Category: Things to Do

You probably know about all of the ways you can have fun in Florida underneath the summer sun, but in Wakulla County the arrival of fall brings a host of new opportunities for going outdoors and enjoying the season. Learn how you can have an eventful and restorative visit to Wakulla County during one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Embrace the sporting life with hunting and fishing excursions

The Florida panhandle and Wakulla County in particular feature some of the most beautiful hunting lands in the south. With the unique mix of waterways, marshlands, and forest, this area is home to numerous game species such as gray squirrels, alligators, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and a variety of waterfowl, many of which are in season throughout the autumn months.

It’s also a great time of year for fishing as well, as the water cools down and many of the inhabitants of the streams, lakes, rivers, and gulf come closer to the surface during the day. Just make sure you have secured any necessary hunting or fishing licenses before you embark.

Take advantage of the weather and enjoy hiking and biking

Summer in Wakulla County is beautiful, but there are some days where the heat and humidity can force you to limit your time outdoors. In the fall, however, the temperatures cool down just enough to make the middle of the day perfect to enjoy some of our many diverse hiking and biking trails. Check out some of the great areas for outdoor fun such as the Apalachicola National Forest, the Florida National Scenic Trail, and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, but remember to bring water and sunscreen, because it can still get quite warm!

Observe how the wildlife changes with the seasons

If the cooler weather inspires us to get outside more you can be sure it’s the same for much of the wildlife in the area too. Of course, they are always outside, but many species spend the summer months hidden under thick tree canopies or in other shady areas to avoid the worst of the heat. Fall is a superb time for wildlife watching at places like Wakulla Springs State Park and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and during this season the area becomes home to many migratory birds and butterflies who are en route to warmer climates for winter.

Attend a fantastic fall community event

Wakulla County does community festivals and events right during every season, and fall is no exception. Whether you’re ready to mark the opening of the annual stone crab season at the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival, wander through the paths of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and view the spectacular fall wildflowers, or celebrate the arrival of the monarch butterfly migration there is no shortage of great events where you can connect with wildlife and our vibrant communities.

Fall is definitely a season full of possibilities in Wakulla County, and we want you to explore more about what makes this such a special time of year. Start planning your Wakulla autumn getaway today and make the most of exciting opportunities and temperate weather!

Summertime: when the sun is high in the sky, the nights are long and warm, and the whole world seems full of possibilities. This holds true when you decide to spend your summer vacation exploring the beautiful landscapes of Wakulla County. Here are a few ways you can make the most of your summer trip to the area.

Take a refreshing dip in the waters of Wakulla Springs

Few things are more enticing on a hot summer day than a dip into some cooling water, and Wakulla Springs is the perfect place for you and your family to beat the summer heat. Grab a bite to eat in the lodge, photograph some wildlife, or check out one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world.

Explore the wonders of the deep at the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory

School may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean your kids shouldn’t get a little extra education during their break. The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea lets you get up-close-and-personal with some of the most exotic and beautiful sea creatures in the world. The kids will love it as well because it’s not just educational; it’s a fun, interactive experience that allows them to indulge their natural curiosity and even touch some marine animals.

Check out the diverse scenery on two wheels

There is possibly no better way to see all of the incredible breadths of wildlife and scenery in Wakulla County than on a bicycle on a beautiful day. Our region is a haven for cyclists of all skill levels, and you can choose to relax on a short, casual trail or attempt a more challenging ride. See the coastal marshlands on the Ochlockonee Bay Bike Trail, meander through the wilderness of the Apalachicola National Forest, or follow the path of the Tallahassee to St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. See the many different types of beauty of Wakulla, all from the seat of your bike!

Immerse yourself in the history of the region and the nation

As a home to so many different groups of people over the centuries—including Native American tribes, Spanish immigrants, Confederate militias, and more—it should come as no surprise that Wakulla County is teeming with history. Some of the historical points of note include Fort San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park and the stunning St. Marks Lighthouse.

However your family likes to unwind during the summer, you’ll find an adventure waiting for you in Wakulla County. Learn more about how you can book your trip today and start preparing for the family vacation of a lifetime.

Wakulla Springs State Park is many things all at once: bubbling natural phenomenon, nature-lover’s paradise, luxury resort, historic movie set (for films such as The Creature From The Black Lagoon), and much more. Discover more about what makes this park so unique, and why springtime just might be the best season to experience it.

