Going on a Forgotten Coast tour through Florida feels like stepping into another time, where nature, history, and wildlife all come together. During this adventure, we had the chance to explore some of the most stunning and lesser-known spots along the Gulf Coast. From the calm waters of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge to the historic charm of Crooked River Lighthouse and the fascinating history at San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, each place showed off Florida’s hidden treasures. We focused on exploring Wakulla Springs State Park today, taking time to disconnect and enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.
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Directions for Getting to Wakulla Springs
From Tallahassee (about 14 miles): Start on US-319 South. Head south from downtown Tallahassee on US-319. After about 12 miles on US-319, look for the sign for Wakulla Springs Road (County Road 267) and take a right. Stay on Wakulla Springs Road for another couple of miles—don’t worry, there are plenty of signs pointing you toward the park.
From the Gulf Coast (about 30 miles): Take US-98 East to Crawfordville. If you’re coming from the coast, hop on US-98 East toward Crawfordville. From there, follow US-319 North toward Tallahassee. Once you’re on US-319 North, take a left on Wakulla Springs Road and follow the signs to the park.
The closest airport is Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), about 30 minutes away from the park by car.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
In this post, we’ll take you through what makes this park so special, sharing emphasizes from our visit and why it should be on every nature lover’s Florida must-see list.
- Operating Hours: Open 365 days a year from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It’s always a good idea to check the official website for any updates or seasonal changes.
- Entrance Fees: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people).
- Boat Tours: The River Boat Tours run 365 days a year, weather permitting. They last 45 to 55 minutes. Waterfront Visitor Center opens at 9:30 AM for boat tours.
- Accommodations: The Lodge is a full-service hotel facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Pet Policy: Pets are permitted in designated areas only and must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Best Time to Visit: Late Spring (April – early June) Ideal temperatures: warm but not scorching. Fewer crowds. Fall (September – November) Cooler temps, ideal for hiking and swimming. Summer (June – August) hot/humid popular with families—can get crowded. Winter (December – February) Fewer visitors, peaceful “out in the wild” feel.
- What to Bring: If you’re planning to get in the water, bring comfortable shoes for wading or swimming. The Florida sun can be intense, wear sunscreen. I can vouch that mosquitoes are on most hiking trails, so have bug spray available. Especially in the summer months. Camera & Binoculars for wildlife like manatees, alligators, and countless bird species, you’ll want to capture the beauty of the park.
History of this Natural Florida Spring
For thousands of years, the crystal-clear waters of this spring just outside Tallahassee, Florida, have fascinated people. Even before it became a popular spot for visitors, Paleo-Indians depended on the spring for fishing, gathering, and everyday life. Archaeologists have found tools and artifacts at Wakulla Springs that are over 12,000 years old. This makes it one of the oldest known continuously inhabited places in North America. The name “Wakulla” probably comes from a Timucuan word that means “spring of water” or “mysterious waters.”
By the 1800s, people started to notice the area’s stunning natural beauty, drawing curious travelers and nature lovers alike. In 1850, the remains of a mastodon, preserved in the spring, were discovered. Then, in the 1930s, financier Edward Ball bought the land. He soon developed it into a beautiful resort while also protecting the surrounding wilderness. He built The Lodge at Wakulla Springs , which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After passing through private hands for many years, the land was handed over to the state of Florida. In 1986, it officially became Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Thus, ensuring it remains protected and open for everyone to enjoy.
Discover the Waterfront Visitor Center
If you’re heading to Wakulla Springs and want to kick things off right, the Waterfront Visitor Center is where your adventure truly begins. It’s not just your standard visitor center with a couple of brochures and a map (though, let’s be honest, you’ll still want to grab those)—this place actually sets the vibe for the entire park. The center itself is designed with large windows that look out over the Wakulla River. But the real charm of the Waterfront Visitor Center? It’s the launching pad for your next adventure. From here, you can hop onto a boat tour.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of exhibits that teach you about the park’s history, wildlife, and the karst geology that makes the springs so unique. Yes, we just dropped some geology knowledge on you. Sorry, it’s the teacher in me. Don’t forget, it’s the perfect spot to grab that “I was here” selfie with the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” as your backdrop—because why not?
Things to Do at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
1. Take a Boat Tour at Wakulla Springs State Park
Arguably the highlight of our visit to the park was taking a Wakulla Springs boat tour. The hum of the engine signaled that our adventure was about to begin. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, our boat gently drifted through the clear, sparkling waters of Wakulla Springs. Moving further into the spring’s depths, our guide—a knowledgeable naturalist—began sharing interesting stories about this place. His voice was full of enthusiasm as he said, “This is one of the biggest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, pumping out over 400 million gallons of water every day.” He paused for a moment before adding, “Did you know? These springs actually hosted several Hollywood movies. One of the most famous is “The Creature from the Black Lagoon“—and, believe it or not, it was partly inspired by this very spot.”
As we slowed down near a group of towering cypress trees, he pointed out, “These cypress trees have been here for hundreds of years. Some are over a thousand years old. Just below the surface, their roots hide many of the animals that live in this spring.”
