Florida’s Nature Coast
Florida’s Nature Coast is what most consider to be the “real” Florida. It consists of almost one million acres of dense forests, prairies, and blackwater rivers. There are ample opportunities in this region for hiking, kayaking, bicycling, bird watching, and many other fun outdoor activities. When you come to the Nature Coast, you discover that there’s so much more to Florida than theme parks, fancy restaurants, and crowded beaches.
Weeki Wachee Springs
A trip to Weeki Wachee Springs is truly an unforgettable experience. Embark on a riverboat cruise, learn about Florida wildlife, paddleboard your way down the river, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Buccaneer Bay. Buccaneer Bay is a swimmer’s paradise with a white sand beach, a lazy river for tubing, and two exhilarating water slides that lead to the clear waters of Weeki Wachee Springs. There is also a water play area for smaller children, picnic tables, concession stands, and a seasonal restaurant for when you need to refuel after swimming. Both adults and children will enjoy the unspoiled beauty and natural wildlife found underneath a canopy of cypress, oak, and palm trees. While paddling down the river, you may see endangered west Indian manatees, sea turtles, otters, storks, pelicans, and underwater marine life. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked or stand-up paddled before. Experienced staff members will provide you with basic instructions, and the Weeki Wachee River is very beginner-friendly.
weekiwachee.com
Homosassa Springs
Homosassa Springs gives you an up-close view of some of Florida’s most majestic wildlife. Many endangered animals call the park their home, including the Florida panther, red wolf, manatee, and whooping crane as well as the black bear, bobcat, and alligator. A large number of fresh and saltwater fish are found in the natural spring bowl, such as large jacks, snapper, and snook, among others. An underwater observatory allows visitors to walk beneath the spring’s surface to see the fish, manatees, and other marine animals swimming in the water. The native wildlife living in the park are representatives of their species, and they give visitors face-to-face connections with animals they may never see otherwise. Each animal has a story, and all of them live in the nature park because they cannot survive in the wild on their own.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park
Crystal River
Crystal River, Florida, is mostly known for its spring-fed rivers, excellent fishing, gentle manatees, and bountiful lakes. In fact, it is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with manatees. Crystal River is also the only National Wildlife refuge specifically created to protect manatees. Explore the lakes and rivers, experience fish-to-fork cuisine, play a round of golf, hike through unspoiled forests, dive for scallops, and bike on one of America’s top-rated trails. The Crystal River area also offers unique shopping experiences, a wide variety of dining options, a fascinating history, and remarkable natural surroundings.
discovercrystalriverfl.com
Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island State Park is a short drive from Tampa, and it is the perfect place to escape from the noise and crowds of the city. The island has more than four miles of beach and three miles of virgin slash pine forest to explore. Several animal species live in the park, including ospreys, great horned owls, eagles, gopher tortoises, raccoons, and armadillos. The Rotary Nature Center in the park teaches visitors about the area’s history and natural resources, including how Honeymoon Island got its name. Popular activities in the park include swimming, fishing, hiking, shelling, and bicycling. A cafe serves food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, and there is a concession that rents bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs, and umbrellas. A picnic area on the north end of the island has two covered pavilions, picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and a playground.
floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland
Rainbow Springs
The land around Rainbow Springs once belonged to a mining operation before becoming a privately-owned tourist attraction. Ornamental gardens, constructed waterfalls, and sloping hills are remnants of the recent past of the springs. Now, Rainbow Springs is an excellent site for birdwatching, and it is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Commonly seen bird species in the area include woodpeckers, wading birds, hawks, songbirds, and owls. The Rainbow Springs State Park campground is located a few miles from the main headspring and day use area. All of the sites have electric, water, and sewer hookups. Pets are welcome at the campground but not in swimming areas or buildings. Other amenities include a campground store, showers and restrooms, and a laundry facility. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent from the campground store.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park
Blue Spring
Blue Spring State Park can be found along the St. Johns River. Years of conservation efforts have brought the manatee population in the area up to a record 729 as of 2023. Besides manatees, several fish species live in the spring run and attract wading birds like ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers. Visitors can explore the park by hiking along the spring run, on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail, launching a canoe or kayak, or taking a guided riverboat cruise. St. Johns River Cruises and Tours runs boats daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour includes a two-hour narrated nature and ecological cruise down the St. Johns River. There are 51 campsites on the park’s campgrounds, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity, and a grill. Visitors can fish from the dock on the St. Johns River, but it is not allowed in the Blue Spring run. A boardwalk leads you through a lush hammock to Blue Spring, and the Pine Island Trail winds its way through several different ecosystems, from a desert-like scrub to the blackwater stream that becomes the St. Johns River. The spring and spring run are closed to swimming or boating from mid-November until March in order to protect the endangered manatees.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park
Wacissa River Springs
Wacissa River Springs is North Florida’s most lively and diverse body of water. There are 22 different springs along the river to explore, and the river itself is recognized as a state paddling trail. The water is extremely clear, making it easy to see the flora and fauna within its depths. The Wacissa River boat ramp is always busy as it is the best place to enter the water for fishing and recreation. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular here as there are so many winding areas to explore. With its slow pace of life and friendly locals, Wacissa provides a respite for those who long to escape the busy city.
naturalnorthflorida.com/things-to-do/wacissa-river-springs
Fanning Springs
Fanning Springs is located along the meandering Suwannee River, and it produces 65 million gallons of water every day. The perfect 72-degree water is the perfect temperature for cooling off on hot summer days, and the area is home to a variety of animals including musk turtles, bass, mullet, freshwater flounder, and bowfin. During winter, manatees migrate to the warm waters. The majestic white oaks provide cover for having a picnic or playing a game of volleyball, and a playground keeps the younger children entertained. A boardwalk lets you take a stroll through a breathtaking cypress swamp and ends with an overlook and view of the Suwannee River. White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barn owls are often seen throughout the park, as well.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fanning-springs-state-park
