Dunnellon, FL

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a river winding through a densely wooded area with a small marina and residential buildings along the banks.
A park with a large tree covered in Spanish moss, a winding path, and picnic tables.
A wooden gazebo, picnic tables, and a walking path in a park.
An aerial view of a coastal area with clear turquoise waters, dense greenery, and a paved walkway leading to a dock.
A riverside park with wooden benches, a dock, and a boat.
Comfort Suites Dunnellon near Rainbow Springs

Comfort Suites Dunnellon near Rainbow Springs

2.5 out of 5
20052 Brooks St Dunnellon FL
$83 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$92 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dunnellon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Comfort Suites Dunnellon near Rainbow Springs
Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table

Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table

Dunnellon FL
Stay at this vacation home in Dunnellon. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Springs State Park and Rainbow River are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (239 reviews)
"Beautiful home very clean, very comfortable and very big. There were plenty of things to do kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding all of which we did. We decided to work on a puzzle and get it done by the time we left at the end of our visit. We almost made it, not quite though, but everyone worked ..."

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2026

Get rates
Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
The Gator Den Motel

The Gator Den Motel

2.5 out of 5
12189 South Williams Street Dunnellon FL
$100 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
$111 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Dunnellon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (580 reviews)
"Motel was nice and clean. Pillows are a little hard. Our AC unit was freezing up but it was fixed within minutes. Would go back again"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026

The Gator Den Motel
See all 3,838 properties in Dunnellon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table

Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table

Dunnellon FL
Stay at this vacation home in Dunnellon. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Springs State Park and Rainbow River are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (239 reviews)
"Beautiful home very clean, very comfortable and very big. There were plenty of things to do kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding all of which we did. We decided to work on a puzzle and get it done by the time we left at the end of our visit. We almost made it, not quite though, but everyone worked ..."

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2026

Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
Rainbow River Serene Garden House

Rainbow River Serene Garden House

Dunnellon FL
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Dunnellon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rainbow Springs State ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"the host was very communicative and check in and check out was smooth, with a nice garden out back."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Rainbow River Serene Garden House
Dock & Kayaks: Riverfront Dunnellon Home!

Dock & Kayaks: Riverfront Dunnellon Home!

Dunnellon FL
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Dunnellon. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Rainbow Springs State Park and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
"This was our 2nd year visiting the rainbow river area and this time we decided to stay a few days instead of a day trip. While we had a great time on the river and enjoyed the local restaurants, unfortunately the house was far from our expectations for what we were charged. The house while being ..."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2026

Dock & Kayaks: Riverfront Dunnellon Home!
See all properties in Dunnellon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Dunnellon attractions

A clear turquoise lake surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Photo by Jessica Tejera
Open Photo by Jessica Tejera

Rainbow Springs State Park

9.4/10 (387 reviews)
You can take time to visit Rainbow Springs State Park during your travels to Dunnellon. Stroll along this family-friendly area's riverfront, or simply enjoy its restaurants.
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Things to do

Long Goethe Forest Horseback Trail Ride

Long Goethe Forest Horseback Trail Ride

$170
per adult
Long Goethe Forest Horseback Trail Ride
Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour

Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour

$55
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour
Rainbow River: Guided Snorkel Tour - Paddleboard

Rainbow River: Guided Snorkel Tour - Paddleboard

$75
per adult
Rainbow River: Guided Snorkel Tour - Paddleboard
Guided Clear Kayak Eco Tour on Rainbow River

Rainbow River: Clear Kayak Guided Eco Tour

$75
per adult
Rainbow River: Clear Kayak Guided Eco Tour
Rainbow Springs Crystal Clear Paddle Board Eco Tour

Paddleboard the Clear Waters of Rainbow Springs

$94
per adult
Paddleboard the Clear Waters of Rainbow Springs
Inverness Food Tour strolls past the Elvis mural | Top thing to do in Inverness, Florida

Inverness Florida Food Tour

$99
per adult
Inverness Florida Food Tour
See all activities in Dunnellon

Frequently asked questions

Is Dunnellon worth visiting?
Dunnellon is worth visiting for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, centered around Rainbow Springs State Park and the scenic Rainbow River. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining experiences, with local restaurants offering a range of options from Italian to classic North American cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Dunnellon?
The best time to visit Dunnellon is from November through March, when the climate is most pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of June through September are a good option, offering a different experience.
What is Dunnellon known for?
Dunnellon is known for its beautiful natural springs and waterways, including Rainbow Springs State Park and the scenic Rainbow River. Travelers can also enjoy outdoor activities at K.P. Hole County Park. The area offers a variety of dining options, with a notable Italian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Dunnellon?
A good itinerary length for Dunnellon is two to three days to explore Rainbow Springs State Park, Rainbow River, and K.P. Hole County Park. Travelers can also enjoy a clear kayak or paddleboard tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows more time to relax and experience multiple water activities, such as a Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs. See Dunnellon Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Dunnellon?
Dunnellon offers natural beauty and outdoor adventures, especially around its clear springs and rivers:

  • Visit Rainbow Springs State Park, a beautiful natural area.
  • Explore Rainbow River, known for its clear waters.
  • Enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding on Rainbow Springs.
  • Go snorkeling or take a scenic wildlife cruise on Rainbow River.
  • Play a round of golf at Juliette Falls Golf.

How do I plan a trip to Dunnellon?
To plan your trip to Dunnellon, search for hotels and book flights and rental cars early. Explore outdoor activities like kayaking the Rainbow River or visiting Rainbow Springs State Park, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon. You can also enjoy local Italian, North American, and Latin American dining options.
What cuisines can you find in Dunnellon?
In Dunnellon, travelers can find Italian cuisine, with classic dishes like pasta and pizza. You'll also discover North American favorites, Latin American flavors, and Asian options, including Chinese dishes. For a quick stop, the area also offers cozy coffee shops.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Dunnellon?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Dunnellon by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Dunnellon with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Dunnellon trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Dunnellon?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Dunnellon can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Dunnellon trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Dunnellon trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Dunnellon trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Dunnellon trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Dunnellon?
If it's your first trip to Dunnellon, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Dunnellon hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Dunnellon hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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