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Fun Things to Do Along Florida’s Nature Coast
Paddleboarding / Tubing Rainbow River
If you live anywhere in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, you have got to go tubing or paddleboarding on the Rainbow River. This spring fed river is located in Dunnellon Florida. It originates within Rainbow River State Park out of numerous spring vents and runs about 8 miles down to the Withlacoochee River. We will dive deeper into all of the fun to be had on this beautiful river in a moment but first I just wanted to let you know that I am a Real Estate Referral Agent. If you are interested in moving to Florida (or anywhere in the southeastern U.S.), I would love to match you up with a real estate professional that fits you needs perfectly. Just reach out and I will recommend and agent based on what your goals are.
The activities in and around the Rainbow River are numerous. Let’s start at the head spring which is located within Rainbow River State Park. This park has a swimming area, snack bar, trails that take you through botanical gardens and remnants of yesteryear. You see, Rainbow Springs was an attraction before the theme parks of Tampa and Orlando existed. Back in its hay day, Rainbow Springs attraction had animals, a sky lift, glass bottom boat rides and waterfalls. Today it is owned by the State of Florida and is more of a natural experience. They do host several festivals each year and have a gift shop full of themed products.
The upper portion of the river is closed to motorized vessels. That portion and down to the campground on the east shore, also run by Rainbow Springs State Park, is the most pristine portion of the river. This is because from the Rainbow River State Park Campground down, many visitors tube down the river. Just downstream of the campground and on the opposite (west) bank is a county park named KP Hole. The campground and KP Hole both offer shuttle services for tubers. If you want to tube from the campground, you will need to park your vehicle at the State Park Tuber Pick-up (see map below). They provide the tubes and will carry you and your tube up a tram trail upriver to the campground. You will get in the river there and tube back down to where you parked. This is about a 2 hour tube ride and is a great choice for first timers, children, or people that may not be able to handle the 72 degree water too long. Alternatively, you can tube from KP Hole. They provide you a tube and you jump in the water at the park. You will tube downstream to the 484 bridge. This is about a 4 hour tube ride. When you get to the bridge a van shuttle will bring you and your tube back up to your car at KP Hole.
At both the headspring and KP Hole you are allowed to launch your own paddleboard or kayak. You can also rent these items at both locations. We prefer to launch an KP Hole. This is because we enjoy the upper portion of the river as it is the less crowded and more pristine portion. We launch at KP Hole and paddle up to the head spring. Then we paddle / swim back down to KP Hole. It is a beautiful place to paddle! If you launch at the head spring you will be paddling down the river and then back up against the current. I guess we just like to paddle upstream first and then relax on the way back. We are huge fans of iRocker Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards. CLICK HERE to take a look at some of the best that iRocker has to offer!
Another very popular activity is SCUBA diving Rainbow River. There are numerous spots in the river that are 25+ feet deep and have crystal clear water. Many dive classes do their check out dives on river prior to divers getting certified. There are also companies that will pick you up at KP Hole and take you up river to SCUBA dive. One of my favorite things to do is to go upstream of KP Hole and do a drift dive back down the river. It really is beautiful and lots to explore as you progress down the river.
If these types of activities are things that your really enjoy, living in the region of Florida just north of Tampa may be right up your alley. There are so many nature based activities along the nature coast that you never run out of options. Call, text, or email me anytime if you are considering buying or selling a home in Hernando, Pasco, Citrus, or Marion counties. Don’t just look for the best realtor, look for the real estate professional that is best suited for your situation. Let me know what your situation is and I will pair you up with the right partner to accomplish your goals.
If you like dining on the water, there are options for that in this area as well. Along the Rainbow River, just upstream of the 484 bridge is Swampy’s Bar & Grille. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, some of which is right along the river’s edge. They have live music on the weekends and have room to pull a couple of boats up to the shore and tie up. A little downstream, the Rainbow River empties into the Withlacoochee River. About a half mile west of the river confluence is the Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant. You can dine riverside here as well. They have a spot to dock your boat and even have boats for rent at this location on the Withlacoochee.
