Guidebook for Weeki Wachee

Cindy
Guidebook for Weeki Wachee

Parks & Nature

Biking, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, hiking/running, hunting, picnic facilities. The Weekiwachee Preserve is part of a regional system of conservation lands that extend up to Crystal River Buffer Preserve, preserving the southernmost coastal hardwood hammock in western Florida. The preserve provides a rich mosaic of habitats including several miles of Weeki Wachee River frontage, portions of the Mud River, dense hardwood swamps, freshwater and saltwater marshes, and pine-covered sandhills. The preserve is best known for its Florida black bear population. The bears are shy, elusive and pose no threat to people, spending most of their time deep in the forest.
28 locals recommend
Weeki Wachee Preserve
2345 Osowaw Blvd
28 locals recommend
Biking, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, hiking/running, hunting, picnic facilities. The Weekiwachee Preserve is part of a regional system of conservation lands that extend up to Crystal River Buffer Preserve, preserving the southernmost coastal hardwood hammock in western Florida. The preserve provides a rich mosaic of habitats including several miles of Weeki Wachee River frontage, portions of the Mud River, dense hardwood swamps, freshwater and saltwater marshes, and pine-covered sandhills. The preserve is best known for its Florida black bear population. The bears are shy, elusive and pose no threat to people, spending most of their time deep in the forest.
The mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park have delighted visitors since 1947. Today, visitors can still witness the magic of the mermaids, take a river boat cruise and canoe or kayak on the Weeki Wachee River. The 538-acre park features a first magnitude spring and a 400-seat submerged theater for watching the live mermaid show. Mermaid shows are offered daily in the Mermaid Theater. Visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for show times and more info. Times are subject to change.
556 locals recommend
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
6131 Commercial Way
556 locals recommend
The mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park have delighted visitors since 1947. Today, visitors can still witness the magic of the mermaids, take a river boat cruise and canoe or kayak on the Weeki Wachee River. The 538-acre park features a first magnitude spring and a 400-seat submerged theater for watching the live mermaid show. Mermaid shows are offered daily in the Mermaid Theater. Visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for show times and more info. Times are subject to change.
Spring Swimming and Snorkel, Boating, Fishing boat ramps and parking, general store and boat rentals. All this lies next to and on the Chassahowitzka River ("Hanging Pumpkin Place" in Seminole language), a gateway to spectacular scenery, wildlife and some of the best paddling in Florida! If you've never heard of it before, come and check us out!When first arriving, the way wends through a long “tree tunnel” to the end of the paved road. There you will find a double boat ramp on a springs fed lagoon. To the right is the Camp Store where guests may check in for camping, buy curios, local art, snacks and supplies, pay for parking, and get loads of good area info about the Chassahowitzka River.
18 locals recommend
Chassahowitzka River Campground
8600 W Miss Maggie Dr
18 locals recommend
Spring Swimming and Snorkel, Boating, Fishing boat ramps and parking, general store and boat rentals. All this lies next to and on the Chassahowitzka River ("Hanging Pumpkin Place" in Seminole language), a gateway to spectacular scenery, wildlife and some of the best paddling in Florida! If you've never heard of it before, come and check us out!When first arriving, the way wends through a long “tree tunnel” to the end of the paved road. There you will find a double boat ramp on a springs fed lagoon. To the right is the Camp Store where guests may check in for camping, buy curios, local art, snacks and supplies, pay for parking, and get loads of good area info about the Chassahowitzka River.
A favorite (scuba) dive spot located in the Weeki Wachee River 1,000 feet upstream from State Hwy 595 (Shoal Line Blvd.) bridge. According to local lore the name originates from the legend that injured fish come to this site to be healed before returning to the gulf. Hospital Hole is only 800 yards via water from the Weeki House. Located at a sharp bend in the river, the main hole is about 150 feet in diameter and reaches a depth of 135-140 feet. There are a few springs emerging from the wall around 70 feet, just above the hydrogen sulfide layer. Great spot for the open water diver, though only cavern-certified should attempt to go below the hydrogen sulfide.
