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Day Trips & Dining Rainbow River About the Manatee
Just some of the Local Attractions
nearby the Manatee Condos ....
CRYSTAL RIVER INDIAN
MOUNDS  |
This six-mound complex, built by the cultural group called pre-Columbian mound builders, is considered one of the longest continually occupied sites in Florida. For 1,600 years, beginning around 200 B.C., these 14 acres were an imposing prehistoric ceremonial center for Florida's Native Americans.
These people traveled great distances to the complex to bury their dead with ceremony and to participate in trade activities. It is estimated that 7,500 Indians might have visited the complex annually.
It is quite an adjustment to go so quickly from the stark reality of the electric century into the primitive world of 400 A.D. But to stand amid mounds constructed by unknown Indian tribes can be an almost mystical experience. Temples dedicated to mighty spirits were atop some of the mounds, and a modern wooden stairway leads to the summit of Temple Mound A, from which there is a rewarding view of the Crystal River. Around the mounds hundreds of Native-American artifacts have been found, many of which are on display in the excellent museum. My favorites are the pan pipes that once filled the air with music.
Homosassa Springs
Wildlife Park
Looking for a fun day trip for the whole family? A place where mom and dad can relax and the kids will have a blast while maybe even learning a thing or two? Homosassa State Park is the place to go. The main attraction? Native Florida wildlife and endangered species in all natural habitats!
Among the creatures you will encounter at the Park: Alligators, exotic birds,
black bear, hippopotamus, bobcats, river otters, cougars and white tailed deer.
Not to mention the West Indian Manatee.
Natural trails wind through the park offering a chance to study the natural habitats of the Florida wetlands and hydric hammocks. Most of the birds and animals in the park could not survive in the wild. The Park provides them with as natural a habitat and diet as is possible.
The Park also serves as a refuge and rehabilitation center for manatees that have been injured in the wild. Some of the manatees are orphans and still others were born in captivity. The natural spring at Homosassa State Park gives the manatees the chance to re-acclimate before they are returned to the wild. You should note however that swimming with the manatees is not allowed. Manatees have a natural fear of man that must be preserved if the manatees are to survive in the wild when and if they are released. That doesn't change the fact that Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park is one of the best places in the world to get a good look at these amazing sea creatures.
The Park also offers a menu of Educational Programs. Park rangers interpret the wildlife and explain the importance of preserving our native Florida wildlife and plants
Silver Springs' popularity flourished after Hullam Jones invented the glass bottom boat there in 1878. By installing a glass viewing box on the flat bottom of a dugout canoe, Jones created a window to an underwater world teeming with fish, turtles, crustaceans and fossils more than 10,000 years old.
The silver screen came to Silver Springs in the 1900s as film makers discovered that the beautiful translucent waters were ideal for creating underwater movie magic. Some of the more well known movies that were shot at Silver Springs included the six original "Tarzan" movies, starring Johnny Weissmuller, shot in the 1930s and 1940s; Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' "The Yearling," starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman, in 1946; and "The Creature from The Black Lagoon" in 1954. In addition, more than 100 episodes of the famous television series "Sea Hunt," starring Lloyd Bridges made Silver Springs a key underwater filming location for feature films.
A glass-bottom boat ride offers views of underwater life; the Jungle Cruise allows glimpses of zebras, giraffes and ostriches, and the Jeep safari treks through an alligator swamp.
The Ocala National Forest in Silver Springs is the oldest
national forest east of the Mississippi River and it’s also the southernmost
in the nation.
The forest covers 38,300-acres and offers a multitude of ways to have fun on the water. Three springs feed three rivers that provide excellent canoeing and boating. Camping, picnicking and swimming facilities are located at each spring as well.
Other natural attractions include some of Florida’s best bass fishing, and hiking along the famed Florida National Scenic Trail.
Of all the beauty to behold in the Ocala National Forest.. Juniper Springs is right up there at the top of the list.. and if canoeing is your idea of adventure .. it’s just the right spot.
Juniper Springs Recreation Area is one of the most popular site in the Ocala National Forest. About 20-million gallons of water flow every day out of two springs; Fern Hammock Springs and Juniper Springs. The water temperature is a steady 72 degrees year-round.
Weeki Wachee Springs 
For more than 50
years, the enchanting Weeki Wachee Mermaids have been entertaining thousands
upon thousands of people with their beautifully choreographed fairy tales in
front of the world's only 400 seat underwater artesian spring theater.
Currently showing is an original production based on Hans Christian Andersen's
classic tale of the "Little Mermaid". Capture a lifetime of memories
with the legendary Weeki Wachee Mermaids.
This 200-acre family entertainment park, features an underwater amphitheater performing with live mermaids. Exotic bird shows, a Wilderness River Cruise, Pelican Reserve, and Animal Forest Petting Zoo.
Don Garlits Museum
of Drag Racing 
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and International Drag Racing Hall of Fame offers over 75 race cars and memorabilia from the early days of drag racing to the present, plus a most unique collection of antique and classic cars put together by "Big Daddy" and Friends.
Ted Williams Museum and
Hitters Hall of Fame
A trip around the bases at the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame is almost as rewarding as hitting a homerun yourself.
The museum, which is laid out like an actual baseball diamond, sets the stage for a magical trip to baseball days gone-by and forms a fitting tribute to Ted Williams, one of baseball's greatest hitters, and other baseball legends such as Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays.
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Day Trips & Dining Rainbow River About the Manatee