FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS :
WEEKI WACHEE

Hernando County on Florida’s Nature Coast, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Withlacoochee River on the east, offers a cornucopia for nature enthusiasts: swamps, rolling hills, crystal clear springs and oak and slash pine forests.

It is the perfect place to go fishing, boating, diving, hunting, camping, kayaking, canoeing, biking, running, hiking, roller-blading and off-highway motorcycle or ATV riding.

Located in the center of Hernando County just west of Brooksville is Weeki Wachee and its enchanted spring – one of Florida's oldest and most unique roadside attractions.




For almost 60 years, the fun, family-oriented Weeki Wachee Springs park has lured visitors with beautiful mermaids who swim in the cool, clear spring waters. Weeki Wachee Springs is a magical entrance into a mysterious blue underwater world of mermaids, manatees, turtles and bubbles. Sitting in the Mermaid Theater, visitors feel like they are inside the flowing spring, and are transported back to simpler times, before super theme parks and super highways appeared.

The Weeki Wachee River and Jenkins Creek is home for manatees year round. You can swim or snorkel with them in either of these two spots. On the south side of the Weeki Wachee River is The Weeki Wachee Preserve which has a group of old lime rock pits that make an excellent fishing and boating area. Only hand-launched boats are allowed.

West of Weeki Wachee, the town of Spring Hill is ideally placed for many local attractions including parks, Weeki Wachee Springs, and access to Hernando Beach to the west, Brooksville to the east, and Tampa to the south via the Suncoast Parkway.


Photo: Visit Florida