Updated November 5, 2026
Three days, three springs: tube, snorkel and paddle the clearest water in Florida. Swap anything out using our full Nature Coast & Springs guide.
Saturday
- Morning: Paddle Rainbow Springs State Park.
- Afternoon: Glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs State Park.
Sunday
- Morning: Tube the Ichetucknee Springs State Park river run (summer).
- Afternoon: Swim at Manatee Springs State Park.
Before you go
- Manatee season rules matter: some springs close the water to swimmers in winter to protect manatees, and Three Sisters Springs has its own access rules. Follow posted guidance and licensed tour operators.
- Several parks (for example Rainbow Springs, Wekiwa Springs and Blue Spring) can require day-use reservations or close when full. Check before you drive.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a dry bag. Many springs ban food, alcohol or disposable containers in the water.
Other weekend plans
A weekend in St. Pete Beach and ClearwaterA weekend in TampaA weekend in Sarasota and Anna Maria IslandAn Orlando weekend from Tampa BayA romantic St. Pete weekendClearwater Beach with kidsGulf beach bar hopSt. Pete nights outTarpon Springs & DunedinBeach weekend on a budgetLGBTQ+ weekend in St. PeteTampa with kidsYbor City nightsTampa food lover's weekendRainy-day TampaSiesta Key beach weekendSlow weekend on Anna Maria IslandSarasota arts weekendWild SarasotaeFoil & water adventure weekendOrlando for grown-upsLGBTQ+ weekend in OrlandoOrlando's wild sideRockets & racing: a Space Coast dayOrlando live music weekendSwim with manatees in Crystal RiverOne perfect day: Tampa to the beach