It's no secret that Florida is home to some of the most gorgeous bodies of water. Most people think of our coastal beaches when looking to keep cool, but our clear blue springs are the true gem of the Sunshine State. This crystal clear blue spring stands out tucked deep among the trees in the Ocala National Forest - and it is seriously stunning. Alexander Springs Recreational Area in Altoona, Florida is a real treat for spring hoppers and Florida Adventure enthusiasts. Alexander Spring is the only first magnitude spring in the entire Ocala National Forest - meaning it has the highest flow of fresh water from the underground streams. This keeps the water a comfortable 72 degrees year round, and the turquoise depths super clean and clear - it's also why these springs are considered to be the cleanest in the entire state of Florida. The beauty of this spring is undeniable and lets you get some of the most beautiful pics of the water; There are plenty of lush backdrops to make your Instagram followers fall in love too - you can see a few stunning shots of Alexander Springs below: View this post on Instagram Strait from a fairy tale • • • • • • • * * * * * * * #ocala #fernhammock #junipersprings #alexandersprings #suwannee #florida #floridasprings #florida_greatshots #floridanature #floridanaturephotography #floridastateparks #cavediving #freediving #diving #scuba #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #naturephotographer #treehugger #highsprings #crystalriver #bluespringsstatepark #rainbowspringsstatepark #canon #canon80d #canonphotography #kayaking #canoeing #paddleboarding A post shared by Devin Constant (@devin_constant) on Mar 12, 2019 at 6:40am PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by @gissymoonbeam on Mar 12, 2019 at 5:51pm PDT View this post on Instagram Sometimes it's nice to just float & let whatever's gonna happen just happen. This was a sit with my feet up watching playoff hockey & looking through my pictures kinda weekend. A post shared by Jen (@justjen313) on Apr 14, 2019 at 11:14am PDT Since the water is so clear, it's the perfect spot for freedivers, snorkelers, and scuba divers to see the fishies and underwater rock and sand formations - the bottom of the spring is mostly pristine white sand and seagrass. You'll have the clearest sight of the bottom and the most spectacular underwater shots like these below: View this post on Instagram Fish are Friends. . . #fisharefriendsnotfood #lifeaquatic #flsprings #springhunters #thespringstate #mermaid #ariel #aloha #waterlust #watertherapy #peace #underwater #uwphotography #alexandersprings #lovefl #visitflorida #hashtagflorida #naturelover #fish #sonyalpha #sunshinestate #funinthesun #ilivewhereyouvacation #angelsofthesea A post shared by Koopa (@koopa311) on Jan 26, 2019 at 9:04am PST View this post on Instagram Todays Adventure Ended At Alexandra Springs ❤️💛💚 #alexandrasprings #floridasprings #florida #flogrown #blonde #stondedblonde A post shared by Jasmine Patten (@jrpatten) on Mar 31, 2019 at 3:41pm PDT View this post on Instagram Better than the beach, am I right? 💦🌈🌴 #floridasprings #alexander #ocalanationalforest #pureflorida #lovefl #visitflorida A post shared by Tessa Skiles (@tessa.skiles) on Mar 15, 2019 at 5:58pm PDT Aside from the absolutely amazing springs - Alexander Springs Recreational Area also features a 1-mile hiking trail that winds you through the thick of the Ocala National Forest. There are tons of boardwalks nestled in the canopies of trees and plants that truly embody the spirit of adventure right here in Florida; you can also camp here, getting some of the best shots of the stars overhead. View this post on Instagram 🌞🌱 A post shared by ke (@kamrynalivia) on Apr 11, 2019 at 2:20pm PDT View this post on Instagram Only one night left down here in Ocala National Forest 😣 This week flew by! #ocalanationalforest #alexandersprings #thegreatoutdoors #camping #overland #overlanding #rooftoptent A post shared by Hunter, Nikki, and Ellie Héri (@overlandoverlords) on Feb 8, 2019 at 11:06pm PST No hours have been listed for opening; however, closing hours are 6pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends unless you're camping out. No entry price is listed, but camping prices vary from $24-$48, depending on which campground you're at and if you have electricity hookups or not. We recommend contacting the Recreation Facility at the park to plan your trip or make a camping reservation. If you're ready to see where the wild things are and take a dive deep into the crystal clear blue of Alexander Springs, Alexander Springs Recreational Area is located at 49525 County Road 445 Altoona, Fl 32702. If you need an additional Florida Adventure for your bucket list, check out this Crystal Clear Blue Spring Near Orlando. For contact details for full pricing and reservations, check their website here. Disclaimer: We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit a potentially hazardous location, you check for the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.