Florida always surprises me. I’ve been living in Florida for 25 years, and there are still so many places I haven’t explored yet. We took advantage of a week’s vacation to drive from Orlando to Destin, but dividing the trip into 2. We made a first stop in Wakulla Springs where we stayed at The Lodge, inside the state park. Here in this post, along with the video at the end, I take you to check out Wakulla Springs, from the spring and all the activities you can enjoy there.

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An essential stop in North Florida

Wakulla Springs is located just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, the state capital, and approximately 5 hours from Orlando. For those coming from out of state, the closest airport is Tallahassee International Airport, making it an affordable destination whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay.

We thought it was a perfect place to spend the 1st night of this fun road trip. Sure, you can easily get to Destin from Orlando in about 6 hours or so, but the idea is to explore a little more and see places along the way.

Officially known as Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, this park is home to one of the largest and deepest springs in the world. Its crystal-clear water and natural surroundings make it an ideal place to swim, explore trails, take a boat tour, or simply relax while enjoying the view.

Our visit was at the beginning of August, in the middle of summer, when the temperatures invite you to immerse yourself in the fresh water of the spring. However, a cloudy day and some rain in the late afternoon made us opt to explore other activities in the park. We touched the water a little and it was cold. There were several people jumping and enjoying themselves but in my mind they were probably from the north or Alaska 🙂 so it wasn’t that cold for them. Or so I imagine. And yes, I have been to other springs that are also very cold but at least it is sunny and warm outside.

Remember that between June and November it is hurricane season, this can affect your trip through that area if a hurricane passes nearby. We visited a week after a category 1, and we noticed some fallen trees and some flooded areas. The park was functioning normally, but they usually close when a hurricane is approaching. We are happy that day was the only one we had rain during the entire trip.

The Lodge: A historic gem in the middle of the park

We stayed at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs. A beautiful lodge built in the 1930s that combines historic elegance with the simplicity of a nature retreat. From the moment you enter, the lobby ceiling leaves you speechless with its hand-painted details, while the hallways are decorated with old photographs showing the history of the place and scenes from films filmed here, such as Creature from the Black Lagoon and Tarzan. I loved it! Between the history, the paintings, photographs and obviously, the landscape outside the hotel… everything is beautiful.

I found the room very spacious, comfortable and equipped with the essentials for your stay. Our room had a queen and a twin bed and the closet is huge. An interesting detail is that they do not have a television, but they do have a telephone and even a guest book to leave your opinion about the place or any other message. Additionally, the hotel’s elevator is a small time capsule, a functional relic that adds to the historic charm of the place.

There’s an area that offers coffee and tea for you to start the day before heading to have breakfast. You also find a lounge with some board games and in the lobby there is a TV. We thought the restaurant was great, both meals during dinner and breakfast were very delicious and the staff was very friendly.

Must-See Activities in Wakulla Springs

The park offers a wide variety of activities for all tastes and ages. Whether you prefer outdoor adventure or just relaxing, Wakulla Springs has something for you:

• Swim in the spring: The water remains cool all year round, with temperatures between 20°C and 22°C (68°F – 72°F). On a sunny day, it’s the perfect way to cool off.
• Boat tour: These tours take you along the Wakulla River, where you can observe incredible biodiversity. From birds and fish to alligators and manatees, this tour is ideal for nature and photography lovers. I recommend you to book in advance your tour and you can do it clicking here.
• Hiking: There are several trails at the park, perfect for enjoying the local flora and the tranquility of the surroundings.
• Picnic with the family: The park has designated areas to enjoy an outdoor meal. It is an excellent plan if you visit with children or in a group.

Fun Facts

• Wakulla Springs is known as one of the deepest springs in the world. Divers have explored to more than 90 meters deep, but the full extent is not yet known.
• The park preserves not only the beauty of the spring, but also an ecosystem rich in fauna and flora. It is home to numerous species, some unique to the region.
• The name “Wakulla” comes from the indigenous Muskogean language and is believed to mean “mysterious water” or “welling water.”

Wakulla Springs is a must-see stop if you are exploring North Florida. Whether as part of a road trip, weekend getaway, or a visit from Tallahassee, this place will amaze you with its natural beauty, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere.

Remember, this place is not only perfect for swimming and exploring, but also for disconnecting and enjoying the simple: nature at its best.

Here’s a video with more details of this Florida park, click CC for subtitles in English:

Have you visited Wakulla Springs yet or are you planning to? Tell us in the comments and share your tips!