16 Most Beautiful Waterways in the United States
Discover the most beautiful rivers and springs in the US with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, kayaking, and tubing.
If you're looking for the most beautiful rivers and springs in the United States—with the clearest, most stunning waters—you’re in the right place.
These spring fed rivers and natural springs are known for their crystal-clear waters of blue and emerald colors.
Whether you're after a relaxing float, a scenic paddle, or a swim that feels like you're in a natural pool, these are the most beautiful rivers and springs in the US that need to be on your bucket list.
Ichetucknee Spring, Florida
Located in North Florida, the Ichetucknee Spring feeds the Ichetucknee River, one of Florida's clearest and most peaceful rivers you can float on. The water is fed by nine different springs and stays around 72°F all year. The river flows just over six miles through shady cypress hammocks and sandy banks, making it an ideal place to kick back in a tube or paddle through in a kayak. Because the water is so clear, you'll easily spot fish swimming below and maybe even a turtle or two right beneath your feet. It’s especially popular in summer, so going early in the day or during the week helps you avoid crowds.
Weeki Wachee River, Florida
The Weeki Wachee River looks like something out of a tropical island, but it's right here in west-central Florida. It starts at the famous Weeki Wachee Springs—yes, the one with the live mermaid shows—and winds for about 7 miles toward the Gulf of Mexico. The water here is that perfect light blue you only see in travel brochures. It’s shallow, clean, and lined with palm trees and other native plants that give the whole place a wild but relaxing vibe. Kayaking here is easy and great for beginners, and if you go during cooler months, there’s a good chance you’ll paddle alongside a manatee.
Rainbow River, Florida
The Rainbow River is one of those places where you really have to see the water to believe it. It’s fed by Rainbow Springs, which is one of the largest first-magnitude springs in Florida. The water is so clear and still that you can watch schools of fish dart through the underwater grass like you're looking through glass. This river has a super calm current, which makes it a favorite for tubing and kayaking. Plus, the lush riverbanks and vibrant underwater plants give the whole experience a peaceful, almost otherworldly feel. Whether you’re swimming, floating, or snorkeling, it’s hard to find a prettier place to cool off.
Silver Glen Springs, Florida
Set inside the Ocala National Forest, Silver Glen Springs is known for its bright blue water that practically glows in the sunlight. It’s not technically a river, but the spring basin here feeds into Lake George and creates a calm, gorgeous place for swimming and relaxing. The water is shallow and super clear, making it great for families with kids or anyone who just wants to float around. There’s also a decent chance of seeing manatees here, especially during the cooler months when they come inland to warm up. It’s one of the more peaceful spring areas in Florida, especially if you visit early in the day.
Three Sisters Springs, Florida
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River might just be the clearest water you’ll ever see. It's a small group of springs connected to Kings Bay, and the only way to get there is by kayak or paddleboard. The water is a brilliant shade of blue and completely transparent—so much so that it looks like the manatees floating beneath you are suspended in mid-air. The springs are part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and protected, so swimming is only allowed during certain times of the year, but it’s always open for paddling and wildlife watching. This is one of the best places in Florida to see manatees up close in the wild.
Ginnie Springs, Florida
Ginnie Springs is one of Florida’s most popular clear-water hangouts, and for good reason. The water is that picture-perfect light blue and stays at a refreshing 72°F year-round. It’s located along the Santa Fe River and is actually made up of multiple springs, all connected by shallow, swimmable runs. Ginnie is especially popular with campers, snorkelers, and even scuba divers thanks to its underwater cave systems. If you want a more social experience, weekends get lively, but weekday mornings are calmer and just as beautiful. Either way, it’s one of the clearest springs in the country and a favorite for those looking to float or paddle in see-through water.
Gilchrist Blue Springs, Florida
Gilchrist Blue Springs is a more low-key alternative compared to Ginnie Springs, but just as beautiful. The water here is bright blue and incredibly clear, with a large main spring feeding into a small spring run that connects to the Santa Fe River. Because it’s now a state park, the area is well-kept and less commercialized, which means fewer crowds and a more peaceful vibe. It's perfect for swimming, paddling, or just sitting at the edge and dipping your feet in. If you’re looking for a spring that’s clean, quiet, and gorgeous, this one checks all the boxes.
