The museum was closed , only open on the weekends. Looks like some damage from hurricanes , but they have cleaned up a lot and working on the little cottage on the premises. Nice spot !

Very interesting and educational museum with a lot of information about the area, aquatic life, Native American arifacts, and seashells. There are trails through the pines and oaks that lead to the water. There was, what I believe, a Great Horned Owl. I did get some pictures of it.

Nice Florida state park. It has a nature trail, St. Clair Whitman historic home, and an information center museum with displays and staff to answer questions. There are a few items outside to look at as well as places to sit and clean restrooms. For a small fee (or free with your state park pass) you can come to this peaceful quiet park. Whether you explore the history, learn more from the staff, walk the trails or just sit and relax on the front porch rocking chairs or a bench listening to the birds, you will enjoy coming here.

Ive never been to the museum but I park in the parking lot and launch my small jon boat or kayak at the end of the road. Theres a nice small launch there and you're not far from open water. Its one of my favorite places to go.

This park and museum offers the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the tourist district of Cedar Key proper. The spacious grounds have lovely shade trees of oak and pine with a short nature trail with lovely views of the adjacent estuary and mangrove habitat. The fresh air and quietness of this location is rejuvenating.

The staff was very helpful. The museum is very informative and it has alot of history there. The Wilson home from 1920 has been kept in really good condition. This is a must see if visiting Cedar Key. Entrance is only $2.00

Unfortunately, not open on Tuesday, which is the only chance I get to visit... Nice little park with a little historical Marker, couple cannons, antique wagon & antique fireman's hose reel. Old house that's closed for renovations. And, a trail for a walk...

Good displays for such a small museum. Ironic to find a display with Hawkinsville (where I live) listed (a hole in the wall at another)! If your visiting Cedar Key, you should definitely visit here and the other museum on the island.

Cedar Key, Florida Historical Society was established in 1977 by a group of citizens dedicated to preserving the long and rich history of Cedar Key. Our time here was educational as the area progressed and changed over time to what it is today. Depictions of yesteryear, are inside a few dioramas some incredible models of ships, fishing boats, sponge boats, the railroad through Cedar Key and the lighthouse. Another display shows that Cedar pencils and whisk brooms were huge industries in Cedar Key. We learned so much that we did not know previously. I would recommend this to be your first stop, as we looked at every thing differently after the knowledge of historical Cedar Key.

Fascinating exhibits, especially the railroad section. Staff patient and kind. Left feeling educated and inspired — a must for history buffs.

If you are a history buff this museum has a satisfying collection of local artifacts that tell the story of Cedar Key from prehistoric days till today.

Time here was very educational and great for history lovers. How the area came into existence 🤔 progressed and changed over time to what it is today. Loved the reference to Native American and African American influence and related history...that was respectful and interesting, too. Free..only a donation and so worth your time. Thanks to the volunteers 🙋‍♀️ 👍 😀

This is a breath taking display of history!! Everything is complete from artifacts, pictures, and maps. We have always visited Cedar Key, but never learned the history of the island. Thank you

Small and interesting. Filled with lots of photos and artifacts. Well worth a visit. In fact I became a member and look forward to the newsletter.

I love going to parks and springs, but Ginnie Springs is exceptionally beautiful. The water is extremely clear and clean. At first, my group and I asked about alligators, but we didn't see any gators out. The park rangers keep the park, showers, and bathrooms relatively clean. It was a beautiful experience... the springs are very cold and clear. There are underwater cave systems too! Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved my time at Ginnie Springs! The water was so clear it felt like swimming in a giant natural aquarium. I spent the day tubing and paddle boarding, and it was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. The campground was clean and had a great family vibe everyone was friendly and just there to enjoy the outdoors. If go on high season try make a reservation.

Before going to the park we did read some reviews. Opposite of what many said the staff was very friendly. It is low season that could be a the reason for it. The springs are beautiful and the water was very refreshing. We did not camp we stayed for the day. The pros: - The beauty of the springs - Reasonable prices - Everything can be done walking - The bathrooms were relatively well cleaned if you take in consideration the amount of people there. Cons: - If you are looking for relaxing and listen to nature’s sound forget. In every corner you will find a family/ group listening to reggaeton as loud as they can. - Bring your own snacks. There are a couple of food trucks but the food was not very appealing. Don’t forget to bring water shoes. It can be a plus to enjoy all the park has to offer. Apart from the noise and the smoke smell this park is worth a visit. There is no lifeguard on duty in any of the 6 springs.

The place is amazing, I love it but the only thing is the gate old man is so rude, I've been there many times and I don't like that kind of person! He must remember we the guests support his family because we spend our money and he get a payment for his labor. He must remember he's the first face the guests are watching and if he treats us like that, unfortunately we won't come back and with no guests, they could close the park because him. So please let him know the he must be nice with the guests. Outside of that, everything else is good! I recommend this place.

Ginnie Springs is beautiful. It's a classic spot to learn to scuba dive and the water is crystal clear. However, as a campground it is awful and it ruins the experience of being at the springs. You pay per person ($40 per person May-Oct), which is very expensive for what you get. What you get is an extremely crowded campground with only a few bathrooms. The bathrooms were crowded, lines to use the toilet and showers, and overall pretty old and dingy. I am not sure if they don't have hot water or they ran out, but my shower was cold. For the price you pay, it is ridiculous. There are other campgrounds which cost much less, are less crowded, and have better facilities. There were hundreds of people camping the weekend we were there, so what does Ginnie Springs do with all the money they are making?! They certainly aren't using it to keep up the facilities. Additionally, there is a party atmosphere, so it was hard to sleep with music playing, car alarms going off (multiple times in the night!), and generators going.

Ginnie Springs is honestly one of the most beautiful spots in Florida — the water is crystal clear, cold, and unbelievably blue. It feels like swimming in bottled spring water. The different spring areas all have their own vibe, whether you want to float, snorkel, explore, or just relax by the water. It’s definitely a popular spot, so expect crowds on weekends, but the beauty of the springs still makes the trip worth it. The water is refreshing (and freezing at first!), but once you’re in, it’s perfect. You can see fish, underwater rock formations, and the clarity is unreal. Great for GoPro photos too. The grounds are huge, with places to walk, grill, or hang out between swims. Camping is available, and a lot of people come for tubing down the river, which is super relaxing and one of the best parts of the park. If you’re looking to experience that classic Florida spring water — clear, blue, and icy cold — Ginnie Springs is a must. It’s beautiful, outdoorsy, and feels like a little hidden slice of paradise.

Ginnie Springs and Devils Eye diving was good! First fresh water dive for this 30 year SCUBA veteran and I was amazed at the clarity; springs go figure. This short shallow dives are great for newbies or for veterans looking for mild water temp in winter. Rental equipment available for those who need tanks, weights and lights.

We arrived at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park via kayaks on the Santa Fe River. The spring run is absolutely beautiful. The water is so clear, and the vegetation beneath makes beautiful colors. Naked Spring was roped off for protective measures. The head spring was noisy and busy. There was a "kayak lane" made of buoys around the swimming area. I wouldn't drive to the park to swim at the head spring, but kayaking the run is definitely nice!

Beautiful springs, another gem of FL! Be mindful that the drive to the actual springs is not yet paved. There is a small entrance fee. Always check the FL Statepark website before you go. Right now (June2025), there is only one entrance to the swim area. We did not see any sign that there is a capacity limit, but just try to go early. The springs is just beauty. Our kiddos enjoyed the 72-degree cold water. Plenty of area to place your things just like you are going to the beach. They also has 🏕 camping area. Picnics are available by the top of the park, first come, first serve. I highly recommend this springs!

Beautiful blue spring, with a sandy bottom. Most of the swimming area is on the more shallow side but it is quite deep over the spring head. There is a area sectioned off right where you enter the water for if you're launching to paddle. A scattering of picnic pavilions. Nice nature trail which allows you to see other small springs in the park that they are working to restore.

I was able to stop by. Pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the water was. I hope to come back and enjoy a paddle trip next time.

Gorgeous springs, the water feels amazing in the brutal summer heat and humidity. Felt so refreshed afterwards. We camped out in our Tesla (spot D) loved the space and campgrounds. Overnight campers beware this park is solely run by volunteers, the showers and restrooms are a little rough – I did not feel comfortable showering as it seemed dirty. Campgrounds offers clear kayaks, paddle boards and tours. $26 to camp after taxes.

Beautiful place with a cold spring. Don’t forget to bring goggles so you can see the beauty under the water. There’s an easy entry into the water with several coverings, plenty of trees, and pavilions with tables. Everything around is very clean.

