Quick FactsOverview
About Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs, Florida is a first-magnitude freshwater spring and Florida State Park located in Apopka, approximately 20 minutes north of Orlando via Interstate 4 exit 94. The park covers 7,000 acres and is centered on Wekiwa Springs, which produces approximately 42 million gallons of water daily at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit, forming the headwaters of the Wekiva River. The spring pool is kidney-shaped, measuring approximately 200 feet long and 100 feet wide, with a sandy bottom in most areas and limestone rock in the southeast section. The designated swimming area varies from under a foot to five feet in depth, making it one of the more family-accessible spring pools in Central Florida. A small cavern at the source of the spring descends 15 to 20 feet and extends into a cave system that has been explored to approximately 50 metres. SCUBA and cave diving are strictly prohibited at Wekiwa Springs; snorkeling in the spring pool is permitted and popular.
The park is considered Orange County's longest-running tourist attraction. Timucuan Indians are believed to have used this area from approximately 8500 BC. Post-Civil War tourism brought a hotel and other attractions to the spring, and by 1970 the state of Florida established the current state park. The park is also notable for ecology: four species of rare freshwater snails found in the spring are endemic to Wekiwa Springs, with two classified as critically imperiled. The surrounding park contains coyote, rabbit, deer, gray fox, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, and Florida black bear, alongside alligators, abundant birdlife, and more than 13 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Wekiwa Springs is among the most visited spring parks in Florida due to its proximity to the Orlando metropolitan area. As of September 2025, it became the first Florida state park to require advance online day-use reservations, introduced to manage severe traffic congestion that previously extended onto surrounding roads. Reservations must be made at reserve.floridastateparks.org before visiting. For visitors looking for accessible soaking pools in Florida near Orlando within a large and well-equipped state park, Wekiwa Springs is the closest and most established option.
Location & Access
Getting to Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located at 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712. From Interstate 4, take exit 94 and follow State Road 434 west for approximately one mile to Wekiwa Springs Road. Turn right and drive approximately 4 miles north to the park entrance on the right. The GPS coordinates for the trailhead and spring area are 28.7096 degrees North, 81.4628 degrees West. The park opens at 8am and closes at sunset daily.
Advance day-use reservations are required for all visitors including annual pass holders, effective September 2, 2025. This makes Wekiwa Springs the first Florida state park to operate on a mandatory reservation system. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance at reserve.floridastateparks.org. The $6 day-use entry fee is collected at the time of reservation; there is no additional booking fee. Same-day reservations can be made online if capacity has not been reached. The park's capacity is 213 vehicles. Annual pass holders must still make a reservation but do not pay the day-use fee. For visitors researching accessible hot springs in Florida near Orlando, this reservation requirement is a critical planning step; arriving at the park without a reservation will result in being turned away.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available inside the park from the concessionaire at the boathouse. Paddlers can access the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. A restaurant, The Watering Hole, serves food and drinks at the park. The campground was closed through 2025 for water-line construction and is expected to reopen in 2026; check the Florida State Parks website for current status before planning an overnight stay. Nearest major services are in Apopka and the surrounding Orlando metro area.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs suits families, casual swimmers, snorkelers, paddlers, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians across a wide range of experience levels. The spring swim area is very shallow at 0 to 5 feet, making it one of the most beginner-friendly spring pools in the state. The water is clear and the bottom is visible throughout. Children are very welcome and the park has a nature center, ranger programs, and a Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library for young visitors at the campground. The spring's natural open setting with a surrounding lawn makes it ideal for families to spread out and spend a full day outdoors.
Wheelchair access at Wekiwa Springs is supported across most of the park's main day-use areas. ADA-accessible restrooms are located at the picnic area, the concession building, and above the swimming area. The Nature Center is ADA accessible. Accessible parking is available at the entrance and near the pavilions. A ramped path with railings leads down to the boating area for water access. The restaurant and retail areas are maintained for wheelchair movement. One ADA-accessible trail existed in the park but was closed as of mid-2025 due to hurricane damage; visitors with mobility needs should call the park at (407) 553-4383 before visiting to confirm current trail and facility status. Some pavilion areas are surrounded by sand which can be difficult for wheelchairs and walkers.
SCUBA diving and cave diving are strictly prohibited at Wekiwa Springs. The cavern at the spring source is not open for any underwater penetration. Snorkeling in the spring pool is permitted and enjoyable. The 7,000-acre park includes 13.5 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of equestrian trails, and a 5.3-mile Volksmarch trail. Pets are welcome throughout the park on a leash but are not allowed in the swimming area. For accessible soaking pools in Florida near Orlando in a full-service state park setting, Wekiwa Springs offers the most comprehensive option within the region.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs requires awareness of two particular safety considerations that distinguish it from many other Florida spring parks. First, SCUBA and cave diving are strictly prohibited without exception. The spring vent at the source of the pool leads to an underwater cave system; no diving equipment may be used in the spring. The prohibition exists to protect both visitors and the sensitive spring ecosystem. Snorkeling at the surface is permitted and is the only acceptable form of underwater viewing. Second, the Florida black bear is a native resident of the 7,000-acre park. Bears have been documented throughout the park grounds including near the campground and trails. Do not approach, feed, or attempt to photograph a bear at close range. If a bear is encountered, back away calmly and report the sighting to park staff.
Alligators are present in the Wekiva River and adjacent waterways. Do not enter the river outside of designated areas and do not swim in the river. The spring pool itself is managed and monitored; swim only within the designated swim area and follow instructions from park staff. Intoxicants including alcohol are not permitted in the park. The park environment near the spring can become crowded on warm summer days; because advance reservations are now required, the previously severe overcrowding that caused traffic to back up onto Wekiwa Springs Road has been reduced, but the spring pool can still be busy at peak times. Visiting on weekday mornings offers the quietest experience.
The spring water at 72 degrees Fahrenheit is noticeably cool and can cause involuntary gasping on rapid entry, particularly for children. Enter gradually and supervise children closely near the edges of the spring pool. The swim area is very shallow throughout at 0 to 5 feet, which is safe for most visitors, but the cavern at the spring source drops to 15 to 20 feet and this area should not be approached by non-swimmers or children. Snorkelers should be aware of other swimmers sharing the pool. Do not block or disturb the spring vent. Pets must be on a leash at all times and are prohibited from the swimming area. Bring all food and waste out; leave no trace applies throughout the park.
