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Family & Pet-Friendly River Escape w/ Kayaks, Manatees & Outdoor Fun!

Riverside holiday home in Weeki Wachee Gardens with kitchen

Photo gallery for Family & Pet-Friendly River Escape w/ Kayaks, Manatees & Outdoor Fun!

Water Fun!
Red, White, Blue
Property grounds
The best paddleboard to learn on!
Ahhh Shade!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Weeki Wachee River
  • Place, Bayport Park Boat Ramp
  • Place, Weeki Wachee Springs

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

Family & Pet-Friendly River Escape w/ Kayaks, Manatees & Outdoor Fun!

Welcome to Watch Me Weeki Wachee!
Old Florida charm meets modern comfort in this stylish 3-bedroom, 2-bath canal-front home—just 8 houses from the main Weeki Wachee River. It's close enough to the action for easy kayaking and boating, yet tucked away for peaceful mornings and quiet evenings. Keep your eyes on the water—manatees often glide right by the dock!

Inside, you’ll find 1,380 sq. ft. of thoughtfully updated living space with cozy coastal décor. The 200 sq. ft. Florida room is perfect for morning coffee, board games, or a breezy afternoon nap. Outside, enjoy over 400 sq. ft. of deck space to grill, lounge, and soak in the canal views—where manatees are frequent and unforgettable visitors.

Why you’ll love the location:
• Just west of Shoal Line Bridge—quick Gulf access for boaters
• Only minutes to Rogers Park (public beach, playground, and boat ramp)
• A short paddle to the winding, scenic part of the Weeki Wachee River
• Walkable to Upper Deck restaurant for great food, drinks & live music
• Front-row seat to manatees cruising the canal—right from the deck!

Whether you’re paddling, relaxing, or hoping for a manatee encounter, Watch Me Weeki Wachee offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and laid-back coastal vibes.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Spring Hill

Located in Weeki Wachee Gardens, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Weeki Wachee Springs and Bowlero Spring Hill are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Weeki Wachee River. Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Adventure Coast Fun Park are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in Spring HillOpens in a new window
Map
Weeki Wachee, FL

What's nearby

  • Weeki Wachee River - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Bayport Park Boat Ramp - 9 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Bayport Park Pier - 10 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Pine Island Beach Park - 10 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Weeki Wachee Springs - 11 min drive - 9.8 km

Getting around

  • Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Steak 'n Shake - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Weeki Pub - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Family & Pet-Friendly River Escape w/ Kayaks, Manatees & Outdoor Fun! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Family & Pet-Friendly River Escape w/ Kayaks, Manatees & Outdoor Fun!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family & Pet-Friendly River Escape w/ Kayaks, Manatees & Outdoor Fun!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Family & Pet-Friendly River Escape w/ Kayaks, Manatees & Outdoor Fun! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Weeki Wachee River and within 6 mi (10 km) of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Bayport Park Boat Ramp. Bayport Park Pier and Weeki Wachee Springs are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 95 out of 97 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 97 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 97 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 97 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 97 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

diane d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place

Great location! Easy to work with. House was perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Perry T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Couldn’t have asked for anything better! Wonderful place and so much fun!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time I will be recommending the host to other friends and I already have I gave them a five-star rating I think it was great
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

nB2HrvAibpxWzg2UCuWjLuHArhULuH2JOwF4xOoHrQGkxZAGLq7XcogdAAAAcDBuBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagYTBfAgEAMFoGCSqGSIb3 F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place. Very clean and the host was very responsive. The house we very well stocked with anything you could think of. We'll definitely go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We will be back! Amazing stay, awesome hosts and being able to bring our whole family with the pups included was icing on the cake! Only suggestion I have is to bring a blow dryer if you want one :) everything was great though ! Thanks so much for the great stay !
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We did not bring pets, but it was pet friendly. The house was everything it said it was online. It was in very good condition. It was very convenient. We were able to see Manatees going down the Canal. Restaurants were close. We would stay there again.
Right by the dock.
Dock and deck area
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

vickie b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our evenings on the deck. We saw several manatees. Had a few ducks stop by to say hello. The house was clean, had thick absorbent bath towels. Beds were comfy. Kitchen had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kayla H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weeki weekend

Enjoyed the home and our stay! I would definitely stay at this home or another of their properties again! Owner was very responsive and the neighbors at the property were awesome too!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet weekend on the river.