Camped here a few days and it's very beautiful! My only real take away was on the electric tent/RV sites. I was under the impression that it would be like other sites where it gives the options for both 30A and the standard 110 volt. These sites only have the 30A option. Luckily, this wasn't a problem! Was able to run to the local tractor supply and pick up a simple female to male 30A to 110 volt conversion piece for like $11. That saved the day! We had no other way to blow up air mattresses and floats at the camp site. Other than that, it's a beautiful place with lots of land to explore. The spring is open to the public during the day which means that it's shared restrooms during that time. There are two volleyball nets and several pavilions for hanging out. Some have the 110 volt outlets, but they are a little pass the restrooms.

Great views of the sunset! There are a few picnic pavilions and picnic tables. Nice fishing 🎣 pier. We even found a hermit crab friend 🐚🦀☺️! Awesome icy out of a pineapple 🍍 at the local food truck by the beach. Nice white sand. Overall we had a great family day!

Beautiful, relatively quiet (depends on respectful visitors), beach. Beautiful white sands. Clean. Some covered concrete based spots to set up your beach chairs. Enjoy watching the birds, fishing boats, and the Gulf. Concrete block building housing bathrooms. Water fountains along outside wall. Beware we saw an adult lifting his dog up to drink from the human water fountain! Yuk. Total disrespect. Animals not allowed by the way!!

Such a nice beach park on the road area here. Pear was gorgeous and enjoyed the nice walkway into forest. The beach it self was fun to snorkel and play I.man although water very murky and nasty sea weed everywhere. Facilities clean. It was fun

What a hidden gem. This location is hands down a must go with a trail, pavilions, a fishing pier, and a boat launch. This is an all around spot to check out. There restrooms on site and plenty of trash cans. I was able to see some of the famous dolphin encounters while on the pier. Locals say they come around occasionally. There's a spring nearby as well as marina where you can rent boats and buy bait if need be. Check it out for sure!!!!

This is a great spot to enjoy the beautiful Crystal Bay. The beach was super clean. There was a bathroom facility on site that was clean as well. Tons of parking space and a beautiful dock over the ocean. There is a boat launch ramp there as well. Great place for a fun beach day!

Has beautiful sunsets. The beach is kept very clean the picnic table are well maintained. The restrooms are kept cleaned and stocked. The beach water kinda smells. But it's a beautiful place, with a boat ramp.

Decided to take the first trip to a small beach in Florida and was pleasantly surprised on how clean it was. It was very well maintained and there was even a fishing pier that was further back and had a walkway that was easy to traverse with a decent amount of parking. There is even a boat launch dock further down the road that was a pay to use. Prices seemed fair, I'm not sure how they compare to others yet. Along the way here there were some bird trails that you can stop at as well. It was a nice drive and will be going back in the future.

My wife and I LOVE diving here. It’s about $50 per person for entry, so make a day of it. We love feeding the turtle Virgil, and all of the bluegill. We also enjoy the diving bell and going down to 100ft to the entrance of the caves. Go during the week to avoid heavy traffic and for better visibility. There’s catfish, tilapia, turtles, bluegill, and underwater statues. This place is a must see for spring diving.

My “Go To” place for a convenient dive with my scuba diving students. You won’t find better facilities for the diving community. The service is outstanding and the Grotto just blows new divers minds. 1000% recommended

New divers (<20dives) and the Blue Grotto was absolutely the best place for newer divers. The facility, the staff and the grounds were wide open and convenient. The dive prep area is large & with plenty of space and benches. The easy access to drive our vehicle right up to the “staging area” was ideal for unloading our gear. The staff were accommodating with moving gear which was a tremendous help. In addition, the staff took many of our favorite photos from the experience. At no charge. I understand they offer classes and overnight cabin stays. We were in Florida for a diving trip to 4 different locations. 10 of 10 times I would recommend the Blue Grotto. Ps: there is a sand road on the way onto the property which this Midwest girl thought was pretty cool!

Beautiful facilities. Clean restrooms and very friendly staff. Even as a "bubble watcher", I felt welcomed and was able to simply hang out while my husband and his friend went diving.

Such a great place to go as a scuba beginner! The fishies are so friendly and come around you which is the reason I wanted to scuba. Wasn’t crowded what so ever which I also appreciated

Had the absolute pleasure of training with Harry for both my Advanced Open Water and Sidemount courses. I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the very beginning Harry was professional, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. He has a way of making complex skills feel approachable and fun while ensuring safety is always the top priority. What really stood out though was his personality. Harry is not only an outstanding instructor but also a genuinely personable guy who makes you feel right at home in and out of the water. His stories, humor, and passion for diving brought so much energy to the course and turned the training into an experience I’ll never forget. If you’re looking for an instructor who combines skill, professionalism, and a truly enjoyable approach to teaching, Harry is the one. I would recommend him to anyone looking to take their diving to the next level!

I was trained here to get certified for diving. There pool was nice and clean. They maintained a very clean facility and friendly staff. The Grotto itself is beautiful. Would Definitely return to see just how gorgeous it is. It was greener at the top but going farther into the cavern it became clear and it was stunning.

Beautiful spot. Looking forward to coming back to see hundred of manatees and can’t quite imagine it. No way get access from land, so if you want to swim rent a kayak and make your way up. Regular shuttle from a parking lot that makes several stops around the small town. Bring your national park pass or veteran’s ID if possible, otherwise it’s 12.50 a person, not vehicle. Handicapped plates allow you to drive right down to the boardwalk, otherwise it’s a ten minute walk down.

We loved this location! My girls were disappointed we were there too early for the manatees but it was still absolutely breathtaking. The shuttle driver was extremely kind and knowledgeable, we could have ridden with her all day. The water was just gorgeous, so clear we watched fish swim. We will try to make a return trip when the place is full of manatees!

We visited on a HOT 🥵 Sunday afternoon in June 2025. You pull in and pay then turn around and go out, take a right and an immediate left and you’re in their parking area. They give you a wristband that allows you to ride their shuttle bus which goes to various stops around Crystal River and of course to Three Sisters Springs. The springs have a boardwalk where you can view the beautiful clear blue water. There were a lot of people swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding in the spring when we were there. We started walking down the boardwalk and onto a dirt path. I wish they had path markers to let you know how much further to go. It was so hot I started to feel a little nauseous and we had to turn back. I definitely recommend picking a day when it is not 90° or hotter because there are several miles of walking paths that you can explore and we really didn’t get the full experience due to the heat. All the employees were very friendly and there was an older gentleman employee with a younger girl who I’m guessing was shadowing him. He gave us all kinds of information about the springs and asked if we had any questions for him and answered them all. I plan to one day kayak or paddleboard into the spring so I can fully experience the beauty.

Beautiful springs, has a bus to take you or can walk in. Has a boardwalk around the three springs. Can see divers and people in kayaks, depending on the water temperature can see manatees. You can kayak and swim in from outside the park but cannot access the water from the park. The bus will also take you to other destinations as part of the entrance fee.

Beautiful spring area of course but a bit misleading having to go around and find your way into the springs. No manatees when I went, saw a baby gator and a few fishies.

Absolutely beautiful. Breath taking it’s a short paddle I took my stand up paddle board launched from Hunter springs. I even paid to walk to board walk as well and it was worth it. Everyone is so nice.

Not a huge area, but so beautiful and they have great walking areas / boardwalk. The volunteers are so helpful in providing information about the manatees and anything nature. We went really early in the morning and were able to find the manatees right away to get great views of them. It's very well kept and nice clean bathrooms. There's no parking except some handicap spots, but you can park at the center across the street and take the shuttle or walk in.

Visiting this was kind of disappointing. If you wanted to just be able to see the cavern area, you can only do that Monday - Thursday and for $7 a person. There is nothing else to do there unless you happen to be camping there. If you scuba though, this seems like the place to go. They have spots for your gear, to load up and go from. That seemed to be the reason most people were there in a Sunday. The campground looked very well maintained, its a quiet area but its just a small park. Not much else to do there to be honest which js why, as a local who likes to visit new places on the fly, I gave it a 2.

You need to arrive at the specific time frame when the sun is right above the Den to see the whole beauty of this place. Other than that, it is an interesting location for 15-minute visits. Didn't like the idea of pushing customers to rent their own equipment.

Book your spot on their website before coming. This secures your booking slot. We went during summer, brought our own snorkel gear. No floating device is allowed. This den is deep so please if you do not know how to swim - do not go. The stair area was up to my neck at the time we went. The water is cold - so I wore a long suit. Had a great time. There’s also the garden next to this spot if you want to hit two events in one day. Definitely a cool place to experience.

