A Local Guide to Florida’s Nature Coast

The MERMAID Adventure

Hernando Edition

Find natural springs, waterfront fun, local flavor, relaxing escapes, and easy day trips around Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, Brooksville in Hernando County, and beyond!

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About Our Company

Florida Tropics Realty, Inc. is a local, family-owned brokerage serving Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus County since 1990. Learn more about our unique background, qualifications, and history in our About Us page.

Thinking about moving to Hernando County? Meet Our Agents here! 

Enjoy this free resource and save some links for future plans!

M • Mermaid Essentials

Start with the local favorites

Perfect for first-time visitors looking for Weeki Wachee, Pine Island, SunWest Park, and local shopping.

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Statue

Weeki Wachee Springs

Take a day to see the graceful beauty of the Weeki Wachee Mermaids at the show that’s been an area attraction since 1947. A must-see Nature Coast landmark and a natural place to begin your itinerary.

A father and son building a sandcastle at the SunWest Park beachfront.

SunWest Park

Just down the road in the Hudson area, this park is maintained by the Pasco Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources department. If you plan on visiting the Lift section of the park, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Build a day around recreation, sunshine, and family-friendly activities.

A child running after seagulls on Pine Island Beach.

Pine Island

The Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park includes a beach and swimming area, picnic tables, shelters, barbecue grills, observation point, volleyball court, playground and concession stand. Make sure it is open prior to going.

Spend time by the water, enjoy the scenery, and slow down into coastal mode.

Outdoor Shopping, stock photo

Local Shopping

See all the shopping available in the Spring Hill/Hernando County area. Explore independent shops, markets, boutiques, and useful visitor stops.

See the character of the area

Go beyond the headline attractions with local cuisine, history, art, nature, and farms.

Sunflower photo by Julie DiPalo

Tour Local Farms

Discover seasonal produce, farm stands, animals, and rural Hernando County.

Zebra swallowtail butterfly on lantanas

Visit the Botanical Garden

Add some beautifully manicured gardens and local native plants and insects to your itinerary.

Boat Tailed Grackle at Peck’s Old Fort Cove; photo by Julie DiPalo

Explore Our Nature

Enjoy trails, wildlife, sunsets, springs, and the quieter side of Florida. We also happen to be host to a portion of the Great Florida Birding Trail - separate link below, if you're interested in learning more and locating the starting points in Hernando County!

Hernando County Mermaid Tale Trail

Discover Local Artists

Look for galleries, studios, makers, murals, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Masaryktown Cafe Cuban Sandwich; photo by Julie DiPalo

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Find seafood, casual favorites, family restaurants, and Florida-inspired flavors.

Leave room to simply be here

Balance a busy day of sightseeing with wellness, water, coffee, and/or something sweet.

Green Rolled Yoga Mat

Local Yoga Studios

Find a class, stretch, breathe, and reset.

Weeki Wachee Springs 2021, photo credit: Julie DiPalo

Unwind on the Weeki Wachee River

Let the spring-fed water set the pace.

Champagne by the water, by Chris DiPalo, 2026

Visit a Vineyard or Winery

Add a scenic, grown-up stop to the itinerary.

Ice Cream at Tipacanoe by Julie DiPalo

Chill Out with a Frozen Treat

Find ice cream, shaved ice, or another cool local favorite.

Stop into a Coffee Shop

Start the day with a local cup and an easygoing plan.

Useful Information, right when you need it.

Keep this practical resource strip easy to scan on mobile.

Harolds Auto Repair Dinosaur_by Richard Elzey

Gas Stations

A quick-reference list for road trips, beach days, and rural drives.

Caprese bagel at Brooksville Bagels in Brooksville, FL

Quick Bites

Simple, convenient food stops for busy travel days and families.

A map folded into the shape of a boat.

Area Maps

Understand distances between Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, Brooksville, and nearby attractions.

Get out on the water.

Experience what makes Florida's Nature Coast feel different from anywhere else.

Rainbow River 2022, photo credit: Julie DiPalo

Kayaking

Explore clear springs and peaceful waterways.

Boats in the water at Signal Cove in Hudson, FL.

Boat Rentals

Make your own route and set your own pace.

Child’s hand holding a very small fish

Charter Fishing Excursions

Plan a guided fishing trip out in the Gulf.

Extend the Adventure.

For visitors staying longer, show how Hernando County connects to memorable Tampa Bay day trips.

The Montu rollercoaster photo taken from below at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

A high-energy day trip with rides, rollercoasters, animals, and entertainment.

Blue-and-yellow macaw on a branch in an aviary, close-up bird photo.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

A family-friendly option for animal lovers.

Colorful sea anemones at the Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium

Explore marine life and add an urban waterfront stop in Downtown Tampa.

The dragon at Diagon Alley, Universal Studios in Orlando, FL

Other Florida Attractions

See our list of resources for the whole Central Florida area.

Take Care of the Practical Details.

Booking and transportation links in one place so you can plan your trip now!

Greater Tampa Bay Area map

Book a Hotel

Convenient places to stay in the Spring Hill area.

A sunset at the Fish Shack in Hudson, FL

Book a Vacation Rental

Local homes, condos, and waterfront accommodations.

A white Jeep Rubicon on the Citrus Wildlife Management Area OHV trails.

Car Rentals

If you're planning to do some investigating and exploring on your own beyond the Tampa area, you'll most likely want a vehicle instead of relying on a ride-share service.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis in the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL.

Flights*

Find helpful travel links all in one place.
*Note: The Space Shuttle Atlantis is at the Kennedy Space Center on the East Coast in Cape Canaveral, but we couldn't resist....

Make sure you have everything you need.

Links for when you need them – and without interrupting the adventure. 

Hire a Photographer
For a special event.
Connect with a Local Realtor®
If you decide you love it here.
Find an Urgent Care!
Just in case.

Disclaimer:
These links are provided as visitor resources and do not represent an endorsement of any listed business or booking provider.

Florida Tropics Realty, Inc. is not affiliated with any of the businesses, services, or products listed in the Mermaid Adventure, we are simply sharing public information from multiple sources for your enjoyment, all in one place. We are not responsible and cannot be held liable for any injuries, financial loss, property damage, changes in hours or availability, or other issues arising from any location, business, provider, or service found, mentioned, or suggested on this website. Visitors should independently verify current details, requirements, pricing, and safety information directly from that particular company's source before making any plans.

For more information about us, click any of the links below or contact us during normal business hours.