The Lodge at Wakulla Springs

I kept my Thanksgiving and Christmas reservations at the Wakulla Lodge in 2025 because my wife and I had married there in 1988 and cherished the place. She passed away in July 2025, but I wanted to honor the promise I’d made to her. I’m glad I got to see the Lodge again after 37 years, but I’m afraid I won’t return. Christmas Day was especially bad. After being seated, I waited nearly 30 minutes just to order a drink. The waitress wasn’t polite and made excuses for the delay. The food arrived cold and was nearly inedible. The roast was so tough I couldn’t chew it. Then the bill, over $70 for dining alone, already included a 20% gratuity, with another tip line on top of that. It’s an experience I won’t forget, for all the wrong reasons. Thanksgiving had also been disappointing. The buffet looked unappealing, and tasted the same. Much of the food wasn’t hot enough and seemed as if it had sat under warmers for days. At least the staff were attentive despite the packed dining rooms.

The Lodge rewards taking your time. Its lobby has comfy leather chairs, chess and checker boards, plants, and a baby grand piano. When it’s cold, the fireplace is usually going, and overnight guests can settle into a quiet nook for free coffee or tea. Inside, the historic displays include mastodon fossils and Old Joe, a taxidermied alligator. Don’t miss the ceiling either. It was hand-painted in 1937 with Florida birds, Spanish galleons, forts, and portraits. Boat tours stop when it’s below 40°F, and Florida can apparently get cold enough to cancel them. Even then, Wakulla Springs Lodge is worth the drive. Head down to the spring: in cooler weather, manatees come because the water stays about 20 degrees warmer than the air and Gulf. You’ll likely see an alligator too, doing pretty much nothing. Rangers are friendly and like to point out that Creature from the Black Lagoon was filmed here. The trails are easy to follow, with a short boardwalk for a quick nature stroll and dirt paths if you want more of a hike. No special gear needed. For food, the Parlor is fine for a quick bite, though it also serves as the gift shop, so you might find yourself eating a Cuban sandwich beside postcards and fudge. The Cuban is filling and flavorful, better than it needs to be. For a full meal, plan ahead and go to the main restaurant. Book the boat tour early and aim for warmer months, but don’t worry too much if plans shift. A cool day can still mean a fire, manatees, and a very atmospheric bit of Old Florida.

Charming and relaxing, with that real Old Florida feel. The front desk was efficient and helpful, housekeeping did a great job, and the restaurant food and service were excellent. I’d recommend both the boat tour and the hikes.

The lodge is gorgeous and full of history, and it’s a wonderful place to have a meal. The food is amazing for a fair price, and the service is consistently professional and really nice. I’d recommend it to locals and anyone passing through the area.