12 locals recommend
Hospital Hole
5490 Darlene St
12 locals recommend
A favorite (scuba) dive spot located in the Weeki Wachee River 1,000 feet upstream from State Hwy 595 (Shoal Line Blvd.) bridge. According to local lore the name originates from the legend that injured fish come to this site to be healed before returning to the gulf. Hospital Hole is only 800 yards via water from the Weeki House. Located at a sharp bend in the river, the main hole is about 150 feet in diameter and reaches a depth of 135-140 feet. There are a few springs emerging from the wall around 70 feet, just above the hydrogen sulfide layer. Great spot for the open water diver, though only cavern-certified should attempt to go below the hydrogen sulfide.
If you like fishing off a bank and enjoying nature, then spend time at this 135-acre park connected by an aluminum boardwalk to Jenkins Creek Park, across the street. With 25 developed acres and 110 acres of open space, this park offers activities for the young and the young at heart. Try climbing the forty-foot-high observation tower for a panoramic view of the marsh and look out over the Gulf of Mexico. Chances are good you will be able to catch a glimpse of manatees here. If you are looking for a great place for a family reunion, this is the place to go. Includes grills, picnic tables, pavilion, swimming, showers, playground, community buildings, restrooms.
34 locals recommend
Linda Pedersen Park
6400 Shoal Line Blvd
34 locals recommend
If you like fishing off a bank and enjoying nature, then spend time at this 135-acre park connected by an aluminum boardwalk to Jenkins Creek Park, across the street. With 25 developed acres and 110 acres of open space, this park offers activities for the young and the young at heart. Try climbing the forty-foot-high observation tower for a panoramic view of the marsh and look out over the Gulf of Mexico. Chances are good you will be able to catch a glimpse of manatees here. If you are looking for a great place for a family reunion, this is the place to go. Includes grills, picnic tables, pavilion, swimming, showers, playground, community buildings, restrooms.
Florida's only spring-fed water park is located within the state park and paid park entry fees allow access to the waterpark. In addition to the spring and mermaids, assets also include swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling, hiking, picnicking, and a restaurant. The waterpark has a River Boat Cruise as well.
37 locals recommend
Buccaneer Bay
6131 Commercial Way
37 locals recommend
Florida's only spring-fed water park is located within the state park and paid park entry fees allow access to the waterpark. In addition to the spring and mermaids, assets also include swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling, hiking, picnicking, and a restaurant. The waterpark has a River Boat Cruise as well.
Beautiful beach hidden in Hernado County Florida. You have to pay for parking but during the winter months Nov - mid Feb its free. The water is shallow there you can go about a 100 yards out and still only be waist deep. All kinds of wildlife can be seen in the shallows horseshoe crabs, turtles, and if your lucky dolphins coming in to feed! Plus all kinds of birds like to sun themselves on one side of the beach. The Beach has clean white sand. There are bathrooms clean bathrooms. During the park hours there is a small restaurant called Willies Tropical Breeze Cafe. Great place for sunset. Playgrounds and other activities for kids.
69 locals recommend
Pine Island Beach Park
10800 Pine Island Dr
69 locals recommend
Beautiful beach hidden in Hernado County Florida. You have to pay for parking but during the winter months Nov - mid Feb its free. The water is shallow there you can go about a 100 yards out and still only be waist deep. All kinds of wildlife can be seen in the shallows horseshoe crabs, turtles, and if your lucky dolphins coming in to feed! Plus all kinds of birds like to sun themselves on one side of the beach. The Beach has clean white sand. There are bathrooms clean bathrooms. During the park hours there is a small restaurant called Willies Tropical Breeze Cafe. Great place for sunset. Playgrounds and other activities for kids.

Entertainment & Activities

Food, Entertainment, Springs, Snorkeling, Parks
190 locals recommend
Crystal River
3266 N Sailboat Ave
190 locals recommend
Food, Entertainment, Springs, Snorkeling, Parks
55 locals recommend
Brian's Place
3430 Shoal Line Blvd
55 locals recommend
42 locals recommend
Silver Dolphin Restaurant
4036 Shoal Line Blvd
42 locals recommend
77 locals recommend
Upper Deck
5386 Darlene St
77 locals recommend
33 locals recommend
ZigZag Scallop
4417 Calienta St
33 locals recommend
41 locals recommend
La Bella Napoli Restaurant
7390 Shoal Line Blvd
41 locals recommend