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Happy National Plan for Vacation Day!
Let us guide you to your next adventure
To help you start planning for your 2023 vacations, we've consolidated a list of our fan-favorite Florida destinations
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
The great waters of the Weeki Wachee Springs speak for themselves. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for guests looking to explore the gorgeous river and springs. The world-famous Mermaid Shows feature performances like the Little Mermaid, a crowd favorite. Watching the mermaids perform incredible underwater feats while telling the story is a must-see.
Rainbow Springs State Park
The best part about paddling the Rainbow River is the crystal-clear waters that allow for amazing views of the wildlife that lies beneath the surface. If you have been following @rainbowspringsadventures on Instagram, you have seen posts of clear water and visitors having a blast floating and enjoying the water while engulfed by the beautiful scenery.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homossasa Springs Wildlife State Park‘s approximately 50-acre site started as a popular train stop attraction in the 1940s, where people could enjoy a spot to cool off. Since then, it has become an intriguing preserve full of awesome local wildlife like alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes, and even the oldest hippo in captivity named Lu (he’s 62 years old!).
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River is one of the state’s most biologically diverse estuaries and one of the few locations where gorgeous spring-fed freshwater mixes with the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico. About 25 minutes north of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, it offers many of the same services and is a year-round prime destination for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and board-watching
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park’s exceptional Florida views and crystal clear water offer swimmers, kayakers, fishermen, and guests an outstanding experience. In addition to the pristine waters, local wildlife is plentiful. During the winter, which is also manatee season, guests can see up to 600 sea cows in the park at once!
Hontoon Island State Park
Located in the center of St. Johns River in Volusia County and just about a half-hour from Blue Spring, Hontoon Island is only accessible by private boat or park ferry. The island has pine flatwoods, palm and oak hammocks, bald cypress swamps, marshes, and is surrounded by the St. Johns River, the Hontoon Dead River, and Snake Creek.
Loxahatchee Adventures
Kayaking and canoeing are two of the greatest ways to experience the Everglades, and Loxahatchee Adventures is proud to offer both and more. Join them for an adventure through the adored natural splendor of the local wilderness, where you’ll ride above unique fish and next to turtles, birds, frogs, and alligators.
Flamingo at Everglades
Located at the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula, Flamingo provides beautiful campgrounds, an abundance of recreational activities, and phenomenal views. Visitors are delighted by the exotic wildlife and bird watching as well as a variety of our concession-operated services like houseboats, boat tours, innovative eco tents, small boat rentals, and much more.
Everglades Florida Adventures
Our combination of small boat rentals, the Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour, and the Night Sky Tour give guests several options for experiencing the magnificence of Florida’s subtropical wilderness. Whether you opt for a solo tour or join one of our guides, Everglades City is one of the premiere launch points for your Everglades adventure.
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
Built in 1937, the Lodge is not only one of the most beautiful buildings of its period, but also one of the few where you can stay overnight. Located in the middle of Wakulla Springs State Park, the Lodge’s 27 rooms overlook one of the country’s largest springs. In addition to its excellent dining and historic lodging, there are plenty of recreation options like hiking, swimming, and boat tours.
De Leon Springs Adventures
Once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by Mayaca Indians who inhabited the area, De Leon Springs State Park is a place to cool off in clear waters, roam trails through a lush subtropical forest that features a massive old-growth bald cypress tree, and immerse oneself in a rich history. De Leon Springs Adventures features paddleboard rentals, kayak rentals, boat tours, and the locally beloved Old Sugar Mill Pancake House. This famous breakfast and lunch spot is located in a 100-year-old replica of the 1830s sugar mill and features cook-your-own pancakes, other breakfast staples, and an array of lunch classics.
St. Andrews Shell Island Adventures
At the far south end of the long stretch of resort hotels and condominiums lining the white sands of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers a surprisingly pristine slice of Florida coastline to beach lovers and outdoor adventurers. The Park offers boating, camping, swimming and watersports, fishing, hiking, and bird/wildlife watching. It is also the headquarters of the Shell Island Ferry, the safest, quickest, and easiest way to reach Shell Island.