We’ve been to many of the Springs all around Florida, but Wakulla Springs State Park is just like the most special one we’ve gotten to spend time at. Don’t get me wrong, we absolutely love Blue Spring State Park and Rainbow Springs, but Wakulla is really remarkable when it comes to the calm and the wildlife. Covering 6,000 acres in the panhandle of Florida, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park (its full name) is very unique and kind of a hidden gem of old Florida.
Have you gotten to visit Wakulla Springs State Park? If not, put it on your Florida bucket list now because we’ve got a guide that’s going to tell you all about what you can expect and all the cool things to do at this peaceful slice of nature, including the vintage Lodge. If you have any questions or need any other recommendations for the area, please leave a comment or send us a note. We are always happy to share more and help you plan a really fun and memorable trip around Florida.
Wakulla Springs State Park Guide
The thing that really stands out to me about Wakulla Springs State Park isn’t the insane amount of water that this first magnitude spring pumps out every minute, but it’s actually how quiet and untouched the whole area is. Unlike many of the other freshwater Springs in Florida, here, you cannot or swim in the river flowing from the springs. You’ll see more information below, but access by humans is severely limited to a very small part of the headspring and then only with rangers for the other portion that you can just visit. Wakula Springs State Park is all about having a peaceful escape into nature and appreciating the alligators, birds, and myriad of other wildlife in the protected area.
Where is Wakulla Springs State Park
You’re being so quiet and protected as Wakulla Springs State Park is, you might be surprised to learn that it’s only 20 minutes south of Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida. Halfway between the city and the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the 6,000 acres surrounding the Wakulla River before it joins the St Marks River are all untouched. Florida nature like you always hope to find. Even though Tallahassee is so close, you would have no idea because the state park stays so peaceful and the trails have so few people on them. While hiking might not be what you think of when it comes to visiting a state park in Florida, there are around 10 miles of trails for visitors here at Wakulla Springs State Park.
Besides staying at the lodge and enjoying this beautiful natural area, there are some small towns nearby and the St Marks National Wildlife Refuge. For years this has been a place to see flamingos and other Florida Wildlife, so pair visiting Wakulla Springs with the wildlife refuge and exploring a little more of the panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico.
Within the State Park boundaries, the accessible area is quite limited. Although on your drive in you’ll be next to the park quite a lot, you can see on the Wakulla Springs State Park map below what is accessible to visitors.
What Makes Wakulla Springs State Park Unique
So what is it that makes Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park so unique? It’s actually the lack of development and the fastidious protection of the surrounding Forest and River that really set it apart. There is more to it though…
Wakulla Springs: the Deepest Freshwater Spring in the World
One of the largest and THE deepest freshwater spring in the world, Wakulla is a first magnitude Florida spring. Its waters are crystal clear and 69°F year round. Whether you are visiting in the heat of Summer or you are doing a winter trip along the Gulf of Mexico, you can always swim and it’s always great. I will say that swimming in the springs in peak summer heat makes them seem extra cold. In the winter it feels amazing because it’s so warm, and that’s why the manatees love it, but in summer 69° water feels really chilly.
The Wakulla Underwater Cave System
Something else that is really cool about visiting Wakulla Springs State Park, and it’s actually something you can’t really experience. But it’s fascinating to know and think about, is the giant underwater cave system where the headspring flows from. It’s the source of the Wakulla River and the vast reaches of the cape system are mind-boggling. There are over 45 miles of explored caves under the headspring. So maybe there is a Creature living in this Black Lagoon’s deep caves.
Wildlife at Wakulla Springs State Park
Being a wildlife photographer myself, the biggest highlight of getting to stay at the lodge and spend so much time at Wakulla Springs State Park is the amazing wildlife. As I mentioned, the 6,000 acres surrounding the Wakulla River here in the park are all protected and access is extremely limited. On the river, you can only experience it on a guided boat tour, and on land. There are just a few trails with boardwalks that allow you to explore the forest. Because of this very intentional limiting of access, the wildlife here is remarkable. Boats are only allowed on 2 miles of the river and they are only the state park boats. Beyond where they turn around, the wildlife and that part of the forest and River does not have any sort of interaction with humans.
