Florida's Underrated Gulf Coast Town Is A Laid-Back Gem With Natural Springs & Coastal Fun

With more than 8,000 miles of shoreline, Florida is an all-season tourist hotspot that draws millions of visitors to its beaches and coastal towns each year. While the crowds are a good thing since they showcase how popular these destinations are, they may not be ideal for vacationers who want to get away from societal pressures and the hustle and bustle of urban living. Fortunately, the Sunshine State also features some tranquil havens where you can enjoy Florida's bliss in serenity.

Tucked along Florida's tranquil Gulf Coast, Hudson is far from the buzz and crowds of Florida's best beaches and vibrant cities. This laid-back coastal town charms visitors with its small-town warmth, natural springs, and endless waterfront adventures. If you want a beach getaway or want to kayak through canals, Hudson gives you a taste of Old Florida. Hudson's story began in 1878, when Isaac Hudson and his wife, Amanda, moved to the area from Alabama and later established the first post office. The town was a fishing settlement and had a thriving commercial fishing business. In the 1950s, new canals were created near the Hudson Springs for constructing new houses in the Port of Hudson community.

Located in Pasco County, Hudson is about 45 miles northwest of Tampa and roughly 15 miles north of Tarpon Springs. The closest major airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA) an hour's drive away. If you're coming from Orlando, it's a two-hour drive through a scenic route.

Your coastal adventure starts at Hudson Beach (Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park), a must-visit family vacation destination in the U.S. that both kids and parents will love. With a small sandy beach and calm water for kayaking, the 6-acre destination has numerous fun activities to keep you entertained. You can enjoy a picnic at the picnic tables and covered shelters and there is a swimming area for floating in the undisturbed waters on the north side of the beach. However, there is no lifeguard on duty, so make sure you supervise children closely. If you love fishing, you can fish from the shore or launch your boat, canoe, or kayak from the ramp to go further from the shore to try your luck. When you stay at the beach until late in the evening, the sunsets are spectacular. Relax at the two-story pavilion for stunning sunset vistas hovering over the gulf.

Another highlight in the underrated town is SunWest Park, which is next to a 70-acre spring-fed lake with a white sandy beach. You can swim at the beach, play beach volleyball at the volleyball courts, or build sandcastles. Close to the beach is Aqua Park, an inflatable playground where you can swing, climb, and run. If you want to explore the lake, get a paddleboard or a kayak. Wake Park, on the beach, allows wakeboarding on the lake. If you want to explore the Gulf waters, head to Port Hudson Marina, which has boat rentals, charters, and fishing excursions. You can spend the day casting a line for redfish and snook or enjoying the beautiful views from the water.

Hudson is a gateway to some of the best hot springs around the world. For instance, the Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Port Richey is about 6 miles from Hudson. The Salt Springs in the park plunge over 350 feet deep despite its small size. If boating is your thing, bring your paddleboard or canoe and paddle through the mangrove tunnels, where you can spot dolphins and gray fox. Alternatively, feel free to glide the open waterways leading to the Gulf Coast. Kayaking and canoeing gear is available for rent from Salty Dog Kayak Rentals. If you want to swim, you can kayak to Durney Key just outside the park for the best swimming spots. Anglers can also try their luck at the park. Some of the fish you might catch include snook, trout, snapper, whiting, and redfish.

Another must-visit spot near Hudson is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where you can experience a popular mermaid show. The famous performance takes place in a submerged auditorium, providing an extraordinary experience. For thrill seekers, Weeki Wachee Springs is home to Buccaneer Bay, which has water slides and cannonball sliders so you can slide into the Weeki Wachee Springs. When it's time to eat, head to Sam's Beach Bar near the waterfront, which serves delicious seafood dishes such as crab and shrimp mac and cheese, seafood pasta, and Atlantic salmon. You can enjoy dinner and cocktails as you listen to live bands.