Florida is well-known for its beautiful scenery and natural wonders. It has the most freshwater springs on the planet, over 700, all of which have the most breathtaking and memorable sights. Exotic fish and manatees can be seen in their waterways because they are so pristine. Snorkelers and scuba divers flock to the springs because of the meandering labyrinth of underwater caverns. Others hire kayaks and canoes, so they can better appreciate the enormous areas that feed into local rivers. Whether planning a vacation for the family or simply wanting to cool off on one of Florida's notoriously hot summer days, the refreshing water in one of these unique natural springs will more than suffice.

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

Peacock Springs is known for its two beautiful springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes. It draws cave divers from all over the world who want to see one of the country's longest underwater cave constructions. There also is a tiny swimming hole and trails to explore for those who are not interested in cave diving. This allows visitors of all ages to appreciate this jewel in all of its splendor. Hiking award-winning nature pathways with educational signs are also available allowing visitors to learn as they go.

Alexander Springs

Because it is situated in the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs is a famous destination, well known by the locals, as well as, those living outside Florida. It's a terrific site to snorkel and look at all the fish, and you might even see a turtle swimming through the lilies. Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are some of the most well-liked activities as well as touring the nearby paths lined with cabbage palms, magnolias, and maples. Many consider it to be one of the most accessible for visitors to explore and enjoy, especially for younger and older explorers, because it has a gradual slope that eases swimmers and divers into the cool, crystalline waters.

Silver Glen Springs

The Silver Glen Springs is a sensory delight as it contrasts with the neighboring oak, pine, and cedar forests. The blue-green waters, ideal for taking a swim, snorkeling, and sunbathing, will steal your breath away and are among the greatest in Florida, but what lies beneath the surface will spark one’s attention; Tilapia, striped bass, and a variety of other species can be found floating over the shallow sandy floor. It's no surprise that this location, which dates back 7,000 years, was popular with Native Americans and European settlers.

The spring is also a significant archeological site, and visitors can see a variety of fossilized snail shells embedded in middens along the shoreline. Because space is limited, visitors are recommended to arrive early.

Blue Springs State Park

The Blue Springs State Park is the largest spring on the St. John's River and was voted the best swimming hole in the country by USA Today. It is a Manatee sanctuary that spans approximately 2,600 acres. During the manatee season (November to March), swimming is prohibited; however, the spring's 73-degree temperature is ideal for summer activities including swimming, canoeing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. Swimming is the most indulged recreational activity since the swimming hole's forested banks and pale blue waters are a quarter-mile of perfection. Visitors can also explore and dive into a massive, self-guided cave system or float downstream for a short lunch at the little beach.

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is one of Florida's purest springs and a favorite site for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, and diving. It has seven springs, caves, and white sand and is popular with cave divers and snorkelers. Kayaking, tubing, swimming, and canoeing are also available to visitors, as well as campgrounds with picnic grills, tables, and volleyball courts. There also is a rental cottage available for those who wish to stay longer. The 1,000 feet of subterranean channels beneath a 50-foot head spring that lead to another mind-boggling 30,000 feet of passages are the crown and pearl of this location, a haven for cave and open-water divers seeking adventure. The pristine water of the Florida springs may reward snorkelers or paddle boaters with views of bass, catfish, mullet, and, if they're lucky, turtles.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee springs state park boasts nine crystal clear springs in which tubers can float to their hearts' delight. Blue Hole Spring is situated in the park, and it is the only area where cave diving is permitted. It is the largest of the nine, and scuba divers looking for something genuinely unique flock to it. The Ichetucknee River can be navigated by canoe, kayak, or tube in the upper portion of the state park, where the pure waters will gently float them down. In this gorgeous spring in Florida, snorkelers and scuba divers can discover a little more fun in the waters. Hikers can also choose from three hiking trails, all of which have entrances to the north side of the river.

Rock Springs, Kelly Park

Kelly Park is centrally located in Apopka, Florida, approximately 30 minutes from Orlando. It boasts free-flowing springs that are slightly colder than their counterparts, frequently peaking at a chilling 68 degrees, which makes this resort ideal for Florida's hottest summers. Tubers can enjoy themselves as they float through mangroves and watch fish and turtles swim alongside them. Visitors can also paddle downstream in a canoe or glass-bottom boat until it gets to the open swimming areas. The freshwater outlets into a series of pools, with throngs of people grabbing tubes and floating down a quarter-mile along the crystal-clear waters. The grounds also offer RV parking, pavilions, and walks of nature, making it one of the ideal places for a quiet picnic with family members or a romantic getaway.

Rainbow Springs State Park

It is one of Central Florida's oldest and best springs, with evidence of over 10,000 years of existence. Before taking a soothing plunge, reviews suggest wandering through the moss-covered Cypress trees to observe floral gardens, spectacular waterfalls, and five main springs. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling are all popular activities in Rainbow Springs. The more daring can rent a tube and paddle down the river, or trek one of the trails where turkeys, fox, deer, and squirrels can be seen. A massive swimming area with white sand and limestone beneath your toes may be found at the river's headwaters. Man-made waterfalls and natural gardens surround nature trails, making it a popular destination for Florida birders.