Chassahowitzka River, Florida
Locals call it “The Chaz,” and once you see it, you'll understand why it’s a favorite. The Chassahowitzka River flows through the Gulf Coast side of Florida and is fed by several hidden springs. The water here has a clear green tint, and the vibe is very laid-back. It's the kind of place where you can spend an entire day paddling, looking for hidden coves, or exploring side springs like “The Crack,” which is a short paddle and walk from the main river. It’s also common to see manatees in the cooler months, and there are rope swings scattered along the route for anyone feeling adventurous.
Silver Spring, Florida
Silver Springs is one of Florida’s most famous and beautiful natural springs—and when you see it in person, you'll understand why. The water that bubbles up here is strikingly clear with a blue-green glow that looks unreal. Located in Silver Springs State Park, the main spring is massive, and even from the shore you can see straight down to the limestone bottom. It’s perfect for kayaking or taking a glass-bottom boat tour, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot manatees, fish, and maybe even the famous wild monkeys that live nearby.
Homosassa Springs, Florida
Homosassa Springs has a quieter, more natural feel compared to some of Florida's other springs, but the water is just as beautiful. The spring feeds into the Homosassa River, and the area is part of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, which is home to manatees, alligators, and tons of native birds. There's even an underwater observatory where you can see fish and manatees up close without getting wet. If you’re into paddleboarding or kayaking, this spot offers calm, clear water and a solid chance of seeing wildlife while you cruise along the shoreline.
Madison Blue Spring, Florida
Madison Blue Spring is a little off the beaten path, tucked away in North Florida near the Georgia line, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. The spring basin is circular, deep, and known for its bright, almost electric-blue water. It flows into the Withlacoochee River and is surrounded by shaded picnic areas and tall trees. This spring is especially popular with divers and photographers thanks to its clarity and natural beauty. Unlike some of the busier springs, it feels more local, more wild, and a little more like a secret spot.
San Marcos Springs, Texas
San Marcos Springs is the beautiful headwaters of the San Marcos River, and it's where you’ll find that iconic clear blue water. Located on the grounds of Texas State University and part of the Spring Lake Natural Area, this spring system is made up of hundreds of tiny bubbling vents that all feed into one pool. The water stays crystal clear and consistently around 72°F, making it perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or taking a glass-bottom boat tour.
Blue Hole, New Mexico
The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, is one of the most unique natural springs in the US. This deep, perfectly round pool sits right in the middle of a quiet desert town, and the water is a bright cobalt blue you wouldn’t expect to find in New Mexico. It stays at about 62°F year-round and is insanely clear, with visibility of up to 100 feet. It’s not a river or a float trip kind of place—this one’s all about jumping in and swimming or scuba diving. The depth reaches about 80 feet, so it’s popular with divers and thrill-seekers. It’s also a fun place to cool off if you’re road-tripping through the Southwest.
Juniper Springs, Florida
Juniper Springs is one of the oldest recreation spots in the state and still one of the most beautiful. Located in the Ocala National Forest, it offers both a main spring-fed swimming area and one of the best kayaking runs in Florida. The water here is clear with a slight green-blue tint and flows through a narrow, jungle-like channel. You’ll paddle past palm trees, underwater grasses, and maybe even see otters playing in the shallows. It's a more technical paddle—narrow and winding—but the scenery makes it worth it. This spot combines beautiful swimming, great paddling, and classic Florida nature all in one place.
Rock Springs Run, Florida
Located at Kelly Park in Apopka, Rock Springs Run is one of the most family-friendly and visually stunning springs in Florida. The water here is super clear and flows over a shallow, sandy bottom—perfect for tubing, snorkeling, or just floating around. The run is short and gentle, making it ideal for kids or anyone looking for a relaxed experience. You can also rent a kayak and continue down Rock Springs Run into Wekiwa Springs State Park for a longer paddle. It’s a local favorite, especially in summer, so it’s best to arrive early before the park hits capacity.
Little Colorado River, Arizona
The Little Colorado River is a striking tributary of the Colorado River, known for its vivid turquoise-blue waters that flow through the remote canyons of northern Arizona. This brilliant coloration is caused by dissolved minerals like calcium carbonate, which reflect sunlight and give the river its unique hue—especially during low-flow periods in spring and early summer. The area is also culturally significant to many Native American tribes, including the Hopi and Navajo, and is protected as a sacred and ecologically sensitive region.
From turquoise spring basins to glass-clear rivers that wind through forests and limestone, these U.S. rivers and springs offer some of the clearest and most beautiful waters you’ll find anywhere.
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Kylie Jones