8 Years in Florida and I Still Haven’t Seen the Mermaids

 

When I first moved to Florida almost eight years ago, I had grand visions of what my life would look like. I pictured weekend road trips to hidden clear-water springs, quirky roadside attractions, coastal kayak tours, and endless sunshine-filled adventures.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and if I’m being honest? Most of my "living in paradise" experience has consisted of navigating traffic on I-4, dodging afternoon thunderstorms, running errands in air-conditioned sanctuaries, and telling myself, “I’ll check that out next weekend.”

Living somewhere creates a funny paradox: when paradise is in your backyard, you treat it like an errand you can run anytime. And so, time slips by.

The #1 Missing Item: Weeki Wachee Springs

If you ask anyone who knows me what sits at the absolute top of my Florida bucket list, they’ll tell you instantly: The World-Famous Mermaid Show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Since 1947, performers have been putting on underwater ballet performances in a submerged 400-seat theater built directly into the natural spring. They breathe through hidden air hoses, eat underwater, and pull off retro, kitschy, pure-Florida magic in 72-degree spring water.

It is classic Old Florida at its finest, and yet, after almost 2,900 days as a Florida resident, I still haven't seen it.

I am determined to change that this year.

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Help Me Build My "Real" Florida Bucket List!

I’m finally breaking out of my routine and making a serious effort to explore the Sunshine State like a tourist in my own home. But I need your help.

Whenever people recommend things to do in Florida, the list is usually the same:

• Theme parks (Disney, Universal)

• Going on a cruise out of Port Canaveral or Miami

• Hitting the local beach

• Taking a day trip to St. Augustine

Don't get me wrong—those are great, but I want to dive into the hidden gems, weird roadside attractions, natural wonders, and local favorites that make Florida truly unique.

So, I’m turning it over to you:

What should I add to my bucket list before I hit my official 8-year mark?

Whether it's swimming with manatees in Crystal River, hunting for shark teeth in Venice, your favorite hole-in-the-wall food joint, or visiting a quirky small town I've never heard of—drop your best non-touristy recommendations in the comments below!