Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee means “little spring” or “winding river” but in all reality, there really aren’t words to capture the magnitude or magic of this spring. Most notably known for their Underwater Mermaid Theater, where guests have had the chance to watch real live mermaids sing and swim through their crystal clear waters, for 75 years now! After the show, you can take a picture with a mermaid then see for yourself how cold the 72 degree water really feels! Take a dip or challenge yourself with a water slide at Buccaneer Bay, and all just for $13 per adult and $8 per child. During busy summer months, the park often reaches capacity. Once the park is full, they cannot admit further entry for the rest of the day, so make sure to get there early! You can be alerted by text, when closure occurs, by texting the keyword ‘Weeki’ to 82149.
If you’re more interested in seeing the natural beauty of this river, contact Weeki Wachee Kayak and Paddling Rentals and you can spend the day floating down 2.8 miles of crystal clear water. And make sure to keep your eyes peeled for manatees along the way, especially in colder months! Currently, it costs $32 for rental and only $6 if you plan on bringing your own kayak/canoe/paddleboard! Just make sure to call and make a reservation in advance, because they do fill up quickly.