Watch the wildlife awaken from a winter slumber

The arrival of spring in Wakulla County brings a vibrancy to the air that just can’t be matched. Spring is the perfect time to get out on foot and explore the various areas of the park. Meander through some or all of the 9-mile nature trail and observe blooming wildflowers, historic trees in a dense, hardwood forest, and numerous species of birds reveling in the extended hours of sunshine.

Another option is to take the Cherokee Sink Trail the 1.4 miles to Cherokee Sink. The spring season offers a great opportunity to see crabapple and dogwood blossoms as you make your way through the trail. Whether you’re an avid photographer or just an observer, you’ll find that springtime in Wakulla Springs brings plenty of wildlife for you to soak in.

Experience the vibrant waters that run through Wakulla Springs

Since the name of the park is Wakulla Springs you’d have to expect that water plays an important part in the area’s ecosystem, and you’d be correct. The boat tour down the Wakulla River is one of the most beloved activities in Wakulla Springs State Park. They run all year long, but it can get a bit chilly out on the water in the coldest winter months. Take advantage of the warmer temps and see this beautiful resource from a close vantage point.

The park also features a glass-bottom boat tour of the springs themselves, although it only operates when the water is clear enough to see below. The spring months offer some of the best chances for clearer water, so you just might get lucky. You can always contact the Visitor’s Center to inquire about the possibility of glass-bottom boat tours for the day.

Stay in the heart of it all

There are many fantastic accommodations throughout Wakulla County, but if you’re going to make Wakulla Springs the focal point of your trip you might as well stay nearby. Thankfully the full-service Wakulla Springs Lodge is located directly on the property for you to enjoy.

The lodge is designed in a Moorish-influenced Spanish style with art deco touches, and it has been a staple of the area since it opened in 1937. It also features an outstanding restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it’s home to a traditional marble soda fountain. Find out more about the Wakulla Springs Lodge and reserve your stay today!

Download the Spring Guide

Family vacations are important rituals, but it can often be difficult to find a destination that will thrill the kids and satisfy the parents alike. In Wakulla County, the entire family can experience the many natural wonders of our land, and find time to relax a bit as well.

Interact with the touch tanks at the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory

Parents are always looking for activities where their kids can learn about the world around them and have a blast at the same time, and the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea fits that description perfectly. The facility houses a working marine laboratory where ongoing research is performed, including a sea turtle rehabilitation program.

It’s also a unique interactive nature center that is designed to educate guests about the diversity in the Wakulla County marine ecosystem. Some of the most popular attractions are the touch tanks, where you can touch the glass that houses live marine animals.

Get lost in the beauty of the natural surroundings

This county is teeming with beautiful natural areas and amazing parks, but what makes Wakulla County so unique is the incredible diversity of the natural lands here. It’s possible to hike along thick, wooded trails in the Apalachicola National Forest, view lush, open meadows on a drive through the Big Bend National Scenic Byway, and put your feet in the Gulf of Mexico on the coastal trail—all within several miles of each other.

Get up-close-and-personal with the wildlife at Wakulla Springs

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, known affectionately as Wakulla Springs, is one of the crown jewels of of Wakulla County. This state park is home to a diverse selection of aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species, so be sure to bring your camera. Autumn is also a great time to watch for manatees swimming in the river or the spring, so keep an eye out for this iconic Florida marine mammal.

Marvel at the abundance of the stars

Urban and suburban sprawl are an everyday reality for most of the population of the U.S. now, and light pollution has drastically reduced the visibility of the cosmos all over, especially on the east coast. Wakulla County, however, is one place where you can still see the stars shine brightly at night. In fact, according to the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, our area rates between a 2 and 3, with 1 being the darkest and 9 being the most light pollution.

Treat your family to a homestyle meal

There’s nothing better on a vacation than gathering together with your friends and family and enjoying a great meal. In Wakulla County, we have dozens of fantastic, independently-owned restaurants where you can relax during your journey. Whether you’re looking for fresh local seafood, a traditional southern buffet, or even fine dining, you’ll find it here during your travels.

Plan your trip today

Ready to plan that Wakulla family vacation? Get started today by booking your accommodation, downloading our Visitor’s Guide, or by checking our pre-planned itineraries online.

Wakulla County is well-known as The Natural Place To Be, and there are few activities that are more natural than a simple hike in the wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned backwoods hiker or a novice who just wants to take a walk down a path, Wakulla County has numerous trails on which you can scratch your outdoors adventure itch. All you need to get started is some water and essential hiking gear, and you can be on your way to exploring stunning scenery that isn’t accessible by car.

