Andi's Weeki Wachee Area Guidebook
Food scene
This restaurant is located on the river and has a great view from the upstairs outdoor deck overlooking the river, the kayak rental next door and Rogers Park across the river. Alot of activity to see. Also, the downstairs has a bar right next to the river. The food is OK.
77 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Upper Deck
5386 Darlene StThis restaurant is located on the river and has a great view from the upstairs outdoor deck overlooking the river, the kayak rental next door and Rogers Park across the river. Alot of activity to see. Also, the downstairs has a bar right next to the river. The food is OK.
Eclectic and fun atmosphere with great food!
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
BeckyJack's Food Shack
8070 Cortez BlvdEclectic and fun atmosphere with great food!
Bar scene with decent food. The sign out front reads "Warm Beer, Lousy Food"
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Drunken Mullet
3306 Shoal Line BlvdBar scene with decent food. The sign out front reads "Warm Beer, Lousy Food"
Good food and a very nice outdoor patio area in the back along a canal where you can feed fish and turtles and may even see a gator!
42 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Silver Dolphin Restaurant
4036 Shoal Line BlvdGood food and a very nice outdoor patio area in the back along a canal where you can feed fish and turtles and may even see a gator!
Good food, fun patio atmosphere along a canal with a resident gator below whenever we have visited!
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Lazy Lizard
3192 Shoal Line BlvdGood food, fun patio atmosphere along a canal with a resident gator below whenever we have visited!
Good Italian food, popular place, and very close, even walking distance.
41 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Bella Napoli Restaurant
7390 Shoal Line BlvdGood Italian food, popular place, and very close, even walking distance.
We have not been there but have heard it is good food.
55 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Brian's Place
3430 Shoal Line BlvdWe have not been there but have heard it is good food.
Good food and a patio area overlooking the commercial fishing docks of Hernando Beach.
33 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
ZigZag Scallop
4417 Calienta StGood food and a patio area overlooking the commercial fishing docks of Hernando Beach.
Beautiful view from the outdoor patio overlooking the salt marsh area.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bayport Inn
4835 Cortez BlvdBeautiful view from the outdoor patio overlooking the salt marsh area.
Sightseeing
Please check the park website for operating status due to Covid 19.
The park contains the headspring of the Weeki Wachee river and is world famous for the mermaid show which has been "swimming their tails off" since the 1940's! It's a must see!
The park also features Buccaneer Bay waterpark which is open in the summertime. Also, a nature show and river cruise are included in the admission. The fee for admission is very reasonable.
During the summer, expect long lines forming an hour before the park opens. The park will reach capacity most days so you'll need to be there in that line. We have found that going on a day that begins with thunderstorms that subside early on makes for a less crowded visit.
556 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iparke yaseWeeki Wachee Springs State
6131 Commercial WayPlease check the park website for operating status due to Covid 19.
The park contains the headspring of the Weeki Wachee river and is world famous for the mermaid show which has been "swimming their tails off" since the 1940's! It's a must see!
The park also features Buccaneer Bay waterpark which is open in the summertime. Also, a nature show and river cruise are included in the admission. The fee for admission is very reasonable.
During the summer, expect long lines forming an hour before the park opens. The park will reach capacity most days so you'll need to be there in that line. We have found that going on a day that begins with thunderstorms that subside early on makes for a less crowded visit.
This is a nice sandy beach on the Gulf only 5- 10 minutes from our vacation home. There is a fee for parking (approx. $5.00) and the parking fills up early on the weekends and summertime.
69 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pine Island Beach Park
10800 Pine Island DrThis is a nice sandy beach on the Gulf only 5- 10 minutes from our vacation home. There is a fee for parking (approx. $5.00) and the parking fills up early on the weekends and summertime.
This is a great way to see the pristine Weeki Wachee River with minimal paddling!
Reservations are required and sometimes many days in advance.
You can rent kayaks from them and paddle all the way downstream to Rogers Park where they pick you up and bring you back (approx. 5.5 mile distance) or bring one of ours to launch and paddle back to the house (approx. 4 miles). If you bring ours, you will need to consider how to get back to your vehicle.
556 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iparke yaseWeeki Wachee Springs State
6131 Commercial WayThis is a great way to see the pristine Weeki Wachee River with minimal paddling!
Reservations are required and sometimes many days in advance.
