Guide To Weeki Wachee Springs: What You Should Know Before Visiting

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Weeki Wachee is a beautiful spring over 70 years old and is home to the Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Thousands of tourists visit this attraction each year. However, some are unaware of what they should know before visiting. This guide will go over some pointers to help you prepare for your first time. The famous mermaid spring located within the park is the inspiration for the name. Weeki Wachee Springs is just what you’re searching for if you’re seeking an adventurous day excursion outside of Tampa.

What is Weeki Wachee Springs?

The Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida’s most popular tourist spots, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a beautiful place that attracts people from all over the world. It’s hard to argue with Weeki Wachee’s famed mermaids, who perform in crystal-clear aquamarine water that bubbles up from a one-magnitude spring. Kayaking along the spring stream is a peaceful way to spend some time away from it all. The spring cave system at Weeki Wachee was confirmed as the most profound documented saltwater underground cave system in the U.S. by underwater explorers in 2007, adding another unique element to this well-known Florida vacation spot.

Where is Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs is in Spring Hill, Florida, near S.R. 50 and HWY 19. They’re an hour and a half north of Tampa and two hours west of Orlando. To visit the Weeki Wachee Springs, visitors must first check for the availability of tickets. 

Passes are available online or by telephone for purchase. Once you have secured your access, you will need to bring it to the park the day of your visit to be scanned before entering the park. Also, please remember not to bring any glass bottles into the park as they are prohibited! 

What can you do there?

As a result of the spring’s unique location, visitors may see underwater performances by female “mermaids,” as well as fishtails and other wacky attire, all while relaxing in an aquarium-like setting. Weeki Wachee Springs also offers a waterpark, riverboat cruise, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and Buccaneer Bay. 

Admission is $13 for grownups and $8 for children between 6 and 12 years of age; admission to Buccaneer Bay is a part of the admission price. Renting canoes and kayaks costs extra. The Buccaneer Bay is a spring-fed water park with flowers, a kiddies pool area, beachfront and sand volleyball is home to Weeki Wachee Springs State.

Amenities

It’s hard to argue with Weeki Wachee’s famed mermaids, who perform in crystal-clear aquamarine water that bubbles up from a one-magnitude spring. Kayaking along the spring stream is a peaceful way to spend some time away from it all. The spring cave system at Weeki Wachee was confirmed as the most profound documented saltwater underground cave system in the U.S. by underwater explorers in 2007, adding another unique element to this well-known Florida vacation spot. 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a famous destination for family reunions. Snorkelers and swimmers can enjoy the 72-degree spring waters at Buccaneer Bay. In addition, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a popular destination for weddings. The staff can help coordinate your special day, including wedding locations in the park. Food and beverages are available at the various restaurants, while you can buy ice cream cones and treats at the Ice Cream Shop.

History

The Seminole Indians named Weeki Wachee for “little spring” or “winding river.” The spring basin is 100 feet wide with limestone sides, and there, where the mermaids swim, A powerful five miles per hour current runs 20 feet below sea level. Weeki Wachee’s Springs was created in 1959 when the American Broadcasting Company purchased the spring. 

In 1946, Newton Perry, a retired U.S. Navy man that experienced Navy Frogmen to go for a swim undersea within Globe War II, scouted out Weeki Wachee as an excellent site for a new organization. At the time, U.S. 19 was a small two-lane road. All of the other roadways were dirt; there were absolutely no gasoline terminals, zero groceries, and absolutely no flick theaters. Much more alligators and dark bears lived in the area than people.

Movies filmed in the spring, like Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid. The current performance space is 16 feet underneath the spring’s surface, in the form of a theater. Eight concerts a day by glamorous mermaids drew sold-out crowds. Every year, up to 500,000 people visit them. Enchanting mermaids performed eight shows a day to sold-out crowds. In addition, Weeki Wachee hosted many celebrities such as Elvis.

Related questions

What time does the ticket window close?

The ticket booth closes every day at 4:30 pm. However, you can purchase your tickets online for faster experiences.

Where is parking located?

You can only park in Weeki Wachee State parking spaces.

Any cars parked in adjacent businesses parking or alongside U.S. 19 could be towed or ticketed at the owner’s expense.

My party and I are arriving separately, can I purchase their tickets for them.

Your whole party must wait in line to buy tickets together. If you abandon the line, you will forfeit your place and not get access to the park.

Can I gain reentry with an annual or complimentary pass?

Anyone who has free passes or tickets will not gain reentry when the park’s capacity is full.

Does Weeki Wachee Springs have an event room?

The park does not offer birthday packages. Pavilions are on a first-come basis.

Does the park offer FREE Wi-Fi?

The park provides free Wi-Fi for the day by joining the Tengo internet.

When you visit Weeki Wachee Springs, make sure to grab a guide. Their free and will provide you with information that will help you get the most out of your trip.

If you’ve never been to Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida, before, it can be hard to know what you should expect when visiting the springs. For more information on things to do in summer around Tampa Bay, visit their website today!

The Florida springs are one of the most beautiful tourist destinations you can visit. While Weeki Wachee Springs is the home of mermaids, many other spectacular places within driving distance will provide plenty of fun for you and your family. We hope this guide has been helpful!

After a day out at Weeki Wachee, nothing is better than relaxing by the heated pool or taking a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. If you want to enjoy all this and more, then check out Eiko’s Beach House.