Blue Spring State Park

Overview

Blue Spring State Park, in Orange City about 85 minutes north of ChampionsGate, protects a clear first-magnitude spring that flows into the St. Johns River. The spring stays at 72-73°F, so when the river cools, West Indian manatees crowd into the spring run. On cold mornings, park staff have counted several hundred.

Two seasons (re-verified on the official FSP page):

• Manatee season, about mid-November to March: Swimming, tubing and paddling in the spring run are closed to protect the manatees. Watch them from the boardwalk along the run. Cold, clear mornings after a cold front give the highest counts. The park posts daily counts, and its webcams show conditions.
• Swim season, April 1 to November 14: Once the manatees leave, the spring opens for swimming, snorkeling and tubing. Bring your own tube or check the concession.

Other things to do: St. Johns River boat cruises (concession; look for gators, birds and the occasional manatee), canoe and kayak rental, the historic Thursby House, and a 4.5-mile hiking trail.

Reservations: Blue Spring appears on Florida State Parks' official list of parks requiring day-use reservations. Book at reserve.floridastateparks.org, but we could not confirm the exact start date, so check the park page before you go. Even before that, the park often reached capacity and closed the gates on weekends and winter mornings.

Who it's for: Everyone. In winter, kids of all ages will remember seeing manatees for a lifetime. In summer, it is a swimming day for confident swimmers (no lifeguards).

Practical tips: Open 8 a.m. to sundown. Arrive at opening. Bring binoculars in winter.

Good to know

Swimming closed during manatee season. Often reaches capacity. FSP lists it as reservation-required (start date unconfirmed). No lifeguards. Boat cruises via concession.