Note from 10Best: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park may be closed, but the kayak rental and launch points remain open as of this writing.
There is no denying the beauty or fun of Tampa Bay’s numerous white sand beaches, but if you can drag yourself away for a day, you can explore another of Florida’s sparkling attractions: miles and miles of crystal clear, spring-fed rivers. Emerging as a result of the Florida peninsula’s limestone geology, the state boasts an extensive network of dramatic and beautiful caves, sinkholes and springs.
Just an hour north of downtown Tampa is one of Florida’s 33 first-magnitude springs and most established tourist draws, Weeki Wachee Springs. Named by the Seminole tribe, this spring bubbles up over 100 million gallons of freshwater each day for the scenic 5.5-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
Those near Tampa who are interested in an adventure can experience this journey for themselves by renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore this meandering waterway.
The river journey
The crystal clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River invite paddlers to linger — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
A one-way trip downriver will take about 3 hours and can be divided into 3 main sections. Upriver, and…
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