Weeki Wachee Spring State Park

Weeki Wachee is a popular destination for tourists seeking crystal blue water ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. It's a beautiful place to cool off and enjoy the fun for all ages with slides feeding into Buccaneer Bay, especially when combined with a water park for the youngsters. Swimmers can enjoy the gorgeous blues and greens of the Florida natural springs while divers may explore the freshwater cave system, which has been verified to be the deepest in North America.

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River

Crystal River is only accessible by boat and has acquired the moniker "water lover's paradise" due to the abundance of activities and wildlife to see. It is a must-visit if swimming alongside manatees is on your bucket list. Locals go to the area to witness these gentle giants interacting in their native setting, which is enjoyed by photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Visitors can either take a guided tour and learn about the manatees, introducing them to one of the most endearing endangered species, or they can rent a canoe, kayak, or snorkel equipment and explore the park on their own. They can also go to Kings Spring, which is 75 feet across and 30 feet deep at its deepest point, where daring divers can explore an underwater cave or go to the Three Sisters Spring, where they can be swimming alongside manatees in the chilly water during the winter months.

BROOKSVILLE — A large development in the Brooksville area received the approval of the County Commission on Feb. 8 despite vocal objections from nearby residents.

The location is north and south of Bourassa Boulevard, east of U.S. 19 and ending at Blanks Street.

The first phase will contain 3,700 units of single-family and multi-family housing, and 25,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, and a second phase of commercial development with 175,000 square feet of space.

There would be parks, a lagoon and space for a charter school, too.

Joel Tew, the applicant’s land use consultant, said it would be an intergenerational community with a variety of homes. Single-family homes would start at $300,000, but there would an effort to keep housing affordable for the expected growth in employment in the area.

“It’s a diverse community that helps you in every possible sub-market that you have,” Tew said. “We’re not asking for any additional entitlements.”

The goal, he added, is to make everyone feel like they are in a quality community.

The developer will also donate $250,000 to pay for a park, essentially paying impact fees in advance, Tew said.

He said the developer wanted to be a good neighbor and would provide buffers and setbacks, and believed they had responded to the questions and concerns nearby residents had expressed in writing.

Tew said the developer had built projects in Pinellas and Pasco counties, and they had turned out well.

“We’re not here to be a bad neighbor,” Tew said. “In fact, we want to be the best neighbor in Hernando County.”

Commissioner Beth Narverud said, “I spoke to some of the Pasco commissioners, and they had good things to say about you guys.”

Numerous people came up to speak against the development, arguing that it was too intense, would create more traffic, more noise and said they were worried that the buffers between their communities and the new development were too small.

Jane Hyde, president of the Woodland Waters Homeowners Association, said the proposed lagoon would generate a lot of noise.

“We pay a lot of taxes,” she said. “We would like to have a bigger buffer and a fence, the higher the better.”

She also mentioned the effect on wildlife in the area, as did Samantha Lewis-Revels, who added that there would be more traffic. “It’s going to be horrible,” she said.

Dustin Revels said the people in the community would lose their way of life.

Commissioner John Allocco said that he was sensitive to the views of the Woodland Waters residents, but this project had been on the books for years, adding that there’s a house behind his house, too, and the homeowners association could put up its own buffers.

“Just because they were there first doesn’t mean that nobody else gets to use the property next to them,” he said.

The measure passed 5-0.

In other land use action, the commission approved 5-0 amid public opposition a 36-lot subdivision of single-family homes at Calusa Street and west of Suncoast Boulevard; approved 5-0 a 380-unit multi-family development west of Landover Boulevard and north of Alcan Avenue; and a commercial development at the corner of County Line Road and Anderson Snow Road.

The county has closed the survey it took on a proposed half-cent sales tax for roads and recreation, and County Commissioner Jeff Holcomb said the results showed a lack of understanding of how local government works.

The half-cent increase would send the county’s sales tax to 7%, and it would be on the November ballot, along with a renewal of the half-cent for the schools. Eighty percent of the money would go to roads, and 20% would go to recreation and parks.

Budget director Toni Brady said that 329 Hernando residents took the survey, for which they had to register.

Those who responded said the top five projects for roads should be to widen County Line Road, widen Barclay Road, widen Anderson Snow Road from two to four lanes, and fix the Corporate Boulevard intersection, and none of the above.

The top five recreation projects were to work on the Boardwalk at the Weeki Wachee Preserve, work on the Weeki Wachee Preserve, build an aquatic center, build a splash park at Anderson Snow Park and build an indoor gym.

Commission Chairman Steve Champion said he would have liked to have seen more responses, but County Administrator Jeff Rogers said he was told by an expert that most polls for president or governor are 500 people.

