Cedar Key isn't huge and so there aren't too many places to "beach" but this is the only one I…read morespotted. I found easy parking (no shade) that was close enough that I could plug my Sprinter van into one of the chargers for some free electricity to power up the house battery. I managed to get here early enough to have one of the "first come, first served" pavilions that had a working power outlet. Sitting here for a couple of hours with my laptop while watching the people coming and going and with the beach right over there, it was perfection. There's even a public restroom and they have BBQ grills. This is a wonderful spot. Enjoy and don't forget to support local vendors and restaurants. Prickly Palm is great for coffee! [Review 372 of 2025 - 2022 in Florida - 23934 overall]

Little shark park's ...a ....great place to park. And enjoy a small, clean, netted beach as I saw…read moreso many happy families doing. There's bathrooms and pavilions, places to enjoy a picnic or barbeque. It's within walking distance of all things fun Cedar Key. Enjoyable. Fun.

From Tampa, it took an hour and 30 minutes to get to the river. We first wanted to take a swim in…read morethe swimming area so we went there first before it got really crazy. The area is a bit small and there isn't really a lot of sun spots for you to chill at. It is cool to experience once but I think if you tube, you still will be able to get a swim in because parts of the river are pretty deep. After the swim area, we headed to the tubing section. It is a 15 minute drive from the main park entrance. The fee was 54 for two people that had an annual pass. Highly recommend bringing a small cooler with snacks and drinks and an extra tube for it. It took us about 2 hours to float back to our car and the river is very calm and relaxing. I've floated a river in San Antonio but wasn't as nice as Rainbow springs. Very clean and the water is sooo clear. Overall, really enjoyed our day visit to this state park!

Our tubing trip down the river was pretty, but it was quite boring. It took us two hours to float…read morefrom the entrance to exit, and it was extremely slow. We kept getting stuck in trees and bushes. The fun part was getting to swim in the clear water and passing off our tubes to a floating friend to hold onto. We also saw an otter. The lady at the rental station was very generous and let us borrow multiple pairs of goggles and masks. There were a bunch of motorboats passing by and blasting their music. They disturbed us with their waves and noise. It was around $27 per person in addition to $5 for one vehicle, and we paid all the fees upon entrance to the parking lot. They take you on a safari-like tram to get to the tubing entrance. I strongly recommend water shoes because my friends were suffering while barefoot on the hot ground. The walk was unexpectedly long and painful for my barefoot friends. They don't have showers or any sort of water spout/hose, so it was kind of gross to not be able to rinse the river gunk off then drive hours back to a major city. They have restrooms, but they were already closed when we walked from the river exit back to the tube station, even though the actual park wasn't closed yet, and there were still employees there. This was very inconvenient, and I wish they had at least told us in advance because we didn't have a place to change. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect the restrooms to stay open while the park is open. Also, they have you sign a waiver that says you must wear a lifejacket at all times. They didn't even offer us one, so I was baffled why they made us sign a waiver that said that. Can't they get into legal trouble if they don't actually provide lifejackets? I was troubled by the fact that we had to sign something that wasn't in the slightest bit enforced.

This park is clean and well-staffed. Most of the time, the concession is serving an assortment of…read morekid-loving snacks. There is enough room for everyone, The water is warm (lmao). It's great for birthdays, anniversary, whatever party you want to have. I think you can reserve a table or two, Have fun!!!

My wife and I, along with a few others, booked our campsites online. The cost was $30 per night,…read morebut there are discounts for senior citizens and those with disabilities. Our campsite had running water and electric hookups, but the space was relatively small, accommodating two decent-sized tents, a trailer, and a vehicle. We weren't sure about overflow parking, but they didn't mind when I parked my truck near an unmarked site. There was a dump station on the other side for RVs. The bathhouse was centrally located and clean, stocked with hand soap and toilet paper, although it lacked shampoo in the showers. We observed a variety of wildlife, including deer, otters, turtles, a snake, and squirrels. A raccoon, which I affectionately named "Gangster," rummaged through our belongings at night, even opening a cooler without a latch - amusing yet slightly concerning. A nice walking path leads to the boat dock, and there's a boat ramp for kayaks and canoes, but remember it's a walking path, not accessible by vehicle. The spring itself was spacious and not overly crowded, much better than Ginnie Springs, though there was a noticeable amount of algae on the surface. The store nearby offered snacks, food, and ice cream at reasonable prices, which the kids loved. We saw many dog owners, and it seemed dogs were prohibited only in or near the spring, although some were swimming near the boat ramp. Overall, it's a pleasant campsite, but there are a few drawbacks: numerous ticks and horseflies were present, and the area is very dark at night. There are no trash cans at the sites, so you'll need to bring your own container and take your trash to the dumpster. Lastly, the check-in process was slow due to limited staff.

