Tucked deep in the longleaf pine forests of Walton County, Morrison Springs feels like Florida’s secret handshake—a crystalline bowl of turquoise water where cypress knees rise like sculptures and freshwater flows from the earth itself.
It’s the kind of place that makes you forget what month it is.
Fed by an underground aquifer, this spring pumps out nearly 50 million gallons of water a day, creating a deep, sapphire-colored pool at its heart. Divers love it. So do families, kayakers, and picnickers looking for a quieter, wilder alternative to the Gulf beaches.
What Makes Morrison Springs Special?
Visibility: The spring’s water is so clear you can often see fish, logs, and sand boils twenty feet down.
Depth: The spring basin reaches a depth of about 250 feet through underwater cave systems—making it one of Florida’s deepest accessible springs.
Accessibility: There’s a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, picnic shelters, restrooms, and even a sandy swimming area for younger visitors.
Morrison Springs is county-owned, which means it’s free to visit—and still feels unspoiled, like much of “Old Florida” that’s hard to find these days.
What to Bring
A mask and snorkel (or scuba gear, if you’re certified)
Water shoes (the bottom can be silty or slippery)
A picnic lunch (tables are limited, so consider a blanket)
A sense of wonder—this place is magic
If you’re lucky, you might spot a turtle paddling in the shallows, or garfish slipping through the sunbeams under the dock. Just don’t forget to take a deep breath and listen: the gentle sound of springwater rising through limestone is like nature’s version of a lullaby.
Getting There
Address:
Morrison Springs Park
874 Morrison Springs Road
Ponce de Leon, FL 32455
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.
Cost: Free admission and parking.