In the winter months, the Wakulla river fills with manatees. While it might not get as many as Blue Spring State Park does, it’s still impressive and gorgeous. The warm water flowing from the giant headspring keeps the Wakulla River nice and warm when the Gulf of Mexico starts to cool off. The manatees, alligators, and all sorts of birds love it. You might even spot some otters while you are here.
Old Florida at Wakulla Springs State Park
Old Florida landscapes with live oaks, cypress trees and Spanish moss are the setting of access and public areas at Wakulla Springs State Park. If you are just visiting for the day, the forest is beautiful and leads you to a parking area near the vintage Lodge. Built in the 1930s, the Wakulla Springs Lodge has 27 guest rooms, a soda counter, and a dining room. The lobby is the coolest though, with the most beautiful ceiling painted with old Florida and nature murals on its beams and recesses.
Was Creature from the Black Lagoon filmed at Wakulla Springs?
Yes! Wakulla Springs was the primary filming location for Creature from the Black Lagoon and other classic films, like some of the Tarzan films. Silver Springs State Park also was the place for some filming, both for Creature and the original Tarzan movies, but the bulk of Creature from the Black Lagoon was filmed here. When you do the boat tour, you get to visit a good amount of the filming area, including the creatures’ lair.
TIP: if you visit the boat tour building and actually pay attention to the exhibits, you’ll come across a fun photo op with the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
What To See In Wakulla Springs State Park
Besides the beautiful springs and vintage Lodge, the wildlife is the big draw for what to see at Wakulla Springs State Park. Even though so much of the park is protected and not accessible to people, there is plenty of wildlife to see both on foot and on the boat tour.
Here is just some of the wildlife that you can expect to see at Wakulla Springs State Park:
- Manatees – seasonally, November to February
- American alligators, NOT crocodiles
- river otters
- white tailed deer
- wild turkeys
- turtles – Florida cooter, yellow-bellied slider, Florida softshell, Suwannee cooter, common musk turtle, common snapping turtle.
- bald eagles
- ospreys
- herons and egrets
- limpkins
- common gallinules
- cormorants and anhingas
I know that’s a long list, but it’s an amazing place. There’s a lot to see in Wakulla Springs State Park if you keep your eyes peeled and you listen in the quiet. I think you’ll love it.
What To Do In Wakulla Springs State Park
As you’re planning your visit and thinking about things to do in Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, know that you can likely do it all in just two days. You could plan an extra day just for relaxing and doing one more jaunt down the river, but two days should suffice for getting in most of the activities in the park.
Swimming in the Spring Basin
I always say yes to jumping into one of our freshwater springs here in Florida, so swimming at Wakulla Springs is a must. It’s actually two to three degrees cooler than most of the Florida springs, which makes it extra refreshing. In the winter and spring months it feels amazing and perfect. In the summer months when it’s peak heat and humidity, the 69 degree water feels really brisk. It’s still fun though.
The swimming area is roped off so you cannot go into the protected zones, including directly above the headspring. There are two platforms you can swim out to, and then there’s a diving tower as well. The original diving tower had higher levels than exist today, but even still now you can jump off an 8 foot and a 20 foot platform into the spring. It’s so fun! There is a ladder for climbing out or you can swim over to the beach area.
When you’re done swimming, if you have kids with you, there is a good playground with swings available nearby at the picnic area too.
Guided River Boat Tour – the Wakulla Jungle Cruise
Known as the Jungle Cruise, the river boat tour at Wakulla Springs State Park is the only way you can experience life on the river. A great deal at $7 USD per person, it’s inexpensive and really lovely. It’s a great opportunity for wildlife photography and to get the history of the river and springs. The guided river boat tour also takes you to the “lair” of the Creature, which is just beautiful. It’s only a 45 minute boat ride, but it’s great. Also, if you want to do the boat tour multiple times throughout your stay, you’re welcome to. I recommend doing it at least twice, at two different times of day.
Note: there’s also a small museum in the building where you check in for the Jungle Cruise. You can read all about the local wooly mammoth fossils they’ve found, read up on the springs themselves and take a photo with the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Hiking the Sally Ward Trail
Leaving from the Lodge at Wakulla Springs, there are two trails to explore. There is the Hammock Trail, which is a one mile loop through the hardwood and cypress forest, and then the 6 mile one-way Sally Ward Trail. If it’s a hot hot hot day, just do the shorter trail, looking for birds and other wildlife. If it’s not too crazy hot or if you’re appropriately prepared, do at least part of the Sally Ward Trail. There are boardwalks and bridges, it winds through some beautiful stretches of forest, and it’s one of the best examples of what Old Florida looked like before there was so much development.
This trail also crosses the Sally Ward Run, which is the stream flowing from the Sally Ward Spring. I love how the light comes into the forest along the run, highlighting the spider lilies and other vegetation along the trail.
Cherokee Sink Trail Exploration
Across the highway from the main part of Wakulla Springs State Park is the Cherokee Sink Trail. There’s a parking area at the 1 mile trailhead (so another mile back to your car). This trail is straight and level, taking you through more beautiful forest and to the Cherokee Sink Hole. This large limestone sink is full of water, and although it’s a pretty turquoise-green, I like the main headspring for swimming better because the water can be pretty stagnant here, but people do swim. It’s cool though, and it’s an easy hike. This is the most common place for divers.
Wildlife Photography
My favorite thing to do at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is wildlife photography. The best experience is on the Jungle Cruise river boat tour on the first two miles of the Wakulla River, but you can also have a great time with wildlife photography from land. There are the docks and plenty of trail space to wander to capture the wildlife of the state park.
Whether you’re watching the manatees in the winter months or looking for the river otters in spring, you’ll have a lot to see just from shore. Do the Hammock Trail for birds, including owls and hawks. For wildlife photography on the river cruise, do not bring a tripod, as it’s a boat and people may need to move around. It’s very calm and easy to get good photos, don’t worry.
Birdwatching at Wakulla Springs
I’m a big birder, so getting to enjoy birdwatching at Wakulla Springs State Park is awesome to me. It’s not just the river cruise that is great for it, but it’s the whole area around the headspring, starting just before sunrise. If you use the Merlin app (bird identification) and you allow it to run a birdsong identification, you’ll be stunned by what it picks up. We identified 26 different birds on our sunrise bird walk. Amazing.
Just around the headspring area, we also were able to easily observe a bald eagle, swallow-tailed kite, green heron, little blue heron, night heron, pileated woodpecker, several species of hawks and more. Walking on the Hammock and Sally Ward trails there were even more. It’s pretty magical for birdwatching.
Biking the Park Roads
There are bike rentals at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs or you can bring your own. While there aren’t a ton of trails to explore due to the protected nature of the lodge, there are roads and trails ideal for biking. If you’re going on the trails, remember to share them with hikers. Also, I like to walk my bike when I’m on elevated boardwalks, so do what you think is most safe and courteous.
If you’re renting bikes, they’re available at the Lodge from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, renting in 4 hour increments. They do provide helmets with bike rentals.
Picnicking Near the Spring
There are lots of benches and a few picnic tables around the swimming area of the headspring at Wakulla Springs State Park, and you’re always welcome to put out a picnic blanket, just don’t feed the wildlife (and birds). Near the Lodge there is also a designated picnic area with more tables and parking, so it’s easier to set up there from your car, return your picnic things and then enjoy a day of swimming and the boat tour at Wakulla Springs. Also, there’s a playground next to the picnic area, so if you’re visiting with kids it’s a great way to burn off energy.
Scuba Diving (permit required)
I wish I could say that you can just roll up, flash your PADI certification and jump in with all your scuba gear, but no. The enormous underwater cave system is fascinating and vast. Very experienced cave divers may obtain a permit to scuba here for research, but very few are granted and it is NOT a recreational diving area. There are lots of other springs around the state where you can easily snorkel the headspring, but if diving is your thing, the headspring here isn’t really an option. You can dive into Cherokee Sink (check in at the main park office first), so if that’s of interest, start planning and permitting a Wakulla Springs State Park dive now.
