Attractions on the Florida Nature Coast tend to be those of the "live" variety. Standard attractions along Florida's Nature Coast are pretty much non-existent,
with the exception of two. However, those two are definitely
worth seeing!
I'm going to include a
Florida destination as well, Cedar Key. Especially during the Seafood Festival, it qualifies as an attraction of sorts!
Get ready, get set. This time I am traveling south to north along
Florida's Nature Coast.
Weeki Wachee Springs: This is the "must see" attraction.
What's neat is the show, and I believe it's unique -- it's mermaids!
OK, so they are ladies who can hold their breath and not look like they're
holding their breath. The show is not in a tank, but actually in the
spring itself. The water is crystal clear, and the view is great.
Now, the interesting part can be the wildlife that occasionally visits
during the show....and I've heard that an alligator has indeed showed up!
What else? A river cruise, animal shows, etc. Oh, and don't forget
Buccaneer Bay Waterpark, Florida's only spring-fed water park -- how
cool is that! So, go
and spend the day. Weeki Wachee, FL (352) 596-2062.
Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you're in Homosassa Springs, please visit the State Wildlife Park. There is a river boat ride (about 1 mile) and then the park itself. I was surprised at how much there really is to see here - all kinds of exhibits and wildlife! There are manatee/wildlife
encounter programs, too. The nature trails are nice,
and birding is excellent. The visitor's center has displays and
exhibits (not to mention a humongous gift shop). Take a camera to this place! Homosassa Springs, FL
(352) 628-5343
Cedar Key:
Kinda neat. I think of it as the most northern of the Florida Keys --
it has that kind of atmosphere. There are shops and restaurants
galore, so your wallet might tremble at the prospect. The fun thing is
to get on a boat tour. You have your choice of a tour of the islands,
of being dropped off at a beach for a few hours, or renting a boat for
yourself. A word of warning -- Cedar Key is kind of isolated, so it
takes a while to get there by car (the only way in). I think it's
worth it in the end, though.
That's pretty much it for the Florida Nature Coast attractions. There are state parks and
small museums throughout Florida's Nature Coast, though. If you like
nature trails, diving, fishing, boating and/or swimming, this is a great place
to visit on your vacation.
