We Floridians disagree on many things; favorite college football team; politics; favorite college football teams (again). But we do agree on one thing: manatees are the coolest.
This is a great time to check out the beloved sea cows in our area. There have been times I've randomly seen them at the boat ramp off of Seaboard on the westside, and you can see them from time to time in the area. But state parks throughout the state are ideal. Here are a few not too far from here:
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City - Just south of us in Volusia County, about 2 hours south of Jax; during manatee season, there are several overlooks and boardwalks to check them out. You can really make a day of it, the park is beautiful. Great photo opportunities of the manatees as well.
Three Sisters Springs - Crystal River. The last time my wife and I went, there were more than 100 manatees come. We just watched from the deck, but kayakers and boaters get really close. This place gets pretty busy at the height of the season. It's less than three hours away and another beautiful place to spend the day.
Manatee Springs State Park; Chiefland. Just a couple of hours way, west of Gainesville, you got a state park named after them. As are many of our state parks, they are beautiful for day trips, bring lunch and enjoy on the grounds and check out the beautiful state that we live in. And yes, the manatees.
Do you have any favorite places to check out the manatees? Let me know!