Visitors can see West Indian manatees every day of the year from the park’s underwater observatory in the main spring. The park showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters. Manatee programs are offered three times daily. At the Wildlife Encounter programs, snakes and other native animals are featured. Recreational opportunities include picnicking, nature study, and bird-watching. The park features a children’s education center, providing hands-on experiences about Florida’s environment. Transportation from the visitor center on U.S. 19 to the West Entrance is available by tram or boat. The park has two concessionaire-operated gift shops and a concessionaire-operated café with a selection of beverages and snacks. Plan 3 1/2 to 4 hours to tour the park. Check the Ranger Programs for a list of interactive events throughout the park each day.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens – 1 1/4 hours from Cedar Key – Directions

When looking for things to do in Gainesvile, we are pleased to inform you that Kanapaha Botanical Gardens has been identified as “Best of Attractions Gainesville Florida”, by UpTake.com. UpTake.com awards are based on a careful analysis of customer reviews and expert ratings from across the web collected from over 5000 different websites and millions of customer opinions.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a perfect venue for wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, meetings, retreats, conferences and other social functions with both indoor and outdoor rental opportunities. For more information on rentals click here.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. These include the state’s largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Some of Kanapaha’s gardens are organized taxonomically; others demonstrate principles of ecology or natural selection. Kanapaha’s signature plants include a premier stand of Chinese royal bamboo (Wong Chuk), and–during the warm months–giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums. The months offering the most color are June through September. Excluding special events like our Spring Garden Festival and Moonlight Walk, dogs are permitted on leashes. For more information on the various specialty gardens found at Kanapaha click here

Silver Springs – 1 1/2 hours from Cedar Key – Directions

Since the 19th century, Silver Springs has been one of Florida’s most treasured landscapes. As one of the largest artesian springs ever discovered, audiences have long been captured by the springs’ natural beauty and vibrant clarity. From the glass bottom boat rides, kayak and canoe trips to the special event productions, creative culture and romantic appeal, the springs are yours to discover. Come experience Silver Springs State Park.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge – 1 1/2 hours from Cedar Key – Directions

The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1941, is comprised of over 31,000 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes at the mouth of the Chassahowitzka River. The refuge, located approximately 65 miles north of St. Petersburg, FL, was established primarily to protect waterfowl habitat and is home to over 250 species of birds, over 50 species of retiles and amphibians, and at least 25 different species of mammals, including the endangered West Indian Manatee.

Paynes Prairie – 1 1/2 hours from Cedar Key – Directions

Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically and historically unique. This park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. Noted artist and naturalist William Bartram called it the great Alachua Savannah when he wrote about his visit to the prairie in 1774.

More than 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife and livestock, including alligators, bison, horses and more than 270 species of birds. Exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the area´s natural and cultural history. A 50-foot-high observation tower near the visitor center provides a panoramic view of the preserve.