Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park combines natural beauty with one of Florida’s most iconic attractions. The park is home to a first-magnitude spring and the world-famous live mermaid shows performed in a submerged 400-seat theater, where performers present underwater productions such as The Little Mermaid.
Visitors can also swim in the clear spring waters at Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed water park, or explore the Weeki Wachee River by kayak, paddleboard, or guided boat cruise.
First opened as a roadside attraction in 1947 and now part of the Florida State Parks system, Weeki Wachee Springs remains a classic Old Florida destination where guests can enjoy the spring, wildlife, and the park’s historic mermaid tradition.
About This Place
Q: What is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park famous for?
A: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is home to Florida's world-famous live mermaid shows, a beloved roadside attraction since 1947. Visitors can watch mermaids perform underwater in a natural freshwater spring, swim in crystal-clear waters at Buccaneer Bay and experience one of Florida's most iconic attractions. The park is also home to one of the deepest known freshwater cave systems in the United States.
Q: Where is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park located?
A: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is located at 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34606, on Florida's Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee-Hernando Beach, approximately one hour north of Tampa.
Q: How much does admission cost, and what are the park's hours?
A: General admission is $13 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–12, and free for children ages 5 and younger. Admission includes the world-famous mermaid shows and access to Buccaneer Bay. The park is generally open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, because admission closes when the park reaches capacity.
Q: When are the live mermaid shows, and are they included with admission?
A: Yes! The world-famous mermaid shows are included with regular park admission. Guests watch talented performers swim and perform underwater through the windows of the park's submerged theater. Showtimes vary seasonally, and seating is first-come, first-served. Theater doors generally open 30 minutes before performances, so arriving early is recommended.
Q: Can visitors swim at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park?
A: Absolutely! Buccaneer Bay is a spring-fed swimming area featuring a sandy beach and beautiful, clear water that remains approximately 74 degrees year-round. Seasonal attractions include waterslides and a lazy river. Swimming and beach access are generally available throughout the year, although some waterpark attractions close seasonally or for maintenance.
Q: Can visitors kayak or paddleboard on the Weeki Wachee River?
A: Yes! Visitors can rent single or tandem kayaks and paddleboards through Weeki Fresh Water Adventures at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The scenic paddling route winds through crystal-clear water surrounded by lush vegetation and opportunities to observe native wildlife. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during busy seasons.
Q: What other activities are available besides the mermaid shows?
A: Visitors can enjoy swimming, wildlife education programs, picnicking, kayaking, paddleboarding and seasonal waterpark attractions. The Ranger Experience introduces guests to Florida's native animals and habitats. The park also features dining options and gift shops. The Wilderness River Cruise may be suspended due to low water levels, so visitors should check attraction availability before arriving.
Q: Is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park family-friendly?
A: Yes! Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida's classic family attractions, offering activities for children and adults of all ages. Families can watch the mermaid shows, enjoy swimming and explore the park's natural beauty. Younger children will especially enjoy seeing the mermaids perform underwater. Families should review water depths and seasonal attraction requirements when planning their visit.
Q: Is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes! The park offers accessible parking, paved pathways, wheelchair-accessible restrooms and accessible seating in the underwater mermaid theater. Buccaneer Bay also provides a wheeled assistive chair with side floats to help visitors enter the swimming area. An accessible kayak launch and assistance are available for paddling activities. Visitors with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the park before arriving.
Q: What should visitors bring, and how can they help protect Weeki Wachee Springs?
A: Visitors should bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, water shoes, reusable water bottles and comfortable clothing. Coolers of 45 quarts or smaller are permitted, but glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Help protect the springs by disposing of trash properly, respecting wildlife and avoiding contact with manatees or other animals. When paddling, remain in your vessel and avoid disturbing sensitive vegetation and riverbanks.
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Google Reviews
Makineti Hafoka (Kui)Perfect place for a small getaway with the most clearest blue spring water Park: Offers military discounts, rent cabanas, rental floats that you can use on there lazy river, 2 Water slides, a dock that you can jump off of and swim with the fishes below & BEST PART…. You can bring your own FOOD! They have roaming peacocks which is so cute!!! On the opposite side of the water park is a mermaid show, small little walking trails, a shaded mini park where 2-5 year olds can play and a free boat tour that runs hourly We come here every year for Mother’s Day and one day our of my sons spring break A MUST stop if you are ever in this area I’ve added up to date pictures as of 2026 and the first time with my kids in 2023
Jul 31, 2026 · Google Review
Carmen RosaA fantastic place to visit; established over fifty years ago, the park offers many attractions—from its crystal-clear river to the mermaid show. It is truly a gem, and children and adults alike love watching the mermaids in action. I always recommend it for a family outing, though summer is the best time to go so you can swim in the river.
Oct 1, 2026 · Google Review
Liz DunnWonderful experience! I would definitely recommend getting there early as there was quite a line waiting for them to.open and they will turn you away once the park reaches capacity. There were plenty if chairs for our large group of 9 people. Umbrellas for rent, 2 water slides. The "lazy river" actually takes some effort to navigate and is $10 extra per person. The mermaid show was so much fun! The quintessential summer florida activity!
Jun 19, 2026 · Google Review
Natalia M13One of the best experiences I've had at a state park! There's a huge free parking lot there and entrance is only $13 per person. It seems like most people come for the water park, but the whole park was lots of fun! They have mermaid shows every few hours, tons of photo opportunities, an owl, turtles, a crocodile, a nature trail, and so much more! I just wish the animals had larger enclosures, especially since one of the tortoises was paving the perimeter of his cage. Also, a bunch if peacocks randomly showed up and were walking around near the end of the day! It'd definitely reccomend coming here, especially if youre in Florida on vacation
Aug 11, 2026 · Google Review
Ann-Sophie HedegaardWe had a really great kayaking trip!🛶 It was the first tour of the day, so everything was calm and peaceful, and we had the river all to ourselves. We saw lots of different wildlife and were lucky enough to spot owls five times!🦉 Our guide was fantastic👌always helping us get back on track whenever our kayaking wasn't quite going as planned,🫣 and sharing lots of interesting facts about the local wildlife along the way.🌴🦭🐠🐢 I can highly recommend this experience!
Jul 9, 2026 · Google Review