Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park was a privately owned tourist attraction that opened for business in 1947. The 538-acre park features a first magnitude spring (which means hundreds of thousands of gallons of water flow per day and water temperatures at a steady 72°F).

One of the big tourist draws in the old days was the live mermaid show, and as a state park, that still goes on. You can watch the mermaid show from a 400-seat submerged theatre. You can also rent kayaks and canoes at the park office and float down the Weeki Wachee River to the seashore, then ride a shuttle back to the office, turn your boat in and retrieve your vehicle. Buccaneer Bay offers flume rides and a white sandy beach for swimmers. There are also animal shows that offer an educational and entertaining look at various domesticated reptiles and birds.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is located on the southest corner of the intersection of State Road 50 and Commercial Way (US Highway 19). From October 1 to February 28, the park is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm. From March 1 to March 26, the park is open daily from 10 am to 3 pm. From March 27 to September 30, the park is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The park is always closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission fees: $13 per adult, $5 per child, ages 6-12. Buccaneer Bay Admission: $26 (plus tax) per adult, $12 (plus tax) per child aged 6-12, 5 and under free. Canoe and Kayak Rentals: $30 per single kayak, $35 per tandem kayak, $35 per canoe.