Visiting Devil’s Den Spring was an unforgettable experience. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a unique atmosphere unlike any other diving or snorkeling spot in Florida. The underground spring is absolutely breathtaking, with crystal-clear water that allows you to see every detail beneath the surface. The rock formations and shafts of sunlight filtering through the opening create a magical, almost surreal scene. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and ensures that you feel safe and prepared, whether you’re snorkeling or scuba diving. The water is refreshingly cool, which is perfect on a hot Florida day, and the visibility is outstanding. It’s also a great spot for taking incredible underwater photos. While the facilities are simple, they are clean and well-maintained. I would highly recommend Devil’s Den Spring to anyone looking for a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and a truly unique Florida experience.

I’ve visited similar places in Mexico, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. The water is beautiful, the vibe is chill, and it’s a great place to escape for a bit. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance — they often sell out for the whole upcoming week. We managed to get the earliest available slot at 8:00 AM. We were on a motorcycle road trip from Miami and arrived a bit late, but no worries — you get 1.5 hours from the time you check in. So if you’re running behind, it’s not a big deal. You can rent masks and wetsuits on-site, or bring your own gear if you prefer. We also booked a campsite here (it was $44 for a tent site), but ended up staying in a hotel instead. Still, the campground looked nice and well-organized. Overall, the atmosphere was great peaceful and worth the trip.

This place is a fantastic find, located in Williston, just a 30-40 minute drive from Gainesville. The booking process was straightforward: we signed a waiver online and paid a small deposit of about $5 per person to reserve our spot. The total cost is $25 each, so upon arrival, we just gave them our phone number at the ticket office and paid the remaining balance. Once inside, we recommend grabbing a picnic table to set up your home base for the day. The facility is well-equipped with several grills, a small store for essentials, a beach volleyball court, and even showers in the men's restroom. We had booked the very first time slot at 8:00 AM on a Sunday. The big advantage of going this early was getting to see the wildlife before anyone else disturbed it. If you get in the water quickly, you can spot turtles and some impressively large fish. However, we realized we made a mistake with the timing and would recommend a later slot, perhaps around 11:00 AM or closer to lunchtime. In the early morning, there isn't enough sunlight to illuminate the spring, so the water is quite dark and you can't see its true beauty. The real magic happens when the sun is higher in the sky. As we were getting ready to leave, the sunlight started to hit the water, and the most incredible "Avatar-like" blue and green colors began to appear. Since the spring has a rocky bottom instead of sand, the water clarity doesn't get ruined by swimmers kicking up sediment. Visibility is almost entirely dependent on the amount of sunlight. So, if you want the most visually stunning experience and to see the spring in all its glory, definitely book a time slot for later in the morning or early afternoon.

“One-of-a-Kind Adventure!” Devil’s Den is an absolute must-visit! The underground spring is stunning — crystal-clear water with a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Snorkeling here felt like stepping into another world, surrounded by unique rock formations and shafts of sunlight streaming through the opening above.

We absolutely love this place! This area is absolutely beautiful. Be prepared for some stairs (132 stair steps broken up by small landings one way!) It is well worth the workout! There were several small waterfalls since it had rained the day before. Take advantage of the lovely benches at the top of the trail and enjoy!

Would love more trail but thankful for what’s there. The trail at the top around the rim is only 0.5 miles. 264 stairs round trip to the sinkhole observation deck. Would love it it you could get closer (ground level boardwalk?) to them bottom or have access to the water. Typical state park prices but I’m a pass holder so didn’t need to pay - you can pay online. They do a guided walk on Saturday AMs if you’d like that. I prefer self guiding. The visitor center looks fabulous with very nice displays. Super large clean restrooms (unisex). Picnic tables and grills available. Benches along the 0.5 mile trail. Plenty of parking. Lots of shade so even on a hot day it’s good.

It was OK. I'm sure it's much more spectacular with more water, but we also visited Providence Canyon, GA this year which is no comparison. It's a great spot to stop off and stretch your legs. The stairs were a nice workout since I haven't been on the stairclimber in a few days. And the nature was nice and shady. I'd say it was between .5 and .75 mi around. The parking lot also has a lot of shade and several picnic tables to enjoy a sandwich or snack. There's restrooms and some educational info as well.

This place is awesome. Be ready to enjoy the descent, but remember you have to climb back up! 😁 They do a great job educating about the area with signs posted throughout.

It took us about 40 minutes to check out and enjoy the place including short trip to restroom, hike the 264 steps round trip down the sinkhole, photo ops, and hike the short nature trail. You pay using the QR code at the entrance. “Pets on leash only.”

A quiet place to admire nature, get some exercise walking up and down the many steps on the stairways, and breathe some fresh air-all located right in the city! When I've visited in the mornings, the water at the bottom of the sinkhole was bluish colored. During the daylight, it turns a brownish color..

An excellent place to visit to see some really unique geology in Florida. You can pay with your phone or just leave your state park pass on your dash if you have one. There is a nice occasion shelter with bathrooms when you walk up. The bathrooms are kind of "around the corner" and are not necessarily obvious. From the information center it's a short walk to the main stairs that take you down into the "sink". There is also a walking trail but we got rained out and will have to explore that another time.

The day we went was cold and they opened exhibition at 1 pm. While we were waiting we walked around and it was pretty cool. After we went to see butterflies. I have never seen some such a big butterflies and different colours

This is one of my favorite museums in the entire state. The butterfly collection is gorgeous and their breeding program is amazing. We especially love the button quail, that clean up the floor in the aviary. It's a must do every time we're in gainesville.

Butterfly Rainforest had a nice large enclosed patio area full of beautiful butterflies and Luscious Landscaping. It was also a little bigger then I thought it would be. I didn't realize it had a full Museum inside until we arrived and I saw the sign for the museum. The museum was great it had a lot of different displays and was very informative. This is a great place for young & older children alike. Heck, I'm middle-aged and love it!!..

We had an amazing experience here at the butterfly garden! Seriously can't say enough good. We got a couple dollar discount on admission because of being FL residents.The indoor portion was very informative and educational. Also very well laid out and organized. The outdoor area, actual rainforest garden, was beautiful! Water fountains, birds, butterflies and beautiful plants. We enjoyed walking and taking it all in. Can easily spend a couple hours here. We enjoyed being able to observe all the nature up close in a safe weather proof environment. The Florida museum is right next door. We did not visit that today, but it was quite large and looked to be a full day. Parking was $4 and in a lot right next to museum. Restrooms available and a nice fair prices gift shop and penny machine at entrance.

From the outside, I wasn't overly impressed or enticed; it doesn't look like much. Furthermore, the external signage for this experience was almost non-existent .. Also, for the very good natural history museum. But, it's a hidden gem! Go there.

100% worth the drive and the admission. Great for recharging and relaxation. Between the sounds of the waterfalls and the birds and the multitudes of butterfly species it was a sensory overload. Combine this attraction with the natural history museum and the art museum next door (both free admission) and you've got your morning or afternoon fully covered.

Absolutely wonderful place to visit! The garden with the butterflies also has turtles, fish, and several birds. The facility is clean and well-maintained. There were students from the university throughout the museum speaking with guests, which was a nice touch.

What a hidden gem! This free museum was well worth the 1.5-hour drive from where we live. We brought four teens (ages 13–17), and they actually enjoyed it — they even stayed off their electronics, which says a lot! It’s a great day trip for all ages. We especially loved the butterfly experience — the atrium is absolutely gorgeous!

We visited with my nephew and grandson to the Florida Museum in Gaineville and it did not disappoint. Was very well played out, educational and interactive. The children had a very fun day. Definitely recommend worth the travel.

The Florida Museum of Natural History is a charming science museum that’s perfect for a day out with family or friends. It’s not huge, but it’s packed with engaging exhibits that make learning fun and accessible. My favorite part is the Butterfly Rainforest; it’s absolutely beautiful and peaceful, a must-see for all ages. I always walk away having learned something new. A great spot to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature!

Great for kids 3 to 12 I would say. Lots of learning experiences and knowledge about geography and animal science. My child loved their butterfly exhibit a lot.

We had a great day exploring the museum. The butterfly exhibit is the main attraction but there is a lot more neat exhibits inside as well. We spent a good 3 hours and probably could have spent a little more time . The kids ages ranged from 3 to 11 and they all had a great time . All the workers were extremely nice and helpful. Turned out to be a great day and well worth the drive from Ocala.

This is a wonderful museum on UF campus! After 3:30pm on weekdays and on weekends, the large parking lot lifts and is free. The museum has free entry and some exhibits are paid, such as the butterfly garden. There is something for everyone, some areas having activities for kids. The butterfly garden is the best part, I could go back over and over! Hundreds of species of butterflies and many birds walk around.

