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

  • $6 per car for entrance. Additional fees for St. Johns River Cruises and equipment rentals.

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

  • Kayaking, tubing, and snorkeling activities
  • Scenic boardwalks and hiking trails
  • Manatee watching (in winter)
  • Picnic areas with pavilions
  • Camp Store for equipment rentals
  • St. Johns River Cruises (additional fee)

Perfect for

For solo
For two
For groups
For families with kids
For parents and grownups
Outdoorsy

Good to know

FREE
$
Rental
Park
First come, first serve
Few hours
Half a day
Onsite parking

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Itinerary

  1. Arrive at Blue Spring State Park: Park in the first or second parking lot, with restrooms available at both locations.
  2. Explore the Boardwalks: Walk along the wooden pathways to enjoy views of the spring and spot wildlife.
  3. Visit the Camp Store: Rent kayaks, tubes, or snorkel gear, or grab a snack.
  4. Choose Your Activity: Kayak, snorkel, or tube in the designated areas. Follow the boardwalk to the swimming area for tubing and snorkeling.
  5. Picnic and Relax: Enjoy a meal at the picnic areas or pavilions. Be cautious of alligator warnings and avoid swimming in restricted areas.
  6. 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

  • Paula

    a month ago

    Blue Spring State Park is absolutely beautiful! 🌿💙 The water is incredibly clear, and the whole park feels peaceful and surrounded by nature. It’s a great place to spend the day swimming, relaxing, walking the trails, or just enjoying the scenery. We really enjoyed our time here and would definitely come back. If you’re looking for a beautiful natural spring to visit in Florida, this one is definitely worth the trip!

  • Matthijs

    a month ago

    We went here on a weekday. You need to reserve (during summer months) but that went perfect through the website. The park is great. We spent about an hour there checking out the springs and spotting manatees. We saw 1 in August. So they seem to be there throughout the year.

  • Taisha Encarnacion

    2 months ago

    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.

  • Geoff Zimmerman

    4 months ago

    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.

  • Leo Gravity

    2 months ago

    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.
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