Weeki Wachee River — Attraction in Spring Hill

We go to lots of places and stay in airbnb homes and resorts. This river is the most magical place we have stayed EVER. We recently visited for the second time and I am already looking for a home to stay in next spring. Where else can you go kayaking, tubing and swimming in a 6 mile long stretch of beautiful crystal clear water. It's so amazing. Once you get past the homes, it's just you and nature (and possibly a hundred other people having the best time ever). We don't mind crowds but if you do, go during the week after the summer season is over. We went on a Friday in November and kayaked 11 total miles in the one day. We stopped on several sandbar type areas and swam and tried out my new underwater GoPro. We had manatees swimming right under our kayaks and even saw 3 deer. That was unexpected and very beautiful. We stayed in a home on a canal this time and we will always pay more to stay on the clear water of the main river from now on. I want to be able to jump right in from the backyard and float the day away. Anyway, come visit. You won't be disappointed. Oh, Rogers Park is a place to put in if you don't want to book a home. Or, you can reserve a kayak rental from the state park and float to their take out point. All good times. The current is strong going upstream but you can try to time it right to go with the tides. We didn't and still made it but it will be a challenge if you have children alone in a kayak trying to make it. Just a tidbit...

We put in our kayaks and canoe from a canal laden neighborhood just at the beginning of the nature preserve section of this gorgeous, clean and soothing spring fed river. The undisturbed natural beauty of this clear flowing fresh water river with accompanying shaded tree canopy is something akin to the Garden of Eden. Heading upstream into the somewhat swift current proved a bit arduous at times. Luckily, the river is quite shallow and there are several places it's easy to pull over for a quick break and swim. I would highly recommend avoiding this area on the weekend if at all possible when the number of visitors is higher and the area...

Our favorite place for kayaking/paddle boarding! The water is so beautiful and clean. We normally start from Roger's Park (before 8am so parking isn't a problem), and paddle towards the state park, we only complete half of the journey, return by the Rogers around 11am. I would suggest wearing sun screen, maybe bug spray (I only experienced bug issue once). A life jacket is required on your ride. Highly recommend using a paddle board, you can see so much better! We saw a group of 6 manatees today! Kayaks or paddle board rental is available by Rogers Park or state park, you may want to call in advance in peak season...