Hidden between Orlando and Daytona Beach is Blue Spring State Park, one of the busiest parks in the state of Florida. Located on the base of the St. Johns River, it’s a popular destination year-round. Visitors can view manatees in the winter and enjoy tubing and swimming in the summer months. Ready to plan your adventure? Use our Guide to Blue Spring State Park.
I was a guest of the West Volusia CVB in early March. All opinions are my own. Not all activities may be open right now due to COVID.
Blue Spring State Park
A Little History:
Originally inhabited by the Native Americans Timucuan, the park includes several “middens” or mounds built of discarded shells. In 1856, Louis Thursby and his family moved to the area, lured by the desire to plant orange groves. Mr. Thursby built his house on the largest mound. After a massive frost killed most of his trees, he turned to tourism, using his home as a hotel and operating a steamboat landing in the spring. The property was purchased in 1972 by the Florida Department of Environment Protection for manatee preservation.
What Can You Do at Blue Spring State Park?
There’s plenty of nature activities to indulge in; from hiking to birding. I’ve enclosed the long list below.
Winter Only- Manatees! Manatees! Manatees!
Drawn by the year-round 72⁰ water, manatees congregate in the warm springs from November to March. Manatees can only be exposed to temperatures below 68⁰ for 20 minutes before experiencing hypothermia. Some days over 300 manatees crowd into the spring. Many of these manatees have been identified from marks or scar patterns and are known to return to the spring year after year. 
Tip: Bring binoculars to get a better view of the manatees in the spring run.
Year-Round Activities
Birding– Love birds? This is the place to be! With over 150 species recorded, you’ll see common Florida birds like seagulls and cranes, along with other species including Barred Owls, Hairy Woodpeckers, and Egrets. Walk along the boardwalk or the Pine Island Trail for a possible glimpse. Or take a boat ride to see and learn about the many fascinating species that call the park home. 
Boat Tours– Want to learn about the ecosystem of the St. Johns River and see wildlife in their native habitat? From alligators bathing in the sun to the occasional skunk who wanders by the water’s edge, you’ll find plenty on the St. Johns River Tour. This roughly two-hour cruise is hosted by knowledgable tour guides who are happy to stop when wildlife is spotted and answer questions.
Fishing- Stroll along the 1/3 mile boardwalk along the spring run and you’ll see alligator gar, catfish, perch, and tilapia gazing up at your from the water. While no fishing is allowed within the spring run, you can purchase a Florida fishing license and try your luck at the St. Johns Pier only a few steps away.
Hiking- Don’t miss “hiking” along the boardwalk. This level, self-guided trail winds through the foliage ending at the cavern where the source of the springs is located. Stop to read the signs along the way to learn more about the species living in the park and the history of the area. Feeling like an adventure? The Pine Island Trail is a 7.2-mile round trip hike leads through trails where you’ll see many of the same views as the earliest settlers.
Paddling– Canoes and Kayaks can be rented from Blue Spring Adventures and used in the St. Johns river. The river is calm and can be navigated easily.
Picnicking– Who doesn’t love food? Bring your own lunch to eat at one of the two picnic areas or purchase food at their concession stands.
Star Gazing-Night time is the right time to visit. Ranger-led walks along the boardwalk give a glimpse of constellations, stars, and fireflies. 
Thursby House– The first floor of the Thursby house is open on select days. It’s filled with antiques and exhibits depicting the lifestyle of the 1900s. Be sure to check out the cypress water color located on the side of the house.
Camping– Love to commune with nature? Blue Spring offers 6 (2-bedroom) cabins and 51 campsites.
Spring, Summer, and Fall Activities:
The following are not available during the winter manatee season.
Swimming-in the spring run. Hop in the crystal clear water to beat the heat on a hot summer day!
Snorkeling– Bring your snorkel gear and explore the Spring Run.
Scuba Diving– Certified scuba divers can explore the cave leading down to the spring.
Tubing-Rent a tube at Blue Spring Adventures, proceed to the top of the Spring Run, and float back down. This is one of the activities I need to do on my next visit.
Note: Because it’s a natural spring, some areas will be much deeper than others.
Tips for Visiting:
The park allows a limited number of visitors per day. Maximum capacity is often reached within the first hour of visitation. Arrive early to gain entrance.
A $6 parking fee per vehicle is charged.
For the present, face masks are required. Visitors should maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
The park address is 2100 W French Avenue, Orange City, Florida.
If you’re planning a trip to Florida, be sure to make this one of your destinations! Have you visited Blue Spring State Park?
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We plan to retire in Florida and so I am keeping a list of al the state parks I want to visit. We love our state parks here in Missouri!
We’ve never been. That place looks beautiful. I would love to see the manatee up close.
What a beautiful place! The best way to discover nature!
Oh wow! I can’t wait to go and visit Blue Spring State Park! Looks like a really enjoyable and fun place.
Wow, this looks absolutely breathtaking. I would love to visit one day!
I love a beautiful park. This one sounds so awesome. Would love to visit FL some day soon!
Blue Spring State Park looks like a perfect socially distant place to visit. My daughter really wants to see a manatee so maybe we will get to see one too!
This looks like such a fun place to visit. I would love to see the manatees!
What an amazing looking place to go and spend some time and explore. It is good they have times things aren’t allowed to help the wildlife for the area thrive.
I love bird watching and it’s something even my tween son enjoys. This park looks spectacular. Thank you for sharing 🙂
That park has it all and manatees in winter. I would love to visit there and it is a big change from e lines at the theme parks.
This looks so pretty! I’ve never been there, but it looks like there is a ton of fun things to do there.
There are surely a lot of fun things to engage in at the Blue Springs State Park. One can never have a dull moment visiting. I love all the activities listed out. The feelings and vibe of nature I’m getting from reading this article is awesome.