Pretty nice place to spend the day! Be prepared to walk, is big!

We enjoyed our visit. The waterfalls and walking trails are beautiful. All concrete walkways, extremely well maintained. Gorgeous foliage! Thick, and lush with lots of geckos, and butterflies. Well organized and managed. Friendly volunteer workers. Modern, clean restrooms too! There's also an air-conditioned visitor center where you can buy souvenirs, pool noodles, hats, etc. There's a small cafe on site with covered eating area too. We plan to return in October with kayaks and spend the day on the gorgeous water.

Rainbow Springs State Park is absolutely breathtaking! The water is crystal clear with the most stunning shades of blue and green it really feels like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise. The swimming area is refreshing and perfect for cooling off on a hot Florida day. The walking trails are peaceful, full of lush greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife, making it a great place to explore and relax. The park is very clean, well-kept, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Whether you want to swim, kayak, or just enjoy nature, this park has it all. Definitely one of Florida’s hidden gems and worth every visit!

It was my first time here at rainbow Springs State Park. I have to say I will definitely be back. I really enjoyed the spaciousness of the river for kayaking/canoeing. It is a two hour long river however it takes twice as long to get back, we rented a kayak For one hour went down the river 20 minutes and went back up 40 minutes. The weather was incredible. We got to see turtles, a variety of birds, ducks, and even some otters which was so cool. The staff is very friendly, kind and helpful. The swimming pool was spacious enough for people to swim and some even had some Floaties. I would definitely recommend bringing a pool noodle to help float in the swimming pool as the water is deep and you cannot touch the floor. The views are incredible. The water is clear and there are three different walking trails to enjoy. I didn’t see any showers however they do have clean restrooms. I would recommend bringing a blanket, picnic basket and your own food and water to enjoy there at the park. They have several trees that you can get some shade under or you can lay out on the lawn and get some sun.

This was such an amazing experience to go to the water does feel cold if you touch it but once you jump in, it is perfect! Definitely bring items to help you swim, if you’re not a great swimmer since you can’t touch the bottom. They also sell pool noodles, but they are very thin. And don’t bring a flotation device that’s too big like a circle floaty. I had to bring mine back to the car. They do have a section of the state park where you can go tubing, but you have to drive there and I would definitely call ahead to see if there is tubing that day. I also recommend goggles so you can see in the water! They also have paddle boarding and kayaking, a water fountain, but it’s not cold hiking trails bathrooms, food options, and a gift store

Really torn about how to rate this park. We went on a Tuesday so no line to get in, parking was easy. But it was beastly hot, a longish walk to bathroom area and then another very steep longish walk to swimming area where there were some benches to sit on. BE AWARE that there are NO steps or ramps to enter the swimming area (the only options are to go down the ladders or to jump or dive in). That being said, this is probably the cleanest clearest water I have ever gone swimming in and I have been swimming all over the world. It was VERY difficult for me to get out of the water because it was so pleasurable being in it!! Just incredibly delightful! I could see to the deep bottom sandy floor with no chance of touching it unless I dove under. You can watch fish happily swimming around way below you. I think I was there the hottest day of 2025 so the water was perfectly refreshing.

Spring head is great to swim in. You cannot touch. Its 20ft in some spots and no where you can stand in the water. So bring a noodle or Buy them for $3 in the giftshop. Plenty of tables and picnic grassy area. Take the historic waterfall walk. So beautiful

One of the best state parks I’ve been. There is parking and rest rooms! Hiking trails are paved and d non paved. Swimming in the lake kayaking that you could rent or bring your own. There are waterfalls that are made but looks so natural. Restaurant in for Burgers etc.

It's a very beautiful place. The water is very, very, very cold. It's so natural, but it feels so good.We'll go again

📍Perfect spot for swimming Rainbow river is a beautiful spot to go and spend the day with your family. There is an area designated for swimming, perfect for kids and adults. There is a kayak rental and you go around the river. There is also a space for picnics and a small food stand.

Nice peaceful float trip!! Water is crystal clear & cool & clean!!! I probably wouldn’t want to come in super busy season but we went the week after school went back & it was perfect!

Nestled in Florida's heart, Rainbow River enchants visitors with its crystalline waters and vibrant ecosystem. Fed by natural springs, its clarity astounds, revealing a kaleidoscope of colors dancing beneath the surface. Home to diverse aquatic life, from playful manatees to darting fish, the river teems with vitality. Kayakers and canoeists glide along its gentle currents, immersing themselves in the tranquility of the surrounding forest. Snorkelers and divers explore the underwater wonderland, where submerged caves and limestone formations add intrigue to the landscape. Above the waterline, towering cypress trees and swaying palms provide shade, while birdsong fills the air, creating a symphony of nature's melodies. Along the riverbanks, picnic spots beckon, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the serene ambiance. For those seeking adventure, tubing down the river offers a thrilling ride, as the current carries you through bends and twists, revealing new vistas around every corner. Whether you seek solace in nature's embrace or crave excitement on the water, Rainbow River promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture to its shores. In every ripple and glimmer, Rainbow River whispers tales of wonder and beauty, inviting exploration and leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter its magic.

It's a very beautiful place. There's tons of free parking available and the entrance only costs $1 per person during the summer. We went kayaking on the river. The water was crystal clear and very refreshing. On the trip we saw lots of fish, birds and turtles. There's also a little designated area to swim but you aren't able to stand there in the water because it's so deep. Definitely recommend bringing a noodle if you just want to swim in this pool! You also swim in the river while on your kayaking trip which was so refreshing 😊

Absolutely stunning! We rented a pontoon boat for a few hours and went up the whole Rainbow River. The water was clear as glass, you could see all the way to the bottom even in the deep parts. Tons of wildlife, we saw fish, giant turtles, and even river otters. I put on my wetsuit and jumped off the boat in a few spots, it was amazing for snorkeling and freediving. We even had scuba divers diving next to us which was really cool to see. There are a few resturants along the river you can stop and eat at too. Seems like a good place for kayaking as well!

Beautiful place to spend the day. River is large, deep, and has quite the current. Great for whatever you’re into; scuba diving, snorkeling, paddling, tubing, or just swimming. Lots of wildlife and gorgeous views to take in. Many spots to stop for a break including the state park, KP hole, and swampys. Clear water, but it does get murky by the afternoon due to all the motor boats on the water so get in early if you’re going underwater.

Our tour was incredible! Mia was very knowledgeable and fun. It was a thrill to be able to be so close to the animals. Their Habitats are very large and clean. You can tell the animals are content and well cared for. Highly, highly recommend.

The Saturday tours are a fantastic experience. Worth every penny plus a donation. They work to, as much as possible, get you great views of the animals up close. Have you ever heard a tiger crunch bones? While 6 feet from you? This place will spoil you on zoos. These are large enclosures, no concrete, well loved animals. Many are rescues, many are part of endangered breeding programs. The staff are knowledgeable and can answer any questions. The tour is with several folks, including the owner of the place. I have visited several times for open houses, but the tour was a huge step up in terms of experience and learning. I was also very impressed at the many additions since my last visit a few years ago. So many new animals and enclosures! Personally, the Saturday tour was 10x the experience of an open house and that was already one of my most favorite events in Alachua county. My kids: 2, 8 and 11 had a good time and all had new favorite animal! Bring drinks and a snack for the kids. It is sunny, wear sunscreen.

Our 2nd grade field trip to Carson Springs Wildlife Sanctuary was absolutely amazing! The staff were so knowledgeable and passionate about the animals, and they did a wonderful job teaching our students in such an engaging way. The kids were blown away by how close they were able to get to the animals — it was truly a one-of-a-kind experience! We’re so thankful for the warm welcome and can’t wait to visit again next year. Highly recommend for any school group! 🐾💚

I was so impressed with the efforts and care that owners Christine and Barry are giving these beautiful creatures. Supported by a handful of volunteers, private and commercial sponsors of some of the animals and male-female pairs, and limited donations has kept Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation (a non-profit organization) alive for over 20 years. It’s immediately clear when you arrive and drive through two electric perimeter gates permitting access through the 8’-10’ fences that safety and security is paramount. The animals appear well cared for simply by the way the animals are so active on such a warm summer day. The golf-cart ride through their 70 acre, Non-profit Conservation area was both educating and inspirational. I left with the feeling of wanting to become a volunteer and help with their efforts of the animals. The many breeding pairs and babies shows the success of this organization. Our favorite was Desmond (the Giraffe). The kitty stretched up on the fence while eating weighs over 650lbs. Check out our photos!

