As we were heading back to Orlando from Blue Spring State Park, we decided to stop by Wekiwa Springs State Park. It was recommended to us by a local guy we met back at Blue Spring. We really didn’t know what to expect when we pulled in Wekiwa Springs State Park. Apparently, Wekiwa Springs State Park is known as the local spot for Orlando residents. Since it is only about 16 miles from downtown Orlando, it is an excellent place to get away from the theme parks. This place is beautiful with lush tropical trees and plants, emerald spring water and abundant wildlife. It is a perfect place if you want to go swimming, snorkeling, paddling, hiking or biking. There are tons of trails throughout the park.
STATS:
Where:
Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Cir. Apopka, FL 32712
Coordinates:
28°42’42.3″N 81°27’38.5″W
Parking:
There is a very big, paved parking lot.
Restrooms:
Yes
Fee:
$6 per car. For more info, check out their website.
Hour:
8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days.
Estimated Completion Time:
30 minutes to however long you want to stay there.
Ideal Weather:
Dry days are best. You don’t want to be in the water during a thunderstorm.
Ideal Time:
Go early in the morning. They do reach their capacity very fast, especially in the summer months.
Dog-friendly:
Yes but they must be on a hand-held, 6-foot leash at all times. They may not be left unattended. They can go on trails with you and in use areas but they are not allowed in the swimming area.
THE ADVENTURE:
After we entered the park, we follow the road around the parking lot. This parking is surprisingly long. At first, we didn’t know and went all the way toward the end. There were a few picnic pavilions there so we decided to head up that way. However, a very nice gentleman saw us wandering around and told us to head back toward the entrance. That’s where the swimming hole is.
The second time is a charm. After we parked, Dustin headed toward the wooden boardwalk. It winded through a grassy hill and dropped us off onto a paved area in front of a clear blue swimming hole. Since we went on a weekday, it wasn’t that crowded. However, it can be very busy during the summer months or during the weekends. There are wooden boardwalks around the area for you to walk around the springs.
As you spend time here, you’ll meet tons of local people. I still can’t get over how nice they were. As we were walking around, exploring the place, a lady called out to us as she gestured toward the woods. We looked down and her daughter was feeding a squirrel with some almonds. Ivies, as we found out that was her name, handed me an almond and motion for me to do the same. Even with our language barrier, as she spoke only in Spanish, we quickly developed a connection. She wanted to show us these big fish in the water so we tagged along with her and her daughter, Danniella. They are from Cuba. They ended up giving us a quick tour around the place, as well as showing us some of the wildlife around there.
According to Ivies and Danniella, there are black bears around here, along with alligators. They told us to be careful with the black bears. As for the alligators, they won’t go inside the swimming hole, and if you are kayaking, since they are opportunistic feeders, they won’t attack you, only easy prey. That being said, you still need to be careful when the gators are around. They are wild animals after all. As we said goodbye to our new friends after she gave us each a big hug, it started to rain. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an alligator swimming inside the reeds, trying to hide from the rain. Dustin and I looked at each other and we both hurried away from the water’s edge. Anyhow, here’s the list of things you can do while visiting Wekiwa Springs State Park:
Swimming/Snorkeling
The water here at Wekiwa Springs State Park is perfect for swimming as it’s always at 72 degrees. You can bring your floaties but it has to be individual size only. Since the swimming area is shallow, diving and jumping is not permitted. There are also no lifeguards here. Swimming and snorkeling are not permitted in Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run or the Wekiva River. This means you have to stay within the little pond area in front of the cement area and the little bridge connecting the two sides of the river.
Kayaking/Canoeing
If you enjoy kayaking or canoeing, you can paddle out to the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run. There are canoe and kayak rentals at the park’s concession. You can also enter the park from any launch site along the Wekiva River. It’s only a $2 entrance fee to enter if you go through Wekiwa Springs Run.
Trails:
Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a variety of trails from leisure walks, hiking, bicycling to horse trails. Keep in mind, the park closes at sundown so make sure you plan accordingly. There is no overnight stays unless you are camping. Please make sure you stay on designated trails and be respectful to other hikers, bicyclists, riders as well as the park and wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, there are tons of them out here. You may encounter deer, gophers, tortoise, turkeys, bobcats and sometimes Black Bears. Before you start, make sure to stop by the ranger station for a trail map and more information on bear safety. Also, please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, map, compass and cell phone.
Besides Wekiwa Springs State Park, there are tons of other activities that you can do away from the theme parks, one of them is tubing at Blue Spring State Park. If you don’t mind the drive, swim with the manatees at Crystal River is definitely one heck of an experience!
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RECOMMEND GEAR:
Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
• Water shoes
Not required but good to have. Vy uses UBFEN Women’s Water shoes. Dustin has UBFEN Men’s Water shoes.
• Sunscreen:
If you need sunscreen, we use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.
• Snorkel mask
If you want to go snorkel. We used OUSPT Full Face Snorkel Mask
• Fins
If you want to go snorkel. These are the ones we used, U.S. Divers Trek Fin – Compact Snorkel Fins and U.S. Divers Proflex FX Fin.
• Flotation belt
If you’re not a very good swimmer, a flotation belt will help you be more comfortable in the water. Vy uses these every time she goes snorkeling.
• Towels/Change of clothes
If you want to play in the water, this is obvious.
• Water/Snacks
Depends on how long you want to spend here and what kind of activities you want to do, water and snacks or lunches are always a good idea.
• Bug spray
This area has a lot of bugs so make sure to spray yourself generously. We use REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent.
• Compass and cell phone
If you want to do any trail activities, make sure to bring these two items.
CAMERA GEAR:
• Camera:
Sony a7 III
Gopro Hero 7 Black
• Lenses:
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
• Accessories:
GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount
Aluminum GoPro protection frame