Florida scrub is becoming a rare sight these days. There is very little scrub this size left in the…read morestate. We saw scrub jays, gopher tortoises, a bald eagle and deer during our visit. Wow! It looked as though there was some restoration going on but the scrub was beautiful!

Coming from Fl 24, there is a signage on the side leading to this hidden park which to be honest…read morefeels like a privately owned park because no one is there. What is interesting is that it is a Florida scrub reserve meaning the ecosystem is different as it is arid and landscape is completely different than other parks around Florida. Plants are mostly oaks and shrubs as may be due to low nutrients of the sandy soil and usually dry. Since we are the only ones around, we felt a bit afraid to go past the corner of the trail. This place is deserted but at least there is a bathroom that is generally clean and accessible.

Hart springs is a beautiful park that has a glorious swimming area, a tall jump into the deeper…read morearea of the spring. The park offers many tables and walk ways to truly explore the property and get a great look at this little arm of the Suwanee River. Come out and experience old Florida

One of our favorite springs to visit. Fun for all ages. All staff are nice and helpful.read more

First time here. One of the smaller St Parks we've been to, but very nice.! They have wonder…read morewhere the music is 5 cabins we stayed in #4. We've stayed in several St.Park cabins. this is probably the nicest! 2bd,sleeps 6 max. Great huge wrap around screened porch-w/ fans,lots, much seating! Back area extra picnic table, barbq grill, clothesline. SO QUIET! Primitive camping only in pk. Beautiful Springs for swimming, all w/in walking from cabin, or pkg lot. Fishing area nearby. Concession open Mem wknd thru summer. Not far away is Manatee Spgs., Nice, bigger St Pk. We have stayed there! Full campgrd there, no cabins-a few restaurants around to go to if desired.

Rangers and staff super friendly and knowledgeable…read more kayaking experience beautiful. Manatees amazing; just be patient and let them come to you.

What a gorgeous park for people to visit!…read more A former quarry, this is now a tierd garden of beautiful flora and fauna. The fountain at the bottom is truly the centerpiece. At Christmas they did a gorgeous job of lighting up in holiday lights. And if you're like me, You go looking for painted rocks ala the Kindness rocks project.

This was a fun walk around a garden that must have seen better days - or today was a dry day. We…read morehad fun, it was an old quarry where the owner envisioned and created a cool upper and lower path around and filled with some water, waterfalls, koi fish, swans, ducks, turtles, and oodles of plants: some unique some local- and even a Japanese stile garden with Tori gate et all. Today we didn't see the center fountain many admired, and sadly the water levels must have been low as the cascades were thin (at best). Nonetheless- we had a good time walking about and spotting an old bonsai tree, some Japanese-style bridges, and even a slithering water snake! How exciting!! In all it was a fun stop that broke our long drive from Tallahassee to Fort Lauderdale, so we had a good time. Entrance fee was a bit steep at $ 12 (for what was offered imho) and there is a veteran/military discounted admission ($6)but make sure you have your DD214 or Retired ID to show or else you will Not qualify. Enjoy!

While waiting for our dog at UF small animal hospital, we decided to spend some time touring around…read moreand we happen to cross Millhopper State Park. And we noticed that there was a sink hole that promised a beautiful view. It was a long way down in a long way up, but the scenery. The view was very beautiful, clean fresh air, and it seemed to be a very popular place. If you haven't been here I would highly recommend you give it a look. It's very well worth a walk and the exercise and fresh air is good for you. The only thing that kind of bothered me was the honor system for people to go down and visit the sinkhole. It's only two dollars per person or four dollars a car load. People were not donating or picking up after their dogs. The park is beautiful but I bet it would be stunning during spring.

Such a great attraction and landmark to visit! You really feel one with nature and history standing…read moreat the bottom of this sinkhole! Low cost and safe! There are a lot of stairs so unfortunately not accessible for those who cannot climb up and down stairs but the nature park is still pretty!