Such a cool place to visit! The staff is so knowledgeable, the animals so well taken care of, and the facility is simply beautiful. It was very hot out being late July, but the employees passed out umbrellas to help shield us from the heat, they were so considerate. All proceeds from gift shop go to the animals as well. I included the one photo I managed to get of Bagy the tortoise, he was unimpressed by his visitors and quickly made his way back to a shaded spot. Can’t wait to come back and bring my family!

Our 3 and 5 year old girls loved this tour. The close proximity and interaction with the animals was amazing. The tour was also very informative for the adults.

An amazing place for people of all ages!! Our tour guide, Mia, was great to have on our Valentine’s Day tour! You can tell they genuinely care for the animals there. Along with the conservation of these magnificent creatures. I would recommend everyone to tour here at least one, and maybe consider sponsoring some animals or donating!

The caves are small but interesting we enjoyed the time spent there

Did a 8 mile hike there for two purposes. I am a wildlife photographer and wife getting ready for the AT. Mostly overcast and a good amount of trees for the added “reprieve “ from our Florida sun. All in all, a nice hike and was able to photograph the “elusive” Sherman’s Fox Squirrel. Some trail maintenance looks to be needed, however not too terribly bad. Definitely recommended…

Amazing beautiful trails, but make sure to bring protection ( gun ) with you. We ( my toddler) were followed and possibly stalked by a Florida panther.

The Withlacoochee Red Trail Loop is one of the most scenic trails around Tampa Bay that I have walked. It was cool weather so I didn't see much wildlife. I found the scenery was very nice, especially around the river. An added bonus is the tower along the path. I can see why the previous commenters were confused by the All Trails map. I found that I had to follow the orange blazes for 3/4 of the loop, then switched to follow the blue blazes. This is the only way I could stay on the All Trails path.

Nature at its best! Clear marked hiking trails a lake for kayaking etc. the lots are cleaned campgrounds maintained and ladies showers restrooms are cleaned daily whoooo Overall a great experience

This state forest offers an abundance of destinations to enjoy nature. Cooler temperatures in October and November make those months my favorite time to hike and explore the forest. Photos and video accompanying this review were taken near the intersection of Stage Coach Trail and Citrus Way.

I just the the beautiful outdoors enjoyment. From the nature trails bike riding trails an 4x4 trail riding to also horse back riding. The lakes the birds the trees the flowers the views are breath taking from Croom to Sumter to Bushnell to richloam to citrus Hernando two mile perry Croom motorcycle Area an all the day use areas.

Just outside of Gainesville a little ways, is a magical piece of history. Today, after my hubby's treatment, we got the joy of splorin' at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park. What a treasure! As you meander through her beloved orange grove or walk upon the old front porch, you can almost hear her typewriter clacking away. What a splendid place where she wrote such treasures as The Yearling and Cross Creek. If you ever get the opportunity, you must come and experience it!🥰

I'm a volunteer docent and find the park to have great "Old Florida" charm through our Interpretive tours of the farm's history. The stories of the local Florida Crackers of a Century ago, and the Author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, who adopted the area as inspiration to her writing, are amusing, illuminating of the period, and sometimes startling. The docents dressed in period clothing add a 1940s feeling of stepping back in time.

The only reason I gave 4 stars is the Google Profile for the MK Rawlings house was hard to find and it didn't have accurate hours posted. Unfortunately we showed up on a day it was closed. Luckily we could still walk the grounds and peek in the windows. Loved seeing the kitchen garden and the free range chickens with at least one vocal rooster. We didn't spend much time there due to the steamy FL summer weather, but I'm so glad I got to see the charm of it all.

Lovely setting. We enjoyed the grounds. Good tour. Provided lots of information

We throughly enjoyed our visit to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. The grounds and the trails were beautifully scenic. I especially enjoyed walking the jungle trail behind the house with the many cypress trees and orange trees. The tenant house was open for a self guided tour, and had three rooms and a large porch.. We toured the farmhouse with a tour guide. We were taken through each room. Our guide pointed out interesting things that Ms. Rawlings wrote about in her book, “Cross Creek.” I am very glad I had the foresight to read that book before the tour.

Wonderful state park full of history. Super playground, picnic areas, plenty of parking, boat ramp, historic home sets away from all that down a little path through a small gate.

I went on Monday and the inside wasn't open. It was all the same magical. I own the movies and the books. This place is old Florida at its finest. I love Cross Creek. I love this home so much. There is a romance about it. Such sweet air. Come visit!

This place is historic. Every artifact is genuine to its time and place. Worn racing attire, actual dragsters driven, real engines, trophies, endless amounts of photos. Every step taken in this wonderful museum tells a story. There is so much to see and learn here and Don Garlits has given everyone the opportunity if they just take time to listen. 11 out of 10 recommend this fantastic experience. Thank you, Don Garlits and your great museum staff members.

This place is amazing. I couldnt believe how many drag cars were on display plus the vintage automotive museum. Both were out of this world.. Thank you Don Garlitz for your service to the racing community and giving everyone the opportunity to recognise your fantastic achievements.

I have beenn3 times now. This last trip was the ultimate. November 1st was the date for the Mopars at the Museum show. Awseome show with dozens of beautiful Mopars. After the show, Big Daddy hosted a tour of the museum. To hear him tell the stories about the cars sitting there and the people that built and drove them is simply amazing. He hosts tours of the museum throughout the year. I highly recommend taking one.

This place was awesome! So much history and so much to see. Well worth the admission fee. This place brought back so many memories. If you love Drag Racing this is a must see place. The antique car museum next door (included with admission to Drag Racing museum) had so much nostalgia not car related and was great as well. All the stories behind each vehicle was a treat to read.

I was born in the 60’s. I remember a lot of these events and vehicles. Definitely wore very penny and hour I spent there. I’ll be glad to visit again the future. This place was so clean. I didn’t see any dust on the cars, eccentric the black ones.i left in amazement!

An absolutely underrated place. So much history and cool stuff for kids and adults. You could spend hours in there if you don’t have small children. Lots of reading to do and videos to watch. Some cool interactive things to do as well. We almost met Don Garlit, but he came and went without us, knowing. He seems like a great guy and wow, has he achieved a lot. Super grateful for him putting this together for the younger generation to experience.

I had seen this museum from I-75 so many times, I finally got to stop in. There's SO many cars! Lots of history, stories, feats and memorabilia. Stop and visit! Support this great museum!

Very nice place to visit and experience the great Gypsy Gold Horses. They have 2 tours. The short one is good with little kids and it’s about an hour long. If you are really interested in knowing the history then other longer tour is good which last around 2.5 hours. The location is beautiful and staff is super friendly. They will feel you like you are home. Do visit if you are near Ocala.

Spending some time in Ocala all the way from Australia. This tour was such a fun morning, my husband and enjoyed it so so much! I could listen to Dennis’ stories forever ! The history behind it all is sooo very intriguing, you can truly tell Dennis is a very wonderful man that has such passion for what he does. I would recommend this to all! Bring along some carrots and apples and the horses will love ya! The donkeys and birds are an added bonus as well. Again, love your work yall, keep it up ❤️

We really enjoyed the history that started the Gypsy Vanner's journey to the US. Eileen shared her love of these majestic horses during the tour. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the farm. It was a pleasure to meet the owners and see their beautiful farm.

The two hour history and farm tour was a highlight of my trip in this area. The beauty of the Gypsy Vanners is magnificent! The owner’s passion for his horses, their cultural history and helping others is so genuine. I loved meeting the special donkeys he has as well. It was a unique and heartwarming experience.

Gypsy Gold is a treasure. Dennis is so passionate about his life's work. The places he has been and his travels were amazing to hear. I truly hinged on his every word. I hope this treasure of a place continues forever. It is his labor of loved and should be honored. He is a tue visionary. His sister inlaw gave us a tour and she is just as passionate about these magnificent horses. I can't wait to visit again.

Karen and Shannon took great care of us on our tour today. We had VIP tickets that included meeting a Clydesdale foal. Our tour included all kinds of great information about what the Cobbs do with their horses, how they breed the horses, how they pick individuals for jobs, and how they spearheaded competitions for their horses in Florida. The horses we met were sweet and curious. It was a treat to meet your gentle giants and learn about the job that these amazing horses do. Thank you for sharing your horses with us!

We had a great time learning all about the horse breed and the people who own the farm. The horses were beautiful. I also enjoyed the other great animals ( mules, donkeys, macaws). I would recommend this to anyone that loves horses.