As for whether they would vote for the tax, 40% said yes, 26% said no and 41% said it would depend.

One relevant comment on roads asked why impact fees couldn’t be used, and Commissioner John Allocco said the simple reason is that impact fees don’t raise enough money. Sales tax revenue could be used for matching funds to connect with state and federal funding.

Rogers said four years ago, it would have cost $100 million to buy the right of way, design and build the expansion of County Line Road from two to four lanes, and now it will cost $150 million or more to get two sections widened.

“Impact fees aren’t going to make these happen,” Allocco said. “These are big-dollar expenses.”

Holcomb said either the commission or the citizens need to do a better job regarding government. A lot of the comments were about the school board or issues with school buses.

“We are the Hernando County Commission; we are not the School Board,” he said. “The School Board is part of the process when we have to approve developments. They’re in it the whole way.”

Some people said they were totally opposed to more taxes, but then picked projects they wanted done or complained about potholes, Holcomb said.

Regarding recreation, he said any choices made about what areas to improve would not please everyone.

If they do something at Anderson Snow or Deltona, Holcomb said, the people at Brooksville and Ridge Manor won’t be happy. If they do something at Brooksville and Ridge Manor, the people in Spring Hill/Weeki Wachee won’t be happy.

Ultimately, the goal is to widen the tax base, Champion said, because so many people in the county have houses valued below their homestead exemptions to pay any property taxes. A sales tax would involve everyone and even allow a small cut in property taxes, he said.

Mermaids have intrigued sailors and land-dwellers alike for centuries and though their existence has never been proven (save for Discovery channel drama-mentaries), they're still fascinating. The notion of a humanoid-like creature having the ability to live underwater for extended periods of time is somewhat of a dream for many, and in Florida, also a reality. Not only is this state home to the world's only 'real' mermaids, but it's also where those flock to who wish to become mermaids.

Weeki Wachee is home to mermaid shows that dazzle and amaze its visitors, especially those who are enchanted with the idea of a real-life Ariel. The park also has a history that precedes some of the world's biggest entertainment parks, showing no signs of stopping its maritime success anytime soon.

The Beginnings Of The Weeki Wachee Mermaids

Since 1947 - which is older than Disneyworld, for those who are counting - the Weeki Wachee mermaids have been entertaining fans from all over the world. However, the shows were not originally as popular as they are now. In fact, the auditorium in which visitors watch these clever underwater shows was originally less than half the size that it is today.

The man responsible for creating such a venue, and entertainment idea, was Newt Perry. Perry was a former U.S. Navy veteran who, being familiar with the water and movement in it, came up with Weeki Wachee. Perry was also an all-star swimmer and coach, so it was easy to bring his idea to fruition when searching for the perfect business venue. Once the site of Weeki Wachee was found and cleaned of the junk that weighed it down, he moved on to the next step: underwater breathing.

Those who have seen the show have likely noticed the tubes that dangle down into the water tanks. These tubes were his creation; the air flowing through the tubes allows performers to breathe underwater while giving them mermaid-like qualities. Once that problem was solved, the next was simply choreography. The performers hired trained with Perry to learn ballet-style moves which were performed underwater, thus literally bringing to life everyone's mermaid dreams. Additionally, the water is kept at a constant temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, but the current at the bottom of the spring is always moving at five miles per hour. As one can imagine, this makes performing somewhat challenging, but one would never know it from the ease of its mermaid's movements!

Guests who are watching the shows at Weeki Wachee are in for a true surprise. The theater, upon entrance, is covered with a blue curtain - but once it rises, the entire theater 'stage' becomes an enticing underwater world. It takes place inside of an actual water spring which automatically eliminates the need for any props or set design. This also adds an incredible realness to the show which is how the mermaids became so popular!

In addition to that, the Weeki Wachee mermaids perform shows including the beloved Hans Christian Anderson's story, The Little Mermaid. One of the newest shows is Wonders of Weeki, dedicated to Perry.

Other Things To See At Weeki Wachee

Weeki Wachee might be famous for its mermaid shows but that's not the only thing visitors should experience there.

For those who enjoy getting into the water just as much as they enjoy watching people perform in it, the Buccaneer Bay Waterpark is a great way to cool off. With lifeguards watching the waters, a giant water slide, and flume rides, it's perfect for the whole family after catching an early mermaid show.

The park itself is home to more than 530 acres, and visitors are free to explore it on their own with a paddleboard or kayak rental. For anyone who wants a fully-immersive experience, a boat tour through the Florida hot springs is an absolute must-do. This is also a great way to see the wildlife and natural flora of the surrounding area.

Those interested in getting a glimpse at some of Florida's most beloved animal species can also do so at Weeki Wachee. While mermaids are only legends, these animals are very real, and entirely worth learning about during a visit to the state park.

WEEKIE WACHEE — An adagio is a piece of music performed slowly and gracefully. It’s also the name of the pose a pair of oh-so-graceful masonry mermaids are striking high atop the column rising out of the iconic fountain at the entrance to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

And thanks to months-long project by some experts in the field of vintage masonry restoration, that fountain now looks as good as the day it was unveiled in 1966.

