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Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
VISIT FLORIDA
The Road to
Old Florida
From underwater mermaids to paddlewheel cruises, here’s where to play, eat and stay on Florida’s Adventure Coast.
by Jason Frye
Summer just isn’t summer until you’ve embarked on a road trip along Florida’s Adventure Coast. Also known as Hernando County, the Adventure Coast is classic Florida, where local favorites and kitschy roadside stops—like the mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs—make for a memorable getaway on the Gulf of America. Though the Adventure Coast sits within a day-trip’s drive of the heart of the state’s amusement park country and coastal cities, the pace is slower. At every turn, travelers find time to relax and delight in the culture and nature of Florida.
See mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
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Choosing how to fill your days on the Adventure Coast presents a good problem: There’s too much to do on one trip. This narrowed list hits some highlights, but buckle up, because there is enough for a longer, or maybe even a second, road trip.
Kayaking in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
This part of Florida is known for crystal-clear springs and rivers, and at the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is home to a school of mermaids who take part in an underwater show that’s delighted audiences since 1947. From a submerged auditorium, watch as “mermaids,” complete with sequin-encrusted tails and tops, deliver their spin on “The Little Mermaid” in an all-ages show that delights the family, whether that’s two or 10 of you. The park also offers a small-but-mighty water park and kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River.
Marina Rose paddlewheel riverboat
Board the Marina Rose and sail the placid waters of the Gulf on this modernized paddlewheel riverboat replica for views of the coast, the Gulf and the curious dolphins who come to investigate the boat. You can take off on kayaks and paddleboards to explore the Weeki Wachee River, Nobleton Wayside Park and the Withlacoochee River, Jenkins Creek, and beyond. Or, you can go kayak fishing on some inshore waters. If fishing’s truly your thing, book a charter and head for the fish-packed waters of the nearshore and deepwater Gulf.
Red-headed woodpecker in Florida
ADOBE STOCK
Of course, you also can play on land. Birders flock to the Adventure Coast, which is home to eight sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, marveling at red-headed woodpeckers (look for them near Brooksville) or joining the Hernando Audubon Society for a group outing. Hiking and cycling trails and routes crisscross the region, taking you near some lovely golf courses (bring your clubs or rent a set for the afternoon) and parks perfect for a picnic.
But if you want high-speed thrills, then either head off-road and experience the area’s ATV park or stick to the hardtop and pay a visit to Lead Foot City. Lead Foot City’s drag strip, burnout zone and 60-acre motor vehicle playground are sure to thrill the motorheads in your party.
Waterfront dining at Silver Dolphin Restaurant & Country Store
Eat
With the bounty of Gulf waters and Florida’s fertile fields at their disposal, local restaurants deliver a taste of Florida on every plate. In Brooksville, Florida Cracker Kitchen delights diners with breakfast, lunch and brunch, with options like Cuban sandwiches and burgers, but also a good selection of Florida soul food, including fried fish platers, crabcake baskets and even alligator. Deep South Family BBQ gives you a taste of the state’s tangy, zippy ‘cue. And Silver Dolphin Restaurant & Country Store keeps delicious seafood on the menu, whether you dine in the restaurant or in one of their outdoor dining areas; no matter where you eat, don’t miss the Country Store, where you’ll find the perfect souvenir to remember your visit to the Adventure Coast.
Outdoor decorations at Silver Dolphin Restaurant, Hernando Beach
Stay
A trio of AAA Three Diamond properties gives you cool, comfortable places to rest, recharge and rack up hotel loyalty points. In the town of Spring Hill, Hampton Inn Spring Hill lets you redeem Hilton Honors points or collect them during your stay. Over in Brooksville, you have two great options. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Brooksville Suncoast Pkwy. lets you earn or use Marriott Bonvoy points, while you can collect or redeem IHG One Rewards points at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Brooksville West. You can book all three hotels through AAA.
To make the most of your Florida Adventure Coast getaway, contact a AAA Travel Agent to take advantage of exclusive member savings on accommodations, attractions, rental cars and more.
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