We know, we know. When someone says “weekend getaway,” Suwannee County probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind.
But hear us out.
If your family loves swimming holes, springs, blueberry picking, campfires, canoe adventures, and the kind of days where the kids forget screens even exist, this little corner of Florida deserves a spot on your summer bucket list.
Rooney’s Farm Blueberry Picking
There’s something nostalgic about blueberry picking in the summer. Maybe it’s the stained fingers, maybe it’s the competition to see who can fill their bucket first, or maybe it’s simply slowing down long enough to enjoy where your food comes from.
At Rooney’s Farm, guests can pick their own blueberries for $15 per bucket. While we visited toward the end of the season, there were still plenty of berries to be found. For the boys, the challenge quickly became deciding which blueberries belonged in the bucket and which belonged in their bellies. Either way, it was a core memory kind of morning.
READ: Blueberry Picking Farms In & Around Jacksonville
Little River Springs
About 40 minutes from Rooney’s Farm sits one of Florida’s most underrated swimming spots.
Little River Springs is an easy-to-access spring located right along the Suwannee River. During our visit, water levels were low enough that we found a comfortable spot near the edge, making it easy for the kids to get in and out of the water.
One of the coolest parts of visiting Little River Springs is watching the vivid blue spring water mix with the warm, tannin-colored water of the Suwannee River. It’s a beautiful contrast and a reminder of just how unique Florida’s springs truly are.
READ: Top 10 Family-Friendly Springs to Explore in Florida
Suwannee River Rendezvous
Nestled beneath towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Suwannee River Rendezvous feels like stepping into Old Florida.
The property offers primitive campsites, RV hookups, and several cabin options. We’ve stayed here multiple times over the years and have found the chalet cabins to be our favorite way to experience the area. Complete with air conditioning, a full kitchen, and private bathrooms, they offer just enough comfort to qualify as glamping while still giving the kids plenty of freedom to roam, explore, and embrace their best feral summer selves.
The property also serves as a great home base for exploring nearby springs and paddling adventures.
Telford Springs
One of our favorite adventures of the trip started with a canoe rental through Suwannee River Rendezvous. After a quick shuttle to a nearby boat ramp, we launched and paddled roughly a quarter mile before arriving at Telford Springs.
Known for its underwater arch and cave diving opportunities, Telford Springs is the kind of place where you plan to stop for a few minutes and end up spending hours. The kids immediately claimed the rope swing while the adults appreciated the shaded picnic spots and crystal-clear water.
One of the unique features of Telford Springs is the ability to enjoy both the refreshing spring water and the warmer Suwannee River water just steps apart. Pack a picnic, bring your sense of adventure, and don’t be surprised if you lose track of time.
Troy Spring State Park
If there was one stop that completely blew our kids’ minds, it was Troy Spring State Park.
This massive spring plunges nearly 100 feet deep, creating a swimming hole unlike anything we’ve experienced elsewhere in Florida. The water clarity is remarkable, allowing visitors to see deep into the spring basin below.
My oldest spent much of the afternoon watching scuba divers train while the rest of us floated, snorkeled, and explored. Between the crystal-clear water and the sheer scale of the spring, it’s easy to understand why this spot is considered one of North Florida’s treasures.
Pro Tip: Bring a snorkel, a boogie board, and even a wetsuit top if you have one. The water stays refreshingly cool year-round, and you’ll want to spend as much time as possible exploring below the surface.
Branford Farm Stand
After several days of swimming, paddling, and exploring, Branford Farm Stand was the perfect place to refuel.
While many people know the farm for its flower fields and seasonal u-pick events, we were pleasantly surprised by the food. The boys are currently in their “eat everything in sight” phase, and the tacos received unanimous approval. We especially loved the carne asada tacos, taco bowl, and homemade chips.
Although we missed flower-picking season, the views alone were worth the stop. Between the beautiful property, delicious food, and upcoming fall pumpkin festivities, we already have plans to return.