You can rent kayaks from them and paddle all the way downstream to Rogers Park where they pick you up and bring you back (approx. 5.5 mile distance) or bring one of ours to launch and paddle back to the house (approx. 4 miles). If you bring ours, you will need to consider how to get back to your vehicle.
Approx. 20 minutes north, this natural area is great for paddling and features the 7 sisters spring which is a shallow area where you can snorkel and swim through small interconnecting caverns. You may find kayak rental here too.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chassahowitzka River Lodge
8501 W Miss Maggie DrApprox. 20 minutes north, this natural area is great for paddling and features the 7 sisters spring which is a shallow area where you can snorkel and swim through small interconnecting caverns. You may find kayak rental here too.
This is still on the list of places we want to check out. It looks beautiful!
Buford Spring at Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
US-19This is still on the list of places we want to check out. It looks beautiful!
NJoy Spirits Distillery
7237 Commercial WayOff the beaten path historic distilery
Nice place to walk or bike through natural setting.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Weeki Wachee Preserve
2345 Osowaw BlvdNice place to walk or bike through natural setting.
Nearby park on the salt marsh area with nice views and a kayak launch
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Linda Pedersen Park
6400 Shoal Line BlvdNearby park on the salt marsh area with nice views and a kayak launch
Jenkin's Creek Park
6401 Shoal Line BlvdPicturesque nearby area on the salt marsh.
130 foot deep sinkhole in the river just a little upriver from Rogers Park. Legend is that sick fish and manatee come here to convalesce and recuperate. You'll need to take a kayak or boat here.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hospital Hole
5490 Darlene St130 foot deep sinkhole in the river just a little upriver from Rogers Park. Legend is that sick fish and manatee come here to convalesce and recuperate. You'll need to take a kayak or boat here.
Activities
Fun water park on a man made lake about 20-25 minutes away
125 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
SunWest Park
17362 Old Dixie HwyFun water park on a man made lake about 20-25 minutes away
This park offers a riverfront setting with picnic and swim area. It offers a boat launch for motorboats and kayaks. There is limited parking so it fills up early on weekends and summertime. This is the pick up point for kayaks rented from the state park and a local hangout for folks who do not have waterfront property at their disposal.
49 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Roger's Park
7244 Shoal Line BlvdThis park offers a riverfront setting with picnic and swim area. It offers a boat launch for motorboats and kayaks. There is limited parking so it fills up early on weekends and summertime. This is the pick up point for kayaks rented from the state park and a local hangout for folks who do not have waterfront property at their disposal.
If you would like to paddleboard on the river, contact these neighbors of ours, who rent good paddleboards and provide instruction and guidance too. Their paddleboard business is from their home which is on the same street as our vacation rental.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
SUP WEEKI
6895 E Richard DrIf you would like to paddleboard on the river, contact these neighbors of ours, who rent good paddleboards and provide instruction and guidance too. Their paddleboard business is from their home which is on the same street as our vacation rental.
City/town information
Brooksville
Historic Old Florida town.
Old Florida spring town about 30 minutes north. Several local favorite waterfront restaurants, a monkey island, and wildlife park. Great paddling area too.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Homosassa
Old Florida spring town about 30 minutes north. Several local favorite waterfront restaurants, a monkey island, and wildlife park. Great paddling area too.
About 45 minutes north, this spring area features several springs for diving and snorkeling including the very beautiful 3 sisters spring.
190 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Crystal River
3266 N Sailboat AveAbout 45 minutes north, this spring area features several springs for diving and snorkeling including the very beautiful 3 sisters spring.
This Greek small town is known for its sponge docks and features a very walkable main street along the waterfront featuring lots of gift shops and Greek restaurants. It is worth a visit! Approx. 45 minutes south.
340 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tarpon Springs Castle Winery
320 E Tarpon AveThis Greek small town is known for its sponge docks and features a very walkable main street along the waterfront featuring lots of gift shops and Greek restaurants. It is worth a visit! Approx. 45 minutes south.
Neighborhoods
This is where you are staying! Take the kayaks / canoes we have provided and go explore the river! A short paddle down our canal is the crystal clear Weeki Wachee River. There is a sandbar where the canal meets the river which is a local gathering spot and on most days a snack boat selling hot dogs, ice cream and soda is parked there!