Nice river themed house on a canal. With all the amenities you will need, Third time staying there
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

5 stars

Great place to stay and great location! House had everything you need to be comfortable in the home and everything you need to play on the water. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deejah G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome river home

Our family really enjoyed this home. They had everything we needed and then some extras.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Couples Trip

I highly recommend this house; it is all you need for a great vacation!! The owners are super responsive and accommodating. We were three couples and had all the space we needed!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Location

Lifelong Friends come to the area every year to scallop. After hours in the Gulf, its great to swim in the fresh cool fresh water. We'll be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

2nd year in this house and everything was still as advertised. House was clean and everything in good working order. We had a great time. Love the fact they allow pets.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ana M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Florida Fun and Charm

Daily morning kayaking to visit the holes where we would see families of manatees. Swimming and playing in the water to refresh and enjoy in the afternoon. The house is clean and in a beautiful location, with lots of recreational things to do. We especially love the vintage Florida art and comfort of this charming home.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sydni F., Wildwood

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Family Vacation

Our experience was nothing short of amazing. The location was great and the water up river (very short boat or kayak ride) is incredible with white sandy bottoms and crystal clear water. The home was very clean and had all of the kitchen accessories you could need. The communication with the home owners was also great and they were very kind and helpful. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beverly G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relax & enjoy

What a relaxing place to vacation even if we had an unexpected guest (Hurricane Debbie). It rained the first 3 days we were there, but it forced us to relax. The water did rise & the wind blew but Kelly & Dave kept constant contact with us. We couldn't have asked for better hosts, accommodations & location. Everything you needed was there. Would definitely recommend this place & would stay again. Thanks for everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

patricia o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Can't wait to go back! Best vacation

The house is wonderfully updated and CLEAN!! with comfortable beds, reclining sofa, tv's in all 3 bedrooms, wonderful Florida room and deck. Everything you need!! Safe community, fenced area for pups. We had manatees come by the house everyday! Short kayak paddle to river...easy to kayak all around. Can't wait to go back. Most relaxing vacation. Host are WONDERFUL!! 10 🌟 stars!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great vacation!

The grandkids could not stay out of the water! Between jumping off the dock, playing on the giant yellow mat, kayaking, they were all in! Plenty of room for a multi-generational family of 7. Totally stocked, something I don't experience often at a VRBO. Plenty of toilet paper, paper towels, kitchen items including a vegetable brush and box shredder, laundry detergent! We don't usually revisit a place because they are so many more out there, but if we did, we would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second stay on the property in a few years. We absolutely love the location, house setup and pet-friendliness. The host is awesome - super-responsive! We were able to see more wildlife this time than ever before, which was awesome for my kids! Dolphins, manatees and otters (watch out! He’s a klepto!) Overall, this is a great place for a family stay! Well-equipped with all you need for fun!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dawn W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Location

Very clean. Love the house. Best location. We have always stayed on the main river, but we probably won't anymore. We loved being away from everyone. Saw more wildlife and manatees on this trip.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luciana M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A staycation weekend for a couple of Florida locals …

We had an absolutely wonderful stay! From the moment we booked, Kelly along with Sonia and the entire team at Hostaway demonstrated exceptional communication—providing every detail we needed ahead of time, checking in with us during our stay, and making the entire process seamless through to checkout. Their high standards and thoughtful attention to detail were evident throughout the home.The property itself was exactly as described—spacious, comfortable, and spotless. Located right on the beautiful Weeki Wachee River, it offered both relaxation and adventure. We made full use of the included water toys, took the kayak out daily, played on the water mat while manatees swam by, and fished from the dock with the gear we brought. The home also had a great selection of games that added to the fun. Kelly and Sonia shared restaurant suggestions and hot spots that only locals know about. The home is just minutes from Weeki Wachee Springs and Hernando Beach, making it the perfect base for exploring the area. My husband and I travel for our careers we were looking for a peaceful staycation, and this experience far exceeded our expectations. We left feeling recharged and grateful for such a memorable, well-hosted weekend. We are already looking forward to booking with Kelly many more times in the future! Signed, Your grateful guests, Ken & Luciana
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jade J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

We truly enjoyed this home! The facts it came with kayaks & was a waterfront home, was everything to us! They let us do an early check in, due to no one staying the previous night, so thoughtful of them! Home came with everything! My girls truly enjoyed this home! We had the best time, the home was so clean (to the point we had to tap the sliding door to see which was open!) Will recommend over and over again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yadleris O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lil get away

The house was a beautiful house on the water it had kayaks we went down river an was a wonderful experience me and my family had. The rooms where so beautiful the kids loved the buckbeds and they had family game that the kids enjoyed we had a wonderful time definitely well do it again thanks Kelly
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family time Labor Day weekend 2024

Fun Labor Day weekend with the fam! Kayaking, swimming, grilling and chilling. This place was well accommodated and the perfect spot to spend some time together.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Kelly Winterling

Host profile image
We purchased this home as a family retreat for us our 2 kids and 2 dogs. We love exploring new places and meeting new friends. We work and live full time in Tampa but we enjoy our escapes to magical Weeki Wachee and we hope you do too.

Why they chose this property

We love the personal touches and communication when working with a private home owner rather than a property management company. We go out of our way to make our family's vacation home your family's vacation home.

What makes this property unique

Having the ramp for launching kayaks is very helpful.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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