Weeki Wachee Mermaids Back In The Day

One of my favorite places to go is to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park with the family. There is so much fun to be had like the swimming in the crystal clear waters, the boat tours and of course the world famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids. They have been doing this mermaid show for years and years and its still going strong till this day. The paddle trip down Buccaneer Bay is also one of my favorite things to do with the kids. You can literally see all the way to the bottom and it really is a beautiful area. The next thing I am going to plan on doing there is taking my underwater metal detector and trying to find some cool underwater artifacts. I will make a video about that when I finally get the chance.

Check out more info on Weeki Wachee Springs here and to see some amazing footage of the mermaids from the old days of Weeki Wachee Springs check it out right here!

Summer is almost here and it's time to start thinking about summer vacation. Forget beach days, the new craze for Florida families is packing up the car and heading to a natural spring. Most likely, this springs will be less crowded and it's a chance to get close to some Florida wildlife. Here are 5 springs that are definitely worth the drive from Tampa. If you don't want to make the trip, here are some springs that are 2 hours away from Tampa (or less).

Many of these state parks are cheaper to visit than a day of parking would cost you on Clearwater beach and are usually less populated, especially if you head there on a weekday. Cool down in the 72-degree water year round, if you're lucky enough you may even spot some manatees. It's worth noting that you should try to get to the springs as early as possible. On weekends and peak days they will close down due to capacity.

Travel & Leisure helped us build this list with the most pristine springs in Florida. We condensed the list and added a few of our own favorites. Most of the springs on this list are at least a 2 hour drive from Tampa.

King's Landing is only a 2 hour drive from Tampa which makes it our favorite spring to visit in Florida. If you get there early enough, you won't have to worry about getting a hotel or camping spot for the night! Here you'll find crystal clear waters, manatees, and even some river otters.

Ginnie Springs is one of the most popular camping grounds/springs in Florida. It's located in the Gainesville area making it about a 2.5 hour drive from Tampa. The clear waters will prove it's totally worth the drive!

Juniper Springs is also only about 2 hours from Tampa. It's located within Ocala State Park. It's also located near Silver Glen Springs, Juniper Springs, and Salt Springs.

Homosassa Springs was actually named one of the best summer destinations for 2023! Thankfully for us, it's about an hour and 15 minute drive from Tampa.

Devil's Den has become a super popular destination for tourists and locals. They offer scuba diving and snorkeling trips. Or, you can rent a cabin and stay for the weekend! It is also a short trip to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve.