Should you go?
Wekiwa is metro Orlando's original spring: a broad, easy swimming basin ringed by lawn and forest, twenty minutes from downtown, with the Wekiva River paddling trail starting right at the spring.
It trades the wow-factor clarity of the North Florida springs for convenience and a genuinely wild river — otters, deer, and more black bears than any park this close to a city has a right to.
Visiting
$6 per vehicle, 8am to sunset, and yes — it hits capacity on summer weekends, usually by late morning. Canoe and kayak rentals operate at the spring; the campground is one of Central Florida's best.
Local tips
Paddle downstream to Wekiva Island for lunch and loop back. Swim early; the basin gets lively by noon.
Map & directions
FAQs
Does Wekiwa Springs fill up?
Yes u2014 summer weekends regularly reach vehicle capacity by late morning. Arrive before 10am.
Can you kayak from Wekiwa Springs?
Yes u2014 rentals launch at the spring onto the Wekiva River, one of Florida's designated Wild and Scenic rivers.
How far is Wekiwa from Orlando?
About 20u201330 minutes from downtown Orlando, making it the closest major spring to the city.
Visitor photos
See this week's shots: Instagram #wekiwasprings · TikTok #wekiwasprings
Great for: Camping · Family-Friendly · Kayaking · Swimming — in Central Florida