WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
Look, if you’re roaming through Florida and want to see something that’s been around since way before the massive theme parks took over, you’ve gotta stop at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. We headed down there to check out the legendary mermaid show, and it is a trip.
The Legend of the Mermaids
The main event here is the underwater theater. It’s actually built into the side of the spring, so you’re looking through these massive glass windows directly into the freshwater. It’s all spring-fed, crystal clear, and—no surprise—pretty chilly for the performers.
We caught a performance of The Little Mermaid celebrating her 15th birthday. It’s a classic, festive show, but I’ll be honest with you—it got a little long-winded for me after a while. Danielle thought it was cute, but once I’d seen the mermaids doing their thing underwater, I was about ready to move on.
One thing though: the “wicked witch” performer absolutely jumped out and scared the crap out of me from the top door. Didn’t see that coming.
Around the Park
Once you’re out of the theater, the park has that old-school Florida charm. We spent some time wandering around the picnic areas and checking out the peacocks roaming the grounds. There’s a Caribbean-style café and some retail shops if you need to grab some gear or a snack.
If you’re into photography, bring your camera. Between the spring water colors and the wildlife, there are plenty of shots to grab.
Quick Tips for the Trip:
- The Springs: It’s all fresh water, and it is beautiful. If you have time, look into the river boat cruises or the kayak rentals nearby—the water is the real star here.
- The Show: Arrive early to get a seat in the underwater theater. It’s a popular spot and fills up fast.
- The Vibe: It’s a great family spot, but even for us empty nesters, it’s a cool bit of history to experience at least once.
It was a great day exploring a different side of Florida. If you want to see the footage of the mermaids in action, check out the video below.
For information & reservation:
https://www.weekiwachee.com/
THE ONLY CITY OF LIVE MERMAIDS!
Weeki Wachee is an enchanted spring where you can see live mermaids, take a trip on a riverboat cruise, learn about Florida wildlife, and swim in the pristine waters at Buccaneer Bay. You can also embark on a paddling adventure down the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most legendary and unique family destinations, entertaining audiences since 1947.