’s learn more!
Where Is Morrison Springs?
The Sunshine State is home to many natural hot springs. Morrison Springs is a popular spot for locals and tourists.
You can find these hot springs at 874 Morrison Springs Road in Ponce de Leon at the end of the Choctawhatchee River in the Florida panhandle.
It’s about an hour north of the West Coast beaches of Panama City, Destin, and Seaside. Less than 10 minutes north, you’ll find Ponce de Leon Springs State Park.
If you want to spend a day at Morrison Springs, combine it with a visit to Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, which offers guests additional opportunities to swim, hike, snorkel, and fish. The state park has a $ 4 per vehicle entrance fee.
What Is Morrison Springs Known For?
Some people visit this Florida spring for the beautiful views and scenic locations, while others head to Ponce de Leon for aquatic recreation. However, many enjoy diving and swimming here.
The 250-foot diameter spring pool is ideal for year-round fun. Visitors can access large boardwalks overlooking the springs, a diving dock, and a boat ramp surrounded by beautiful old-growth cypress trees.
Who Owns Morrison Springs?
Although Morrison Springs used to be privately owned, Walton County now manages the park. In 2004, the state acquired it and leased it to the county to maintain. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
How Big Is Morrison Springs?
The entire park is 161 acres, but the spring is about 250 feet in diameter. The springs themselves produce an estimated 48 million gallons of water each day.
The deepest cavity reaches about 300 feet deep. The depth and crystal clear waters make this an ideal diving location.
It also has a spring run, which carries the water to the Choctawhatchee River. The slow-moving spring run is about 150 feet wide and flows less than a mile to empty into the river.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Morrison Springs?
Unlike many hot springs in Florida, visiting Morrison Springs doesn’t cost anything. Anyone can enjoy swimming or snorkeling without paying an entrance fee or making a reservation.
However, at the popular Devil’s Den outside Ocala, Florida, visitors not snorkeling or diving must pay a $7 fee to walk through the property. Admission costs $38 for a diver and $18 to $25 for a snorkeler.
Keep in Mind: Are you ready to visit more hot springs in Florida? These are The Best Hot Springs in The Sunshine State worth visiting!
Is Diving Allowed at Morrison Springs?
Many people enjoy diving at Morrison Springs. It has beautiful turquoise color, like other areas of Florida. While diving, fishing, or swimming, you may encounter turtles, freshwater eels, bluegill, bass, cichlids, catfish, and tilapia.
The website maintains a water clarity report with a scale of one to five, with one being totally clear and five being muddy. With this, divers can know the water condition before heading out.
The deep cavities and cave system lure divers daily to this location. The platform at the end of the boardwalk makes diving in and getting out easy.
Is Swimming Allowed at Morrison Springs?
Like diving, swimming is very popular at Morrison Springs. The average water temperature of 68 degrees offers a comfortable swimming hole year-round. It also has a platform where kids can enjoy jumping into the water. So it’s likely you’ll hear squealing and laughter when you visit.
This popular place isn’t a peaceful, serene place to relax. But if you want a family-friendly environment where the kids can play in the water all day, take them to this little oasis.
Are Boats Allowed at Morrison Springs?
You can bring boats, kayaks, and canoes. The spring run offers beautiful views for paddlers and provides easy access to the Choctawhatchee River.
It’s also a great place to view wildlife. Additionally, you can easily launch boats, kayaks, and canoes from the boat ramp just past the parking lot.
Keep in Mind: Move your kayak to Morrison Springs with ease with one of The Best Kayak Trailers!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Morrison Springs?
The panhandle of Florida offers some of the best weather year-round out of anywhere in the country. Whether you visit in December or July, you’ll find your experience at Morrison Springs enjoyable.
However, you’ll find it more crowded in the summer due to the influx of families after school gets out. If you’d rather have a more peaceful experience, visit in the spring or fall.
Enjoy a Day at One of Florida’s Most Beautiful Springs
Florida is well-known for its beautiful springs. Morrison Springs may not be one of the most popular locations like Crystal River, Rainbow Springs, or Juniper Springs, but it’s well worth a visit, especially since it’s free. It makes a great place to bring the family for a fun day, enjoying the picturesque scenery and beautiful blue water.
Have you ever visited Morrison Springs in Ponce de Leon, Florida?
