Words by Carmen Macri
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you see it as a Hallmark invention designed to sell cards and make single people feel worse, or you’re happily coupled up and not as jaded as the rest of us, chances are you’re looking for something to do. Maybe you’re hunting for a distraction from the so-called holiday, or perhaps you’re planning a fun date. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
One of the many things that makes Florida so special (and, let’s be honest, better than every other state) is our incredible abundance of natural springs—easily accessible no matter where you live. So, if you’re on the hunt for a unique Valentine’s Day date idea, we’ve put together the perfect day trip for you and your special someone. Or if you fall under the cynical single category, make it a fun getaway where you can escape and forget all about your ex you can’t seem to let go.
For the sake of the article, let’s pretend you reside in Jacksonville and use that as your starting point.
Silver Springs State Park
The 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park isn’t just home to the electric blue springs — it also includes the entire 5-mile Silver River and the surrounding sandhill forest. However, I think the standout contender is the amazing wildlife you see during your float. And luckily for you, this time of the year is when the manatees come out to play.
Silver Springs offers a variety of ways to enjoy its beauty, depending on your vibe. If getting your hands dirty isn’t your thing, no worries — they’ve got you covered with glass-bottom boat tours of the main springs, keeping you comfortably dry. The only catch? These tours don’t cover the entire Silver River. Now, if you’re up for a little adventure, I highly recommend renting a paddleboard or a glass-bottom kayak. You’ll get to explore the whole park and get up close to the wildlife. Just a heads-up: while the animals may look friend-sized, it’s best to admire them from a respectful distance.
Trip Itinerary:
Night Before:
- Reserve your paddleboard or kayak rentals online if you don’t have your own.
Morning:
- 6:30 a.m.: Rise and shine! Make your coffee and pack a small cooler with water, snacks, sandwiches and sunscreen for your float.
- 7 a.m.: Hit the road with the goal of arriving at Silver Springs around 8:45 a.m. Take pit stops as needed.
At the Springs:
- 9 a.m.: Pick up your paddleboards or kayaks at the main entrance. Don’t forget to purchase a shuttle pass to avoid the 5-mile paddle back upstream (unless you’re feeling ambitious).
- 9:25 a.m.: Enter the springs and take your time exploring. It’s a marathon, not a sprint — stop in the little coves, float in the springs, and make it a game to spot the wildlife: manatees, monkeys, alligators, otters, turtles, and more.
Midday:
- noon (Tentative): Exit the river and take the shuttle back to your car.
- 12:20 PM: Return your paddleboards or kayaks, load up the car and start heading home. Or swing by the gift shop if you want a souvenir .
Lunch Stop:
- 1 p.m.: Stop at Tabby’s Restaurant for a hearty, well-earned lunch.
Afternoon:
- 1:45 p.m.: Officially hit the road back home. What happens next? That’s up to you. Good luck with the rest of your Valentine’s Day plans!
Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park is one of Florida’s natural gems — a haven for crystal-clear waters, lush greenery and a whole lot of wildlife. Best known as a winter refuge for manatees, it’s like a seasonal Airbnb for these gentle giants. The park boasts a massive spring-fed swimming area that stays a crisp 72°F year-round, perfect for cooling off when Florida’s heat becomes unbearable. Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or just floating around pretending to exercise, the experience is nothing short of magical. However since this is set for February, let’s stay off the tubes and steer clear of hypothermia.
Similar to Silver Springs, if you aren’t looking to get your hands dirty, they offer boat tours of the springs and a viewing area to spot manatees as well as a full hiking area.
Trip Itinerary:
Night Before:
- Reserve your kayak rentals online if you don’t have your own.
Morning:
- 6:30 a.m.: Wake-up call! Again, let’s make your coffee and pack up your cooler!
- 7 a.m.: Hit the road with the goal of getting to Blue Springs around 8:45 a.m.. Take pit stops as needed.
At The Springs:
- 9 a.m.: Pick up your kayaks at the main entrance — no need for a shuttle, you’re not going too far.
- 9:20 a.m.: Enter the springs, and again, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time exploring. Blue Springs is known for their high manatee count this time of year.
Midday:
- noon (tentative): Unload, grab your cooler and hit the picnic seating area to enjoy a quick snack with incredible views. Nothing too heavy though; you have lunch plans.
- 12:30 p.m.: Walk around the hiking area for a bit. Take in the views and head to the manatee viewing area if you haven’t gotten your fill yet.
Lunch Stop:
- 1:15 p.m.: Hopefully you are feeling up for seafood! Stop by Nice N Easy Oyster Bar & Grille for some top-notch oysters.
Afternoon:
- 2 p.m.: Hit the road back home, the rest of the day is up to you. The world is your oyster! (pun intended)
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park is the kind of place that makes you stop and wonder if Florida is actually showing off. The water is so clear it looks fake, and at a cool 72°F year-round, it’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling or floating around while pretending to be productive. The park’s got everything: lush nature trails, legit waterfalls (yes, waterfalls in Florida) and plenty of spots to throw down a picnic blanket.
Whether you’re paddling through the stunning scenery or just taking it all in, Rainbow Springs is pure perfection. But if you haven’t caught on yet, we’re getting in the water.
Trip Itinerary:
Night Before:
- Reserve your kayak rentals online if you don’t have your own (I know, repetitive).
Morning:
- 6:30 a.m.: Can we just assume you know what to do? No? OK. Wake up! Make coffee! Pack a cooler! Bring a blanket this time.
- 7 a.m.: Hit the road with the goal of getting to Rainbow Springs around 9:20 a.m.. Take pit stops as needed.
At The Springs:
- 9:35 a.m.: Pick up your kayaks at the main entrance.
- 9:50 a.m.: Enter the springs, and you know the drill: a marathon, not a sprint. Rainbow Springs is home to some incredible wildlife and with water so clear, you’ll be able to see it all.
Midday:
- 12:30 p.m. (tentative): Drop off your kayaks, grab your cooler and that blanket previously mentioned — you’re setting up a picnic! Or if you want to be boring and less romantic, there are picnic tables available.
Lunch Stop:
- 1:15 p.m.: Swing by Pavarotti’s Pizza & Restaurant for the best pie in town. You deserve it.
Afternoon:
- 2 p.m.: And this is where I bid you farewell. Safe travels and Happy Valentine’s Day!
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