Weeki Wachee Springs: the mermaid show and a first-magnitude spring
A classic Old Florida attraction in Hernando County, where mermaids perform in water that flows from a first-magnitude spring.
As of October 2026, check hours, fees and closures before you go.
Why go
A classic Old Florida attraction in Hernando County, where mermaids perform in water that flows from a first-magnitude spring.
Itinerary
Day trip
- Morning
Arrive at 6131 Commercial Way when the park opens at 9 a.m. and check the day's schedule for the Mermaid Show, Ranger Experience and Wilderness River Cruise on the park's official page.
- Midday
Watch the mermaids, whom the park calls perhaps the best-known symbol of Florida tourism's yesteryear, performing in aquamarine spring water. The park says explorers confirmed in 2007 that its spring feeds the deepest known freshwater cave system in the United States.
- Afternoon
Picnic at the park, then have barbecue nearby (see Local spots below). The park notes that a kayak trip down the spring run offers a quieter look at nature.
Park, hours & fees
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Florida State Parks)
6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $13 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12; 5 and younger free. Since Dec. 12, 2025, the Wilderness River Cruise has been paused during daytime hours because of low water levels. The park says it cannot issue refunds for weather cancellations.
Hours, fees and address as listed on the official page when we checked on October 28, 2026.
Food
The park lists picnicking among its experiences. LaurieCue, below, is on the same road.
Local spots
Independent local businesses near this trip. Nobody paid to be listed. Ratings are third-party Yelp figures as displayed on each business's Apple Maps listing, checked October 28, 2026; they change over time.
- LaurieCue (Weeki Wachee)
A barbecue spot at 6200 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, serving pulled pork, pulled chicken and beef brisket with homemade rubs and sauces, according to its website. The website does not list hours; call (352) 428-9794 before you go.
Yelp: 4.8 stars from 130 Yelp reviews (checked October 28, 2026; source listing).
Practical tips
- Check the show and cruise schedule on the official page the day you go.
- Tickets are not refunded for weather cancellations, according to the park.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
Getaways guides are informational. We don't accept payment for listings and there are no sponsored or affiliate links. Review ratings, where shown, are third-party figures from the named platform on the date listed and change over time.
Plan ahead, check the official page the day you go, and enjoy the trip.
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