Last Updated on February 28, 2024
Ginnie Springs is a natural spring in the city of High Springs, Florida.
Approximately 30 miles northwest of Gainesville and 45 miles south of Live Oak, the North Central Florida spring is in Gilchrist County. It’s known for its exciting water activities like tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and scuba diving.
These are our recommendations on the top places to visit near Ginnie Springs. This includes nearby places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.
Visiting Florida Springs should be a must-do on your next day out. From tasty diner food to cozy cottages to cool shops, check out all the places you can see on a visit to this fun outdoor destination.
Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs is a privately owned park in High Springs. Park admission gives guests access to seven freshwater springs.
The crystal-clear water maintains a temperature of a constant 72 degrees and produces millions of gallons of water every day.
This property is privately owned. It is a different experience than visiting some of the nearby state parks like Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park or Fanning Springs State Park. There are many amenities and fun water activities available to guests.
Check out the camp store when you first enter the park to pay your admission and purchase any rentals you need. The store also sells food and drinks.
Things to Do at Ginnie Springs
There are so many things to do at Ginnie Springs, whether you are there for a day trip or a few days.
This Florida tourist attraction boasts activities like swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear springs and river tubing down the current in an inner tube.
You can bring your own tube and snorkeling gear or rent from the facility.
Scuba divers love this great spot for its natural beauty. There are three different dive sites with cave entrances that are accessible from Ginnie Springs.
These entrances include the Santa Fe River, The Devil’s Spring System (Devil’s Eye, Devil’s Ear, and Devil Spring), and The Ginnie Ballroom.
Local divers can take advantage of the park’s Annual Dive Pass for year-round exploration.
Ginnie Springs Camping
Ginnie Springs is an ideal place to stay if you plan to enjoy the facilities for more than one day. There are different options on the property, which include the best places amongst its wooded acres.
If you are planning a camping trip, you can take advantage of the park’s tent sites. There are also electric campsites where you can park an RV. The electric sites give guests access to water hookups, picnic tables, and grills.
TIPS:
- Ginnie Springs is currently open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- The park schedule may vary by season, so remember to check operating hours ahead of your visit.
- Guests need to sign a waiver before utilizing the springs. This can be done online before your visit to save time upon arrival.
- Daily admission for adults (ages 13+) is $20 ($15 during the off-season). Admission is $5 for children ages 5-12, and children under 5 years old are admitted for free (as of February 2024).
- Scuba diving rates for certified divers start at $24 per day.
- Camping rates for adults are $30 ($25 off-season). Children ages 5-12 are $8, and children under 5 years old are free, with an additional site fee of $11 for electricity and water ($22 for group sites).
- No pets are allowed at Ginnie Springs.
- Holiday weekends are often very busy. Overflow parking is available if the main parking lot is full.
- The best time to visit is early in the day during the off-season (late fall to early spring).
For more information, visit the official Ginnie Springs website.
Ginnie Springs Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643
Where to Eat Near Ginnie Springs: Pink Flamingo Diner
Pink Flamingo Diner is a great place to eat near Ginnie Springs. The restaurant is just 10 miles from the springs and offers an accommodating diner menu, a full bar, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and live music on the weekends.
This is the perfect spot to eat after a day at Ginnie Springs. There are plenty of fun options for the whole family.
The diner menu includes starters, entrees, pasta, salads, platters, sandwiches, and more. Try the house waffles, which are plant-based, gluten-free, and delicious.
They can be paired with plant-based ice cream and topped with add-ons like coconut whipped cream and fruit.
The bar menu includes a variety of cocktails and late-night bites.
Outside the diner, there is an 18-hole mini-golf course that you can enjoy before or after your meal. The course features fun, tropical theming.
Next to the mini-golf course, there is a coffee kiosk that serves coffee, tea, and soft-serve ice cream.
TIPS:
- Pink Flamingo Diner is open seven days a week from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- The restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners.
- The mini-golf course closes an hour before the restaurant, with the last round of golf beginning 30 minutes before the course closes.
- Mini-golf pricing is $5.99 for kids ages 6 to 12, $7.99 for adults 13 and older, and $6.99 for seniors 62 and older.
For more information, visit the official Pink Flamingo Diner website.
Pink Flamingo Diner Address: 19726 US-441, High Springs, FL 32643
Additional Places to Eat Near Ginnie Springs:
- The Ginnie Deli, 7300 Ginnie Springs Rd, High Springs, FL 32643
- Bambi’s Café + Farm Market, 18592 High Springs Main St, High Springs, FL 32643
- Great Outdoors Restaurant, 18587 High Springs Main St., High Springs, FL 32643
- Spins: Sweet & Savory, 23677 W U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
- Pepperoni’s Pizzeria, 19975 NW 244th St. #10, High Springs, FL 32643
Where to Stay Near Ginnie Springs: Sweetbay River Camp-Ichetucknee River Access
Sweetbay River Camp is a cottage rental available for booking through Airbnb. This beautiful place is located in Branford, Florida, approximately 20 miles from Ginnie Springs.
If you are craving a remote and outdoorsy experience, this is it.
The home is on four private acres with access to a nature trail and river kayak launch.
Enjoy relaxing on the porch, cooking a meal in the kitchen, or sitting by the outdoor fire pit at this lovely remote getaway.
TIPS:
- Sweetbay River Camp is open daily.
- Check-in is from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am. Check-out is at 11:00 am.
- This listing has a 5-guest maximum.
- Pets are not permitted.
For more information, visit the official listing on the Airbnb website.
Sweetbay River Camp Address: Branford, FL (specific address is only provided after it’s booked)
Additional Places to Stay Near Ginnie Springs:
- Grady House Bed & Breakfast, 24042 W U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
- Getaway Gilchrist Springs, 1699 NE Co Rd 337, High Springs, FL 32643
- Stillwaters Lodge, 21401 US-441, High Springs, FL 32643
Where to Shop Near Ginnie Springs: Unique Notions
Unique Notions is a store in High Springs that is located just under 9 miles away from Ginnie Springs.
The shop is known for selling great gifts and souvenirs. Check out their selection of locally made and fair trade-certified products such as stickers, patches, and pins.
Unique Notions sells a collection of artisan soy candles that are quite popular with shoppers.
Scents include fruit and floral options like the Peach Ginger Saffron Candle, rich scents like the Moroccan Cashmere Soy Candle, and seasonal scents like Toasted Pumpkin Spice.
Make sure to check out this cool shop during your visit to Ginnie Springs.
TIPS:
- Unique Notions is open seven days a week from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- There is an online shop available that sells many of the shop’s selections.
For more information, visit the official Unique Notions website.
Unique Notions Address: 23641 W U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Additional Places to Shop Near Ginnie Springs:
- Ginnie’s General Store, 5000 NE 60th Ave, High Springs, FL 32643
- High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs, FL 32643
- Decades on Main, 15 High Springs Main St, High Springs, FL 32643
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