Florida's Longest River Is One Of The Laziest In The World For Serene Water Fun

Florida is a great place for fun and leisure. The weather here certainly pulls its weight, but the people, activities, and nature are no slouches either. Destinations like Ichetucknee Springs State Park, an ethereal tube, swim, and snorkel spot full of wildlife, win over locals and visitors alike because they're simply fantastic places to relax among beautiful nature. While every county has its own recreation havens (yes, even Florida's two most shark-filled beaches in Volusia County), there's one source of outdoor fun and adventure that passes through 12 counties, beginning in swampland around Florida's south and meeting the Atlantic Ocean in the state's northeast.

The St. Johns River is as unusual as it is long. The 310-mile-long river is unlike most in America, because it flows from south to north. Beginning at its source, Blue Cypress Lake, it meanders steadily up Florida, creating nearly 9,000 square miles of beautiful watershed that's ideal for exploration and recreation. While most rivers venture south from mountains, St. Johns' swampy lake source is its highest point. However, it's only 27 feet higher than where the river meets the ocean, which creates its uniquely slow current that has many calling it one of the world's laziest rivers.

Lazy? Maybe. But the millions of people who live along the river and enjoy its waters certainly can't be called that. They enjoy a variety of water sports and outdoor pursuits, from hiking and birdwatching to kayaking, fishing, and swimming. It helps that the St. Johns River forms many different lakes, springs, estuaries, and creeks. It actually forms over 100 springs, including Blue Spring, which is located in a state park where hundreds of manatees gather every winter. Needless to say, there are numerous ways to dip your toes into this popular river.

The ecosystems found along the St. Johns River are rich with bird and aquatic species. If you're a keen angler, you're spoiled for choice. The river's waters are known for their populations of bass, redfish, shad, and many other freshwater and saltwater species (depending on where you cast out). Deep Creek Conservation Area is a floodplain swamp, about a one-hour drive south of Jacksonville. It's a serene area for kayaking, hiking, birding, and fishing. If you have a freshwater fishing permit, you can also cast a line off the fishing pier at Gemini Springs Park, 25 miles north of Orlando.

The state parks and nature reserves around the St. Johns River are ideal for hiking. Black Bear Wilderness Area, located next to Lake Monroe and a 20-minute drive from Orlando Sanford International Airport, has a 7.1-mile loop trail that leads you along the river and often provides glimpses of native wildlife. You might spot white-tailed deer, alligators, or even river otters while hiking.

Swimming in some of the river-fed springs is never a bad idea. The Salt Springs Recreation Area sits just near Lake Kerr and has natural mineral springs for soaking weary muscles. You can also see various aquatic creatures in the water as you paddle about. "This was a cool place to see wildlife, such as blue crab, turtles, and mullets," one visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. The surrounding Ocala National Forest is a good choice if you love having a lot of options, because it has over 600 lakes and rivers. Many of these are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and canoeing. It is also a wildlife haven, home to rare flora, various migratory birds, and cute manatees.

There are numerous places to pitch a tent or hook up your RV along the river. Many of the state parks and wilderness areas have powered campsites with bathrooms and other modern facilities. If you prefer the comfortable confines of a cabin or hotel, you can still access the river from Jacksonville by staying at a waterfront hotel close to riverfront dining and shopping. Another option is Georgetown Marina, located on Lake George, which is the largest lake along the river. The full-service marina has boat docks and ramps, as well as several cabins near the water.

Get your fill of fresh seafood at Palms Fish Camp Restaurant, which sits between Jacksonville and the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant comes highly rated on Google, with reviewers praising the attentive service, fish tacos, gumbo, and fried green tomatoes. It also has a sunny back deck on the water with a small stage where live bands often play.

If you have your own boat or water sports equipment, happy days. But don't worry, if not. There are various outfitters positioned along the river or around its lakes and springs. These rental shops often provide kayaks, snorkeling gear, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Some of them, like Marina St. Johns in Welaka, rent out small fishing boats for the day and even have an on-site restaurant for grabbing some shrimp and beer once you get back.