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Just a few minutes from Orlando, Florida lies a natural spring that is enjoyable for the whole family! Wekiwa Springs State Park is surrounded by biodiversity and greenery and serves as a great escape from city life. Check out this guide for everything you need to know!
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Where is Wekiwa Springs State Park?
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located in Apopka, a small city near Orlando, Florida. It is only about 16 miles, or a 30-minute drive, from downtown Orlando.
Wekiwa Springs State Park Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for Wekiwa Springs State Park is as follows:
- $6 per vehicle (with up to 8 people)
- $4 for a single-occupant vehicle
- $2 for bicyclists, pedestrians, extra people in vehicle
Camping Fee
The camping fee for Wekiwa Springs State Park is as follows:
- $24 per night plus tax
- $6.70 fee for reservations
If you plan on staying in a RV, cabin, bungalow, boat or yurt, there is an additional $7/night utility fee.
- $5 for primitive camping
Wekiwa Springs State Park Entrance Fee Opening Hours
Wekiwa Springs State Park is open every day of the year! It is open from 8 am to sundown.
What to Do in Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiva Island
I recommend starting your journey to Wekiwa Springs at Wekiva Island. Located along the Wekiva River, this area of Wekiwa Springs is home to bars, restaurants, and art galleries. If you want, you can swim in the river near the pier.
Note: dogs are not allowed in this area.
Kayak Down the Wekiva River
From Wekiva Island, you can rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak and travel down the Wekiva River. You can check out the prices in the photo above.
Paddling against the current of the river will be a workout for you, so keep that in mind when deciding how far to travel.
Despite the effort, it is a very relaxing journey down the river. You will see turtles, alligators, and maybe a manatee if you are lucky! The water is also clear enough for you to see small fish swimming near the shore!
Hiking
Wekiwa Springs has several hiking trails for all levels of experience. You can find trail lengths ranging from less than a mile to 13.5 miles! On the longer trails, you may encounter wildlife such as turkeys, tortoises, deer, and possibly even black bears!
Check out this traveler’s experience hiking around Sand Lake.
Swimming at Wekiwa Springs
For me, the highlight of Wekiwa Springs State Park is swimming in the springs! There is a large enclosed swimming area where the springs open it, keeping the water warm year round!
This area of the park gets crowded, especially on the weekends! I recommend coming during a weekday or early in the morning to enjoy a more relaxing environment.
Best Day Trips From Wekiwa Springs
1. Winter Park
Located about 30 minutes from Wekiwa Springs, Winter Park is a picturesque city surrounded by natural beauty and elegant buildings. I recommend checking out the Scenic Boat Tour, which takes you across three different lakes, to get the full experience of Winter Park.
2. Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando has several world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal World Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These parks draw visitors from all over the world, and are definitely worth checking out!
3. Clearwater Beach
Located about 2 hours west of Wekiwa Springs, Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing vacation. This white sandy beach is consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the United States.
4. Kennedy Space Center
The famous Kennedy Space Center is located about 1 hour east of Wekiwa Springs. You will be amazed as you check out real space shuttles and rockets that were used by the United States over the past few decades!
Where to Stay Around Wekiwa Springs
The price and availability of hotels can vary dramatically depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s best to book your hotel in advance.
The SpringHill Suites is a highly-rated hotel in nearby Winter Park. It is located only a few minutes from the Scenic Boat Tour dock and Rollins College!
For more accommodation options, I recommend looking in Orlando. This is only a short drive away, but has plenty of options for places to stay. Check out the AC Hotel in downtown for luxury and convenience.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs is beautiful all year round. However, it can get pretty hot in the summer. In addition, the cost of flights and hotels can increase during this time, as it is peak season.
The best time to visit Wekiwa Springs is in late winter or early spring. Not only will the warm weather be a welcome relief from the cold, but also hotels and flights will be relatively inexpensive.
During the winter months, you may also see manatees in the Wekiva River. Ocassionally, these manatees even wander into the main swimming area.
