Looking for a laid-back Florida weekend with a side of adventure? High Springs delivers. In just two days, you can tube the crystal-clear Ichetucknee River, swim in the sapphire waters of Blue Springs, and explore a charming downtown filled with great food, vintage shops, and old-fashioned ice cream. Here’s exactly how we spent our summer weekend in High Springs — and how you can plan yours.
This July, my sister-in-laws and I packed up the kids for a quick summer weekend in High Springs. Last year’s girls’ trip was to St. Augustine, and this year we traded historic cobblestones for spring-fed rivers and small-town charm.
Day 1: Tubing Ichetucknee Springs
Saturday morning, we were at Ichetucknee Springs State Park the minute it opened — and I mean the minute. They only let so many people in before closing the gates for the day.
If you’ve never been, picture a crystal-clear river that stays 72 degrees year-round, lined with shady cypress trees. Turtles glide under your tube, fish dart around, and yes, gators can be spotted (we didn’t see any).
We booked tubes online ahead of time (reserve here) — highly recommend. I got a double mesh-bottom tube for me and the 7-year-old, my daughter had a single mesh-bottom, my sister-in-law and her 2-year-old shared a single mesh-bottom, and the others had regular tubes.
The first float was pure bliss — calm water, peaceful vibes, and the freedom to hop out and swim alongside the tubes. About an hour later, we climbed out (watch those slippery rocks!), carried our tubes up the stairs, and hopped on the tram back.
We picnicked in the park, but note: no disposables allowed. That means no chip bags, plastic water bottles, snack pouches, or even Ziplocks. My baggie of snacks was confiscated (I just handed them to the staff).
Round two? Completely different scene — bumper-to-bumper tubes, loud music, people everywhere. When we left at 1 p.m., the park was closed to new arrivals. Moral of the story: early is everything.
Dinner Detour & a Happy Accident
That night we aimed for The Great Outdoors Restaurant (18587 Main St, High Springs), a local favorite in a historic building. No reservation — it was only 5 p.m., so I thought we’d be fine.
The hostess said she’d clear a patio table for us… and then never came back. We weren’t the only ones — the group ahead of us bailed, heading to “El Patio.” Naturally, we followed.
El Patio turned out to be a win — friendly staff, quick service, and delicious Mexican food. Dinner saved.
Ice Cream, Antiques & Trivia Wins
Post-dinner, we browsed antique shops (I didn’t buy anything — modern coastal minimalism, remember?) and ended up at Florida Creamery.
This place is small-town fun in a scoop: hand-dipped cones, a rubber ducky claw machine, and a Trivial Pursuit card box for impromptu competitions. We laughed, snacked, and strolled back to our Airbnb.
Day 2: Blue Springs Morning
Sunday morning, we packed fruit, Publix glazed croissants, and my favorite Southern fruit dip for a picnic and headed to Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park.
We got there early — another pro move — and had the spring mostly to ourselves for a while. The water was so clear it looked unreal, like the Grand Reef at Discovery Cove except completely natural.
We only had a couple of hours before checkout, but it was the perfect, peaceful end to our trip.
Tips for Your High Springs Weekend
- Book tubing ahead online and pick your tube style.
- Arrive at parks right when they open to beat capacity closures.
- Bring reusable containers — no disposables allowed.
- Call ahead for The Great Outdoors reservations.
- Bring cash for Florida Creamery fun.
- Stay walking distance from downtown.
Quick Links & Addresses
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park — 12087 SW US Hwy 27, Fort White, FL | Website
- The Great Outdoors Restaurant — 18587 Main St, High Springs, FL | Website
- El Patio — 18653 Main St, High Springs, FL
- Florida Creamery — 20 NE 1st Ave, High Springs, FL | Instagram
- Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park — 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL | Website
- More Florida Springs: Blue Springs State Park Day Trip
High Springs in a Weekend – Girls Trip Edition
- Tube Ichetucknee Springs
- Swim at Blue Springs
- Eat at El Patio
- Florida Creamery treats
- Pack reusable containers, water shoes, quick-dry towel
- Arrive early & book ahead
Whether you’re floating Ichetucknee Springs, swimming at Blue Springs, or just enjoying the small-town charm, a weekend in High Springs Florida is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