Florida National Scenic Trail

The Florida National Scenic Trail is one of the most treasured natural areas in the country, and it serves as a perfect microcosm for the ecological diversity that is one of Florida’s hallmarks. The trail runs approximately 1,400 miles in total length, 75 miles of which pass directly through Wakulla County.

In particular, the trail passes near the towns of Sopchoppy and St. Marks, as well as through a portion of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This part of the Florida National Scenic Trail provides great opportunities for viewing a variety of different species of wildlife, including waterfowl and land animals. Because this trail transitions from heavily-wooded forest area to salt marshes along the coast, it’s important to bring adequate sun protection and insect repellent.

Apalachicola National Forest

Be sure to bring your binoculars and a birding book when you go for a hike through the Apalachicola National Forest, because this expansive protected area is home to some of the best wildlife viewing in Florida. This is also the largest forest in the state, so you will have plenty of hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easily-accessible short paths to extensive backpacking opportunities (including the famous Bradwell Bay Wilderness, located with Wakulla County). Hiking is permitted anywhere in the park, but be careful to follow proper safety guidelines, including informing someone of your backpacking plan and bringing fresh water.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Wakulla Springs State Park may not have the abundance of trails you’ll find in the National Forest, but the trails there are teeming with stunning views and opportunities to see diverse groups of flora and fauna. The springs upon which the park is built support an intricate ecosystem that makes for a truly unique hiking experience. There is a 9-mile nature trail that runs through the park, as well as additional trails that lead to Cherokee Sink and through primordial cave systems.

More more trails to explore

These three areas are just a few of the numerous locations in Wakulla County that are perfect for hiking. If you’re visiting to explore one of these beautiful natural landmarks, extend your stay in one of our many friendly and affordable accommodation options and head even deeper into the world of hiking in Wakulla County.

Fall is a wonderful time of year to explore all that Wakulla has to offer, so if you’ve been thinking of visiting once summer winds down, you’re sure to have a great time. As October and November draw near, temperatures reach comfortable levels, making it a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors. We’ve got five outdoor activities that are ideal for people of all ages to enjoy here in Wakulla; you might even be able to squeeze them in during a weekend stay!

Go Fishing or Hunting

Wakulla and the surrounding areas are famous for their fishing, and fall is a great time to fish along the waters of Wakulla County. From unique kayak fishing excursions to day fishing trips on The Forgotten Coast, you’ll find ample opportunities to cast your reel. For the hunters out there, hunting season for gray squirrels, turkeys, and deer begin around September 2nd. Just be sure you have a current deer permit!

Bike or Hike a Trail

If hunting and fishing aren’t your thing, consider biking or hiking along any of Wakulla’s beautiful nature trails, historic trails, and even extended hiking trails. At Ochlockonee River State Park there are trails for the whole family, ranging from beginners to more experienced hikers and bikers. The Florida National Scenic Trail runs through Wakulla County for 75 miles!

Watch the Wildlife of Wakulla

Fall is an absolutely beautiful time to come wildlife watching in Wakulla County. Whether you’re interested in seeing migratory birds, manatee, reptiles, or even Florida black bears, there are many parks and expeditions that will get you up close and personal with these fascinating creatures.

Attend an Event at the St. Marks Refuge

Wakulla County boasts a number of special events throughout the fall season, including dozens at the popular St. Marks Refuge. Check out their popular Monarch Festival on October 28th, or sharpen your photography skills during our Wildlife Photography 2-Tram Tour on November 19th. There are plenty of event opportunities to suit anybody’s taste!

Explore Wakulla Outdoors Horseback

Wakulla County loves its horses, and exploring the area on horseback is a memorable way to spend your fall. With many stables throughout the county, there are horses suitable for beginner riders all the way up to skilled experts. And with plenty of trails and quiet paths to choose from, you can explore at your own pace. Many of the stables here also offer lessons, pony parties for kids, barrel racing on select weekends, and much more.

Plan Your Trip

When the temperatures begin to cool off, the fun heats up in Wakulla County! Spend your fall making memories to last year-round, whether you’re interested in fishing, hiking, horse-riding, or just about any activity in between. Schedule your trip to Wakulla County today and check out our website to find out more about lodging, restaurants, and more.

Scuba divers and snorkelers know that there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as exploring the great unknown of deep waters. The waters in and around Wakulla County are home to mysterious caves, stunning reefs, and abundant wildlife, so pack your scuba gear and get ready to dive!

