Manatee Springs State Park Tours & Activities

If you’ve never seen a manatee up close, this is honestly one of the better spots in Florida to make that happen — especially in cooler months when they congregate in the spring. The boardwalk puts you right over clear water where you can spot them without much effort, and if you’re lucky, there’ll be a calf hanging around too. Bring a kayak or rent one and paddle out toward the Suwannee; the forest canopy along the water is something else. Campsites here are solid — running water, showers, the basics done right — and the staff actually know what they’re talking about when you have questions. Trail walkers and wildlife folks will find plenty to keep them busy even if the manatees don’t show.