Sometimes a staycation is in order, and what better way to execute it than by booking a riverfront home along Florida’s best attraction: our natural freshwater springs. Nature-lovers or those in search of some zen can find a spot on this list whether you’re willing to splurge or on a tight budget.
Riverfront home on Weeki Wachee River
Estimated drive from Tampa: 59 minutes
Price average per night: $386
Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 8
Right by the crystal clear springs of Weeki Wachee River is this two-story house, complete with a waterfront porch and direct access to the spring. In addition to the usual amenities, your stay includes five kayaks, two paddleboards, and a 17-inch canoe to explore the waterways with your entire crew. The historic spring three miles away maintains a 74-degree temperature and is home to plenty of manatees. And if you book during peak scallop season, you’re only two miles away from a key migration area of the prime seafood. Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBORiverfront home on Weeki Wachee River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River
Estimated drive from Tampa: one hour and 37 minutes
Price average per night: $340
Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 10
Located in Dunnellon, this 2700-square foot home is directly on the Rainbow River. The house features plenty to do for nature-lovers, like tubing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. Besides riverfront views, the home comes with five kayaks, a three-seater canoe, and a stand-up paddleboard. If water sports aren’t always your jam, the hosts provide five bikes that can take you along the Dunnellon trail of Blue Run Park just half a mile away. Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOMulti-story getaway along Rainbow River Credit: Photo via VRBOThree-story view of Crystal River
Estimated drive from Tampa: one hour and 31 minutes
Price average per night: $300
Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 9
This waterfront cottage sits just a few feet away from Kings Bay in Crystal River and just a few paddles away from the manatee-preferred. The multi-deck home comes with a two-person canoe and a kayak. Credit: Photo via VRBOThree-story view of Crystal River Credit: Photo via VRBOThree-story view of Crystal River Credit: Photo via VRBOThree-story view of Crystal River Credit: Photo via VRBOThree-story view of Crystal River Credit: Photo via VRBOThree-story view of Crystal River Credit: Photo via VRBOThree-story view of Crystal River Credit: Photo via VRBOCabin-style home on Weeki Wachee
Estimated drive from Tampa: 59 minutes
Price average per night: $300
Specs: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 8
Rustic vibes with a boujee view is what guests can expect upon arriving at the Weeki Wachee rental. The modern cabin provides 11 kayaks and a single paddleboard for those who want to experience the clear water different from the rest. There are plenty of ways to reconnect with Mother Nature outside of the home, Pine Island Beach four miles away when you want to swap the springs for sand. Credit: Photo via VRBOCabin-style home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOCabin-style home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOCabin-style home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOCabin-style home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOCabin-style home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee
Estimated drive from Tampa: 59 minutes
Price average per night: $300
Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6
The home’s vibrant exterior and beach-themed interior tie it all together, but it’s really all about the Weeki Wachee wildlife. Sitting just upstream from popular Roger’s Park and a few feet from Hospital Hole, take in the wildlife of the stream from the balcony or on one of the kayaks and canoes provided. Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOColorful hideaway steps away from Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBORetreat along the Riverbend
Estimated drive from Tampa: One hour and six minutes
Price average per night: $275
Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6
On the Riverbend of Weeki Wachee River is this ranch-style home. With an abundance of perks at your disposal and plenty of kayaks to accommodate your party, it will be difficult to run out of things to do throughout your stay. If your staycation starts getting stuffy, the flora and fauna of the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens are just a 15-minute drive away. Credit: Photo via VRBORetreat along the Riverbend Credit: Photo via VRBORetreat along the Riverbend Credit: Photo via VRBORetreat along the Riverbend Credit: Photo via VRBORetreat along the Riverbend Credit: Photo via VRBORetreat along the Riverbend Credit: Photo via VRBORetreat along the Riverbend Credit: Photo via VRBOQuaint home on Weeki Wachee
Estimated drive from Tampa: 59 minutes
Price average per night: $250
Specs: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6
Weeki Wachee vacation homes are not in low supply, but this one may work for those with a lower budget. Still in immediate reach from the river, this waterfront home has enough rooms to house a group of friends or a big family alike. Guests can take the host-provided kayaks and canoes and cruise toward Hospital Hole — a natural spring less than a mile upstream. Credit: Photo via VRBOQuaint home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOQuaint home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOQuaint home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOQuaint home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOQuaint home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOQuaint home on Weeki Wachee Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground
Estimated drive from Tampa: 59 minutes
Price average per night: $233
Specs: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8
This two-story home comes with a guaranteed waterfront view from every room, and plenty of river to explore with Weeki Wachee State Park just three miles away. Up to eight kayaks can be rented for $10 per kayak. Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground Credit: Photo via VRBOHome within the manatee playground Credit: Photo via VRBOCrystal River boathouse for two
Estimated drive from Tampa: One hour and 27 minutes
Price average per night: $209
Specs: 1 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, sleeps 2
The Crystal River boathouse is solid nautical getaway for two. Exploring the nature-shrouded coast just got easier with the host-provided kayaks, canoes, and “water sports gear.” For an exclusive look at King Spring, the largest spring within Crystal River, you can book a private boat tour of the waterways upon reservation. Fun in the sun can be found on land too, with the putting greens of Plantation Inn Golf Club less than half a mile away from the property. Credit: Photo via VRBOCrystal River boathouse for two Credit: Photo via VRBOCrystal River boathouse for two Credit: Photo via VRBOCrystal River boathouse for two Credit: Photo via VRBOCrystal River boathouse for two Credit: Photo via VRBOCrystal River boathouse for two Credit: Photo via VRBOCozy country stay a kayak ride from Chassahowitzka River
Estimated drive from Tampa: One hour
Price average per night: $130
Specs: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6
This bright blue, country-style mobile home offers some sweet riverside views for those on a budget. Two provided kayaks can lead you to the canal, which spills in thte headwaters of the Chassahowitzka River. The section river is home to multiple vents, including the popular Seven Sisters Spring, Ruth Springs and Blue Spring. Credit: Photo via VRBOCozy country stay on Chassahowitzka River Credit: Photo via VRBOCozy country stay on Chassahowitzka River Credit: Photo via VRBOCozy country stay on Chassahowitzka River Credit: Photo via VRBOCozy country stay on Chassahowitzka River Credit: Photo via VRBOCozy country stay on Chassahowitzka River Credit: Photo via VRBOCozy country stay on Chassahowitzka River Credit: Photo via VRBO
Magazine journalism student with an affinity for music writing. Brandalynn has previously written for Glitter Magazine and was the editor-in-chief/contributor of USF's Her Campus chapter.
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