Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Weeki Wachee, FL

With clear 72 degree water temperatures year round, you can catch a show where mermaids swim underwater and attract not only onlookers and manatees — but even an alligator or two. Established in 1947, Weeki Wachee State Park mermaids are known for swimming their tails off. It is now a state park for residents and visitors to enjoy. Take an easy kayak ride and paddle downstream, and if you get too tired, a shuttle will pick up you and your kayak. Nice? You bet! We are the friendliest place in America, you’ll never forget us! In the winter, manatees swim up to escape the frigid Gulf waters, so we call them our other mermaids. Weeki Wachee means winding waters, so wind up in the nicest place of all!

Stories About Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

During a Halloween Mermaid Show, a little girl in attendance with a loose baby tooth asked her mother if one of the mermaids could take the place of the tooth fairy. Her mom regretfully informed her the mermaids only stay in the water. Not to be deterred, the girl answered, “Well, I can stay in our pool on a float. They can come swim in our pool and leave a goldfish instead of money. I’d rather have that instead of the tooth fairy and after all, I have more than one tooth so this would be special.” Her mom smiled and said, “You never know, it could happen,” then gave us a smile and wink. It looks like that little girl will get her wish.