Wekiwa Springs, Florida

Wekiwa Springs is a beautiful city located in Orange County, Florida. Known for its crystal clear natural springs and lush greenery, Wekiwa Springs is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, kayaking, and camping.

10 Places to Visit

1. Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park is the crown jewel of the city. The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore nature in its purest form. There are several activities like camping, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park or explore it on their own. Don’t forget to bring your camera as the park has some of the prettiest sceneries in Florida.

2. Rock Springs Run State Reserve

Rock Springs Run State Reserve boasts of 17 miles of pristine waterways and hiking trails. The reserve is home to over 20 distinct natural communities and a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding while taking in the idyllic, natural surroundings.

3. Kelly Park

Kelly Park is one of the most popular spots for locals to cool off during the hot summer months. The park features a natural spring, a sandy beach, picnic areas, and tons of shaded spaces perfect for cooking up hot dogs and hamburgers on a grill.

4. Wekiva Island

Wekiva Island is a popular bar and recreational spot that caters to families and friends who want to relax and have fun. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, or simply lay on the beach, soak up the sun, and listen to live music day and night.

5. Seminole State Forest

Seminole State Forest covers an area of approximately 25,000 acres and offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors through horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and camping. The forest is home to a large population of gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes and Bachman’s sparrows, and visitors can catch a glimpse of many other wild creatures.

6. Little Wekiva River

For adventure seekers, the Little Wekiva River offers ideal conditions for paddling, fishing, and floating. The waterway has over 6 miles of clear water and sandbars for visitors to stop, relax, and enjoy a quick swim.

7. Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located adjacent to Wekiwa Springs and is home to over 600 animals from around the world. Apart from the lively animal attractions, the zoo also features specialty gardens such as herb, butterfly, and sensory gardens.

8. Orlando Sanford International Airport

Orlando Sanford International Airport is just a short drive away from Wekiwa Springs and is a popular pick-up and drop-off point for those traveling in and out of the city.

9. Maitland Art Center

The Maitland Art Center is an excellent spot to explore for art lovers. The center comprises four art studios, a gallery, and a chapel-in-the-woods.

10. Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is another excellent natural spring in the area. The park offers visitors swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing, and canoeing. The park is also a popular spot to enjoy a picnic or cookout with family or friends.

5 Places to Avoid

1. Crowded Beaches

The beaches in Wekiwa Springs can get extremely crowded during peak tourism season. It may not be ideal for those seeking a peaceful and private time.

2. I-4 Highway Rush Hour Traffic

The I-4 highway during rush hours can be very frustrating. It can take twice as long to travel where you want to go. Try to avoid driving during the peak traffic period.

3. Mosquitoes

Like most of Florida, mosquitoes can be a nuisance in Wekiwa Springs. It is best to carry a bug spray to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

4. Wildlife Interaction

Visitors should be careful of wildlife when exploring the natural surroundings. Interaction with animals can be dangerous and should be avoided.

5. Poor Service Provider

As with any tourist destination, some taxi, hotel or restaurant service providers in Wekiwa Springs may not offer the best quality services. Research hotels and restaurants before booking to ensure they offer proper quality services.

Overview about the City