A 72°F crystal spring you can swim in all year, plus kayaking down the Wekiva River. It is the best nature day near Orlando, but you need a reservation.
Overview
Wekiwa Springs State Park, in Apopka north of Orlando, is the headwater of the Wekiva River. Clear spring water stays near 72°F all year and fills a large swimming basin with a sandy and grassy bank.
Things to do: Swim and snorkel in the spring. Rent a canoe or kayak from the park concession and paddle down the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run, where turtles, herons, otters and alligators are common. There are 13+ miles of hiking, biking and horse trails through pine flatwoods and sandhill. Picnic pavilions sit near the spring.
IMPORTANT - reservations (re-verified on the official FSP page): Since September 2, 2025, day-use visitors must reserve at reserve.floridastateparks.org, up to 60 days ahead. The lot holds roughly 330 cars, and before reservations the park routinely closed by mid-morning on warm weekends. Book as soon as your dates are firm, especially for weekends, holidays and summer.
Who it's for: Families with kids who can swim (no lifeguards), teens and adults who want to paddle, and anyone who needs a cool-water break from the heat. Toddlers can wade at the edges, but watch them closely.
Practical tips: Open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year. Arrive at opening even with a reservation. Bring water shoes, a cooler (allowed; no alcohol or glass) and cash or a card for rentals. The spring area can close temporarily for water quality or maintenance, so check the alerts on the park page the day before.
Good to know
DAY-USE RESERVATION REQUIRED (since Sep 2 2025; up to 60 days ahead). No lifeguards. No alcohol, glass or pets in the swim area. Kayak/canoe concession on site.
Still being confirmed with the venue:
- Canoe/kayak rental prices (concessionaire)
- Park-specific social accounts (only statewide FSP accounts verified)
