Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast
Crystal-clear springs, winter manatees and the old fishing village of Cedar Key along US-19.
- Distance
- 292 km (182 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 15 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- States
- FL
- Updated
- May 8, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 292 km (182 mi) with 8 stops, from Tampa to Cedar Key. About 3 h 15 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Florida
Route description
Leave Tampa north on the Suncoast Parkway or US-19 to Weeki Wachee, where live mermaid shows have played in the spring since 1947. North of here the coast turns quiet: no big beach towns, but marsh, rivers and some of Florida’s clearest springs.
At Homosassa Springs the underwater observatory puts you face to face with manatees, and Crystal River next door is one of the few places where you can legally swim with wild manatees on guided tours. Three Sisters Springs is best from November to March, when cold Gulf water drives hundreds of them into the warm springs; use the off-site parking and shuttle.
Detour inland to Rainbow Springs near Dunnellon for gardens and a swim in 72-degree water, then return to US-19 and continue north through pine flatwoods to Manatee Springs, where a boardwalk follows the spring run to the Suwannee River.
End on State Road 24 across the causeways to Cedar Key, a small island town of stilt houses, clam farms and fishing piers that feels like old Florida. Summer brings heat, storms and bugs; the dry season from late fall to spring is ideal and also the manatee season.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Tampa
FL - 277 km
Weeki Wachee Springs
OdditiesWeeki Wachee, FLMermaid shows have run in an underwater theater since 1947. You can also paddle the clear spring run.
- 338 km
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
NatureHomosassa Springs, FLA spring-fed park where an underwater observatory lets you watch manatees and schools of fish at eye level. A pontoon boat runs from the US-19 visitor center to the main spring.
- 414 km
Crystal River
FL - 52 km
Three Sisters Springs
NatureCrystal River, FLClear blue springs in Kings Bay where hundreds of manatees gather on cold winter days. Boardwalks give views from above; parking is off-site with a shuttle.
- 634 km
Rainbow Springs State Park
NatureDunnellon, FLA first-magnitude spring with gardens and small man-made waterfalls from its old roadside-attraction days. Tubing on the Rainbow River starts from a separate entrance in summer.
- 781 km
Manatee Springs State Park
NatureChiefland, FLA spring run flowing through cypress swamp into the Suwannee River, with a boardwalk to the river and a popular campground. Manatees come in during winter.
- 847 km
Cedar Key
FL
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Tampa → Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park · 71 mi · 1 h 16 minOn the way: Weeki Wachee Springs.Overnight nearby, for example: Chassahowitzka River Campground (6 mi); Tillis Hill Equestrian Campground (12 mi).
- Day 2: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park → Rainbow Springs State Park · 31 mi · 0 h 33 minOn the way: Crystal River, Three Sisters Springs.Overnight nearby, for example: Big Bass Village RV Park (10 mi); Nature Coast Landings RV Resort (15 mi).
- Day 3: Rainbow Springs State Park → Cedar Key · 80 mi · 1 h 26 minOn the way: Manatee Springs State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Shell Mound Campground (5 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. Hot in June–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Themes
FAQs
How long is Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast?
3-day road trip of about 292 km (182 mi) with 8 stops, from Tampa to Cedar Key. About 3 h 15 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 15 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast start and end?
It starts in Tampa and ends in Cedar Key.
Which states does Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast pass through?
Florida.
Where can you camp along Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast?
OpenStreetMap lists 120 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Encore Vacation Village, Chassahowitzka River Campground and Southern Leisure RV Resort.
When is the best time for Manatees and springs on Florida’s Nature Coast?
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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