Florida
Nature|National & State Parks

The Natural Waterpark In Florida That’s The Perfect Place To Spend A Summer Day

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park's Buccaneer Bay is a unique, natural spring-fed waterpark in Florida.

Updated Jun 9, 2023

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Temperatures in Sunshine State can be quite hot and humid, especially during the summer months. This is likely why there are so many wonderful Florida waterparks. But if you don’t want to hit the corporate waterparks and would prefer to stick to something a bit more naturally beachy, then check out Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Inside this gorgeous recreation area is the famed Buccaneer Bay water park, which features water slides and flumes that drop guests off right inside the spring. This is your chance to visit a natural waterpark built right into its own natural spring. It doesn't get much more refreshing than that!

Located inside the stunning Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the beautiful natural waterpark known as Buccaneer Bay. It's the only spring-fed waterpark in the state!

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With four water slides, three of which that land you right into the springs, you’ll stay cool on even the hottest of summer days.

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The water park is simple in design - nothing too high-flying or intense.

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You can soak up the sun on the sandy beaches surrounding the springs, or take a tube and float down the natural river which ends up in the swimming area.

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Perfect for visitors of all ages, adults will love the Cannonball or Thunderbolt flumes, meanwhile, the kiddos will love Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove.

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Lifeguards are also always on duty when the park is open, so rest assured you and your loved ones will be safe and sound.

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There are even refreshments and concessions on-site, so if you work up an appetite, you can fill up on lunch and be back in the water in no time.

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Check out the Buccaneer Bay waterpark in Spring Hill, Florida for a natural adventure like no other!

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That gorgeous jewel-toned water is definitely calling our name... We're so fortunate to have such an incredible natural spring waterpark in Florida!

Have you ever been to Buccaneer Bay water park in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! For more info on opening dates, ticket prices, and special events, be sure to visit the Buccaneer Bay website or Facebook Page for updates.

Next, cool off with something even sweeter... an ice cream road trip!

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Nature|National & State Parks

There’s A Cave In Florida That Looks Just Like Carlsbad Caverns, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna offers a unique underground cave experience with guided tours showcasing stunning calcite formations.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

If you’re from Florida, then you probably are already familiar with Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. But outside of the Sunshine State, hardly anyone knows it even exists! That’s because it's hard to compete with caves like Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. But with one trip to this giant cave system in Florida, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve been missing out on all along. So, if you're a cave enthusiast or if you've ever wondered, "Are there caves in Florida" we have just the place for you!

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Florida Caverns State Park in Florida is an underground wonder that most Americans hardly know even exists.

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Located in the Panhandle near Marianna, this is the only state park in the state with air-filled caves that are accessible to the public.

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Visiting the caves for the first time, you’ll certainly be in for a treat. A tour of this underground system takes about 45 minutes and will give you a glimpse into how this natural beauty was made.

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A park ranger accompanies each tour group through the caverns, as you cannot explore the system alone.

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Make sure to dress warmly! The cave system is at 65 degrees year-round. Wear comfortable sneakers, too. You’ll walk down 350 feet to the cave entrance and then down 35 steps using a handrail.

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The caves are truly special, averaging around 45 feet below the surface and 65 feet at their lowest point. When the colorful lights begin to reflect off the calcite formations, that’s when the show really begins!

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Enjoy stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and more, when you explore the majestic depths that create Florida Caverns.

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Have you ever been to Florida Caverns State Park before? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section! Cavern tours are offered Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Guests can purchase cavern tour tickets at the Florida Caverns Gift Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) on the day of arrival. Tour tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the Florida Caverns State Park website.

Also, if natural wonders are in your wheelhouse, you'll love this adventure. Take the ultimate natural wonders road trip through Florida!

Prefer to stay above ground? Come with us as we explore the Florida Everglades!

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Nature|National & State Parks

This State Park In Florida Is So Little Known, You’ll Practically Have It All To Yourself

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach offers a unique blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and family fun despite its smaller size.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

When it comes to hidden gems in Florida, oftentimes visitors think the bigger, the better. However, such is not always the case. Take this little-known state park in Dania Beach as the perfect example. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is around 310 acres but offers a unique blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and family fun.

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While you might think that 310 acres for a state park is quite large...in comparison to other parks in Florida (Hello, Everglades, 1.5 million acres) it remains on the smaller side.

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However, that doesn’t mean that Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is lacking in any way. In fact, the size is probably one of the main reasons why you SHOULD visit.

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Formerly known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, this beachside spot is located just south of Port Everglades.

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With an undeveloped coastal ecosystem, people flock to this park for some reprieve from the day-to-day city life of Broward County.

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The park is a popular spot for people to swim, fish, shell, boat, bike, picnic, snorkel, and hike - allowing guests to disappear into nature for the afternoon.

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Those who visit between November through May are treated to a rare sighting of the endangered beach Jacquemontia, a white-pink flower that doesn’t come around too often.

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Birding is also a popular pastime here throughout the year, as guests are treated to a variety of birds who roost, rest, and feed along the sandy shorelines.

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But even if you just come to wade in the warm waters and bask in the sunshine, this state park is worth the visit.

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Have you ever visited this state park in Florida before? What were some of the fun things you enjoyed while there? Make sure to sound off in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about one of the best hidden gems in Florida, including current fees to enter and hours of operation, then check out the Florida State Parks website.

Also, while you happen to be in the Dania Beach area, make sure to stop over at this delightful ice cream shop for a sweet treat:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/long-line-fl/

Looking for more Florida fun? Come explore the Everglades with us!

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