Last Updated on February 29, 2024
Florida springs are popular travel destinations, and Alexander Springs is no exception!
Alexander Springs is in Ocala National Forest, only 25-30 miles from other state parks like Blue Spring and De Leon Springs.
Approximately 60 miles north of Orlando and 80 miles southeast of Gainesville, the Central Florida recreation area is in the northeast corner of Lake County.
It is known for being one of the only first-magnitude springs in Florida.
Top Places to Visit Near Alexander Springs Recreation Area
These are our top recommendations of the best places to visit near Alexander Springs Recreation Area, including places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.
You can find tasty diner food, relaxing accommodations, and timeless shops. Check out all the places you can visit on a journey to this semi sub-tropical oasis.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Alexander Springs is a first-magnitude spring, meaning, on average, the spring head discharges approximately 100 cubic feet of water per second. That is hundreds of gallons of water!
The spring run known as Alexander Run feeds into Spring Creek. The spring pool is a popular destination with beautiful palm trees, amazing water quality, and an average water temperature of 72 degrees.
Alexander Springs is one of the most visited spots in Ocala National Forest. The spring is located just a few miles away from the St. Johns River, off the area’s main road, County Road 445.
There is a paved parking lot. Parking can fill up fast on weekends and holidays, so get there early.
Things to Do at Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs Recreation Area has a lot to offer visitors. Of course, taking a dip in the swimming area is many visitors’ favorite part of their trip, especially on hot days.
In addition, yogis are known to practice on paddleboards, and scuba divers find this spot to be excellent for scuba diving.
Alexander Springs Experiences
Update as of 2.28.24: Timucuan Trail and boardwalk are closed for repairs. The USFS is actively working on the design and rebuild process at this time.
Hikers have great options here, like the Timucuan Trail, a 0.9-mile loop through a palm forest full of cabbage palms.
The area also has a blue-blazed trailhead that connects the area to the Florida Trail, a National Scenic Trail about 1,500 miles long.
The recreation area has a concession stand that has a limited quantity of kayak and canoe rentals. You are also able to bring your own kayak or canoe to the springs as well.
A shaded picnic area with picnic tables near the spring is the perfect place to enjoy a meal in Alexander Springs.
Alexander Springs Camping
The recreation area offers an excellent camping experience with amenities such as potable water, flush toilets, and bathhouses.
The campgrounds feature 67 campsites suitable for tents and RVs up to 35 feet, although there are no water, sewer, or electrical hookups available.
If you need anything while camping, the concession stand sells snacks, groceries, charcoal, and firewood if you want to build a fire.
TIPS:
- Alexander Springs is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, though it may close earlier seasonally.
- The fee is $12 (+ tax) per person.
- Lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week, from May 15th – September 15th.
- The most popular visiting times include summer months, weekends, and holidays.
- The site will close if capacity is reached, so it is best to get there early and beat the crowds!
- Black bears are commonly sighted in the Ocala National Forest. It is important to know what to do when encountering a black bear.
Are you planning on spending a lot of time in the Ocala National Forest area? You may want to purchase the Ocala National Forest/Springs Annual Pass.
At $75 per person plus tax, the pass provides entrance to recreation areas managed by Adventure Ocala for one year. It includes some of the best springs and lakes in the region.
Day Passes may be purchased on the Scan & Play Recreation.gov app.
For more information, visit the official USDA Forest Service website.
Alexander Springs Address: Latitude: 29.078245, Longitude: -81.577837, Alexander Springs, FL 32702
Where to Eat Near Alexander Springs: Castaways Restaurant
Castaways Restaurant is a great place to check out during your trip to the Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
The family-owned restaurant is just under eight miles away from the spring and is known for its delicious food and fun theming.
This laidback spot offers a menu that is a mix of seafood dishes, steak, and diner fare.
Try any of the tasty seafood appetizers or the broccoli cheddar bites. Don’t miss the specials like surf & turf sliders.
You also can’t go wrong with the shrimp sampler.
TIPS:
- Castaways Restaurant is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (Closed on Wednesday). They are open on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- There is a kid’s menu available.
- This restaurant accepts takeout orders.
For more information, visit the official Castaways Restaurant Facebook page.
Castaways Restaurant Address: 23525 FL-40 W, Astor, FL 32102
Additional Places to Eat Near Alexander Springs
- Essex Seafood House, 1360 West, 1360 FL-40, Pierson, FL 32180
- Sparky’s Place, 24646 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102
- Rose Garden Family Restaurant, 1455 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102
Where to Stay Near Alexander Springs: Runaway Bay Lodge
Runaway Bay Lodge is a wonderful place to stay near Alexander Springs. This lodge is located about 30 minutes away from the recreation area on Lake George.
The scenic spot is a favorite amongst many that stay in this region.
Located in Seville, Florida, Runaway Bay Lodge has a variety of different accommodations to choose from. There are waterfront rooms in the lodge, serenity yurts, and other great, cozy options.
Runaway Bay Lodge offers activities on the property. Enjoy yoga, meditation, kayaking, games, and more during your stay.
Guests can use john boats for free. You can also rent motors that will assist you in getting to some great fishing spots.
If you are interested in a boat tour, the lodge offers a private 3-hour scenic boat tour customized to your interests. Whether you are interested in fishing, photography, or seeing the nature of the area, this is a fantastic option!
TIPS:
- Runaway Bay Lodge is open daily.
- Check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out is at 11:00 am.
- If you are celebrating a special occasion, check out the special packages you can add to your reservation, like the Romance Package or the Picnic Basket for Two.
- Daily housekeeping is not provided.
- Well-trained dogs are permitted with prior approval with an additional charge per night.
Runaway Bay Lodge Address: 1610 Lake George Rd, Seville, FL 32190
Additional Places to Stay Near Alexander Springs
- Shamrock Thistle and Crown Bed & Breakfast, 12971 SE Hwy 42, Weirsdale, FL 32195
- Astor Bridge Marina and Motel, 1575 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102
- Hotel Pierson, 107 S Volusia Ave, Pierson, FL 32180
- Riveria Resort and Marina, 2760 Botts Landing Rd, DeLand, FL 32720
- Cabin On the Lake, 222 Tangerine Ave, Lake Helen, FL 32744
Places to Shop Near Alexander Springs: The Orange Shop
The Orange Shop has been around for over 80 years. Located about 50 miles from Alexander Springs, this place is worth the trip!
The shop opened in 1936, selling hand-picked seasonal fruit to travelers passing by on US 301.
Not much has changed since The Orange Shop first opened – the spot offers great customer service and the best citrus in the area.
You can purchase all sorts of sweet treats here.
- Seasonal varieties of oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines
- Honey
- Jelly
- Marmalades
- Coated pecans
- Desserts like pecan pie and key lime bundt cake.
Make sure to check out this timeless Florida shop during your trip!
TIPS:
- The Orange Shop is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, seasonally from October to mid-May.
- Shipping is available for many items.
For more information, visit the official Orange Shop website.
The Orange Shop Address: 18545 US-301, Citra, FL 32113
Additional Places to Shop Near Alexander Springs
- Six Gun Plaza, 4901 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
- Scrambletown Country Store, 15480 NE Hwy 314, Silver Springs, FL 34488
- Forest Shopping Center, 15940 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
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