A Hand-Curated Coastal Mermaid and Sea Turtle Retreat
An artist-renovated coastal camper in Inglis, Florida, that doubles as a tiny-gallery and basecamp for manatee paddles, spring swims, and slow mornings. Perfect for travelers who want quiet nights, on-site art classes, and easy access to the Nature Coast’s waterways.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Overnight – 3 nights typical
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; good for travelers comfortable moving around a compact tiny home and short nature walks
Wildlife
History
Sea Breeze Cottage channels Old Florida living—a simple, handcrafted approach to coastal hospitality that predates modern coastal development.
Conservation
Guests are asked to use reef-safe products and follow manatee-safe boating and viewing guidelines to minimize disturbance to wildlife and springs.
Dawn's Sunshine Retreat
A Hand-Curated Coastal Mermaid and Sea Turtle Retreat
Dawn's Sunshine Retreat is a woman-owned creative getaway located in Inglis, Florida on the Nature Coast. The retreat offers short stays and services focused on art, relaxation, and local outdoor adventures. Guests can book multi-night retreats that include guided art classes with full access to a well-equipped art studio, continental breakfasts, and peaceful shared spaces such as a screened porch and outdoor areas for stargazing.
Retreat options include Dreams of Nature (relaxation, optional personalized art classes, and nearby Gulf activities), Chillaxed Momma (two guided art classes with neurographic and mixed-media painting plus studio access), Sea Babe and Sunset Delight (two-night creative getaways with two guided classes, sunset painting, and optional kayaking and nature walks), and henna and face-painting services available for events or private sessions. Henna artists and face painters at the retreat complete 15 to 18 designs or faces per hour, offering both intricate full-arm designs and smaller custom pieces.
Located near the Withlacoochee Trail and local preserves, the retreat provides easy access to hiking, kayaking, and opportunities to swim with manatees in nearby waterways. Dawn's Sunshine Retreat operates from a welcoming home environment focused on creativity, small-group instruction, and personalized services. The combination of on-site studio time, guided classes, and optional outdoor excursions makes it suitable for creatives, mothers seeking a restorative weekend, small gatherings, and event entertainment. All offerings emphasize a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in a woman-owned setting.
Advance bookings and custom add-ons are available to tailor each stay to individual creative goals and small groups welcome.
Owner
Woman-owned
Warm, welcoming home
Location
Inglis, FL
Florida's Nature Coast
Art Studio
Studio access
Guided classes and supplies included
Service Rate
15–18/hour
Henna & face painting pace
Book guided art classes, henna, or face painting and add kayaking or nature walks to personalize the retreat.
Book manatee tours early
Manatee swims and guided paddles fill fast during November–March; reserve spots at least a few weeks ahead.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen
Protect local springs and marine life by choosing reef-safe sunscreen for all paddling and beach days.
Respect quiet hours
This is a small residential property—keep noise low in the evenings to preserve dark-sky stargazing and wildlife.
Bring binoculars
A nice pair of binoculars enhances birdwatching on the nearby preserve and marsh edges.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local aquatic ecosystems during paddling and beach visits.
summer
Binoculars
Helps spot manatees, herons, and migratory songbirds on the preserve and marsh.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated on hikes and kayak trips while reducing single-use plastic.
Light rain jacket
Florida showers can appear suddenly; a packable jacket keeps you comfortable on outdoor excursions.
spring