Florida
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Most People Don’t Know There’s a Kayak Park Hiding In Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida offers a unique and family-friendly kayaking experience with clear waters and rental options from The Kayak Shack.

Published Apr 1, 2018

Written by 

Angie Slayton

With over 1000 miles of coastline and 1700 miles of creeks, rivers, and springs, it’s no wonder that kayaking is so popular in Florida. There is nothing like taking to the water and spending the day coasting through natural landscapes. So the next time you have the itch to climb into a kayak and take to the open water, make sure you check out this Florida kayak park first.

It’s true that most people come to Weeki Wachee Springs for a particular reason…

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Flickr Daniel Oines

…mainly to watch the underwater mermaids put on quite a show.

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Flickr Walter

But many people don’t realize that Weeki Wachee Springs is a perfect naturally made kayak park.

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Flickr Paul Clark

Take some time out of your trip down south to visit The Kayak Shack which will offer you a unique opportunity to kayak the Weeki Wachee Springs.

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TripAdvisor yessyhara

The Kayak Shack offers rentals to those without, so that they can explore the spring without limitations.

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TripAdvisor Yesshara

Located in Weeki Wachee, Florida, the term Weeki Wachee translates to "Little Spring" or "Winding River" through Seminole language.

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Flickr mbarrison

Taking to the river in your kayak you can understand perfectly how both of those translations fit.

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Flickr Rob Briscoe

What is most beautiful about this natural kayak park is the fact that the water is practically see through.

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TripAdvisor Yessyhara

Which means that you might catch a glimpse or two of a floating friend underneath your kayak.

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Flickr Don and Janet Beasley

Spend a couple of hours paddling down through the water and even hop out to cool down on those warmer days.

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TripAdvisor Yessyhara

The thing about this kayak park which is most enjoyable is that it's a family-friendly adventure just waiting to be taken.

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Flickr mbarrison

Gather together your group and plan a trip to one of the most beautiful places to kayak in the state of Florida.

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Flickr Rob Briscoe

Ready to plan a trip to Weeki Wachee Springs to go kayaking? If you use the address below it will lead you directly to The Kayak Shack:

5414 Darlene St, Weeki Wachee, FL 34607-1514

Otherwise, if you're looking for more uniquely adventurous things to do with the whole family, try your hand at The Awesome Adventure Park You Can Only Experience Right Here In Florida.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Remote Lake In Florida Is Also The Most Peaceful

Lake George in Florida offers a peaceful and adventure-filled alternative to the state's popular coastal attractions.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

While Florida might not be known for being a state where people take lakeside vacations, you’d be surprised at how many beautiful, remote lakes there actually are in the Sunshine State. Most visitors and vacationers indeed tend to stick to the coastline, waterparks, and theme parks to get a true taste of Florida. But, we have an incredible lake that might just change everyone’s minds. Take a tour of the delightfully remote Lake George, Florida. This is one of the most underrated lakes in Florida and it's worth a visit the next time you'd like to take a fun adventure.

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Lake George, Florida is the second-largest lake in the state, following the ever-impressive Lake Okeechobee.

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Wikipedia TampAGS

Spending a day on this remote lake will surely bring you a sense of peace, with six full miles across and 11 full miles around.

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TripAdvisor FlaHarlock

The lake is fed from the northern flow of the St. Johns River, as well as other spots like Salt Creek, Silver Glen Springs, and Juniper Creek to name a few.

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TripAdvisor hponsell

The area that surrounds the lake is steeped in rich history, as it was part of the Timucua Indian settlement back in the 1500s. A few hundred years later, the territory was sold to a botanist, John Bartram, and named after King George.

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TripAdvisor FlaHarlock

One of the best ways to view this lake is by boat or other non-motorized watercraft! You can easily spend an entire afternoon paddling the lake and enjoy the solitude of your surroundings.

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TripAdvisor Bethany H

But also, hikers can hit the Lake George Trail in the Ocala National Forest, which gives a glimpse of the beauty of the lake from land.

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TripAdvisor FlaHarlock

Just make sure to keep an eye out for the boardwalk trail, which will allow you to actually step out onto the water!

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TripAdvisor FlaHarlock

Spend the day fishing, hiking, and boating around this remote lake in Florida for an adventure-filled afternoon.

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TripAdvisor management
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Google Maps

Click here to find out where Lake George is in Florida.

Keep in mind there is always wildlife in Lake George, from snakes to alligators and everything in between. As always, please be careful when you visit. And it's always smart to let someone know where you'll be and when you expect to return. 

Need a place to stay while you're exploring? Check out these vacation rentals near Barberville, FL. Have you ever been to Lake George in Florida? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section! Meanwhile, when you're visiting Lake George and you happen to be close to Astor, take a detour southwest toward Alexander Springs for a truly underrated natural gem.

Looking for even more to explore? Check out this beautiful footage of the Florida Everglades:

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Remote Beach In Florida Is A Must-Visit This Summer

Upham Beach in St. Pete, Florida, is a hidden gem with calm waters, secret coves, and a secret garden, perfect for a peaceful family outing.

Updated Jul 25, 2024

Written by 

Lauren

As you probably know, the state of Florida has no shortage of gorgeous beaches. From the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the beautiful destinations along the Atlantic Ocean, the sunshine state is full of incredible natural wonders that have been attracting visitors for years. Some of the most well-known beaches certainly live up to their reputation- places such as Miami Beach, Destin, Clearwater, Palm Beach, and Key West are highly frequented for good reason. If you find yourself near Tampa, the city of St. Pete Beach (located a short drive West of St. Petersburg) is an excellent location that you've likely heard of. But are you familiar with Upham Beach Park? Located on the Northern end of St. Pete, this hidden beach in Florida is a wonderfully calm paradise that you won't want to miss.

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Located on Florida's West Coast, St. Pete is a gorgeous, white-sand beach that visitors of all ages will enjoy.

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If you're visiting the Tampa Bay area, a day at St. Pete will surely be a day well-spent. Try Upham Beach Florida!

Situated in the Northern Region of St. Pete, you'll find the gorgeous blue waters of Upham Beach Park.

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This family-friendly beach is home to two secret coves, shallow waters, and even a secret garden.

The secret garden of Upham Beach Park offers moments of tranquility and is only steps away from the beach.

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Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/Facebook

There is no street entrance to this secret garden, which means it can only be enjoyed by Upham Beach St Pete visitors. This spot is a great place for photos as well.

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Upham Beach Park is known for its calm, clear waters- a perfect spot for visitors with children.

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You may be able to spot dolphins, in addition to other wildlife in the area.

Another great thing about the hidden gem that is Upham Beach is the Paradise Grille.

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This beachfront restaurant offers a full food and beverage menu, live music, and amazing views of the ocean.

The Paradise Grille has two locations- the one on Upham Beach has an especially pretty outdoor location.

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Adults can order beverages such as beer or wine.

After a fun day at the beach, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets in the area.

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The peaceful environment is the perfect place to enjoy the evening sky.

With a secret garden, hidden coves, and calm, shallow waters, this spot is incredible. Avoid the crowds this summer with a trip to Upham Beach Park in St. Petersburg, FL. Need a new bathing suit? I love the options at REI.

If you’re looking for more beautiful Florida beaches, don’t worry; there are a ton of them!

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