You’re driving down US-27, thinking you’ve seen it all in Florida. Then you hit Williston. Honestly, it looks like a standard small town. A few stoplights, some historic brick buildings, and maybe a whiff of agricultural dust in the air. But don’t let the quiet exterior fool you. This place is basically the gateway to a subterranean world that looks like it belongs in a Jules Verne novel.
People usually blast through here on their way to Ocala or Gainesville, which is a massive mistake. If you’re looking for things to do Williston FL, you aren’t just looking for a park or a museum. You’re looking for a sinkhole that feels like a portal to the Mesozoic era.
The Underworld: Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto
Most folks come for the water. And rightfully so. Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring isn't just a clever name. It's a karst cavern where the ceiling collapsed, exposing an underground river that stays a crisp 72 degrees year-round. When the cold winter air hits that warm water, steam rises through the opening like smoke. Early settlers saw it and thought they’d found the entrance to hell.
Today, it's more like a divers' heaven. You walk down these narrow, slightly slippery wooden stairs into a massive, hollowed-out cavern. The light filters down from the hole in the ceiling, hitting the water in these long, cinematic shafts. You can snorkel or scuba dive, but keep in mind that they don't allow just "swimming." You need gear. If you’re a local or just passing through in 2026, make sure you book your reservation online. They’ve gotten strict about capacity, and there’s nothing worse than driving out to the middle of Levy County just to find a "Full" sign at the gate.
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Then there is the Blue Grotto.
It’s just down the road, and while Devil’s Den is the "famous" one, Blue Grotto is the one the serious divers obsess over. It goes deep. We’re talking 100 feet down. One of the weirdest features is the "Air Bell" at 30 feet. You can literally pop your head up into a pocket of compressed air and talk to your dive buddy without a regulator. They’ve also got a resident softshell turtle named Virgil who basically runs the place. He’s huge, and he’s been there for years.
Nature Reclaimed at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
If you aren't into getting wet, you need to head over to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens. This place has one of the coolest backstories in the state. Basically, an old limestone quarry was abandoned and left to rot. Then, a guy named Dr. Ray Webber bought it and spent 30 years turning it into a botanical masterpiece.
It’s a 20-acre labyrinth of waterfalls, koi ponds, and bridges. Because it’s built into an old quarry, there are dramatic elevation changes you just don’t see in the rest of flat-as-a-pancake Florida.
- The Overlook: There’s a rim trail that lets you look down into the quarry.
- The Fauna: Keep an eye out for the resident swans and the occasional roving deer.
- The Vibe: It’s quiet. Like, "you can hear your own heartbeat" quiet.
They host events too, like the "Harmony in the Quarry" concerts. If you’re visiting in February 2026, check if they’ve got a show. Seeing live music in a stone amphitheater surrounded by tropical plants is a whole mood.
Elephants and Steam Trains
Wait, elephants? In Williston?
Yeah, actually. Two Tails Ranch is a private refuge for elephants that need a home, whether they’re retired from the circus or were rescued from elsewhere. This isn’t a zoo where you just stare at animals through a fence. It’s an educational facility. You have to book a tour in advance—no walk-ins allowed.
You can literally hand-feed an elephant for five bucks. If you’re feeling spendy, they have "Extreme Encounters" where you get one-on-one time with them. It’s expensive, but 100% of the proceeds go back into caring for these giants.
For something a bit more nostalgic, Kirby Family Farm is a local treasure. They have a full-size, restored 1800s steam locomotive. They do massive events for Christmas and Halloween, but even on regular days, it’s a peek into a version of Florida that’s mostly been paved over.
Where to Eat When the Diving is Done
You’re going to be hungry. Diving and walking through quarries works up a serious appetite.
The undisputed heavyweight champion of Williston dining is The Ivy House. It’s located in a historic 1912 house, and the food is pure Southern comfort. We’re talking fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and their "Ivy House Delmonico" steak. Honestly, the Midnight Chocolate Cake is worth the trip alone. It’s the kind of place where the sweet tea is served in massive jars and the servers treat you like you’ve lived there your whole life.
If you want something faster, Sister’s Place is great for a quick lunch, and BubbaQue’s serves up some of the best smoked wings in the county. Just don't expect "fine dining" in the white-tablecloth sense. This is Williston. It’s about the flavor, not the frills.
A Bit of History and Local Quirks
Williston was founded in the 1880s by a guy named Jesse Willis. He was a doctor and a plantation owner, and he clearly wasn't modest since he named the town after himself.
Back in the day, this was the "Cucumber Capital of the World." At its peak, the town was shipping 75 carloads of cucumbers a day. While the cucumber empire has faded, the town still celebrates its agricultural roots every year at the Peanut Festival. If you’re here in October, it’s a classic small-town fair with crafts, music, and more boiled peanuts than you can possibly eat.
A weird bit of trivia for the tech nerds: Williston was actually the site of the first-ever fatal accident involving a self-driving car (a Tesla) back in 2016. It happened right at the intersection of US-27 and NE 140th Court. Locals still talk about it occasionally when the topic of "the future" comes up.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
Thinking about heading out? Here is how to actually do it right.
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- Book the Den Early: If you want to snorkel Devil's Den, check the website on Monday morning for the upcoming weekend. It fills up fast.
- Pack a Jacket: Even in July, that 72-degree water can give you the chills after an hour. Bring a wetsuit if you have one, or rent one on-site.
- Check the Calendar: Two Tails Ranch is closed on Thursdays. Don't make the drive only to find the gates locked.
- Footwear Matters: Cedar Lakes has steep ramps and rocky paths. This is not the place for flip-flops. Wear real shoes.
- Hit the Bakery: Before you leave Ivy House, check the bakery case. Their hand-held pies are the perfect road trip snack.
Williston is one of those places that reminds you Florida isn't just beaches and theme parks. It's a place with deep roots, strange geology, and a pace of life that actually lets you breathe.
Next Step: Head over to the official Devil's Den website to check current rental prices and availability for your preferred date. If you're planning on diving the Blue Grotto, call ahead to see if Virgil the turtle is feeling social—he usually is.