Kyle was an awesome guide and told us all sorts of gator facts! The office staff was also knowledgeable and showed us their resident gator, Lucas. Plenty of photo opportunities with the gator. Very well put together tour and efficient use of time. The airboat was not as loud as I thought which was great. Entire property and facility was very clean and well played out. Very fun and hope to visit again sometime. Highly recommended 🐊

Capt. Randy was great and we learned a lot from him. We loved our time on the airboat and loved seeing the mama alligators and their babies in their natural habitats. It was neat seeing the springs bubbling up and to see an alligator den and learn what they do with their pray. 😳 We LOVED holding the Alligator at the end! it will be our family's Christnas picture this year! Tha k you! We will be bringing our grandsons for sure next trip to Florida.

This was the best thing we did on our vacation to Florida!! Todd was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable and patient with our kids asking so many questions. I got an amazing video of one of the momma gators on tour jumping out of the water to eat a fish and I’m so excited about it! The entire staff team was just amazing. After our pictures with the gator we even got to see where Luke (the gator we took pics with) stayed along with three other gators. I highly recommend you will not be disappointed!

BEST AIRBOAT RIDE IN FLORIDA!!! This was AMAZING!! We drove 1000 miles and this was the FIRST THING WE DID. They recommend purchasing your tickets beforehand but had no issue accommodating us walking in. I have wanted to do this for a LONG time and it was BETTER than expected! The boat is comfortable and roomy. The Captain was very knowledgeable. He shut the boat down when we saw wildlife and explained what it was and anything interesting he knew. We saw 5 large gators and dozens of babies, king fishers, huge turtles, snakes, and several other small birds. We saw 2 gator nests with mama's protecting them. The springs fed lake is a perfect mix of reedy marsh, EPIC spanish moss covered trees and open water. This will be a lasting memory for my family.

It was a really fun time but what was really Beautiful was the view while they took us all the way into the swamps. We see actually alligators, birds and turtles. We held an alligator too. Must come here and drive PAST ALL THE OTHER SPOTS. This place rocks. Oh pack a lunch abs chill out in the barn with pool tables and games.

Wet cool they let you hold an alligator! The swamp boat tour takes about an hour with a half hour set aside before to hold the alligator and take pictures! Captain Randy was a great guide!

This was the best airboat ride we’ve done out of the three we’ve taken in Florida over the past few years. Captain Kyle truly loves and respects the local wildlife, and you can feel it. He attracts the animals with care, explains many interesting facts, and keeps everything fun and engaging. The place itself is incredible, and after the airboat ride you can spend some time playing the outdoor games available there. The experience of holding the alligator was also a lot of fun! A 100% recommended spot.

My wife and I were able to return to Silver Springs State Park and take one of the glass bottom boat tours this time. We definitely recommend taking the 90 minute tour as opposed to the 30 minute one. Our captain and guide, T.C., did an excellent job telling us about the history of the park and the details of the springs. He also pointed out the wildlife and gave us details about the ecosystem. We were fortunate to see a number of the animals that inhabit the river including manatees, alligators, monkeys, and numerous wading birds. After the boat ride, we had lunch at the cafe and were impressed with the food quality and prices. This is a great place to spend the day.

My mother-in-law was in town and we took a troop up there to rent a canoe and see wildlife. The water was beautiful, as a spring is always are, we saw alligator, turtles, tons of birds and fish! The water is absolutely clear. We did our own little thing in a canoe with three of us... And my service dog. We had an absolutely wonderful time and will definitely go back. I would suggest doing a tour because we caught a few tours that were giving some pretty cool information and we will definitely try that next time. After we were done we went hiking a little bit. We ran into a gentleman who was liking along the trail and he warned us that there are bear there. So next time I will definitely take some mace with us just in case. But the paths are well marked and it's beautiful. Lots of hiking to be had. It's pretty flat but very sandy.

What a beautiful place. We went to the park and rode the 90 minutes Glass bottom boat for the very reasonable senior discounted price of $25 a person. Captain Luke was knowledgeable and funny. It was a really nice boat ride. We saw anhingas, turtles, alligators, monkeys and several other birds. What a beautiful place. I'm glad that it is a state park. We are lucky to have such a nice place

My friend came to visit so we played tourists for the day and drove to the spring for the glass bottom boat ride and brunch. We had such a lovely visit in the park. The park is beautiful, we'll maintained, lovely local vegetation and wildlife from birds to reptiles. We strolled the pathway for a while taking it all in. The glass boat ride did not disappoint with one exception no Manatee but we saw the wonderous and famous springs, turtles, alligator and tons of birds. The Captain was entertaining and knowledgeable about the history of the springs. Then we enjoyed brunch at the café on sight. We lingered there for a while enjoying sangria, coffee drinks and of course delicious entrees of eggs Benny and chicken and waffles. After brunch we enjoyed checking out the shops and the water fountain. All in all a great park for a visit. I look forward to returning for some kayaking

Wow.. what an amazing way to spend a few hours! We rented the glass bottom kayaks which were very easy to control after about a minute in them. They are made to not tip very easy and one person on the tour with us went from sitting to kneeling and moving to the front to get a picture with no issues at all. Alyssa, our guide, was very knowledgeable, kind and beautiful. Our time in the water was 2 hours and every minute we were finding something to see. Manatees, turtles, alligators, they have monkeys but were not around on this day, fish etc. A very peaceful experience and perfect for most anyone that can get into a kayak and paddle. You will not be disappointed with the site for sure. There is some places to eat etc on site as well.

This is a must-see experience if you do the 90 minute glass bottom boat tour. The Springs are incredibly beautiful. We got to see lots of manatees, alligators, turtles, and birds. Sadly, we did not see any monkeys. I highly recommend! Male a reservation in advance to guarantee you get on one of the boats.

Great boat ride. Beautiful area and lots of wildlife. Had a great time. The only not so great was the restaurant. We ordered cheese sticks and cheese bread. Way too greasy. Try the ice cream instead.

My wife and I were able to return to Silver Springs State Park and take one of the glass bottom boat tours this time. We definitely recommend taking the 90 minute tour as opposed to the 30 minute one. Our captain and guide, T.C., did an excellent job telling us about the history of the park and the details of the springs. He also pointed out the wildlife and gave us details about the ecosystem. We were fortunate to see a number of the animals that inhabit the river including manatees, alligators, monkeys, and numerous wading birds. After the boat ride, we had lunch at the cafe and were impressed with the food quality and prices. This is a great place to spend the day.

My mother-in-law was in town and we took a troop up there to rent a canoe and see wildlife. The water was beautiful, as a spring is always are, we saw alligator, turtles, tons of birds and fish! The water is absolutely clear. We did our own little thing in a canoe with three of us... And my service dog. We had an absolutely wonderful time and will definitely go back. I would suggest doing a tour because we caught a few tours that were giving some pretty cool information and we will definitely try that next time. After we were done we went hiking a little bit. We ran into a gentleman who was liking along the trail and he warned us that there are bear there. So next time I will definitely take some mace with us just in case. But the paths are well marked and it's beautiful. Lots of hiking to be had. It's pretty flat but very sandy.

What a beautiful place. We went to the park and rode the 90 minutes Glass bottom boat for the very reasonable senior discounted price of $25 a person. Captain Luke was knowledgeable and funny. It was a really nice boat ride. We saw anhingas, turtles, alligators, monkeys and several other birds. What a beautiful place. I'm glad that it is a state park. We are lucky to have such a nice place

My friend came to visit so we played tourists for the day and drove to the spring for the glass bottom boat ride and brunch. We had such a lovely visit in the park. The park is beautiful, we'll maintained, lovely local vegetation and wildlife from birds to reptiles. We strolled the pathway for a while taking it all in. The glass boat ride did not disappoint with one exception no Manatee but we saw the wonderous and famous springs, turtles, alligator and tons of birds. The Captain was entertaining and knowledgeable about the history of the springs. Then we enjoyed brunch at the café on sight. We lingered there for a while enjoying sangria, coffee drinks and of course delicious entrees of eggs Benny and chicken and waffles. After brunch we enjoyed checking out the shops and the water fountain. All in all a great park for a visit. I look forward to returning for some kayaking

Wow.. what an amazing way to spend a few hours! We rented the glass bottom kayaks which were very easy to control after about a minute in them. They are made to not tip very easy and one person on the tour with us went from sitting to kneeling and moving to the front to get a picture with no issues at all. Alyssa, our guide, was very knowledgeable, kind and beautiful. Our time in the water was 2 hours and every minute we were finding something to see. Manatees, turtles, alligators, they have monkeys but were not around on this day, fish etc. A very peaceful experience and perfect for most anyone that can get into a kayak and paddle. You will not be disappointed with the site for sure. There is some places to eat etc on site as well.

