Approximately an hour north of Tampa the city of Spring Hill, Florida, is home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Unlike any other state park in the Sunshine State, the primary attraction of this small town is the presence of live "mermaids" that perform daily in the natural springs, behind thick glass so an audience can see them put on a show for visitors.
The mermaids began their performances in 1947 and haven't stopped since. And although the mermaid shows are certainly the main draw for this park, visitors will also want to spend a day or two at the park. Take a cruise on the Weeki Wachee River and observe alligators or manatees, kayak the river or visit the beach for a picnic at one of the park's pavilions. Visitors can go to Buccaneer Bay to take a flume ride, and nature-lovers will enjoy viewing the area birds and reptiles.
The hub of Florida tourism, Orlando, is 85 miles east of Tampa. This Central Florida city is home to Universal Studios, Sea World and countless dinner shows, water parks, nightclubs and other tourist attractions. Just a few minutes south of the city, the Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista area is home to Walt Disney World and miles of entertainment options geared toward tourists.
Visit downtown Orlando for dining options and a nightlife scene that features live music and dancing. Farther south in the International Drive area, the Wet N' Wild water park, Sea World and Universal Orlando Resort, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, are the main draw. Walt Disney World offers 43 square miles of theme parks, resort hotels, shopping, dining and water parks to keep you busy on your weekend trip.
In less than three hours you can drive from the urban landscape of Tampa to the untamed wetlands of the Florida Everglades, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. The Everglades National Park features wildlife that ranges from the Florida panther, white-tailed deer, snakes, alligators and manatees to hundreds of birds and amphibians. It is also home to many of Florida's mangrove swamps.
The "river of grass," as it is sometimes called, is the place where visitors go to experience airboat rides across the wetlands to see the most remote areas of the Everglades. Camping, hiking and just escaping the busy routine of everyday life make this an ideal weekend getaway from Tampa.
