Outdoor Activities and Manatee Watching at Blue Spring State Park

As a disabled veteran, I recently applied for my free Florida State Parks Lifetime Pass, and I’m so glad I did! Our family spent the day at Blue Spring State Park watching the manatees, enjoying nature, and grilling together. The park was clean, peaceful, and felt very safe with park rangers regularly checking the area. It was one of those simple days that created lasting memories. If you’ve never visited Blue Spring, I highly recommend adding it to your list. And if you’re a veteran, don’t forget to see if you qualify for the Florida State Parks pass—it made our family adventure even more special. 🌿💙 update: after July 15th you need to register to come to the park. I couldn’t figure it out Park Ranger was rude and said it’s not his job to help me figure it out. Then I asked what if it was someone older, his response not his problem they would have to figure it out. I was shocked he didn’t know where to go on the website said he never been on it. We never got to go I couldn’t figure out why it was trying to charge me to go in when I have lifetime, pass. I even said wow wouldn’t that be the human thing to do he had no response just a negative look. Disappointed he showed the kids park ranger are not willing to help.

Beautiful spring with lots to do. Rent cubes or bring your own. Take a narrated boat tour to see the wildlife. Rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards or bring your own. Refreshing cool clear water in the summer, loads of manatees in the winter.

We recently stayed in the cabins and I would highly recommend. They were very clean and updated. The park provides linens and the kitchen has pots, pans and cooking utensils. The AC works great. Would definitely come back.

Blue Spring State Park is a beautiful and peaceful escape, perfect for swimming, and just relaxing in nature. The main spring and river are crystal‑clear with a refreshing current, and there are plenty of shaded spots and picnic areas to enjoy the scenery. During winter, the park is especially magical because you can see manatees gathered in the warm 72‑degree water, and while you’re swimming or floating, long‑bodied gar fish often glide right along with you, adding a unique wildlife‑swim experience that feels like a real Florida‑nature adventure.

Amazing!!!!! We were maybe a week to late to capture the scenery with hundreds of Manatees, but we were able to see a few, and that was miraculous and joyous!!! The amount of fish is astonishing! The ground are clean and kept up very well. Parking was a breeze! Even saw a turtle in the water. Loved every moment!! ♥️ Tremendous memory for me to keep, time with my niece 💕 ❤️ and the glory of our Creator!!