Take a trip to a diving mecca

With its coastal proximity and abundance of rivers and lakes, Wakulla County is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers of all experience levels. Whether you prefer to stay near the shoreline or head out to some of the reefs that lie in deeper waters, you can plan the ultimate diving trip for your and your companions in our beautiful waters.

Explore numerous diving hot spots

When you visit Wakulla County for a diving excursion, you’ll have plenty of excellent dive sites to choose from. When it comes to freshwater diving, the area around Wakulla Springs State Park is teeming with spectacular opportunities for viewing unique natural features. Emerald Sink, Clear Cut Sink, and Cherokee Sink in particular are among the most popular diving spots in the county, and offer spectacular open water and cave exploration.

Just make sure to check with Wakulla Springs State Park for availability and requirements before you gear up.

If you’re ready to hit the deep waters of the ocean, there are several fantastic reefs in the Apalachee Bay that await you on your journey. The St. Marks Reef is the closest to the shoreline, but you can venture a little farther and find great diving spots such as Wakulla Big Bend Reef, Dog Ballard, and Rotary Reef.

Get outfitted with everything you need for a successful dive

One of the main reasons why divers feel so at home in Wakulla County is because there are two full-service dive shops that can outfit you with anything you need. Cave Connections and the Wakulla Diving Center are both located in the town of Crawfordville, and they offer everything from training services to a full suite of recreational diving gear to spearfishing equipment. You can even book guided tours so that you can get the complete Wakulla County diving experience.

As is the case with any aquatic activity, it’s important to follow all safety precautions when you go out for a dive. Always go diving with a partner, put up a dive flag when you’re in the water to alert others, and bring plenty of drinking water and sun protection for your day on the boat.

Check out what’s happening above the surface of the water

Scuba diving is a great way to spend your time in Wakulla County, but there are so many other natural activities for you to explore during your trip. When you’ve had your fill of time under the water, you can photograph some wildlife at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge or take a drive along the Big Bend Scenic National Byway. Wakulla County is the perfect destination to turn your Scuba diving trip into a complete week of adventures in nature!

Everyone has that one thing they really want to do while on vacation, and it can sometimes be difficult to find a place to visit that satisfies the desires of all members of the family. When you visit Wakulla County, you’ll find great activities for everyone, whether they want to hike a secluded nature trail or spend the day lounging on a boat.

Explore the open seas on a chartered boat

For many people, nothing says “vacation” more than a day spent cruising the beautiful open waters from the deck of a boat. The waters off the coast of Wakulla County are the perfect location for whatever type of boating you’re into. Whether you like to get out early and fish or simply lounge around and enjoy the scenery, you can plan your perfect boating vacation by chartering a boat through one of several companies.

Study the mysteries of the deep at the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory

Humans have always been drawn to and fascinated by the sea, and there’s no better place to quench your oceanic curiosity than at the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory in Panacea. This incredible facility functions both as a open-touch aquarium for viewing a diverse selection of aquatic species, and a working laboratory where experts are advancing the study of marine science every day. The Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory is truly a celebration of the variety of wildlife in the waters of Wakulla County.

Chill out on a relaxing kayak ride through lush natural environments

Spending a day on the water doesn’t have to mean chartering a motor-powered boat. You can also soak in the beautiful views and enjoy some aquatic tranquility in a kayak. Kayaks and canoes are easy to paddle for people of almost all ages and skill levels, and you can quickly take them from small streams and rivers out to the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico

Take a dip in the waters of Wakulla Springs

When the weather heats up, there’s nothing more satisfying than immersing yourself in the cool waters of Wakulla Springs. Thrill seekers will want to dive off of the 22-foot observation tower into the springs, while those who prefer a more relaxing experience can lay on the beaches and wade near the shore. Another great option at Wakulla Springs is to book a gorgeous river cruise.

Commune with birds and wildlife in their natural habitats

The various parks, forests, and nature preserves scattered throughout Wakulla County are paradise for wildlife watchers and photographers. In fact, there are over 300 different species of migratory birds that pass through these lands during the year. Savor all that this unique ecosystem has to offer by getting up close and personal with the wildlife of Wakulla County.

Ready to plan that Wakulla vacation? Get started today by booking your accommodation, downloading our Visitor’s Guide, or by checking our pre-planned itineraries online.

Although I live in the city, I spend a lot of time outdoors studying birds and wildlife, and I realized a few years ago that Wakulla County is one of the best places in Florida to do this. So, last Friday a friend of mine and I decided to visit the area, and we weren’t disappointed.

