Blackwater River State Park: A Natural Wonderland

 If you are looking for a picturesque escape in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, Blackwater River State Park is the perfect destination. Spanning over 5900 acres, this park is situated along the Blackwater River and features stunning natural landscapes that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to spend a relaxing day in nature, Blackwater River State Park has something for everyone.

 

The History of Blackwater River State Park

 

Blackwater River State Park was established in 1967 and has since become one of Florida's most popular state parks. The park is in Santa Rosa County, Florida, and is named after the Blackwater River, which flows through it. The river gets its name from the dark, tannin-stained water, which is caused by the decomposition of leaves and other organic materials in the surrounding forests.

What to Do at Blackwater River State Park

 

Blackwater River State Park is known for its pristine natural beauty and offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular activities at the park is tubing down the Blackwater River. The river is shallow and slow-moving, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing float down the water. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are also popular activities on the river.

 

The park is also home to over 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the forests and along the river. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Camping is also available at the park, with both tent and RV sites available for overnight stays.

 

Blackwater River State Park is a natural wonderland that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to explore the outdoors, learn about local wildlife, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, this park has it all. So why not plan your visit today and experience the magic of Blackwater River State Park for yourself?

Blackwater River State Park is an ideal destination for a day trip from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and Destin.

Address:  7720 Deaton Bridge Rd, Holt, FL 32564

Hours: Daily 8am - 5:30pm

Entrance Fee: Varies, $5 - $10 per vehicle 

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Discovering the Greek Heritage of Tarpon Springs, Florida

Located on Florida gulf coast, Tarpon Spring is a known for it’s world famous sponges and amazing Greek food.

Tarpon Springs has a heavy Greek influence as evident by its restaurants, markets, and bakeries. It also has highest percentage of Greek Americans in the United States.

The downtown area is where we spent the morning.  It is located waterfront to the Sponge Docks and is the main hub of the town. It is the best place to find sponges, grab some Greek food, do some shopping, or catch a boat tour. We recommend Hellas Restaurant and Bakery for some great food and pastries!

We came across a man making roses out of palm fronds for donations. We were so impressed and had to have a couple!

The Sponge Docks is the perfect place to sit and rest for a while. If you are there at the right time, you can see the boats as they return from their sponge gathering.

Address:

Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

We spent the afternoon exploring the two beach areas.

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Fred Howard Park Beach has a nice long wide beach with tons of parking. Beaches are also located along the causeway.  The area was very clean and quiet.

 There is a place to rent kayaks to the right as you are leaving the causeway towards the beach. 

Sunset Beach is another beach in Tarpon Spring. It is a popular place to watch the sunset. We arrived before sunset and people were already getting their chairs set up. It was also very clean.

If you have time or are staying for more than a day, St. Nicholas Boat Line has a sponge diving exhibition boat tour where you can learn about the history and harvest of sponges.

Adults $12, seniors (65+) $10, Students (ages 6 – 12) $5, 5 and under free 

Call for reservations:    (727) 942-6425

Address:

693 Dodecanese Blvd.

P.O. Box 382

Tarpon Springs, FL

Lodging

We stayed at the QUALITY INN & SUITES in New Port Richey. I am very picky about hotels and this one had the best reviews online. It was actually nice and clean, but they do have an outside bar that plays loud music until 10pm. I would recommend it if you were going to stay in the Tarpon Springs area for the night.

The hotel is 6 miles from the Sponge Docks.

Address:

5316 US-19, New Port Richey, FL 34652

Tarpon Springs is a great place to explore for both kids and adults. We have been there a couple of times and loved both trips!

Tarpon Springs is located 13 miles north of Clearwater and is about a two hour drive west from Orlando.

Happy Travels!