Things To Do
in Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs is a freshwater spring and state park located on the northern edge of the Orlando metropolitan area, known for its clear spring pool, lush hardwood hammock and pine flatwoods. The park centers on a crystal-clear spring that feeds the Wekiwa River, offering swimming, paddling and abundant wildlife viewing. It’s a popular spot for locals seeking easy access to nature—hikers, birders, canoeists and families—while remaining close to suburban conveniences.
The atmosphere is relaxed and outdoors-focused, with shaded trails, picnic areas and a small visitor center that explains local ecology and history.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike along the scenic trails of Wekiwa Springs State Park. As the sun rises, listen to the sounds of nature as birds chirp and the gentle rustle of leaves fills the air. Breathe in the fresh, pine-scented air as you explore the diverse ecosystems and spot wildlife along the way.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch by the crystal-clear springs, where you can relax and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Spend the afternoon swimming in the natural springs or rent a canoe to paddle along the tranquil waters of the Wekiva River. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators and various bird species as you glide through the serene landscape.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, where the golden hour casts a magical glow over the water. Consider gathering around a campfire at one of the park's designated areas, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars. End your day with the soothing sounds of nature as night falls.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, fueling up for a day on the water. Head to the Wekiva River for an exciting canoeing or kayaking experience, where you can paddle through lush landscapes and spot wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility of the river as you navigate through its twists and turns.
Continue your water adventure by exploring the numerous springs and tributaries that feed into the river. Take breaks along the way to enjoy a packed lunch on a secluded bank, surrounded by nature's beauty. The afternoon sun glistens off the water, making for a perfect setting to relax and recharge.
As you return to shore, take time to reflect on your day while watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors. Head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine, where you can share stories of your day's adventures. Wind down with a leisurely evening stroll through a quaint town nearby, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-share | $8-20 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, clear spring with easy access to swimming and paddling
- Close to Orlando amenities while offering a peaceful natural escape
- Good wildlife and birdwatching opportunities
- Family-friendly trails and picnic facilities
- Can be crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in spring and summer
- Hot and humid in summer with frequent afternoon storms and mosquitoes
- Limited nighttime activities right at the park; need to drive into town for nightlife
- Some facilities or rentals may be seasonal or limited—plan ahead
Places to Visit in Wekiwa Springs
Visit one of these nice places.
Crystal-clear blue-green spring pool with a natural rock ledge — great for close-up water reflections, portraits and capturing swimmers against a woodland backdrop.
Aerial and low-angle water shots from a canoe or kayak capture meandering channels, cypress trees and wildlife; early morning mist can be dramatic.
Shaded boardwalks through hardwood hammock offer dappled light, mossy trunks and intimate forest scenes ideal for macro and landscape photography.
Marsh vistas and open skies produce great sunrise/sunset panoramas and long-lens bird photography of herons, egrets and migratory waterfowl.
Food in Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally sourced fish, grouper or shrimp prepared grilled, blackened or fried — common at nearby seafood restaurants and diners.
Must-Try!
Cuban-style pressed sandwich with roasted pork, ham, swiss, pickles and mustard — easy to find at Cuban cafés across the Orlando area.
A classic Floridian dessert made with tart key lime filling and graham cracker crust — available at bakeries and diners.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A popular farmers’ market (weekend) with fresh produce, local honey, baked goods and prepared foods — great for picnic supplies before heading to the springs.
Occasional food truck gatherings and local street markets offering tacos, barbecue and fusion snacks — check community calendars for pop-ups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress is generally casual—outdoor-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes are normal. Remove shoes for swimming but wear water shoes on rocky surfaces.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash, don’t disturb wildlife, and stay on designated trails. Fires and alcohol may be restricted—check park rules.
Americans value personal space and polite small talk; greet staff and other visitors with a friendly hello and keep noise levels down in nature areas.
Safety
Tipping in Wekiwa Springs
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S. tipping is customary: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and around 10–15% for taxis/rideshares. Leave extra for exceptional service; tips are a significant part of service workers’ income.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small purchases, park vending or tips where cards aren’t accepted. ATMs are available in nearby towns but may charge fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and prone to afternoon thunderstorms; ideal for swimming in the spring but bring sun protection, water and expect frequent short storms. Mosquitoes are plentiful—use repellent. Storms may briefly close some park facilities.
Warm and gradually more comfortable; hurricane season runs through November so keep an eye on tropical weather forecasts. Fall bird migration can increase birdwatching opportunities.
Mild and drier with cooler mornings—excellent for hiking and paddling. Water temperatures are cooler but still swimmable on mild days; crowds are lighter on weekdays.
One of the best times: warm days, lots of wildflowers and high activity for birds and wildlife. Expect more visitors on weekends and spring break, so arrive early.
Wekiwa Springs at Night
Hiking in Wekiwa Springs
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails within Wekiwa Springs State Park offering short loops to longer multi-mile hikes through hammock and pine flatwoods; good signage and varied terrain.
Trails and river edges ideal for combining a hike with tubing or paddling; spring-fed run with clear water and shaded areas.
Nearby wetlands and wildlife management areas with levee walks and viewing platforms offering long, flat walks and excellent birding.
A multi-use trail in the county connecting parks and neighborhoods—good for longer runs, bike rides and exploring local greenways.
Airports
How to reach Wekiwa Springs by plane.
Primary international airport for the region, about 25–40 miles southeast depending on route; typically a 35–50 minute drive without heavy traffic. Offers the widest range of flights and rental car options.
Located north of Orlando, roughly 30–45 minutes’ drive depending on traffic; serves several domestic and international carriers and can be convenient for northern approach.
About 60–90 minutes west by car, an option for travelers combining a visit to the Gulf Coast; larger range of flights for some routes.
Smaller airport closer to downtown Orlando for some corporate and private flights; limited commercial service but convenient for private aviation.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents in the surrounding area are families who use the park for weekend recreation and school activities.
Hikers, paddlers and birders from the Orlando metro area and beyond who visit for the spring and river corridors.
Seminole County and nearby communities have a sizable retiree population who frequent parks and nature areas.
A significant Hispanic/Latino presence in the broader Orlando region contributes to the cultural and culinary landscape.
Visitors from Orlando hotels and neighboring counties often spend half-days at the springs, especially during holiday periods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is popular at youth and amateur levels; the region hosts spring training and many community leagues.
Soccer interest is strong locally with Major League Soccer presence in Orlando and active youth programs.
Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and tubing are common recreational sports around springs and rivers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wekiwa Springs.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes and most restaurants nearby; many places offer salads, grain bowls and vegetable mains. Inform staff about strict vegetarian/vegan needs and ask about broths or cooking fats (some seafood restaurants use shared fryers).
Vegan choices are increasingly common in Winter Park and Orlando; smaller towns have limited options so plan ahead or bring snacks if you are heading into the park for the day.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free diets (gluten-free breads, salads, grilled proteins) but always confirm cross-contamination practices if you have celiac disease.