Weeki Wachee Springs

One of the oldest and most iconic roadside attractions in Florida [1], Weeki Wachee Springs (State Rd. 50 at U.S. 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily July–Aug., hours and days vary in winter, $24.95 adults, $16.95 children) is where the mermaids have lived since 1947. The famous mermaid shows still happen three times a day, and for some, watching a bikini-clad swimmer drink a bottle of Coke still provides a thrill.

Most park visitors come to enjoy Buccaneer Bay, a water park that was added in an effort to boost attendance. Since the arrival of the interstate system—and to a greater degree, Walt Disney World [2]—the park has struggled with attendance, and despite the addition of Buccaneer Bay, Weeki Wachee was turned into a Florida state park in November 2008, mermaid shows and all.