Rainbow Springs State Park to require online reservations

State of play: Day-use reservations will be required for the main entrance, which gives visitors access to the headsprings and swimming area.

• Reservations can be made here up to 60 days in advance starting Wednesday, per the park's website.
• A day-use pass will be required for entry beginning April 29, including for annual pass holders, pedestrians and cyclists.

Of note: The process isn't changing for visitors wanting to tube down the river, which is handled at a different entrance.

• Tubers can show their tube rental receipt at the main entrance for access to the headsprings — if there's available space.

Zoom out: Rainbow Springs is one of a handful of Florida's freshwater springs about an hour from Tampa Bay.

• The Weeki Wachee and Chassahowitzka rivers are also great spring-fed spots to cool off during the summer.

Yes, but: They also tend to get crowded quickly, so plan accordingly.