This is a must-see experience if you do the 90 minute glass bottom boat tour. The Springs are incredibly beautiful. We got to see lots of manatees, alligators, turtles, and birds. Sadly, we did not see any monkeys. I highly recommend! Male a reservation in advance to guarantee you get on one of the boats.

Great boat ride. Beautiful area and lots of wildlife. Had a great time. The only not so great was the restaurant. We ordered cheese sticks and cheese bread. Way too greasy. Try the ice cream instead.

Capt Chad was fantastic. He is very knowledgeable, safe, and hospitable. We saw a variety of water fowl, turtles, and alligators of various sizes ranging from babies to 7 footers! Due to current hunting season pressure, we didn't see any dinosaur sized gators, but the 7 footers were plenty big enough for our visit. The staff in the office/gift store were also very friendly and knowledgeable, and we were even allowed to hold a baby gator. The grounds of Tom & Jerry's are well maintained and park-like with enclosures for tortoises and alligators for your viewing pleasure, as well as several areas for taking family photos and such. There is also an area that was being improved for sluicing pay dirt for buried treasures. The gift shop was well appointed with many affordable items on offer including locally sourced crafts, local honey, T-shirts/apparel,and of course items created from the alligators themselves. The items appeared well crafted and not just junk from China, so we all made several purchases. Capt. Chad and all of the Tom & Jerry's staff made us feel safe and welcome and I highly recommend this establishment for a FUN family outing!

Our office team recently had the pleasure of experiencing an airboat tour at Tom & Jerry’s, and it was nothing short of incredible! From start to finish, the outing was a perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and team bonding. Captain Chad was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly engaging, sharing fascinating facts about the local wildlife and ecosystem while also being funny. The airboat ride itself was exhilarating and a thrill we won’t soon forget. The property owner was on-site during our tour and took the time to great every guest. The property is clean and well kept. We were really impressed. In summary, the setting was serene and picturesque, offering a much-needed escape from the office life. It was the perfect way to unwind and connect with colleagues in a unique and memorable way. We highly recommend it!

This was the best experience of our whole trip! Captain Monte gave us the very best airboat tour - we saw lots of alligators, birds, turtles, and he made it fun and exciting. Kayla, in the store, let our kids hold the baby gator as much as they wanted, she was so helpful, kind, and patient. Our kids loved the gem mining and tortoises as well. HIGHLY recommend paying them a visit!!!!!!

We were looking for a fun activity to do while my parents were down visiting from PA, and Tom and Jerry’s didn’t disappoint. Captain Dexter was extremely knowledgeable about the lake and all its inhabitants, had a great sense of humor, and gave my 8 year old son a special gift on our way out. The staff were all super friendly and helpful as well. We’ll recommend Tom and Jerry’s and specifically Captain Dexter to anyone…it was a wonderful experience.

We had a great time with Monty out on the water. The new owners have dramatically improved the facility, and the staff is courteous, helpful, and friendly. The boat was well maintained and ran great, and Monty added a lot of helpful commentary with some education mixed in. It was a GREAT Experience!

My husband and I decided to do something different this weekend and went for the airboat tour. Arrived super early and had time to walk around and take pictures of the area, met our captain and got to speak with him for a bit. Super nice staff, plenty to do while waiting on our turn out. I totally enjoyed the ride and got to see some of this huge lake.

We had a very enjoyable airboat ride with Captain Chad! He was knowledgeable & funny. We got to see a lot of alligators including a nest of baby gators. We saw a couple hawks, Blue Herons, Ibis & lots of birds & turtles. We enjoyed when he went fast & did some spins. Definitely would recommend Tom & Jerry’s Airboat rides. Place was clean & staff all very Friendly!

The place is showing its age especially in the public restrooms. Beautify bass faucets but some are broken. I understand the mannequins display is intended to show the uniforms from different military branches but in my opinion, the faces of the mannequins are a distraction and almost creepy. Other military-theme decor was nice.

What an absolute delight it was to spend time here. What a beautiful place and the people were so nice! Thank you for an amazing day. My besties hubby was being honored with a quilt made by some amazing women. They were honoring him for his service as a Vietnam Veteran. Remember how hard it was when they came back and they were disrespected? They were only doing what they were told, by their boss, the Commander and Chief. I can't imagine how much that must have hurt. How their hearts were broken. From my heart to yours, THANK YOU to all of the Veterans and current members of our great nation. You will be honored and respected from now on.

We take Aerobic Dance classes there. The staff is friendly. One thing is that parties are held in the biggest room and they must have food. We often find large sticky spots on the floor and they stay there more than several weeks. A sticky spot can make us trip or stumble possibly spraining or breaking an ankle, knee, hip and even a back. Most of us taking that class and 70 plus.

My favorite Recreation Center. Beautifully decorated with mementos from people who live in the Villages. Take the time to read some of the documents there. Letters about POWs are particularly moving. You can literally spend hours there seeing everything. The building is also meticulously maintained.

Having served on the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1980 to 1984, I was excited to visit the Eisenhower center in The Villages. What a beautiful memorial to all the military branches and to those who served. I was slightly disappointed, though, that there was very little about the namesake aircraft carrier which I called home for 4.5 years. There are all sorts of donated military memorabilia on display. The most heart wrenching were the letters to families informing them that their loved ones had been lost in action. I was surprised to hear a big band orchestra playing in one on the large auditoriums. Bravo! Quite a collection of talented local resident musicians practicing their passion.

Puppy-favorite place to walk around and hanging out by the front porch. 🐾❤️

Great space for club meetings and other events. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed. The grounds and outdoor facilities are top notch.

Large flea market, anything you could ever possibly need or want is here. It's very dirty, especially the restrooms. I would not trust any of the food vendors here. Additionally, almost nobody seemed to barter here??? I've never been to an outdoor market where the vendors are so unwilling the barter.

The flea market was an incredible experience filled with endless treasures and amazing deals! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a vibrant atmosphere buzzing with energy. Vendors showcased a wide variety of items, from vintage clothing and unique home decor to handmade crafts and delicious local food. One of the standout aspects of the market was the affordability of the goods. I found some fantastic deals on vintage records and antique furniture that would typically cost much more elsewhere. Haggling with the friendly vendors added to the fun, and it was rewarding to walk away with unique finds at a fraction of the price. Additionally, the diversity of products was impressive. Whether you’re looking for collectibles, artisanal foods, or quirky gifts, there’s something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed discovering local artisans who shared their stories and passion for their crafts. Overall, the flea market offers a delightful shopping experience that’s not just about finding great deals, but also about connecting with the community and supporting local businesses. I can’t wait to return and see what new treasures await!

Really enjoyed the Swap o Rama. Stayed at a camp grounds about 6 miles away and drove it to Websters the next day. Plant of room to park! They charged us 6.00 since we were so big. We were happy to pay it. It was a beautiful weekend. Lots of vendors and reasonable prices!

It's fun on a good day. I have a booth there B91 & 93

It was not exactly what I was expecting but it was MUCH larger than anticipated as there appear to be a few different areas. We went during a slower time of year and maybe 1/3 of the booths/stalls were occupied. There was a swap area, a farmers market area, clothes and what looked like where small business went to sell off their inventory. It is A LOT of walking so be prepared for ZERO air conditioning and very little shade. Will definitely go back when it's busier to see what else I can find.

If you've never been it's definitely something to experience. Huge layout, well spaced, parking is kind of a PITA but there is ample amount. Decent deals available, a great variety amongst sellers. Check it out

This is a huge flea market that you can spend all day walking and looking and not see it all. There is something for everyone here no matter what you are looking for. There are lots of places to eat and get a drink. One parking lot is $2 to park, but if you get there early or late there is one area to park free.

Great place for live music 🎶, plenty of different and unique shops around. Very, very clean, well taken care of, no trash sitting on th ground, which is a huge plus. They have a bar with DECENT pricing, I couldn't believe it when I asked how much a Jack and Coke was (6 single, 11 double). Being that it is in the world famous villages, it is a very friendly community with everyone on their golf carts, waving to everyone because everyone knows everyone and if they don't know you then they want to get to know you, so you better be a friendly person haha. My girlfriend performs out here with bands she plays in so there is always a good turn out. The pictures don't do much justice due to it raining but I will update the review, add pictures and some videos.

This place is absolutely amazing! Lots of music, food, drinks! Entertainment every night on the town square 5pm-9pm. A must see and do! Golf carts welcome! They have other locations as well, such as Brownwood, Lake Sumter landing, and Village of Fenney.

