Swimming Near Jacksonville: All The Best Spots

Written by Nixza Gonzalez
Updated: May 3, 2023
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Florida has some of the best swimming spots in the United States. The state is filled with lakes, rivers, springs, beaches, and water parks. Some of the best swimming spots are near Jacksonville, Florida. This city is on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida. If you’ve ever been to Florida, then you know that summers can be tough! The heat and humidity can leave you feeling sticky and sweaty. What better way to cool down than by spending a day swimming? Follow along to learn more about swimming near Jacksonville.

Swimming Holes

There are many swimming holes near Jacksonville. After searching for these stunning, cool, and clear springs, you’ll have a hard time just choosing one place to visit. One of the most popular swimming holes near Jacksonville is Ginnie Springs. This refreshing spring is located about 80 miles from Jacksonville. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the springs, but it’s worth the quick day trip! Ginnie Springs is located in High Springs, Florida. It’s privately owned and offers swimming and tubing opportunities. The water is clear and there are accessible caverns throughout the springs. Other activities include camping, diving, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Rentals are available at Ginnie Springs.

Another beautiful swimming hole near Jacksonville is Gilchrist Blue Spring. This beautiful spring is located in Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. This natural spring is shallow, refreshing, and crystal clear. Apart from swimming, visitors can paddle board and canoe down the spring, while viewing unique and beautiful wildlife.

Ginnie Springs

A popular swimming spot near Jacksonville is Ginnie Springs.

©Zoe Esteban/Shutterstock.com

Lakes

Before you go running and jumping into the nearest lake in Jacksonville, always proceed with caution. Not all lakes are safe for swimming. Florida is filled with wildlife and while humans aren’t their main prey, they will snap when threatened. Florida lakes are home to large alligators, venomous snakes, leeches, bacteria, and snapping turtles. Even if you can’t see them, chances are, they are nearby hiding. Still, there are a few lakes near Jacksonville you can swim in, with caution.

A popular swimming lake in Jacksonville, Florida is Flamingo Lake. This lake is also an RV resort with cabins and yurts available to rent. This RV resort park has a swimming beach packed with soft sand. Since it’s a natural lake, you should always keep your eye out for wildlife. You can also fish and kayak on the 17-acre lake.

Friends having fun enjoying a summer day swimming and jumping at the lake.

Jacksonville has many lakes, but not all are swimmable.

©Zoran Zeremski/Shutterstock.com

Beaches

Apart from beautiful natural springs and lakes, Jacksonville also has many beaches. Jacksonville has about 22 miles of white sandy beaches. The beaches are clean, clear, and fun to enjoy. The most popular beach for swimming near Jacksonville is Jacksonville Beach. This beach is stunning and perfect for spending your day playing in the water or sunbathing on the sand.

Other popular beaches include Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Mayport Beach. These beaches are public and free! However, parking can fill up during weekends, especially over the summer. The best time to schedule a beach day near Jacksonville is during the end of spring or the beginning of fall. This is right before the rainy season and while schools are still in session. Jacksonville, like many large Florida cities, fills up with tourists during summer.

Jacksonville, Fl

Jacksonville Beach is a popular beach in Jacksonville. It’s public and offers a beautiful view.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Water Parks

Sometimes, it’s not enough to just take a swim. Water parks are thrilling, and they keep you cool! Thankfully, there are many water parks near Jacksonville to choose from. You don’t even have to drive from the city to enjoy water slides and wave pools. Interestingly, one of the most popular water parks in the city is Shipwreck Island Water Park. This water park is located on Jacksonville Beach, meaning if you get tired of the sand, you can enjoy the water park.

This fun water park first opened in 1983. Shipwreck Island Water Park has a half-million-gallon wave pool, and 4Xtreme slides, including the Rage, Eye of the Storm, Undertow, and Hydro Half-Pipe. Shipwreck Island Water Park also has a fun pirate-themed complex where smaller children can go down water slides and shoot water cannons. If you need a break from the water, you can also play in the arcade. Nearby, Adventure Landing also offers two miniature golf courses, go-carts, and laser tag. Are you in the mood to see some large alligators? Head over to Gator Alley where you can feed these Florida native gators.

Mom and son have fun at the water park.

One of the best water parks near Jacksonville is Shipwreck Island, Water Park.

©Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock.com

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Roberto Carlos Trigosso


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About the Author

Nixza Gonzalez is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering topics like travel, geography, plants, and marine animals. She has over six years of experience as a content writer and holds an Associate of Arts Degree. A resident of Florida, Nixza loves spending time outdoors exploring state parks and tending to her container garden.

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