The fountain was showing its age and really needed refreshing, said Debby Weeks, membership coordinator with the Friends of Weeki Wachee, a volunteer nonprofit group that raises money for park projects like the fountain restoration.

“We caught it just in time,” she said, adding the contractor that performed the work did “an excellent job.”

Alexandra Kuchta, press secretary for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said the work involved patching cracks, painting and applying a protective epoxy sealant. The work came to $25,000 and was completed at the end of last month by professional historic masonry repair firm Western Construction Group out of St. Louis, Missouri. A company certified in historic preservation had to be used because the fountain is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, said Kuchta.

Weeks said her group is seeking donations to help recover the cost of the work. Because the park was closed for several months during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friends were forced to cancel several fundraising activities, and now that the park has reopened members are playing catch-up to replenish coffers.

Weeks said anyone interested in helping can click the “Donate” button on the group’s website at www.friendsofweekiwachee.com. The Friends also run the T-shirt and gift shop at the entrance to the park, the proceeds going to support the group’s efforts at the park.

Weeks said the adagio pose of the fountain’s mermaids was created by retired Weeki Wachee mermaid Diane Wyatt McDonald, who is 91 and believed to be living in St. Petersburg.

The pose is so eloquent it seemed to embody the meaning of the word used by musicians and composers to describe the slow and graceful portions of classical music, so the name stuck all those years ago when McDonald performed for audiences in the spring’s underwater theater, said Weeks.

The Weeki Wachee attraction was founded in 1947 by swimmer, diver and promoter Newt Perry, with the mermaid show stage being the first-magnitude spring itself. The spring is one of the deepest natural caverns in the U.S., and some 117 million gallons of water flows from it daily. The water is crystal-clear and stays at a temperature of 74 degrees all year.

The spring opening leads down to an extensive network of underwater caves that run south of the attraction, as well as east beneath and beyond U.S. 19.

After removing old rusted refrigerators, cars and other debris that had been dumped into the spring, Perry began developing a system of air hoses underwater performers used instead of clunky dive tanks that would have distracted from the graceful underwater ballet performed by the mermaids. In the early days of the attraction, U.S. 19 was a little-traveled two-lane road, and it’s said whenever the mermaids, who at that time had not yet adopted mermaid tails, heard a car approaching, they would dash to the highway in their swimsuits to beckon passersby to come in to watch the show.

The attraction has had different owners over the years, including the American Broadcasting Company, which had the marketing budget to put the attraction on the map and make it one of the nation’s most popular destinations in the 1960s.

The state took over the attraction in 2008 and it is now part of Florida’s park system.

BROOKSVILLE – Get ready to see lots of mermaids, and not just at Weeki Wachee Springs.

A mermaid statue trail that will cross the county will let locals and visitors traverse the area and learn about it.

In coordination with the Hernando Fine Arts Council and Brooksville Main Street, statues sponsored by businesses and organizations will be erected and people will be able to follow them on a map.

Tourism Development Manager Tammy Heon pitched the “Mermaid Trail 2” in Brooksville-Weeki Wachee to county commissioners on March 8, plus a budget resolution of $75,000 to get things rolling.

The eventual plan would have sponsorships and sales of small versions of the large mermaid statues, which would be built up from a standard base, decorated by paid local artists, protected by special coatings and secured in place so no one could steal them. The TDC could pay for maintenance, but the individual businesses would own the statues.

Commissioner Beth Narverud was supportive, but Commission Chairman Steve Champion was skeptical at first because of the cost. He eventually joined a unanimous vote for the project. It is funded from tourist development dollars, County Administrator Jeff Rogers said and, Heon promised, could possibly be self-supporting eventually.

On Oct. 13, Weeki Wachee Springs will celebrate its 75th anniversary, according to the agenda documents.

“Now you know what we want to build,” Heon said. “We haven’t felt like we have the appropriate timing.”

Heon showed a video of different trails in places across the U.S. and across Florida, including Fort Myers, Fernandina Beach and especially the Dolphin Trail in Clearwater.

One public commenter predicted a veritable binge of vandalism, but another said it sounded great for businesses and a good idea.

Commissioners discussed the progress on grants for the widening of more of County Line Road, and Commissioner John Allocco said residents should contact Pasco County’s commissioners to press for the widening project as more businesses and developments are showing up on both sides of the corridor.

Commissioner Jeff Holcomb said he had reached out to some of Pasco’s leaders and they seemed positive about it, but a promised item on their commission agenda didn’t appear.

“I believe this is going to happen with our Senate President behind it,” Champion said, noting that it’s needed because of cars waiting to turn left in the two-lane areas and blocking traffic.

Rogers said getting federal dollars requires a 20% local match and that the county could put up $2.3 million from impact fees and the indirect costs of grants.

