Hours
Monday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PMTuesday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Blue Spring State Park Introduce
Welcome to Blue Spring State Park, a true natural gem nestled in the heart of Florida. This park is renowned for its crystal-clear springs, diverse wildlife, and a wide array of recreational opportunities, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Our Environment:
- Crystal-Clear Springs: The park's centerpiece is the beautiful Blue Spring, a natural spring that maintains a constant temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) year-round. Its pristine waters offer exceptional visibility, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
- Abundant Wildlife: Blue Spring State Park is a haven for wildlife, most notably the gentle and captivating Florida manatees. During the cooler months, these gentle giants gather in the spring's warm waters, providing visitors with an incredible opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. In addition to manatees, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including birds, fish, turtles, and alligators.
- Lush Natural Surroundings: The park encompasses over 2,600 acres of diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, scenic waterways, and tranquil hiking trails. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while exploring the park's diverse landscapes.
Our Services:
- Swimming and Snorkeling: Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Blue Spring or grab your snorkel gear and explore the underwater world. The spring's clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing you to observe fish, turtles, and other aquatic creatures.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle along the scenic St. Johns River, which is fed by Blue Spring. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities, offering a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty and wildlife.
- Hiking: Explore the park's network of hiking trails, which wind through diverse ecosystems and offer scenic views of the spring, river, and surrounding forests.
- Guided Tours and Educational Programs: Enhance your visit by participating in guided tours and educational programs offered by the park. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the park's history, ecology, and wildlife, enriching your understanding and appreciation of this natural treasure.
Our Features:
- Manatee Viewing: Blue Spring State Park is renowned as one of the best places in Florida to observe manatees in their natural environment. During the winter months, hundreds of manatees gather in the spring's warm waters, providing an unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
- Natural Beauty: The park's combination of crystal-clear springs, lush forests, and diverse wildlife creates a truly picturesque and captivating natural setting.
- Recreational Activities: Blue Spring State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer swimming, paddling, hiking, or simply relaxing amidst nature, you'll find ample opportunities to engage in your favorite outdoor pursuits.
- Educational Opportunities: The park's visitor center, educational programs, and guided tours provide valuable insights into the park's history, ecology, and the importance of conservation.
Promotional Information:
- Park Hours: Blue Spring State Park is open daily from 8:00 AM until sunset.
- Admission Fee: There is a small admission fee per vehicle to enter the park.
- Location: Blue Spring State Park is located west of Orange City, Florida. The park's address is .
- Contact Us: For more information, please call (386) 775-3663 or visit our website at .
Experience the magic of Blue Spring State Park and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or educational opportunities, this natural paradise offers an unforgettable experience for all.
Location
Customer Reviews
We visited on a seemingly busy day during the holidays when kids were out of school, as it took close to 30 minutes to get inside. We paid with a card as they were walking down the queue to make it faster. We were fortunate to get parking close, so not much walking to the water. We went to see some manatees which we did. None got too close as they seemed to gravitate to a warmer portion of the water. There is plenty of other wildlife to see with birds and fish. We didn't see any gators or turtles. The Thurman House was nice and we visited the gift shop. There were also lines for the bathroom as the crowds were bigger, but overall, it was a nice experience. For a large family, the price for the boat ride on the river was out of our range as it would have been well over $100 for the short boat trip. There are picnic tables, and it seems you can grill there as well. There is also a kids' play area, but the kids didn't use it on this trip.
The park, which had plenty of amenities, had a good number of them closed for maintenance and upgrades (winter time). However, what was opened was very nice. So if the upgrades are anything like the opened amenities, it will be an especially nice State Park, not that it already isn't. Enjoyed watching the manatees as they swam in their winter home.
This is a wonderful protected park with a lot of wildlife and nature to take in. After taking in the walking trail we went kayaking and canoeing and had a wonderful, peaceful and relaxing time, even seeing an alligator in the water near us. The water was smooth, serene, and the only sounds were of nature. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see any Manatees, as global warming had caused the manatees to leave the area before February (as waters in the surrounding canals is warming sooner). But still a wonderful experience!
This was an impromptu visit today. Decided to take my mom to go see the manatees while they're still here and it was a beautiful day to go. As we approached the entrance, the line to get in was down the dirt road, then you basically loop around and wait until instructed to move forward to enter. There was a park ranger walking along cars to make the paying process easier, which was pretty convenient. Parking was tricky, but you drive around until you find one. There was some construction going on, but nothing too crazy. We walked along the boardwalk, stopping at each lookout area to catch a glimpse of the manatees. There were lots of them today, 794 that was counted. They have restrooms, gift shop, place to rent under tubes (in the summertime), couple of concession stands. The Thursby House you can tour kayaks to rent and boat tours (best to go on the star park website and make reservations). My mom loved seeing the manatees and all the fish and commented on how clear the water was. It was a very enjoyable day!
Beautiful park! Thrilling to see the manatees during our recent visit on New Year’s Day. The fee per car was six dollars, extremely reasonable. Plenty of parking, lines to get in can be long but didn’t take more than 15 minutes. Rest rooms were clean. Nice picnic areas. Can’t wait to return someday to explore more of the park
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