Springs and things near Tampa 🌴

River run is about 8.5 miles long (~4 hours). Gets pretty crowded on the weekends.

Spa downtown Safety Harbor! They have a pool, restaurant, sauna and steam room.

"A chic and cheerful modern makeover of a 1950s beach-front motel provides a good value for money option on this popular stretch of Florida coast. The lively contemporary surf-style décor appeals to families and couples alike, while the overall funky retro-modern style is a big hit with Millennials in particular." -Telegraph

Kind of run-down looking, but really nice spot on the beach.

Big resort, nice spot on the beach.

Old-world glam vibe. Might be fun with mom.

~3 hours from Tampa

Popular manatee viewing spot!

2-mile stretch for tubing! Get in at Devils Spring, float for an hour, get out at Twin Spring, walk back 15 minutes and repeat. You can rent tubes or bring your own, and there’s even a free air filling station.

"The spring is a translucent blue hole among a forest of green surrounded by hardwoods and pines along the Withlacoochee River. There are several paths that lead to the spring and plenty of rocks to sit upon for spectacular viewing as the spring runs 100 feet over limestone to the tannic Withlacoochee River." - Authentic FL

"The emerald green freshwater pool sits at the base of a grassy amphitheater with steps leading to the swimming area... Consider renting a kayak or canoe to see more of the park. An easy paddle on the Wekiva River and up the Rock Springs Run will confirm its designation as a National Wild & Scenic River. Florida wildlife is everywhere and you might want to be on the lookout for some early morning otters and birds feeding near the water’s edge." - Authentic FL Gets crowded early!

Looks beautiful, but you have to get local outfitters to take you to the spring system by boat.

"To discover more of the beauty and nature on the Weeki Wachee River, consider a slow, easy, five-mile, three-hour kayak or canoe paddle downstream. Begin at Paddling Adventures located adjacent to the Weeki Wachee State Park. They provide all the equipment with tips to make it enjoyable for the one-way trip, downstream. Paddle under the shade of cypress and oak trees while enjoying wildlife everywhere – look for the bald eagle’s nest, turtles sunning on submerged logs, a plethora of birds, otters and manatees." - Authentic FL

"At the main park spring, swimmers can enjoy a large roped off area for swimming with a dock and stairs for ease of entry to the spring... Starting at the popular KP Hole outside the state park, children and adults can float downstream in inner tubes stopping often to jump off ropes tied to over-hanging tree limbs. The gentle current of the river dictates the pace as smaller springs bubble up and feed into the river, thus creating plenty of areas to get out and swim." - Authentic FL

Main swimming hole in Ocala National Forest! Juniper Springs Run (adjacent to it) is considered one of the most scenic kayak runs in FL.

Popular spot in Ocala Forest with a shallow pool for swimming.

"Named for a painting of a yellow dog owned by Chef Fish Morgan, Yellow Dog Eats is a perfect place to refuel during your trip. All of the delicious meals—which feature creative titles such as “What the Fig?” and “Are You Chicken?”—are made from scratch, and the ingredients are locally grown." - Roadtrippers

Remote, secluded island only accessible by boat! Would be fun to camp here and bring the bikes.

Pretty small campground (30 tent sites and 12 cabins), right on the beach. No running water or electricity, but bathrooms look clean and there is a small general store with ice and first aid stuff!