“That road, to be honest, is a failure,” Rogers said. “We have to move forward.”

• Commissioners approved 5-0 a resolution authorizing signage on Spring Hill Drive and Commercial Way that prohibits parking in the median. People can gather and wave political signs, they agreed, but the parking of vehicles is causing damage to irrigation equipment.

• Commissioners approved 5-0 a rezoning petition for the west side of Commercial Way and south of Glen Lakes Boulevard for a congregate care facility and general commercial project over nearby residents’ objections regarding lighting and loss of privacy.

• Commissioners rejected 3-2 a rezoning request by the owner of a property at Wimberly Court and Shoal Line Boulevard, who said they were unaware that there were previous zoning issues with the property and said they wanted to be good neighbors.

The commissioners voted 5-0 to approve four other rezoning petitions.

• Commissioners welcomed Joshua Detilio, the new chief executive of Bravera Health Brooksville and Spring Hill. “I’m very excited to serve the community,” he said.

• Holcomb expressed frustration with people who are running down the county’s parks in public comments, noting that every municipality has problems with restrooms but that the main problem is that there is huge demand for leagues of different types to use the parks. “We need more fields,” he said. “That’s why we need the sales tax.” Champion added that the parks expansion is for the community and not tourism. “As for the sales tax, you’re going to vote for it. If you don’t like it, don’t vote for it,” noting that they promised a millage cut.

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By Natassja Prose, IG @proseandcompany

About an hour north of Tampa in Hernando County’s city of Weeki Wachee, you’ll find a little nostalgic Florida gem, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Buccaneer Bay Water Park, a quintessential Old Florida site. As Florida’s one and only spring-fed water park, this would make for a perfect summer day trip! And it’s particularly exciting for mermaid enthusiasts of all ages!

Weeki Wachee Springs park is actually one of the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States, featuring naturally-formed underwater caverns so deep, the bottom has never been found!

The seemingly enchanted spring is the start of the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River, a pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River, which flows 12 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Weeki Wachee Springs is a first-magnitude spring, with an average discharge of 172 cubic feet per second. In fact, most of the pristine Weeki Wachee river’s flow starts with this first-magnitude spring. That’s 111 millions of gallons of water per day! Several smaller springs also add to the river’s flow. Lots of numbers right – cubic feet per second, millions of gallons of water, blah blah blah – so let’s translate. That much massively powerful water flow means that all – one hundred percent – all of the river’s water is totally and completely replaced every sixty minutes! With such an incredible flow of crystal clear water, it’s no wonder the river is so amazingly clear.

Plus the upper section of Weeki Wachee springs and river has avoided the man-made development problems that have spoiled so many other natural gems – no man-made structures, just magnificent trees and natural surroundings. And because so much of the river’s bottom is white sand, it looks even more clear and clean.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Buccaneer Bay is a fun spot to discover and enjoy one of Florida’s crystal clear enchanted springs. There’s so much to do at Weeki Wachee, including catching one of Weeki Wachee’s iconic mermaids at a mermaid show, but the fun doesn’t stop there.

Iconic Mermaids Enchanted Springs

How’s 75 years sound? That’s about how long visitors have been coming to visit these famous pristine waters. Beginning around 1947, the dazzling waters and underwater ballet of pretty girls dressed as mermaids has attracted thousands of travelers annually.

The beautiful mermaids perform to musical numbers underwater, even eating and drinking! They even perform their version of the classic Hans Christian Andersen masterpiece, The Little Mermaid live in the specially designed 400-seat submerged auditorium. This performance of the classic story isn’t just a copy of the animated film – it’s told unlike any other version as the Little Mermaid celebrates her birthday and comes face to face with her prince! Yearning to have legs like him, she makes a deal with the sea witch to give her what she wants in exchange for her beautiful voice. As the prince struggles to save the Little Mermaid’s beautiful voice, a fierce battle ensues between him and the evil sea witch. The prince prevails, proving that “love conquers all.”

Buccaneer Bay Water Park + Things to do at Weeki Wachee Springs Park

Inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is Buccaneer Bay, a splishy splashy family fun water park. Buccaneer Bay features 2 tremendous water slides, a sandy white beach, crystal clear springs water that makes the ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling, and a naturally flowing lazy river that flows around the whole swimming area. You can swim, float, snorkel and even slide directly into the spring. The Cannonball and Pirates Revenge waterslides let you feel the rush of excitement as you slide down them again and again. And it’s kid-friendly, too, with lifeguards everywhere and a special pool for younger kids. The waterslides do have a height requirement of at least 42 inches for one and 48 inches for the other, so a quick height check would be a good idea before planning the visit.

If tubing down a natural lazy river or paddling adventure along the chilly spring waters is more your speed, you can do that too! Tubes are available for an additional fee to relax and float down the lazy river of Weeki Wachee Preserve. We spotted turtles and fish swimming along beside us while we floated in our tubes.

