Travel Guide

A black and white drawing of a tree and a house.

Discover the Best Things to Do During Your Stay

We’re thrilled to welcome you to our beautiful corner of small-town Florida! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, there’s something for everyone. Here are some top recommendations for things to do in the area.

Take a Private Farm Tour

Fruitful Earth Farms

Enhance your stay with a private tour of our farm animals! Meet our horses, sheep, cows, and chickens, and take advantage of the unique opportunity to feed and interact with some of them. Tours are exclusive to Vista Verde Farm Retreat guests, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the land.

Explore The Springs & State Parks

A wooden bridge leading to a lake in the middle of a forest.
A turtle is sitting on a log in the water.
A lake in the middle of a forest with trees surrounding it.
A river surrounded by trees on a sunny day
A half underwater view of a lake with trees in the background.
A large tree in the middle of a forest next to a river.
A swamp with trees silhouetted against a blue sky

Enjoy The Santa Fe River

The spring-fed Santa Fe River offers beautiful scenery, with the opportunity to visit several crystal-clear springs along your paddling adventure. Several local outfitters provide rentals and guided tours.

Outfitters For Exploring The Santa Fe River

Anderson's Outdoor Adventures

Explore the natural beauty of the Santa Fe River with Anderson's Outdoor Adventures. Offering self-guided kayak trips, boat rentals, and their signature "8 Springs in 8 Miles Adventure," they provide opportunities to experience Florida's clear springs and diverse wildlife. Additional services include RV and pontoon boat rentals, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. 

A sunset over a mountain range with a lot of fog
A sunset over a mountain range with a lot of fog

Rum 138

Rum 138 is more than a paddle outfitting business; it's a destination to kayak springs in north Florida. Take a paddle on the beautiful Santa Fe River and its plentiful springs, buy springs art, find a new kayak or paddle board, grab a bite, listen to live music, and learn more about our beautiful world-renowned springs. 

Get Up and Go Kayaking

Experience the pristine waters of Gilchrist Blue Springs with Get Up and Go Kayaking's guided clear kayak tours. Launching from Rum Island Spring County Park, their tours navigate through several unique springs, including Rum Island Spring and Gilchrist Blue Spring. Suitable for all skill levels, these excursions offer opportunities to paddle, swim, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, providing an immersive adventure in Florida's natural beauty. 

A sunset over a mountain range with a lot of fog

Experience Local Restaurants & Entertainment

A sunset over a mountain range with a lot of fog
A sunset over a mountain range with a lot of fog
A sunset over a mountain range with a lot of fog
A sunset over a mountain range with a lot of fog
A sunset over a mountain range with a lot of fog
A pizza with a slice taken out of it is on a wooden cutting board.

Make New Memories

Your Adventure Awaits

We hope you enjoy your stay with us and make the most of the wonderful experiences our area has to offer. See you soon!