Nestled on the west coast of Florida, about an hour north of Tampa, is the small town of Weeki Wachee. It is mostly known for the Weeki Wachee Preserve and the Weeki Wachee Springs park (you know, the mermaids!!). It’s the perfect area for a day trip from Tampa or Orlando, or a weekend stay!

Although Weeki Wachee can seem like the main attraction, there’s plenty in and around the area to do for all ages. My grandparents live in the area and we love to try something new with each visit. Many of these areas can have low crowds, too, since they are outside of the major cities (time of week and day vary)! So if you are looking to have a fun Florida trip to yourself, let me show you some amazing places to visit.

1. Kayak or Paddle Board Along the Weeki Wachee Springs

I think our first stop obviously has to be the springs itself. You can’t go to Weeki Wachee without going to Weeki Wachee! Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the country. They are the best-known symbol of Florida tourism for their iconic mermaid performances, but have you ever taken a kayak trip down the stunning blues and greens of the spring? If you are planning a trip from November through April, you may even be lucky enough to see manatees in the springs! We saw 2 this trip.

If you plan to hit the water, be sure to bring all the necessary gear. Bringing a waterproof phone bag will allow you to keep your phone on hand for pictures (incase any manatee come floating under you) and safe while on the water. The springs are also a single-use plastic-free zone, so if you are bringing snacks, water, or any other items, be sure to put them in containers that can be taken home. This rule has made an enormous effort to protect our natural life and keep the waters clear and beautiful.

2. Climb the Dawn Observation Tower

This is a fun stop if you are passing through the area! You can climb the tower for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Around bottom of the tower were some fun chalk drawings that our daughter played on. There are plenty of picnic tables for a beautiful lunch in nature. You can also follow the loop and find a few stand alone playscapes. I loved seeing the golden sun shining through the trees.

3. Watch the Sunset at Bayport Park Pier

You can’t go to the west side of Florida and not watch one of the stunning sunsets! This Pier was newly renovated and expanded, and it sits on the Gulf of Mexico. If you are looking to get on the water, you can now do that here too. This park used to just have 1.5 acres, but is now expanded to 7 acres with a new boardwalk, an overhauled boat ramp and additional parking for cars and boat trailers. When we went, the parking lot was quite full, so I would suggest to get there a little early if you don’t want a long walk to the pier.

*handicap accessible pier and parking

4. Lounge on the Beach or Play at the Playground at Alfred A McKethan Pine Island Park

This is a colorful park on the Gulf of Mexico just west of Weeki Wachee! There was a little food stand that smelled divine, a playground area, plenty of beach, picnic tables, shelters, barbecue grills, volleyball court, and observation point. The park is a total 3 acres of gorgeous! This would make for the perfect beach day spot since it has everything you need.

*handicap accessible parking, pier, and surrounding park

5. Visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

If Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park isn’t on your list, it should be! This one is a must-see for all ages. The Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s. Passengers would picnic and swim in the springs while waiting for train cars to be loaded. Now, the park is home to a variety of animals in rehabilitation. The park provides visitors face-to-face connections with native Florida wildlife in their natural habitats. Each exhibit features a unique story of life. You can find occasional programs throughout the park, as well as the amazing underwater structure (pictured). Here, you can head underwater to observe the abundance of fresh and saltwater fish in the natural spring bowl. If you visit between November through April, you may even be lucky enough to watch the manatees swim under the walking bridge.

*handicap accessible, strollers supplied to borrow

6. Go Shopping at Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Tarpon Springs is a beautiful stop for shoppers and foodies alike. You can find Greek eateries lining the waterfront. Along the water, you can find the Historic Sponge Docks that pay tribute to the once booming industry in the area. You can also visit the Tarpon Springs Aquarium to see Gulf marine life. Being rich in cultural diversity, you can find art, museums, performing arts, eclectic shopping, outdoor recreational activities, and a multitude of dining experiences. After you’re done shopping, you can head to multiple beaches or waterfront parks for boating, fishing, kayaking, shell hunting, and more. There are many areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making this the perfect stop for any history or art lover!

7. Go for a Hike at the Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve

Don’t let the drive to this one fool you… This is a 129-acre are of protected land with 69 acres of bottomland forest in Pasco County. Many of the trails were closed off to allow regrowth while we were there, but there were still a few beautiful options. There is also a new and entertaining playground at the parking lot. This is a breathtaking stop for nature lovers, whether you’re a bird watcher, adventurer, photographer, or botanist!

*boardwalk is handicap accessible, though some of the trail to the boardwalk is not ideal for manual chairs

8. Visit Rainbow Springs State Park

This park is full of rich sapphire-blue waters of the Rainbow Springs, ornamental gardens, built waterfalls, and sloping hills, giving visitors a remainder of the springs’ more recent past: the land was home to a mining operation and privately owned tourist attraction. Now, the parks are dedicated to stretching back to the land’s history. Here you can find special experiences (such as birding, camping, tubing, hiking, snorkeling, paddling, geo-seeking, etc.), a wide array of amenities, and special event held throughout the year. It was a history day when we visited and we were able to go back in time, experiences what life would have been like in the early days of Florida life.

*whole park is handicap accesible

Do you love visiting Weeki Wachee? I would love to know your favorite thing to do in the comments!

8 Things To Do In and Around Weeki Wachee Florida