Took multi generation family "to the beach" during a visit to Florida in April. Fort Island Trail…read moreBeach seemed like a good start for us and we enjoyed our visit. Arrived around 11 on a weekday and had a choice of parking spaces. Beach was recently smoothed, keeping in mind the area had suffered during a hurricane 6 months earlier, we found facilities were adequate. Row of porta-potties were available. Boat launch and fishing piers were still closed but we wanted beach that day. There are two rock breakwaters at the far edges of beach and several people were climbing and exploring while tide was out. Rocks were covered towards high tide. Line of markers indicated outer edge of swim area. No lifeguards (we knew that in advance) Plenty of room to set up towels, chairs and toys and room to next group. Kids were originally disappointed no crashing waves (they're use to Atlantic Ocean) but quickly decided the Gulf was better as they weren't getting knocked over. We brought our lunch: be aware, lots of birds trying (and some succeeding) to steal food.

I liked the Area , not all was accessible do to repairs from last years hurricane but all in all is…read morewas nice until the alarm let us know the weather was turning and pretty fast it did ,I also enjoyed the drive there and back . Bring Mosquito repellent !!!

Unbelievable I can't believe this but only 10 months ago we visited a beautiful park and I was…read moreexcited to take dog back during cool weather. There's no more Park!! It's a trail with a thin line of forest on each side and mass production of houses on either side of the trail and trees. We tried to go off the trail to find more nature but they have destroyed it. The Deep Wound: How Environmental Destruction Harms Human and Animal Healing In the natural world, forests are not just ecosystems--they are sanctuaries for healing and life. When forests are destroyed, the impact ripples beyond what the eye can see. From a trauma EcoTherapy and Shamanic perspective, the loss of these sacred spaces profoundly affects both human and animal well-being, cutting us off from the very source of life and spiritual restoration. Forests as Sacred Healing Spaces For millennia, forests have been places where humans and animals alike retreat to heal. The earth beneath our feet, the ancient trees, and the rhythmic cycles of nature hold a profound wisdom that facilitates physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. For those carrying the weight of trauma, nature is not just a place to visit--it is a partner in the healing process. EcoTherapy recognizes that human trauma is intricately linked to the trauma of the earth. Just as humans suffer from wounds of the psyche, the destruction of the environment mirrors and exacerbates those wounds. Forests provide safety, quiet reflection, and an energetic container to process deep pain. When these spaces are destroyed, we lose a vital source of healing. The Animal Kingdom's Silent Suffering Animals, too, seek refuge in forests, not only for survival but for their own innate healing. Trees provide shelter and medicine, while ecosystems offer nourishment and safety. When their homes are destroyed, animals experience displacement, stress, and often death. This destruction severs the ancient relationship of mutual healing between humans and animals--relationships where animals often serve as guides, teachers, and mirrors for our own emotional landscapes. The Consequences of Disconnection When we lose access to nature, our collective trauma deepens. Urban environments, stripped of living ecosystems, amplify feelings of isolation, anxiety, and grief. Without forests to retreat to, trauma survivors are cut off from the natural cycles that regulate the nervous system and reconnect us to a sense of belonging. From a Shamanic perspective, every living being carries a soul contract with the Earth. Trees, animals, and humans are interconnected through unseen threads of spiritual purpose. When forests are razed, these sacred agreements are shattered, leaving open wounds in the physical and energetic worlds. The destruction of nature is not only ecological--it is a spiritual betrayal that fractures our relationship with the Earth Mother herself. Healing Through Sacred Reciprocity Healing these wounds requires a return to reciprocity--a sacred exchange of care between humans and the Earth. By protecting forests, we protect the sanctuaries where healing can occur for both people and animals. Through EcoTherapy practices, we can reconnect with the natural world, remembering that as we care for the Earth, the Earth cares for us. It is our responsibility to stand as guardians of the forests, to preserve the living beings who inhabit them, and to ensure future generations have access to the profound healing that only nature can provide. In the heart of every tree and every creature, there is a truth--when we destroy the Earth, we destroy ourselves. Pamela Nations-Weissman (Namdag Tsomo) Shamanic Life Path Coach, EcoTherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Trauma Specialist "Truth lives in The Dark - It's up to each of us to bring our Truth into the Light and share it with the world. It is our duty as human beings on this planet to do so." I was saddened and sickened by this visit. tried to post photos of the massacre but wasn't able to get yelp site to cooperate.

"Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile (74 km) long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in…read moreFlorida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. It follows along the Withlacoochee River and passes through the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is the longest paved rail trail in Florida." Probably the best paved trail in Florida. A little over 46 miles one way and has a lot of very scenic spots along the way. It is in Florida so it's fairly flat but it does have some elevation changes and some overpass over the busier/wider state roads on the route. Multiple trailheads w parking lot and restrooms. My favorite trailhead is the one in Inverness. Beautiful town along the route.