He wasn’t exaggerating—just as the water rippled gently, he said, “Here’s one of our local residents.” Grinning, he explained, “Alligators are pretty common around here, but don’t worry—they’re not interested in us. They’re more likely to be sunbathing along the banks.”
We floated past lily pads as he started pointing out birds. Suddenly, a splash in the distance caught our attention. We all looked over to see a young manatee surfacing for air, its rounded face peering curiously at our boat. It was at that moment, as the boat turned back toward the dock, that I really realized how special this place was.
2. Swim in the Springs
For those looking to cool off, the spring-fed swimming area is open to the public. The water is refreshingly cold year-round. The swim area is well-maintained, with a swimming platform for jumping into the deeper water. Of course, our first visit to the springs coincided with a rather chilly Florida day. But that didn’t stop the kids—who were absolutely undeterred by the hypothermic-like waters (70 degrees Fahrenheit). Most were using the two-tiered platform to hurl themselves into the depths like little human popsicles. If they weren’t questioning their decisions at the moment of impact, they surely were by the time they made it back to the shore. I witnessed many shivering and wishing for a blanket.
For families, there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the nearby shallow water beach. It’s a unique experience swimming in such a pristine natural spring. On most days, the crystal-clear visibility allows you to see deep into the spring. We saw mullet in the shallows, but fishing there is off-limits.
3. Explore the Hiking Trails
If you’re like us, someone who prefers exploring on land over splashing around in the water, don’t worry—Wakulla Springs State Park’s got your back with some great hiking options. The Hammock Spur Trail is a nice, easy 0.9-mile loop where you can walk through maple-cypress woods. The sinkholes here are especially cool because they’re part of the region’s unique karst topography, which basically means the ground likes to randomly collapse and surprise you with hidden pools of water or dramatic drop-offs. It’s a perfect little escape if you want to feel like you’re in a peaceful nature documentary—without too much effort.
For those who just can’t get enough of Florida’s wilderness and want to spend even more time in the woods, the Sally Ward Spring Run is a great pick. It’s a bit longer at 6.3 miles. It’s a little tougher and takes you deep into dense forests where you really feel like you’re out in the wild. Since the trail is shaded by tall hardwood trees, you won’t have to worry about sunburn… unless you get a little too artsy and wander off the trail trying to snap that perfect Instagram shot (we all know how that goes). Just a heads up—cell phone service isn’t exactly great out here, but hey, more wildlife! Maybe that’s a fair trade, right?
PRO Tip: if you’re planning to hike these trails, wear comfy shoes. Unless you’re into the whole blister thing, then by all means, rock those flip-flops and tell us how that works out. Enjoy your adventure!
4. Visit the historic lodge at Wakulla Springs
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs feels like taking a step back in time, but with a touch of luxury thrown in. It’s a classic piece of Florida history. As soon as you walk in, your eyes are drawn to this incredible ceiling fresco—you almost have to pause and look twice. It’s not just pretty to look at; it’s part of what gives the place its old-world charm. It really makes the whole lobby feel grand and special.
6. Dining in Vintage Style
If you’re feeling hungry—which, trust me, you will be—the dining options at the Lodge are just as warm and welcoming as the beautiful interior. The Wakulla Springs Dining Room has a relaxed yet classy vibe that feels both nostalgic and cozy. Picture yourself sitting at a table by big windows, gazing out over the river while enjoying a meal that could easily be from back in 1937—only better. The menu features hearty, classic Southern dishes, like crispy fried chicken and fresh fish straight from the coast. And for dessert? You can’t go wrong with the key lime pie—it’s tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of creamy, a true Florida favorite.
If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, you can check out the Soda Parlor & Spring Shop. It’s a great spot for casual eats like sandwiches and light bites, with a drink to go with them, all while you enjoy the charming, vintage-inspired vibe of the old-fashioned soda fountain. Feeling a bit daring? Try one of their classic milkshakes — they’re so thick you might need a spoon to get through it! The gift shop is full of all kinds of cool stuff, from locally made crafts and vintage-style postcards to fun spring-themed merchandise.
Final Thoughts: Exploring Wakulla Springs State Park
As the sun started to set behind the trees, casting long shadows across the water, I found myself reminiscing about our time here. Wakulla Springs State Park is one of those places that almost feels like stepping into a natural wonderland—without the crowds of tourists or the lines at a busy theme park. It’s like Florida’s best-kept secret… unless you’ve already been there, in which case, you’re probably already planning your next visit.
The boat tours here are a must-do—honestly, it’s like gliding through a live nature documentary, just missing David Attenborough’s narration. I’ve seen alligators many times, but I still get a little thrill every time I spot one of those ancient reptiles. At the end of the day, Wakulla Springs is the kind of place that feels timeless—beautiful, peaceful, and filled with that cozy, old-school charm of the Lodge.
Have you ever visited Wakulla Springs or another one of Florida’s natural spring parks? Share your experience or tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