Once you’ve played in the spring water, you can break for lunch! Couples can bring a cooler with packed lunches or enjoy one of the four dining options at the park. Our family enjoyed grab and go options from Pirate’s Grubb and ate on one of the many picnic tables near the beach area.

After lunch and when you’ve warmed up from the cool spring water, reserve tickets ahead of time to watch one of the live mermaid shows at the park with Weeki Wachee’s iconic mermaids. The magical allure of the mermaids is an iconic part of Weeki Wachee history. NOTE: Mermaid shows are temporarily on hold. Check here for the latest updates.

Additional activities like kayaking or paddling are available, but require reservations in advance. Rentals are available through Weeki Fresh Water Adventures.

Tips for planning your day trip to Weeki Wachee Springs:

Plan to arrive early, as in before the park opens. The park reaches capacity early in the day and once it does, they do not sell additional tickets for the day.

Pack for a beach day! There is a white sandy beach area with a few beach chairs up for grabs, but they do fill up quickly. It’s a good idea to bring your own or a beach blanket for the white sandy beach area.

Tubes are available for rent for the lazy river, so you aren’t allowed to bring your own floats.

Bring your snacks! Food is permitted at the park, but not in the theater during any of the live mermaid shows.

How much does Weeki Wachee Cost?

One of the most asked questions is, how much does Weeki Wachee cost? Cost to enter Weeki Wachee state park are $13 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 to 12. Ages five and under admitted free.

Feature image credit: Natassja Prose

This article originally appeared in our sister publication, Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

On November 1, 2008, Weeki Wachee Springs became Florida’s 162nd state park. Its crystal-clear blue spring waters draw about 420,000 visitors annually. You can kayak or swim in Florida Springs and see native Florida wildlife in many places.

However, there is only one place where you can see live mermaids swimming in those springs, often accompanied by some native wildlife like a turtle or fish. That’s the draw at Weeki Wachee Springs in Hernando County.

History

Weeki Wachee Springs started its run as a tourist attraction in 1946. This was before the huge theme parks, when kitschy attractions, usually featuring live alligators, began drawing visitors to Florida. Newton Perry purchased the land containing the spring. He pulled out all the rusted junked autos and boats dumped in it and began putting together an idea for an underwater show. Perry was familiar with diving and underwater survival, and as a naval officer, he had trained Navy SEALs to swim underwater. His idea was to put girls in mermaid costumes and perform underwater. To that end, he invented an underwater breathing device using an air hose that pumped oxygen from an air compressor so they could remain submerged. His first mermaids performed at Weeki Wachee on October 13, 1947. Perry had excavated a small underground theater where visitors could watch the young women doing water ballet, eating apples, and drinking underwater. Sitting in the theater I didn’t feel as if I were underground. It’s like being in a regular theater but instead of a screen in front of you, there are a series of glass windows looking into the spring.

Weeki Wachee moved into the big time in 1959 when the American Broadcasting Co. (ABC) purchased the spring. It upgraded and built the current 400 seat underwater theater. Shows became more elaborate.

Buccaneer Bay, its water park, opened in 1982 with four water slides and a white-sand beach. There is a special kiddy area and visitors can rent kayaks or canoes to paddle the Weeki Wachee River.

Until recently, there was a boat tour on the river, but that closed down.

Natural Features

“Weeki Wachee” means “little spring” or “winding river” in the Seminole language. It’s not really little. The spring is the deepest known freshwater cave system in the United States. The temperature remains at 72 degrees Fahrenheit all the time. Weeki Wachee River winds over 7 miles before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. I love kayaking on it and seeing cormorants and anhinga drying their wings in the cypress or bay trees near the bank.

The park covers 538-acres. There are alligators that usually stay near the shore in the marshy area or sunning on downed tree trunks. In winter, manatees sometimes venture into the park. Turtles abound. You may see deer or raccoons on the shore. Watch for eagles overhead.

Shows

Mermaids perform the traditional show, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, and some other underwater feats. The shows last about a half-hour and are normally at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. but that changes often. The water is so clear, you can see the actors perfectly. The mermaids have a breathing tube in hand to allow them to breathe underwater. The characters’ voices speak from speakers in the theater. After the Little Mermaid gets her legs, there is one out-of-water scene on the stage inside the theater when she and her prince dance, then the underwater show resumes with the prince proving that “Love conquers all on land and sea” when he vanquishes the evil sea witch. When I visited, a couple of turtles swam into the scene. A ranger told me that once a manatee spontaneously entered the show; and another time, an alligator. The show stopped for the alligator.

Dining

The park had several dining options. Mermaid Galley to the rear of the park has indoor and outdoor seating. It serves burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, ice cream, and snacks. Captain’s Quarters, near Buccaneer Bay, serves ice cream, snacks, and drinks. Pirate’s Grubb, also near Buccaneer Bay, offers outdoor dining with burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and snacks. Tiki Bar offers adult refreshments, including beer, wine, and frozen drinks near Buccaneer Bay’s beach. It has some grilled food choices. Snack Shack near Buccaneer Bay’s swimming area has ice cream and soft drinks.

