Outdoor Activities and Manatee Watching at Blue Spring State Park

Explore Blue Spring State Park, where you can see manatees, enjoy water activities, and hike through lush trails for a day of fun near Orlando.

Last updated: Apr 2024

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$6 per car for entrance. Additional fees for St. Johns River Cruises and equipment rentals.
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park is known for its clear blue spring waters and serves as a designated manatee refuge. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, tubing, and fishing in the park's picturesque setting. In the winter months, hundreds of manatees make the spring their home, providing a unique wildlife experience. The park's wooden boardwalks and hiking trails offer a chance to explore the lush landscape while spotting various wildlife, including squirrels, turtles, and birds. With convenient parking, restrooms, and a Camp Store for equipment rentals, Blue Spring State Park is a must-visit for a memorable day outdoors.

What's included

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Itinerary

Arrive at Blue Spring State Park: Park in the first or second parking lot, with restrooms available at both locations.
Explore the Boardwalks: Walk along the wooden pathways to enjoy views of the spring and spot wildlife.
Visit the Camp Store: Rent kayaks, tubes, or snorkel gear, or grab a snack.
Choose Your Activity: Kayak, snorkel, or tube in the designated areas. Follow the boardwalk to the swimming area for tubing and snorkeling.
Picnic and Relax: Enjoy a meal at the picnic areas or pavilions. Be cautious of alligator warnings and avoid swimming in restricted areas.
Take the St. Johns River Cruise: Join the guided boat tour for a closer look at the river and its surroundings (optional, requires additional fee).

Location

Blue Spring State Park, Florida

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Packing List

Swimsuit and towel
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Camera for photos
Light snacks or picnic lunch

4.8 ● Google reviews

This is an absolutely beautiful park! We went in the beginning of April and it happened to be firefly season. It was absolutely magical. I would recommend it to anybody! We'll be coming back next winter when the manatees are there. Can't wait!

Very cool place to check out.. unfortunately we didn't see any manatee, but we did see lots of fish and cool birds. Nice little walk and playground for the kids. Will definitely come back.

Beautiful state park with crystal-clear spring water. We visited this state park twice and both times in the month of December. Hundreds of manatees gather here in the spring from mid of November to March, and it's such an incredible sight.

Such a beautiful place! Water is so clear you can see all the fish and there was a huge variety of them. We were there towards the end of the manatee season but were able to see one manatee that had been rescued with a tracker on it. There was a volunteer there that was very helpful and informative and answered all of our questions about manatees. The walking trail is easy with several overlooks of the spring. Restrooms were very nice and clean. This place is a must see!

Went right during prime time. So there was a line up to get in. The rangers kept the line moving quickly. We were lucky to find parking. The main walk is paved and boardwalk with overlooks. The day we went the manatee count was 482. There were a lot you could see from the walkway. Was an amazing sight to see them. The water was clear and kept getting clearer the closer you got to the spring. Highly recommend visiting! Restrooms, gift shop, and small snack stands on site along with kayak rentals.

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