Wakulla Springs is a great little cold-water respite that offers some of the best relief from those steamy summer days in the panhandle. Its a short drive from Tallahassee, and immedately worth it when you plunge into the year-round 70 degree crystal clear spring water. There are two diving platforms (one is a high dive), staffed with lifeguards. I'd strongly recommend staying in the designated swim areas, as there have been many news stories of college kids losing an arm or dying when they cross paths with an alligator during mating season. There have been no incidents of such an attack within the designated area. There is a small beach area for catching some sun and a lot of shady areas for a family picnic. They also have two glass-bottom boats and a third for tours into the upper spring area. As with most glass-bottom boat tours, this is more for the kids than anything...they have a gimmic that is immediately intriguing "Henry the pole vaulting fish" is this mythical fish that likes to "jump and play" for the boats. Unfortunately this jumping and playing is disappointing (even to kids), but I'll leave some mystery if you're still interested. The saving grace is cool that it is genuinely cool to see the mastadon bones and the eerie spring well entrance. Adults should stick to the river portion tour - as you'll see more wildlife and get a better feel for the area. They have full bathrooms complete with showers for getting the grit off ya before you pack up and leave. There is also a guest lodge on site for overnight stays at the springs. Inside the lodge there is a small restaurant, and a gift shop for grabbing a souvenier. They also have some pretty cool hiking trails if you ever tire of the water (I never do).
more