Other Attractions

The Hernando Historical Museum Association has three museums that tell Hernando County’s history. The May-Stringer House, sometimes called Heritage House, began as a simple four-room cabin in 1842 during the midst of the Seminole Wars, when the government passed the Armed Occupation Act, giving 160 acres to settlers who moved to Florida, farmed at least 5 acres, and helped fight the Seminoles. Richard Wiggins homesteaded the land and built the first small shelter. After the Civil War, the Saxon family, who owned it then, renovated it to its present look, a four-story gabled house with a lot of gingerbread trim. It has 14 rooms and is believed to be haunted. A tour gives a feel for life in Florida during the Victorian era.

The Train Depot was built in 1885. Today the former rail tracks are part of the Rails to Trails program and form the Good Neighbor Trail. Besides the depot, there is a restored boxcar, a 1925 LaFrance fire engine, and some farm equipment.

The Countryman One-Room Schoolhouse is a replica of the 1852 Lykes School, the first school in this county built by the Lykes family in Spring Hill.

Pro Tips: If you begin your paddle from the park dock, you need a timed reservation. You cannot swim within the park other than at Buccaneer Bay, but once outside, you are free to take a dip in the cooling waters.

Other Florida attractions to visit:

The one thing that’ll make road-trippers gladly hit the brakes is an offbeat, one-of-a-kind, eye-catching roadside attraction. Some are destination-worthy, others best experienced if they happen to be on the way to or a short detour from your destination. Here are eight unordinary spots to check out during your spring travels, including a few suggestions from Kelly Kazek, author of “A Guide to the South’s Quirkiest Roadside Attractions.”

The Georgia Guidestones

Georgia’s own version of Stonehenge, the Guidestones, were erected north of Elberton in 1980 and their provenance is almost as mysterious as England’s famous stone monument.

“It’s a fascinating site, especially because no one knows who ordered it,” said Kazek. The order for the Guidestones was placed in 1979 by a mysterious stranger claiming to represent a group that wished to remain anonymous. The resulting monument features four granite monoliths, a center stone and a capstone, standing nearly 20 feet high and weighing almost 120 tons. It was placed at a high spot in a field eight miles north of town containing a message for humanity written in eight languages.

Predictably, controversy and conspiracy theories followed its installation. This remote monument is worth a visit to gaze at the mammoth stonework and ponder the message, but it shouldn’t take up more than a half-hour of your time. Head to nearby Richard B. Russell State Park on Lake Hartwell to spend the night in a cabin on an uncrowded portion of the lake. The state park also contains one of the more scenic public waterside golf courses in Georgia, Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course (706-283-6000, gastateparks.org/ArrowheadPointe).

Georgia Guidestones. Free. 1031 Guidestones Road, Elberton. elbertchamber.com/visit/play-here/historic-sites.

Expedition: Bigfoot!

In the tiny town of Cherry Log between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, Expedition: Bigfoot! is a 4,000-square-foot roadside museum devoted to all things Sasquatch. Kazek, who describes herself as the long-suffering wife of a Bigfoot enthusiast, said it’s a fun stop whether you’re a believer or not.

“Seeing alleged Bigfoot (scat) is a pretty big deal, right? And that area of Georgia is just beautiful.”

Other items visitors can see include giant footprint casts, artifacts from various research expeditions, historical displays, video clips of purported sightings, life-sized re-creations of the creature and hear audio recordings of what the Bigfoot reportedly sounds like.

The exhibits provide an earnest take on the subject matter, but the owners, realizing that not everyone takes Bigfoot seriously, offer up the silly side of the pop-culture phenomenon, too. And there are lots of amusing souvenirs for sale in the gift shop.

Nearby Ellijay has been called the mountain biking capital of Georgia; Cartecay Bike Shop (706-635-2453, www.cartecaybikes.com) will set you up with everything needed for a woodsy single-track excursion, whether you’re searching for Sasquatch or not.

Expedition: Bigfoot! $8. 1934 Georgia Hwy. 515, Cherry Log. 706-946-2601, www.expeditionbigfoot.com.

Crystal Shrine Grotto

The Crystal Shrine Grotto inside Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis is a delicately handcrafted grotto in a meditation garden created by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez, who began working on it in 1935.

Like a real cave, the grotto has stalactites and stalagmites, but every surface is covered in rock quartz crystal. Colorfully lit dioramas and carvings inside depict the life of Christ from the Nativity to the Resurrection.

The garden outside, also designed by Rodriguez, looks like it could serve as a set piece for “The Hobbit.” According to the cemetery’s website, the grotto attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Stay at The Peabody Hotel (901-529-4000, www.peabodymemphis.com) downtown to witness one of Memphis’ more time-honored offbeat events, the daily march of the Peabody Ducks through the lobby to splash in the hotel’s fountain. The ducks are ceremoniously led by the Duckmaster from their quarters on the roof, down the elevator and across a red carpet to the fountain.

