Dunnellon FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dunnellon, Florida.
1. Rainbow Springs State Park
CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS AND TRAILS
Rainbow Springs State Park offers crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, with equipment rentals available on-site. Visitors can explore scenic walking trails that wind around man-made waterfalls and through the remnants of a charming old zoo area. The park's natural beauty attracts over 250,000 tubers, divers, and snorkelers each year who enjoy its pristine waters.
2. Rainbow River
PRISTINE RIVER ADVENTURES
Rainbow River is a stunning natural waterway known for its remarkably clear waters that provide perfect conditions for tubing, swimming, and water activities. The river originates from Rainbow Springs, maintaining a constant 72-degree temperature year-round that makes it comfortable for recreation in all seasons. Visitors can enjoy guided tours on clear kayaks or paddleboards to fully appreciate the underwater visibility and abundant aquatic life.
3. KP Hole Park
RIVER ACCESS AND RECREATION
KP Hole Park serves as a popular access point to the Rainbow River, providing amenities for tubers, kayakers, and swimmers. The park features facilities including equipment rentals, picnic areas, and a boat ramp for those bringing their own watercraft. Visitors often begin their Rainbow River tubing adventures here, floating downstream through the crystal-clear waters before being shuttled back to their starting point.
4. Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park provides a peaceful setting along the Rainbow River with walking trails and river access points for paddlers and swimmers. The park serves as the endpoint for many Rainbow River tubing trips, offering beautiful views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the park's strategic location connecting to the Rainbow River.
5. Withlacoochee River
WILD RIVER ADVENTURES
The Withlacoochee River joins the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, offering a more natural, wild kayaking experience compared to the busy Rainbow River. Paddlers on this scenic waterway can enjoy peaceful surroundings with fewer crowds and opportunities to spot native wildlife. The river's varying conditions and natural beauty make it appealing for experienced kayakers looking to explore Florida's less-traveled waterways.
6. Withlacoochee State Trail
SCENIC PAVED CYCLING TRAIL
The Withlacoochee State Trail is an outstanding 46-mile paved rail trail that passes near Dunnellon, offering cyclists a smooth, scenic route through natural Florida landscapes. The trail follows the path of an abandoned railroad line, providing a flat, accessible route for riders of all skill levels. Cyclists can enjoy the shade of oak canopies, views of the Withlacoochee River, and opportunities to spot wildlife along this well-maintained pathway.
7. Captain Bob's Airboat Tours
THRILLING RIVER EXPEDITIONS
Captain Bob's Airboat Tours takes visitors on exciting expeditions through the waterways around Dunnellon, offering a thrilling way to experience local rivers and wildlife. The experienced captains navigate shallow areas inaccessible to regular boats, providing unique perspectives on Florida's aquatic ecosystems. Passengers can expect to spot alligators, various bird species, and other wildlife while learning about the region's natural history.
8. Dunnellon Historic District
CHARMING DOWNTOWN EXPLORATION
Dunnellon's Historic District showcases the town's past as a 1880s-1890s boomtown with well-preserved architecture and a quaint downtown atmosphere. Visitors can browse antique shops housed in historic buildings while learning about the area's phosphate mining heritage that once brought prosperity to this small town. The district offers a pleasant stroll with locally-owned restaurants and shops that maintain the community's small-town charm.
9. Blue Run Bicycles & Paddle Co.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE RENTALS
Blue Run Bicycles & Paddle Co. provides equipment and guidance for exploring Dunnellon's natural attractions by land and water. Visitors can rent bicycles for riding the nearby trails or kayaks and paddleboards for experiencing the Rainbow River firsthand. The knowledgeable staff offers local insights and recommendations to help guests make the most of their outdoor adventures in the Dunnellon area.
10. Front Porch Restaurant and Pie Shop
LOCAL FLAVORS AND DESSERTS
Front Porch Restaurant and Pie Shop offers visitors a taste of local flavors in a charming setting that reflects Dunnellon's small-town character. The restaurant is particularly famous for its Coconut Meringue Pie, which has earned a reputation as the establishment's most popular dessert. Guests can enjoy Southern-inspired meals before finishing with a slice of homemade pie that locals and tourists alike consider a must-try treat.
11. Singing River Tours
EDUCATIONAL RIVER EXCURSIONS
Singing River Tours provides guided boat excursions on the Rainbow River with a focus on education about the local ecosystem and history. Knowledgeable captains share insights about the river's formation, wildlife, and the importance of preserving this natural treasure. Passengers enjoy a relaxed pace that allows for photography and wildlife spotting while learning about one of Florida's most pristine waterways.
12. Rainbow Springs Electric Paddle Tour
GUIDED WATER ADVENTURES
Rainbow Springs Electric Paddle Tour offers a unique way to experience the Rainbow River with guided stand-up paddleboard excursions. Participants enjoy the stability and ease of electric-assisted paddleboards, allowing even beginners to navigate the crystal-clear waters with confidence. Guides lead small groups through the most scenic areas of the river, pointing out wildlife and explaining the ecological significance of this natural spring system.
13. Silver Springs
ICONIC GLASS-BOTTOM BOATS
Silver Springs in nearby Ocala is one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions, famous for its glass-bottom boat tours over crystal-clear spring waters. Visitors can see deep into the springs through the transparent boat floors, observing fish, turtles, and occasional alligators in their natural habitat. The park also features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and kayak rentals for those who want to paddle through this historic and ecologically important natural attraction.
14. Crystal River
MANATEE VIEWING DESTINATION
Crystal River, located 45 minutes south of Dunnellon, is world-famous as one of the few places where people can legally swim with manatees in their natural habitat. The area's warm springs attract hundreds of these gentle marine mammals during winter months, creating unique wildlife viewing and interaction opportunities. Visitors can join guided tours that provide equipment and instruction for respectful observation of the protected manatees in the clear spring waters.
15. Ross Prairie Trailhead and Campground
HIKING AND CAMPING SPOT
Ross Prairie Trailhead and Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts access to extensive hiking trails through diverse Florida ecosystems near Dunnellon. The facility provides camping options for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature, with sites suitable for both tent campers and RVs. Hikers can explore the adjoining trail system that connects to the larger Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, offering miles of paths through forests and meadows with opportunities for wildlife spotting.