We love Florida’s theme parks, but the real adventure begins when you step outside the parks and explore the Great Outdoors in one of the country’s wildest habitats. If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to spend a day, there is nothing better than a visit to one of Central the impressive state parks near Orlando. And it doesn’t get much better than Blue Springs State Park.
Blue Springs State Park in Orange City is not only beautiful, it’s only about an hour drive from the Disney area.
Florida’s springs are truly magical. The water is crystal clear and aquamarine. Lush foliage makes you feel like you’re deep in the heart of a jungle. Surveying the wildlife, from alligators to manatees, is like taking a glimpse into our prehistoric past.
There’s activities for all ages at Blue Springs State Park. Make sure you arrive early, especially if you are visiting in the winter months when it’s manatee viewing season. The park regularly reaches capacity.
Manatee Viewing at Blue Springs
As a designated manatee refuge, Blue Springs is a hot spot during manatee season, which runs from mid-November through mid-March. These gentle giants flock to Florida’s warmer waters during the cooler winter months. At 72 degrees year-round, the springs might feel cold to us, but they’re perfect for manatees.
If you want to see manatees up close, Blue Springs State Park is one of the best places to do it without having to get wet. You can often see manatees in the summer months, but from November to March, hundreds flock to Blue Springs State Park to bask in the warm waters. The colder the weather, the more manatees you’ll see. If you want to get an idea of how many manatees you’ll see when you visit, check out to Save The Manatee. They have a daily manatee count and live web-cams in Blue Springs and other manatee viewing areas.
There are lots of manatee viewing areas in Blue Springs, which has an elevated 1/3 mile boardwalk running alongside the springs. Several platforms along the waters edge are ideal for a close up viewing.
You can’t swim in the waters during manatee season (the only place in the USA where you can legally swim with manatees is Crystal River), but you can get guided manatee kayak and paddleboard tours.
Check out our complete Guide on Where to See Manatees near Orlando.
Manatee Viewing Areas at Blue Springs State Park
Swimming, Tubing, Snorkeling and Diving
Swimming, snorkeling and tubing are some of the park’s most popular activities in the summer months. You can take your own gear, or you can rent tubes, mask & snorkel and fins from the concession store.
Scuba Diving in Blue Springs is permitted for certified divers.
Do keep in mind there will be natural wildlife in the waters, and possibly alligators. There are designated swimming areas that you must adhere to, but the swimming areas are not netted or fenced, so there’s no gator guarantees. However, humans are not on the food chain for gators, and they generally stay well away from human activity.
During the winter months, from November 15th to end of March, Blue Springs is a designated manatee refuge and when swimming and water activities are not permitted.
Kayaks & Paddleboards at Blue Springs
You can kayak, canoe and paddleboard at Blue Spring Run and the St Johns River. Take your own equipment or use one of the local operators below for equipment rentals rentals.
You can also take a guided manatee tour. Tour guides will show you local wildlife and great manatee viewing areas. On our tour, we saw lots of manatees swimming in the water. Our guide also took us to the roped area of the manatee refuge, where we were able to view many manatees coming in and out of the spring run.
Blue Springs Adventures are located in the park and offer a variety of tours, rentals and equipment. There are also several localoperations that offer guided kayak and paddleboard tours.
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Hiking & Walking Blue Springs State Park
For those not wanting to get wet, there are boardwalks and scenic overlooks that provide perfect vantage points for seeing all kinds of wildlife. Walking and hiking trails criss cross the park and offer the perfect way to stroll through natural beauty. There are both short trails and longer trails for all levels of walkers and hikers.
Keep your eyes peeled for the array of wildlife that call Blue Springs State Park home.
Cruise The Longest River in Florida
Enjoy a serene and scenic narrated two-hour pontoon boat tour along St John’s River. You’ll see wildlife in natural surroundings and learn all about the river history and eco system from knowledgable tour guides. There are frequent stops for photographs and critter encounters.
River Tours daily and the number of tours depends on the season. In summer, there are generally 2 tours a day, and several tours a day in winter and spring. Check the schedule for updates.
Always arrive early to Blue Springs State Park as it does reach capacity regularly, especially in the winter months and cooler days when manatee viewing is at peak numbers. If capacity is full and you have a pre-booked tour, see the ranger to show your reservation for access.
Segway Tours at Blue Springs State Park
If you’re looking for something a little different, Blue Springs Adventures also offer Guided Segway Tours. These tours last up to 2 hours and take you up close and personal with nature and offer plenty of photo ops as you glide along.
It takes 10 minutes to learn how to ride a Segway. You’ll be given tuition prior to the tour and there are 15 minute try out sessions available.
Brush up on History
Thursby House is a two story wooden house built in 1872 by settler Louis P. Thursby. The house has been restored and showcases how it looked in 1875 to 1887.
Thursby House is on the US National Register of Historic Places.
Dining at Blue Springs State Park
When you’ve worked up an appetite exploring, you can grab a bite to eat from Blue Springs Canteen located at the Camp Store. The have a selection of snacks to purchase or you can order from the menu: Burgers, sandwiches, subs, hot dogs, ice cream, kids meals and more. See the full menu.
You can also pack a picnic. There are plenty of picnic areas and covered pavilions where you can sit to eat.
Blue Springs State Park is located at 2100 W. French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sundown, but it does often reach capacity during peak seasons. The cost of admission is only $6 per vehicle (up to eight people).
Don’t overlook this state park near Orlando when you’re planning your vacation. Blue Springs might even end up being your favorite part of your whole trip!
Orlando Accommodation
If you are visiting Blue Springs State Park. we’d love to welcome you to one of our cozy Orlando Vacation Homes located in the Disney area, just an hour away. An awesome alternative to hotels for comfort, space and privacy!
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