A manatee.

Blue Spring State Park

Encounter the gentle giants we call Manatees

Arrive Early

Blue Spring State Park frequently reaches capacity during the week and on the weekends, during both the winter and summer months.  To avoid waiting, visit the park early.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all Fees

Location

2100 W French Avenue
Orange City FL 32763

Get directions

Contact Info

386-775-3663

Welcome to Blue Spring State Park

Refreshing 72 degree waters of Blue Spring State Park greet visitors at this gem along the St. Johns River.

Conservation measures can produce astounding results. In 1970, two years before Blue Spring State Park was established, researchers tracked 14 manatees in the spring run. By 2005, after years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts, wintering manatee numbers exceeded 200. By 2018, that number skyrocketed to a record 485.

Besides sea cows, fish abound in the spring run, and these attract a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers. To see the park’s wonders, one can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. One can also launch a canoe or kayak, rent one at the park or take a guided river boat cruise.

Plan Your Visit

Michael Watkins, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

I welcome you to Blue Spring State Park. Come for a visit and learn about manatees, or during the hot Florida summer days, enjoy dipping into the cool 72-degree invigorating spring water.
Blue Spring VS
Service

Gift Shop, Food Service & Cruises

Our concessions offer a fully-stocked gift shop and camp store and also provide rental for the visitors of the park to enjoy. In addition, St Johns River Cruises are available for a 2-hour narrated Nature and Ecological Cruises on the St Johns River or a Guided Wilderness Escape Segway tour.
Florida Scrub-Jay on a tree at Blue Spring
Learn

Birding at Blue Spring

Blue Spring State Park is known mainly for being the winter home to the Florida Manatee, but, did you know we have another special species that can be found here year around?

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Camping
Camping
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Tubing
Tubing

Amenities

Cabins
Cabins
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

Manatee at Blue Spring
Swimming at Blue Spring
Boardwalk Blue Spring
Canoeing at Blue Spring
Swimming at Blue Spring
Pine Island Trail Entrance
Historic Thursby House
A view of a red bird perched on a tree.
Blue Spring State Park
Learn

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

From mid-November to March, hundreds of manatees congregate in the spring run to seek shelter from the cold. It’s a truly unforgettable sight to see so many of these iconic animals in one place.
A view of the Thursby House
Learn

The Thursby House

Standing tall near the St. Johns River, the three-story Thursby house is a monument to Central Florida’s frontier days.

People Make the Parks

Jim, standing in the doorway of the ranger station, smiling at the camera.

Staff Spotlight

Jim's passion for birding and ecology have helped inspire and educate the many guests at Blue Spring State Park.
Cora, holding an award plaque, standing next to a park ranger.

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteers, like Cora Bercham and those in the Manatee Observer Volunteer Program, are dedicated to raising visitor awareness and protecting manatees in the spring run.
The Blue Spring Friends group, holding their banner.

Friends of Blue Spring State Park

Supporting the park since 2004, the group’s outreach in the local community brings visitors back to provide opportunities to learn more about the springs and its most famous resident the manatee.

This Park is Recognized by:

Designated Greenway
Florida's Springs
Great Florida Birding Trail
Green Lodging

Park Map

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