💧 Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Spring Hill, FL · Nature Coast

About

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park near Spring Hill is the only place on the planet still staging live underwater mermaid shows, performed since 1947 in a 400-seat theater built right into the limestone below the spring's surface. Watch costumed swimmers breathe from hidden air hoses as fish drift past the glass. In summer, cool off at Buccaneer Bay, Florida's only spring-fed waterpark, with slides, a lazy river, and a white sand beach.

Highlights

Live underwater mermaid shows in a submerged limestone theaterBuccaneer Bay, Florida's only spring-fed waterparkRiverboat cruises and kayaking on the clear Weeki Wachee RiverA roadside attraction running continuously since 1947Daily mermaid performances at set show times

Getting there

6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34606

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