Both these Florida State Parks were once stand alone attractions drawing in tourists on the Gulf side of Florida. As they declined the state stepped in to secure the beautiful parks. They have a long and interesting history and you can see more than a few remnants still at the parks. Rainbow Springs is mostly a swimming and kayaking location with the paths in the gardens on the hill side losing a battle with the more native foliage. Homosassa Springs is an old zoo now a state run rehab center for injured animals and manatee.