Staying at the Wakulla Springs Lodge
I like staying at the Wakulla Springs Lodge, but then I’m a sucker for all things vintage and “Old Florida” like this. Built by Edward Ball in the 1930s, there are just 27 rooms here, and you can either have a springside view or a property view. The guestrooms are nice sized with big closets (good for multi-day stays), and there are some weird, vintage touches throughout. The coolest thing was the bottle opener / wine screw built into the bathroom door. And no, there are no televisions in the rooms at the Wakulla Springs Lodge, but they do have wifi for guests.
Wakulla Springs State Park Hiking Trails
Even though Wakulla Springs State Park isn’t known for its trails, the ones that are available are pretty cool and unique. Hiking here is all about enjoying the quiet and the birdsong. Wakulla Springs’ trails are easy but worth it.
Sally Ward Trail
Leaving from the Wakulla Springs Lodge area, the Sally Ward Trail starts from the Hammock Trail then branches off, crossing the Sally Ward Spring Run. A series of boardwalks and dirt paths make it an ever-changing trail through lots of cypress trees and unique habitats. The Sally Ward Trail is 6 miles one way, so it’s 6 miles back too. It leads through floodplains and hardwood forests, and it’s a fun, mellow adventure in the woods.
Cherokee Sink Trail
Geologically, sink holes are really interesting and pretty cool to explore. The Cherokee Sink Trail leads to a sink filled with water, but it’s pretty stagnant a lot of the time. There are times that the water has flowed through and it’s a nice turquoise color, but it also can look not-awesome. The Cherokee Sink Trail is nice though, and flat and straight. It’s one mile each way from the parking area, which is located just outside of the main Wakulla Springs State Park area. It’s great for birdwatching in a beautiful hardwood forest.
Hammock Spur Trail
I really like the Hammock Trail for just getting out and seeing the woods. It starts from the Lodge at Wakulla Springs (same trailhead as the Sally Ward Trail) and then crosses a few small sinks as it moves through the woods. You get to go through both hardwood and cypress forests on this short loop of .9 miles. There are lots of birds and it’s and easy trail, great at both sunrise and sunset. There are both dirt trails and boardwalk sections of the Hammock Trail, and you do have to cross the road twice on your hike, but it’s safe and doesn’t impact the experience.
Tips For Visiting Wakulla Springs State Park
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is very popular on the weekends and all summer long. Because the water is warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it stays consistently busy, but still not as busy as other places like Rainbow Springs State Park or other more well known Florida State Parks. Here are our tips for making sure your visit is both successful and fun.
Arrive early on weekends
Because parking fills quickly, arriving early on the weekends is important. There is a very large parking area, but if it’s extra busy it will max out and you’ll have to wait for access to the park. If you have a reservation at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs, they’ll let you through, but if you’re a day visitor you’ll have to wait.
Bring cash or card for entrance fees
Florida State Parks do usually have a fee, and Wakulla Springs is no different. Both cash and card are accepted at the entry booth (as of March 2026) but many parks and State Park vendors are moving to cashless systems, so it’s to be expected that entry fees will eventually follow suit.
Boat tours may sell out on busy days
You can book your Jungle Cruise boat tour of Wakulla Springs in advance, so do it. Even though it’s not an expensive tour that people are busting down the door to be on, seating is limited for each sailing. Due to the protected nature of the Wakulla River, they don’t load up every boat and keep things moving. There are a set number of visitors allowed on the river, so secure your spot in advance. Also, if you want to do the tour multiple times during your stay, book tours at different times of day.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
While you can rent binoculars from the front desk of the Lodge at Wakulla Springs, you can just bring your own and save a few dollars. I like binoculars for observing some of the more far off birds, and also the otters tend to keep their distance from the Jungle Cruise boats.
Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms
Remember that you’re in Florida and we do tend to have a daily thunderstorm. In the summer months, our storms tend to last a half hour or so and then it’s pretty and clear again, but they can go for longer too. Weather may cause cancellations for the boat tours and lightning will cause the State Park rangers to close the swimming area. Weather changes quickly, so just be patient and have a backup plan.
Mosquito repellent is helpful on trails and boat
Because of the different sinks and springs in Wakulla Springs State Park, there is a lot of both flowing and standing water. Whether you’re waiting to board the boat tour on the dock or if you’re biking the Sally Ward Trail, there are mosquitoes for most of the year. Winter and spring aren’t bad, typically, but April through November you’ll have a lot of bugs to be aware of. Mosquito repellant is very helpful, as well as lightweight long sleeve clothing.
Swimming is only allowed in designated areas
Don’t be on the news. You can ONLY swim in the designated areas, which does include the diving platform and the two swimming platforms. You CANNOT swim directly over the headspring, so if you think you can be sneaky and snorkel your way over to it, think again. If you really want to do that you need to get a scuba permit and plan a sanctioned dive. This is a great swimming area and it’s fantastic with kids.
What To Bring To Wakulla Springs State Park
If you’re visiting Wakulla Springs State Park for just the day, the most important thing to think about is your actual activity plan. I love swimming, so swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunblock (yes, even away from the ocean) and an underwater phone case are all must-haves. If you’re here just for the wildlife watching, bring your camera with a telephoto lens and maybe binoculars. For the trails, don’t forget your mosquito repellant, a broad-brimmed hat and comfortable shoes.
Although you can rent bikes at the Wakulla Springs Lodge, you can also bring your own bike. In the State of Florida, kids 16 and under are required to wear helmets, so be sure that you have them for any kids in your group. If you’re renting bikes, helmets are provided.
Also, there aren’t a lot of food options within Wakulla Springs State Park. You can either have lunch in the dining room or from the soda counter, or you can bring your own picnic lunch. There are plenty of picnic tables and places to lay out a spread.
Directions to Wakulla Springs State Park
You’ll need to drive yourself to Wakulla Springs State Park. There are no buses that can get you even close to it. It’s just 25 minutes from Tallahassee, so if you’re driving through on I-10, it’s an easy addition to your drive through the Panhandle. If you’re planning a Gulf Coast trip, it’s about 2.5 hours from either Destin or Cedar Key. Once at the park, it’s a self-contained destination and you won’t need to be going anywhere within the park really.
The address for entry to the park is 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs FL 32327.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wakulla Springs State Park
I’m pretty sure most questions about Wakulla Springs State Park have been answered, but just in case, here are some more specific need-based questions.
Are dogs allowed at Wakulla Springs State Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the state park, but not in any of the buildings unless they are service dogs. You cannot bring dogs onto the Jungle Cruise boat tour, into the Lodge or within the beach and swimming area. You also may not let your animals off-leash. So, while dogs are allowed, this is not the most dog-friendly state park.
Are the boats at Wakulla Springs Park wheelchair accessible?
The standard Jungle Cruise boats aren’t set up as wheelchair accessible, but if you let them know that it’s needed, they’ll make sure a wheelchair accessible boat tour is available. The State Park also has a manual wheelchair available in case a visitor needs it.
Is there tent camping at Wakulla Springs State Park?
There is no camping available within Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. If you want to stay in the park you’ll need to plan to stay at the Lodge. There are campgrounds within 20 minutes of the state park though, so if you’re planning a camping trip in the Panhandle, you’ll likely have a few options. Remember that camping in Florida tends to book up pretty far out, so if you know you want to go camping, reserve a spot as soon as you have your dates.
Is it safe to swim at Wakulla Springs?
Swimming at Wakulla Springs is as safe as you are as a swimmer. Because of all the splashing and noise from swimmers, alligators tend to stay away from the swimming area. If a gator comes into the designated swimming area, the rangers usually are aware and encourage it to leave. I’ve never encountered an alligator while swimming in any spring in Florida, but there’s always the possibility.
I hope you’re excited to visit Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, either for the day of for an overnight at the Lodge. It’s really pretty and it’s a fun taste of Old Florida. If you have any questions or need other recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great trip to Florida.
