Recently, we had the opportunity to visit Wakulla Springs State Park, a true natural treasure in Northwest Florida. We were taking a trip from Orlando to Destin (approx. 6 hours) and to make it shorter (and we wanted to explore more) we stayed at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs for one night, a charming historic hotel that offered us a unique and relaxing experience in the middle of the nature. From my adventures, I’m sharing some activities you’ll want to add to your itinerary for an incredible natural getaway in Florida: Wakulla Springs State Park.
A Night at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is a beautiful and historic hotel, a perfect place that combines the elegance of the 30s and 40s with the comfort of today. They even hold several social events here, including weddings.
Something different, which didn’t bother us at all, but the rooms don’t have a television, we rarely watch TV anyways, and I think this encourages you to stroll around the hotel more, to enjoy nature and disconnect from the outside world. The room we stayed in was very comfortable and spacious, a huge closet and a nice bathroom with everything you need in case you forget something. Although an overnight stay is not a must, you can visit the park for a day and enjoy most of the amenities the place offers.
The hotel has a restaurant where we had dinner and breakfast. Every dish we tried was very tasty. I am sure that everything was fresh and although I am not a chef or an expert in cooking, I do like to eat delicious things and I thought that everything was very well prepared and in a traditional southern style. The atmosphere of the restaurant, along with the large windows that invite you to enjoy the outside and the friendly service of the staff, made each meal a memorable experience.
Exploring the Park
Wakulla Springs is famous for its stunning landscapes and its spring, which is one of the largest and deepest in the world. Although we didn’t venture to swim in the spring due to the cold water temperature (which generally stays between 20°C and 22°C/68°F to 72°F), we enjoyed exploring the trails and enjoying in the views. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the weather was not on our side and we were greeted with some rain, something that must always be kept in mind during the summer in Florida, and that did not encourage us to jump into that crystal clear spring water. Perhaps, with high temperatures plus the powerful sun that also represents summer in Florida, we probably would have jumped in for a swim.
You can easily enter the springs from the shore, just like you would at a regular beach. Also if you want a little more adventure, you can climb some steps to a viewpoint and jump from the top. Another option I noticed, you can swim to one of the 2 platforms that were there and we saw many people jumping from there as well.
Another activity, and one of the most popular in the park, is a boat tour on the river, where you can observe wildlife, including manatees and exotic birds (and of course gators). It’s a great way to explore the area from a different perspective.
If you plan to stay at The Lodge, I recommend booking in advance as it is a popular place and fills up quickly, especially during peak season. We visited in mid-August, from Sunday to Monday. When we arrived on Sunday the place was packed, but on Monday when we checked out, we noticed that the place was almost empty.
Location and How to Get There
Wakulla Springs State Park is located approximately:
- 30 minutes from Tallahassee by car.
- 4 hours y 30 minutes from Orlando.
- 7 hours y 30 minutes from Miami.
Closest airport is Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), about 30 minutes away from the park by car.
Our visit to Wakulla Springs State Park was a wonderful experience, full of tranquility and natural beauty. Despite the rain and cold spring water, we enjoyed every moment, from the comfort of The Lodge to walks in the park. If you are looking for a stay and natural getaway in Florida, Wakulla Springs is undoubtedly a destination that you cannot miss. Would I come back for another night here? Probably yes, but I would make sure it is a medium hot and sunny day so I can enjoy the spring.