Our first stop was Wakulla Springs State Park, and being middle-aged and a lifelong Florida resident, seeing the Wakulla Lodge reminded me so much of old Florida I immediately called a friend of mine from grade school—he now lives in Chicago—and told him I felt like I was 10 years old again. Growing up, we both visited Silver Springs, Weeki Wachee, Marineland, and even Six Gun Territory (I know, I’m old), so it was great seeing a part of our state that has stood the test of time. Also, as soon as we went behind the lodge and walked up on the spring’s viewing platform we saw a manatee and her calf, and after a long walk on the hiking trail we had a staring contest with two deer that were only about 25 feet away!

As you may have realized by now I’m not a theme park kind of guy, which is another reason I came to Wakulla. I love the fact that there are so many hotels and restaurants in the area that are locally owned, which is why I chose to stay at the Magnuson and eat dinner at the Seineyard. The seafood there was the best I’ve had in a while, and I’m glad we got there at 5:15 because around 6:00 PM all the seats were taken. I recommend the fried shrimp and coleslaw, and I also noticed the salad dressing was homemade.

The next morning we went to St. Marks NWR, and being wildlife enthusiasts, it was great to see three deer as soon as we drove into the park. Right after we pulled into the parking area I noticed an easel where visitors right down what animals they’ve seen, which is a great idea (I thought it would be redundant to write down we’d seen deer since they seem to be everywhere in the area).

After we drove about a mile we parked by the trailhead on our left and decided we’d walk about 3 ½ miles north and then turn around and come back. During the walk we saw and heard many woodpeckers, a couple egrets, several deer, five small alligators, and right before we turned around we saw a bobcat sitting in the middle of the trail! It only let us get within about 100 yards of it, but my friend and I were thrilled because we have never seen one in the wild. I know if you live in the Wakulla area you probably see them often, but both of us our city boys, so to us, it was a BIG deal.

Besides the abundance of wildlife, another good thing about the area is the solitude—in our five hours of hiking in two days, we only saw one other person on the trails, and that was toward the end of our second hike (he was a birder that was so serious about his hobby he offered us a peace sign instead of sounding a greeting—I loved it). My only regret about the trip is I forgot to write on the visitor board that I saw a bobcat!

Bio:

Randy is a freelance writer with a degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. He writes for several magazines, including Bird Watcher’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, and Woman’s Day. He coached track and field for high school and college over 20 years, and is married with a son.

Are you spending enough time outdoors? If you’re like most Americans, the answer is probably no. The acceleration of technology has brought many amazing benefits to humanity, but one of the downsides is that it has made it exceedingly easy to spend most of our time inside our houses and offices.

The issue affects younger Americans most of all. One study found that as few as 10 percent of American teens say they spend time outdoors on a daily basis. This is especially troubling because numerous scientific studies are finding connections between psychological health and being outdoors. It’s becoming increasingly clear that spending time outside is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle. So, encourage your family to turn off the TV, head outside, and find the right balance between indoor and outdoor time to suit your lifestyle.

Connecting nature to the functions of the brain

We may have developed the ability to build towering skyscrapers and send humans deep into space, but we are definitely a part of the earth. Our mental and psychological connection to the planet has been confirmed in a series of studies that showed people felt more alive in general when spending time outdoors, and also noted specific changes in mood as well. These findings indicate that there is a strong connection between outdoor activity and increased levels of energy, and that people who frequently spend time outside are more likely to report a higher sense of well-being.

Outdoor time and the developing minds of children

Sure, cable television and video games have been a part of our culture for decades, but the children growing up in this century have had access to an almost limitless stream of digital entertainment options without ever having to leave their homes. Researchers found that between 1997 and 2003, children from the ages of 9 to 12 saw a 50 percent decrease in the amount of outdoor activities they participated in. Not only does spending time in green spaces improve the cognitive functions of children’s brains and lead to lower rates of childhood obesity, but it instills in children a healthy respect and and admiration for our natural world.

Take a break from your screens and experience the natural beauty of Wakulla County

If you and your family are looking to take advantage of all of the mental and physical benefits of engaging in outdoor activities, plan a trip to beautiful Wakulla County, FL and immerse yourself in a stunning natural environment. Our unique area is teeming with opportunities for almost every kind of outdoor adventure you can imagine, including fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. It’s the perfect spot for when you’re feeling burnt out on the hustle and bustle of contemporary life.