Head upstream for the natural undeveloped beauty. It's approx. 4 miles to the headspring and the water gets more clear and blue the further upstream you go.
If you turn downstream, you will see homes built along the right bank and more people on the river. It's about a mile and a half to Rogers Park and just before getting there you will pass Hospital Hole, a 130 foot deep sinkhole on the river where it is legend that manatees and fish find healing and recuperation.
Keep your eyes out for manatee which are a regular sighting. Sometimes you may see an otter and even a dolphin that has made its way up the river.
You are also likely to see manatee pass by the dock out back.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Weeki Wachee Gardens
This is where you are staying! Take the kayaks / canoes we have provided and go explore the river! A short paddle down our canal is the crystal clear Weeki Wachee River. There is a sandbar where the canal meets the river which is a local gathering spot and on most days a snack boat selling hot dogs, ice cream and soda is parked there!
Head upstream for the natural undeveloped beauty. It's approx. 4 miles to the headspring and the water gets more clear and blue the further upstream you go.
If you turn downstream, you will see homes built along the right bank and more people on the river. It's about a mile and a half to Rogers Park and just before getting there you will pass Hospital Hole, a 130 foot deep sinkhole on the river where it is legend that manatees and fish find healing and recuperation.
Keep your eyes out for manatee which are a regular sighting. Sometimes you may see an otter and even a dolphin that has made its way up the river.
You are also likely to see manatee pass by the dock out back.
Amacebiso ngesixeko
Bhukisha ngaphambi kokuba uhambe
Kayaking from the Weeki Wachee Spring
Make sure you have a reservation if you plan to rent kayaks or put in at the headspring.
Bhukisha ngaphambi kokuba uhambe
Boat Rentals
If you are interested in a small inflatable motorboat to cruise the river, then contact Weeki Wachee Boat Rentals and they will deliver the boat to our dock and you can use it for the duration of your stay, then they will pick it up after check out. Visit www.WeekiWacheeBoatRentals.com
If you are interested in renting a larger boat such as a pontoon to take out in the Gulf, Hernando Beach is just 10 minutes west of us and has several rental options: Hernando Beach Marina, Blue Pelican Marina and the Hernando Beach Motel all rent boats. Make sure you have a reservation during scallop season.
Amasiko nenkcubeko
Alcohol is not permitted on the River
County ordinance prohibits alcohol on the Weeki Wachee River and law enforcement patrols the river on waverunners. They write a steep fine to anyone observed to posses alcohol.
Ungaphoswa
Scallop Season
Scallop season runs from July 1- Sept 30 and requires a saltwater fishing license. This fun and family friendly activity requires taking a boat approximately 3 miles offshore where the water is in the 6 to 8 foot depth. You simply snorkel around spotting scallops on the sea floor and pick them up. You may gather up to 2 gallons per person, 10 gallons per boat. It's a fun, easy and they are delicious. Rent a boat for the day from one of the marinas in Hernando Beach. Start as early as possible because the day will fly by! Ask your boat rental where to best find the scallops!
Ungaphoswa
Swamp Fest Weeki Wachee
This annual local festival is held the first weekend in March. It includes live music, food, vendors and more.
Visit: www.swampfestweekiwachee.com
Ungaphoswa
Battle Reenactment at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
This takes place on the first full weekend of January every year. It is a battle reenactment to commemorate the site of Dade's Battle of 1835, a momentous event that spawned the longest and most costly American Indian war in U.S. history
Visit: www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dade-battlefield-historic-state-park for more info
Ukuhamba-hamba
Grocery Stores
There is a Winn Dixie at the intersection where the state park is located. There is a Publix further south on on US 19. There is a Walmart further south on US 19 and another on Cortez a few miles east of US 19.
Ukuhamba-hamba
Chain Restaurants
There are numerous chain restaurants just a few miles east of US 19 on Cortez. These include Texas Roadhouse, Chilis, Macaroni Grill, a Japanese steakhouse, Chinese buffet, Chik-Fil-A and most other fast food and others.
Ukuhamba-hamba
Breweries
There are two craft breweries in Spring Hill, Marker 48 Brewing and Tidal Brewing Company.