Crystal Shrine Grotto. Free. 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis. 901-302-9980, www.memorialparkfuneralandcemetery.com

American Museum of the House Cat

On the northbound side of U.S. 441 just south of the mountain towns of Dillsboro and Sylva in North Carolina, there’s an astonishing array of art and artifacts devoted entirely to the house cat.

The collection at the American Museum of the House Cat was amassed over the last four decades by museum founder Harold “Catman” Sims, a retired biology professor who also operates a nearby no-kill, cage-free cat shelter and adoption center.

The museum opened in 2017 in a Dillsboro antique mall and moved to its current stand-alone location in 2020. Inside you’ll find seemingly any object that has ever featured a cat on it, including advertising displays, fine art, folk art, pinball machines and 5,000-plus more items. There’s even a medieval-era petrified cat on display. Sims has called house cats “little works of art,” and his museum is filled with artwork that backs up the claim.

Due to COVID-19 and limited staffing, the museum is temporarily closed to drop-in public tours, but curated tours are available by calling ahead to schedule a time.

The American Museum of the House Cat. $7.50. 5063 U.S. 441 S., Sylva, North Carolina. 828-476-9376, www.wnccatmuseum.org

Blue Whale of Catoosa

On historic Route 66 outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the city of Catoosa, passersby can easily spot a landmark American roadside attraction — the Blue Whale of Catoosa. It’s a cartoonish-looking replica of a whale sporting a baseball cap on a pond next to the highway. The 20-foot-high, 80-foot-long whale made of cement serves as a pier with adjacent picnic grounds and a seasonal gift shop.

It was built by Hugh S. Davis in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift for his wife and a place for their grandchildren to play at the local swimming hole. It quickly grew in popularity. Swimming is no longer allowed. Last fall the whale received a fresh coat of baby blue paint from the city, which purchased the property in 2020 and has plans to make it a more extensive park with a nature trail and dedicated fishing pier.

Another Route 66 icon nearby is Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park (918-283-8035, www.travelok.com) in Foyil with a centerpiece 90-foot totem pole built between 1937 and 1948 as a monument to the American Indian.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa. Free. 2600 U.S. Route 66, Catoosa, Oklahoma. 918-266-2505, www.facebook.com/blue.whale.144

Fake town of Spectre

In the middle of a small oxbow lake along the Alabama River in Millbrook, Alabama, Jackson Lake Island is famous for being home to the abandoned film set for the 2003 Tim Burton movie “Big Fish.” Stand-in for the fictional small town of Spectre, the site is “one place people really should see in Alabama,” said Kazek, who got married there.

“The owner of the island saved many of the buildings — which are just shells — and it’s a popular spot for photographers,” she said. It’s a quiet, peaceful place, but walking through a fake abandoned town with foam-covered tree (props) is a bit surreal. Some people come to throw their laced-together shoes on the wire between the two poles marking the entrance to the town, just like in the movie.

A herd of free-roaming goats now call Spectre home and are a big hit with visitors. Fishing and paddling on the lake are popular daytime activities. You can stay overnight in waterfront camping areas. Fans of “Big Fish” will find more filming locations in the nearby real town of Wetumpka, which stood in for the town of Ashton in the film.

Jackson Lake Island. $5. $15 to camp. Cypress Lane, Millbrook, Alabama. 334-430-7963, www.facebook.com/JacksonLakeIsland

Cup House of Collettsville

Also called the House of Mugs, the Cup House outside of Collettsville, North Carolina, is covered with coffee mugs. “It’s actually two, side-by-side houses in a rural part of the state,” said Kazek. “The homes are completely covered in coffee mugs that have been hung from nails on the exterior. It is so crazy, which is, of course, why I love it.”

It’s a bit out of the way but worth a stop if you’re in the area. It helps that the drive to the site is a scenic one. The owners welcome visitors to hang their own mugs if they can find a spot. Even the fence railings and gates are lined with mugs.

Kazek didn’t have GPS service in the area when she and her husband Wil visited, but she said if you stay on Old Johns River Road, it’s a hard place to miss.

The Cup House of Collettsville. Free. 2650 Old Johns River Road, Collettsville, North Carolina

Weeki Wachee mermaids

The quintessential Old Florida roadside attraction is arguably the daily mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Since 1947 the mermaids have been performing underwater in the springs right next to U.S. Hwy. 19 about an hour north of Tampa.

The women who portray the mermaids wear finned fishtail costumes, execute acrobatic feats in the water and stage shows such as “The Little Mermaid” before audiences of up to 400 people while using air hoses to breathe. The mermaids swim in a natural spring where the aquamarine water is a constant 72 degrees.

The springs also feed the park’s Buccaneer Bay water park with a variety of thrilling slides and a white-sand beach. Other activities include kayaking and boat tours on the clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. $13. 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, Florida. 352-610-5660, www.floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee.