Wekiwa Springs State Park: One of the Best Florida Springs Near Orlando
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Looking for a fun, refreshing break from the theme park crowds in Orlando? Let me introduce you to one of my favorite hidden gems from our family’s summer trip to Central Florida, Wekiwa Springs State Park. Just a quick drive from the city, this crystal-clear spring-fed oasis feels like a world away, with tubing, swimming, and shaded trails that wind through old Florida landscapes. We spent the day floating down the lazy river and cooling off in the natural spring, and it was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
When I lived in Florida, visiting the state's natural springs was one of my favorite things to do. There are over 700 natural springs in Florida, so I’m always discovering new ones and adding them to my list. I love how close Wekiwa Springs is to Orlando, and it’s the perfect excuse to explore outside of the busy parks. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to plan a visit to Wekiwa Springs, what to expect once you’re there, the best time to go, and even where to stay nearby if you want to make a weekend of it. If you’re craving something a little different, and a lot more natural, then this is the side of Florida you don’t want to miss!
Getting to Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located in Apopka, Florida, about a 30-minute drive northwest of Orlando. The park's entrance is off State Road 46, and you’ll want to get there early if you plan to visit during the summer months. The entrance fee for visitors is $6 per vehicle (up to 8), $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown every single day of the year, but June-August are the busiest times at the park, which is the same for all other natural springs in Florida.
Wekiwa Springs boasts crystal-clear waters that maintain a constant temperature of around 72°F (22°C) year-round, making it an ideal spot for swimming and cooling off, especially during the hot Florida summers. The water is also calm, making it a popular destination for snorkeling.
Traveling Tessie Tip: If you’re visiting during the summer months, plan ahead and arrive early. The gates open at 8am, and there’s almost always a long line already formed by that time, especially on weekends. We visited on a Friday in July and got in line around 7am, and were one of the last few cars to make it in. If you don’t want to wake up early, another option would be to get in line around 2pm or 3pm. This is when some visitors who got into the park early begin to head home, so spots begin to open up.
Tubing at Wekiwa Springs
One of the most popular activities at Wekiwa Springs is the leisurely tubing run down the Wekiva River. Rent your tubes from the rental shop right before the entrance to the park, or bring your own. The tubing run is about a 25-minute gentle float back to the springs, drifting along the crystal clear waters through a lush, shaded forest. It was one of the most relaxing spring experiences I’ve had in Florida!
Tubing at Wekiwa is such a serene experience, with opportunities to spot wildlife like turtles, herons. The water is cool and refreshing on a hot Florida day. Think tilting your head back as the sun warms your face and you’re surrounded by lush, green palm trees and mangroves - it doesn’t get better than that in my opinion.
You can hop in your tube at the main spring pool area for a shorter ride, or follow the path to the beginning of the lazy river for the full experience. Jumping in at the beginning of the river will make you feel like a kid all over again. I was nervous at first because the rocks are a little slippery and it was a little crowded, but when it’s your turn, all you have to do is jump right in with your tube, then climb up onto your inner tube.
In addition to tubes, many visitors bring along a small cooler to sip drinks and snack for a picnic, lawn chairs, and towels. There’s a concession stand just steps from the main spring area where you can purchase all sorts of food like chicken strips, burgers, french fries, and ice cream.
A few tips for tubing at Wekiwa Springs:
Arrive early to rent tubes, as they can sell out quickly on busy days
Wear secure water shoes or strap-on sandals if you don’t want to be barefoot
Use a waterproof dry bag or float for any valuables
Don't litter and respect the nature around you
Follow all posted signs and instructions from staff
Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced tuber, the tubing run at Wekiwa Springs State Park is a must-do Florida activity! Relax, soak up some sun, and let the gentle current sweep you along for an unforgettable experience in nature. I honestly can’t wait to go back!
Where to Stay Near Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park offers on-site camping, but if you’re not looking to camp, there are tons of hotel and rental home options nearby. Since we had a family vacation to the Wekiwa Springs area, we rented a house in Sorrento. But anywhere from Lake Mary over to Mount Dora would be perfectly situated near Wekiwa Springs State Park. Here are some great options ranging from large hotel chains to small, boutique hotels to rental homes.
Grandview Bed and Breakfast Mount Dora - If you’re looking for a charming, historic B&B, then staying in Mount Dora is for you! This little pocket of sunshine of a town is full of historic bed & breakfast accommodations that let the old Florida shine. The drive to Wekiwa Springs from Mount Dora is about 25-30 minutes.
Hilton Garden Inn Apopka City Center - Located just south of Wekiwa Springs, you’ll find tons of budget-friendly options from major hotel chains like Hilton, Hampton Inn, & Wyndham. I’ve always had a good experience at Hilton Garden Inns. They’re always clean, recently renovated, and have comfortable beds. The drive to Wekiwa Springs from Apopka is less than 15 minutes.
Waterfront 3 Bedroom Cottage with Dock and Kayaks - This is the home we rented and absolutely loved! It’s beautifully decorated, has a massive backyard that leads to a river where you can kayak, fish, or just sip your morning cup of coffee! Sorrento is about a 20-25 minute drive from Wekiwa Springs.
Wildlife at Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs, and Central Florida in general, is home to a healthy population of American alligators, a species native to Florida and the southeastern United States. These prehistoric reptiles can often be spotted basking on the banks of the spring river or floating in the crystal-clear waters. While alligators may seem intimidating, they are generally not aggressive towards humans unless they are threatened or provoked, and the park staff does a great job of posting signs or closing down parts of the park if alligators are present.
It’s always crucial to maintain a safe distance and never approach or feed alligators. These powerful predators can move swiftly on land and in water, and their powerful jaws can inflict severe injuries. Visitors to Wekiwa Springs should always keep a watchful eye, especially in areas where alligators are known to frequent.
Safety precautions are in place at Wekiwa Springs to ensure the well-being of both visitors and alligators. Park rangers regularly monitor alligator activity and provide educational programs to raise awareness about these fascinating creatures. Visitors are advised to heed all posted warnings and follow the guidance of park staff to minimize the risk of encounters with alligators.
In addition to alligators, this region of Florida is also home to black bears. Yes, you read that correctly! I lived in Southwest Florida for almost three years and had no idea. I had never seen or heard of them being in the area, but to my surprise, there were two that crawled through the backyard of the rental home during our vacation. It was quite the sight!
Other Florida Springs Near Orlando
If you're visiting the Orlando area and want to explore more of Florida's incredible natural springs, you have a few additional excellent options within a short drive. Here are some other springs near downtown Orlando worth checking out:
Kelly Park/Rock Springs: Just north of Wekiwa Springs and about 35 minutes from Orlando, Rock Springs is a stunning, crystal-clear natural spring with a large swimming area and tubing run. The park also features hiking trails and picnic areas surrounded by lush Florida vegetation.
Green Springs Park: Another dreamy nearby option is Green Springs Park, which is just 30 minutes from Orlando. It’s located on the north side of Lake Monroe and is a natural sulfur spring. Its milky green water and beautiful nature trails make for the perfect day exploring the true Florida.
Blue Spring State Park: A 40-minute drive from Orlando, this state park is famous for its clear blue spring water and as a winter refuge for manatees. Visitors can take a swim, go kayaking, or hike along the scenic trails. As a reminder, it’s illegal to touch or interact with manatees. So if you’re lucky enough to see them (they’re one of my favorite animals!), be sure to keep your distance to help protect these cute mammals.
De Leon Springs State Park: Located an hour from Orlando, this park centers around a large, circular spring pool perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach area. Historic sites and hiking trails add to the experience. They even have a boat tour that you can take during your visit!
No matter which spring you choose to visit, you'll be delighted by the crystal-clear waters, lush natural surroundings, and unique beauty that make Florida's springs such beloved attractions!
Whether you're road tripping through Florida or squeezing in a day away from the theme parks, Wekiwa Springs offers the kind of easygoing adventure that makes you feel like you've truly discovered something special. It’s a reminder that some of Florida’s best attractions are natural ones. If you're planning a trip to the Sunshine State and want to explore more off-the-beaten-path spots like this, be sure to check out my other posts on Florida’s natural springs that are perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking to slow down and soak it all in. I’ve had the opportunity to visit other popular springs like Rainbow Springs and Florida’s Blue Grotto, but with over 700 natural springs, I’ve barely scratched the surface!
Have a favorite Florida spring? Let me know below! I’d love to hear about it!
Happy travels!
-Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