What an enjoyable evening! This was our first time there. People were friendly, the food at Amerikano's was delicious. And let's not forget the ice cream at Kikwins. We walked around with our German Shepherds, sat and listened to the Rundown band. Awesome! We will keep an eye out where they play after we move down to the Village.

I know Lake Sumter is the more popular choice, and I DO love it there, but a smaller, more intimate experience is sometimes just what I'm looking for! Recognizing people you've tapped with in the past is nice. The restaurants that are still there are excellent, and I'm looking forward to the renovations being done and a slew of new restaurants and bars coming in!

Absolutely wonderful spot to walk around and enjoy what the area has to offer. When I visited, they were getting ready to celebrate St Patrick's day. It was so much fun. They had beautiful antique cars on display, and they were getting ready for a parade. Absolutely gorgeous. I will definitely be back to explore some more of this area.

There is considerable construction going on right now which will affect the parking for carts and cars. Lots going on here..great place to hang out ..security present which I like but didn't need..shops are abundant and great restaurants also from sit down to take out to coffee and ice cream! Mens and women’s bathrooms are available a short walk down the street. Cash, credit and debit accepted at mostly all the shops. Beautiful surroundings. Great entertainment every night.

Very clean. Music was fabulous. Bartenders were very nice and efficient!

Loved this spring unlike other springs in the area this one wasn't as busy, and was far less expensive. For a family of 4 it was about $40 for the day. There is plenty of shade, picnic tables, restrooms are also onsite right as you enter. They have grills (first come basis) alot of people brought their own grills, canopy tents, coolers, and chairs. The water is a bit chilly which is expected but there are other springs that are far colder. The kids loved it, and didn't complain. Great place to snorkel lots of big fish, and blue crabs. There are several cave type areas where the spring water comes up. Just be aware of fearless little ones attempting things they shouldn't. The steps going down to the water, as well as the rocks in the spring are extremely slippery. Walk slow, or bring water shoes.

The Salt Springs campground offers great convenience for travelers. We appreciated the paved roads not only throughout the main area, but also right into the campsites, making for easy setup. The facilities were excellent, with clean bathrooms and shower stalls. Best of all, the beautiful spring itself is right there to enjoy. It's a wonderful, convenient spot if you're passing through the area.

This is the perfect place to relax! The recreational area is well-organized and kept clean. The staff is friendly and very capable. I even captured a bear on my night-vision camera! Just remember to follow all the rules and store food properly, and everything will be fine. The springs are lovely, and you can dive into three different caves. It's not crowded at all, and the area is super clean. It's beautiful, and we will definitely come back!

I spent a weekend camping near a large natural spring. The spring has only one entrance, and it is completely surrounded by a metal fence. The area is well maintained, with several picnic tables and many oak trees providing shade. The water is clear and cold, and the surroundings create a peaceful atmosphere. During the day, I walked around the area and enjoyed the calm environment. At night, the temperature dropped

Nice park, spacious picnic area. We got a free 'Visitor pass' valid for 15 min to look around and take some pictures. We will come back and stay longer.

Nice, very clean park, we are staying 2 weeks and so far its not been real busy. Camping sites are big and roomy, not piled on top of each other like a parking lot. Staff are friendly and helpful.

Awesome campsite. Full hookups and well maintained. Quiet respectful campers. Only downsides is the proximity to the highway. You can hear road noise throughout the day/night. I was at full hook up site 42, a little closer to the highway, so maybe on the other side of the campground it's not so bad. Overall though, I found it very peaceful. We camped at Jeanie springs and it was party town, this was a way much nicer atmosphere. Quiet and peaceful. The springs were clear, and in the winter time, only a couple swimmers. Pretty water. Lots of fish, and a good ammount of blue crabs to look at.

We went to Juniper Springs on a Saturday around 2 in the afternoon. There was about a 30 minute wait to get in. We didn't realize that we'd been there before but quickly recognized it after seeing the spring. Juniper is a medium sized spring. There is a wall built up around it with a ledge in the water. The area around the spring is terraced to allow people to sit on a flat surface. Pros: staff is friendly. No reservations required. Feels great in the heat. Bugs aren't bad in the summer. Buzzards leave you alone. Cons: If you want to snorkel, there's really not much to see. The springs is small enough and has a sandy bottom and can get pretty cloudy with everyone swimming in it. Boardwalk is down for the time being.

This place is ridiculously priced we were charged $46 for three people and EVERYTHING except the small swim hole was open. The trails are very unkempt , the bathrooms were disgusting thank goodness the lights didn't even work in them otherwise it was probably worse then we thought, there no one was around to help, there is no reason to be charging these prices for literally nothing offered. Go to Silver Springs it's beautiful and they only charge $5 a car load! DO BETTER, close up or charge WAY LESS!!

Juniper Springs used to be a beautiful place, but much of the facility is clearly in disrepair. The boardwalk through the jungle has been broken for a long time and doesn’t seem to be getting fixed. There used to be a way to swim along the river, but that’s no longer possible either. The spring itself is lovely for swimming, and the jungle trail could be wonderful if it were maintained and open for public. As it stands, though, the park is in serious need of renovation. At $60 (Labour day), the admission feels way too expensive, especially when there are other springs and state parks nearby where you can pay around $10 per car and enjoy a well-kept experience.

It's a cute spring, basically a hole in the ground but the kayaking was fun, took 4 hours and a lot of exercise. The owners of this place don't know how to run a park, they will strand you at the loading site if you miss the time they're supposed to pick you up after the kayaking. Our pickup time was for 3:00, we got there at 2:58 and the bus already left, and they didn't come get us until 5:00 because I wouldn't stop calling their office. We were told that we've gotta find someone to come get us even tho we didn't miss our time and we're here on vacation, been there done that won't be coming back 👍

Everything is run down and broke. The trail is closed and has been for a long time. The picnic gazebo is shutdown and fenced off. They paid someone to put a chainlink fence around this rundown gazebo instead of repairing and replacing. It makes no sense. Seems whoever runs the show sucks at their job. To top it off you have kid lifeguards yelling though a megaphone every minute not to jump 8n the water. Yea you heard it right. You can't jump in the water. Not dive. Jump. It's a natural spring and you can't jump or dive. Such a waste. Fire the useless lifeguards and let people enjoy the springs. It's bad enough you have to pay 15 dollars a head and all you get is a dilapidated park and obnoxious lifeguards. Place turned to a waste

Juniper Springs Recreation Area was a big letdown. They charge $15 per person (incl. taxes), not per car, which feels like too much. The main pool was packed with people, like a crowded mess, so it wasn’t fun. The Millhouse Exposition was a joke—just an empty building with nothing inside. We went there to kayak, but it was closed, and nobody told us at the entrance. That’s why we came, so it was really upsetting. When we talked to the staff about it, they just said, “Your money helps keep the park open.” I’m okay with supporting parks, but I want to know what I’m paying for upfront. Be honest with visitors! If they don’t fix these issues, people won’t want to come back.

All of the recent low reviews are right….$15/person to park. Trails have been closed for years. Building isn’t open, bathrooms are closed. Staff isn’t friendly. You can’t even swim in the water. We walked up towards the edge to look at fish (which is a paved walkway) and got yelled at. Absolutely nothing to do, but park your car and get yelled at. Shouldn’t even be an entrance fee. Go to ANY OTHER spring!!

Sunsets are beautiful over the lake. Benches line the lake for people’s comfort. Nice children’s park good eateries nearby

We always have a pretty good time here, we go to the little kid side for our toddlers. Always the best and most beautiful pics by the lake 😍 I love walking out on the dock over the water and seeing the alligators and other wildlife as well. Beautiful area that my kids love and have a blast.

What a beautiful night in Eustis! The fireworks show was absolutely stunning — such a great way to celebrate together as a community. So grateful to live in a town that brings people together with moments like this. ❤️🇺🇸

Really nice park. Nice setting. Looking out over the lake, enjoying the wildlife e.g. birds, gators, etc. as well as the sea planes and boats navigating at the same time.

Amazing view. Great parking and plenty of stuff around. Including my jewelry crystal shop across the parking lot.

Very nice water front park. Nice playground although not a lot for smaller/toddler children. Geared more towards elementary school age kids, but a nice park to run and play. Fishing off dock also aquatic center and an outdoor music venue. Plenty of shade trees and shade canopies to escape the hot sun when needed. Bathroom facilities available during day time. Very nice.

I really enjoy going to Ferran Park and walking around the lake. It’s also a pleasure to experience the market and meet the small business owners and people of the community.