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A manatee.

Blue Spring State Park

Encounter the gentle giants we call Manatees

Winter Water Activities

Due to manatee season, the spring run is currently closed to all water activities. This includes swimming, snorkeling, diving, tubing, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Please visit Wekiwa Springs or De Leon Springs State Parks for winter water activity fun.

Manatee Count

Please call Blue Spring State Park at 386-775-3663 before visiting to get our latest manatee count.

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, please 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

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
Make a Reservation Download Park Map

Welcome to Blue Spring State Park

Refreshing 72 degree waters of Blue Spring 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 and 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, visitors can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. Visitors can also launch a canoe or kayak (rentals are available 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 two-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 of the Florida manatee, but did you know we have another special species that can be found here year round?

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Camping
Camping
Fishing
Fishing
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
Dump Station
Dump Station
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

Blue Spring State Park Photo Gallery

A manatee.
Swimming at Blue Spring
Foggy morning at Blue Spring
A view of a blue scrub jay.
Manatee at Blue Spring
Spring Run Swim Dock
Swimming at Blue Spring
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. From steamship to railroad and candles to electric bulbs, Blue Spring State Park is a time capsule for a bygone era.

People Make the Parks

Cody Nolan APM profile picture.

Staff Spotlight

Cody Nolan enjoys working at Blue Spring State Park, the winter home for over 500 manatees.
Jackie Cheers volunteer profile picture.

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteers, like Jackie Cheers helps to make visiting Blue Spring State Park more enjoyable!
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 and Wildlife Trail
Green Lodging

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

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Front of Main Visitors Center at De Leon Sorings

De Leon Springs State Park

DeLeon Springs State Park offers visitors a Florida experience that blends its recreational swimming area with its fascinating history. Take a walk through this majestic park before cooling off in the crystal springs.

601 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
De Leon Springs FL 32130

Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Park

Two ancient ravines carved by a spring-fed creek have been transformed into a rustic tropical garden. The park has two ravines up to 120 feet deep with steep banks at 45 degree angles.

1600 Twigg Street
Palatka FL 32177

Boy enjoying Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park

With emerald springs feeding the Wekiwa River and lush tropical hammocks, this unique park just minutes from Downtown Orlando is perfect for observing abundant wildlife or cooling off on a summer day. Miles of trails beg to be explored on foot, bike or horseback, and canoes and kayaks are available on site.

1800 Wekiwa Cir.
Apopka FL 32712

Florida State Parks

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
    • Outdoor Florida
  • Find a Park
  • Learn
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  • Experiences & Amenities
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  • Get Involved
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    • Work for Us

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:
(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:
FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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