An Adventure Itinerary for Wakulla County, Fla.

Welcome to Wakulla County | Visit Wakulla

By Kevin and Amanda Mims

A land of vast natural spaces and small, friendly towns on the water, Wakulla County in Northwest Florida is a welcome refuge for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s no surprise that Wakulla is a popular outdoor and fishing destination: Some believe the name originated with the Timucuan language and means “mysterious waters,” which you will find here, from the iconic spring that also bears the name to the marshes and flats along the coast all the way to the deep waters of the Gulf.

Here is your guide for three days of exploring some of the natural areas of Wakulla County.

Day 1 — Arrive in Wakulla County

If you have time before you check in, go to the Wakulla Welcome Center in Panacea and pick up a visitors guide from the stand outside. For a pick-me-up when you arrive, stop by the Lucky Goat Coffee truck down the street on Alison Avenue for a cold brew. If time allows, the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab is less than a mile from the welcome center and has an aquarium where visitors can see a variety of marine animals. This kid-friendly attraction also allows visitors to touch starfish, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and more, while learning about the local ecosystem.

Day 2 — Go fishing

Spend your second day in Wakulla fishing. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can opt for a charter for inshore or offshore fishing, or you can head out without a guide on the Wakulla River in a rented kayak from TnT Hide-a-way in Crawfordville. When you’re finished, you can cook your catch at your vacation rental or bring it to Posey’s Steam Room and Oyster Bar in Panacea, where restaurant staff will prepare it—blackened, fried, grilled, or even stuffed with crab meat. Dine in the restaurant or take it to go to enjoy at your vacation rental or a picnic by the water.

Day 3 — Visit the springs

On your third day, head to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, which has one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. Take a two-mile river boat cruise and see the wading birds, such as anhingas and grebes, alligators, fish, and turtles that live there. Glass-bottom boat tours over the spring basin are also available when conditions and water clarity permit. Swim in the blue spring, hike some of the nine miles of trails, have a picnic, bike the park road, and explore the historic lodge. Built in 1937, the Lodge at Wakulla Springs is rich in Florida history and continues to host overnight guests today in its 27 rooms that overlook the springs. Dine at the lodge and visit the lodge’s historic soda fountain and gift shop for a root beer float or sundae.

Time Allowance

This itinerary takes three days and two nights to complete.

Distance From Population Centers

Wakulla County is on the northern Gulf coast of Florida, 30 minutes south of Tallahassee.

Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do

Most major areas of Wakulla County are about 20 to 30 minutes apart. These include Crawfordville, St. Marks, Sopchoppy, and Panacea.

What to Bring

Pack clothes that are suitable for each activity and the weather, which is typically warm most of the year. Casual clothes and flip flops are acceptable just about everywhere. Hiking shoes will be needed for the trails and water shoes and medication for motion sickness are recommended for boating activities. A swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes will be needed for swimming at the spring. Bring your waterproof camera, a waterproof case for your phone, and a dry bag for when you’re on the water.

Be sure to have bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and drinking water with you. A light backpack for hiking and a light rain poncho or umbrella are also good to have on hand.

If you plan to fish on your own without a guide, you’ll need to bring your own fishing gear. To use the bike trails at Wakulla, you will need to bring your bike and gear.

What to Expect

Wakulla County is an outdoor lover’s playground full of natural gems, from its miles of shoreline to its many parks and scenic areas. This itinerary combines adventures on land and water for three days of outdoor fun.

Physical Demands

To take part in the activities listed in this itinerary, visitors should be able to swim, paddle a kayak, ride a bike, and walk on uneven terrain.

Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights

An amphibious mobility assist vehicle is available on request for persons with disabilities at Wakulla Springs.

Trip Highlights

River boat tours are a Wakulla River tradition, and glass-bottom boat tours date back to 1875. Breathtaking scenery and ample wildlife sightings make this a must-do.

Enjoying your catch after a day of fishing the Wakulla River or Gulf and dining on fresh, farm-to-table creations and seafood right off the boat are unbeatable culinary experiences.

Awards and Recognition

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs received the Tallahassee Democrat’s 2022 Readers Choice award for hotels.

Lodging and Accommodation

There are many ways and places to stay in Wakulla, from bed and breakfasts to fish camps and campgrounds on the water to vacation rentals and hotels.

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs offers guests a unique opportunity to stay in a historic building surrounded by Florida nature and a beautiful freshwater spring.

Culinary Adventures

Between restaurants serving up Southern cuisine, seafood, barbecue, cozy breakfast cafes, and seafood markets where the fresh catch comes in right from the boat, you won’t have any shortage of options during your stay in Wakulla.

The Edward Ball Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering Southern classics like shrimp and grits and fried catfish, along with seasonal, farm-to-table creations. During your Wakulla Springs adventure, you can have all of your meals of the day right there at the lodge, which also has a classic marble soda fountain with soda jerks behind serving counter food along with sweet treats. The 70-foot-long counter is the longest of its kind ever built.

Required Certifications or Licenses

Fishing licenses are required for fishing activities. Scuba divers must be appropriately certified for open water or cave diving.

When to Visit and Seasonal Differences

Spring weather can be unpredictable. Temperatures can be cold or hot depending on the day, and there might or might not be rain.

Summers are dependably hot and humid, and you can expect thunderstorms and showers, especially in the afternoons, but these showers usually don’t last longer than 30 minutes. Prepare by keeping a light poncho and/or umbrella with you. Swimming in the cool spring is especially refreshing this time of year.

Fall temperatures are slightly cooler and activities such as hiking and bicycling become more enjoyable.

Winters are mild, with lots of sun and average temperatures around 65 degrees. Hiking and biking are most enjoyable this time of year. The spring at Wakulla maintains a constant 72 degrees all year, and fewer people swim during this time of year, so the swimming area at Wakulla will likely not get crowded.

Surprises/Bonuses

Lucky river boat passengers will sometimes see manatees on the river.

Open water scuba diving and cave diving are allowed at Wakulla Springs State Park (must register with the park). Inquire with the park about ranger-led bike tours during the winter season.

The taxidermied body of the legendary alligator Old Joe is on display in a glass case at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs. The 11-foot, 650-pound alligator was a well-known resident of Wakulla Springs when the lodge was built in the 1930s.

Talk to the local business owners and residents in the small, friendly towns of Wakulla and get tips on secret places to dine, fish, and explore.