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8Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Less than 60 minutes from Tampa, in Hernando County, is the wondrous Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. In the language of the Seminole native, “Weeki Wachee” means “little spring” or “winding river.” In the late 1940s, this now historical place was a well-known roadside attraction, famous for its “live mermaid” shows.
Today it remains famous for its mermaid shows, 16 to 20 feet under the water. Weeki Wachee Spring is one of the nation’s official “deepest natural water holes.” The bottom has yet to be found!
Other than the mermaids and water slides, you can also enjoy a brief 20-minute lazy river tubing float at beautiful Buccaneer Bay. It’s perfect for those with short attention spans. The three slides are nearly 30 feet high. You can also go canoeing, kayaking, or paddling. The best time to visit is between October and March when there’s less chance of rain.
9Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
This is Florida’s newest state park less than 20 miles from Gainesville. It covers 250 acres and includes a number of natural springs and is named after its previous owner. The park’s well-known for its diverse wildlife species and ecological habitats.
It also offers visitors the chance to go snorkeling, hiking, camping, and more. Tubing in the park’s main spring is a big draw but for the safety of both you and the wildlife, tubing is only permitted in specific areas. You can do the run to the river in a kayak or canoe as well.
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