Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

You can spend a day or more at Weeki Wachee Springs—and should plan to. Once you've hit the waterslides, swam, and paddled, don't miss the main attraction: the Mermaid shows are held twice daily at the park's amphitheater, which looks down into the spring water through a glass-fronted basin. Seating is first-come, first-served, and shows involve performances of classic children's tales with musical numbers and feats such as drinking and eating underwater.

• The park has several food concessions, two restaurants, and an ice cream shop.

• Amenities include accessible picnic tables, showers, and restrooms.

• Mermaid shows are subject to cancellation due to bad weather.

• Theater doors open 30 minutes before show time. Doors close once the theater is full.

• Swimming in the Weeki Wachee River is not allowed, but it’s encouraged in the springs at Buccaneer Bay.

• Children 5 and under enter for free.

Weeki Wachee Spring is in Spring Hill in west central Florida at the intersection of State Route 50 and Highway 19. Your best option for getting there is driving—it's about 45 minutes from Tampa and two hours from Orlando. Parking is available in the lot on the park's southwest side near Buccaneer Bay.

Once full, the park closes to new visitors; it's best to arrive early on sunny days to ensure admission. Mermaid shows are held twice daily at 11am and 3pm. To catch the performances, arrive when doors open 30 minutes before showtime, as seating is first-come, first-served and can fill up.

Weeki Wachee Springs is mostly about the mermaids. However, if you're visiting with kids or are looking for a thrill, you can drop down the two water slides and experience the kiddie pool and lazy river at Buccaneer Bay. You won't find roller coasters here, but you can rent a kayak to paddle down the Weeki Wachee or spend the day lounging on the white sand beach.