blue spring state park

allie178

We've been to Blue Springs several times to see the manatees and always enjoy our visits. There's a boardwalk that takes you alongside the water to the end of the spring. In March there were only a few manatees left but still a beautiful park. There are picnic tables near the parking areas.

JimKaren639

We visited mid March, hoping to see some Manatees. Only 2 were left in the protected area spring. Nice board walk trails, however we were disappointed that a maintenance crew blocked off the main trail to the spring head for over an hour just for power wash cleaning.

shannonm495

I went to check out this park by myself to view and photo the nature. I would suggest going early. It is more quiet and peaceful and the nature was abundant. First off I spotted two bald eagles sitting high atop some trees across the river, hawk, pileated woodpecker, cormorants and lots of fish and smaller birds. I was bummed that most of the boardwalk was temp closed. That is where I saw all of the great nature! The hiking trails were very quiet and peaceful and not a lot to see there.

Bucky48

Here's what they don't tell you in the brochure: If you only want to see Manatees then just pay the $6 park entry fee and go watch them off the railing around the warm springs there. Go early in the morning, evening or when its colder when they all congregate in the springs. The river cruise from the Park is good for seeing alligators, turtles and exotic birds up close in their natural habitat. And it is interesting, especially for birders, but Manatees aren't part of the river cruise.

913charlenec

I have been here 2 times once in July and once in February if you are coming here to see Manatees you have to come in the winter months although we did see a pair of them in July. The sights in this park are stunningly beautiful take the time to relax and see the whole park. Come early only so many people are allowed in at one time. Although we waited both times the wait wasn't very long. Also I would also recommend the boat tour on the river very interesting guides and lots to see. You cannot swim when the manatees are in the spring area people were swimming there in July

PhillyRobyn

We were wowed by this place. Saw Manatees and lots of birds, alligators... All in their natural habitat. Took the two hour river cruise and was amazed. The guide was so knowledgable. Worth it!

PhotoTravels

We checked on a Tuesday and were told that around 170 manatees were in residence, but we waited a couple of days for good convertible weather to make the 90-minute drive from Cocoa Beach. Unfortunately, the manatees used similar logic in deciding to make their own Thursday excursion in the better weather -- all were gone for the day!The trip was saved by going north into Deland to visit the Stetson Mansion. About 15 minutes from Blue Spring, we were easily able to make the 1:30 tour, and found it very enjoyable.We'll try Blue Spring again in colder weather; in the meantime, we do get to see manatees at Cocoa Beach during most months (usually from sometime in March until late November) of the year.

AdamHinman

My wife and I had several hours between hotel checkout and airplane checkin. So I looked on TripAdvisor for something to do and Blue Spring was a good choice (We visited Gemini Springs Park on the way back…also a great choice to pair together. Two short leisurely strolls to take in some nature.) Blue Spring is known for its clear water views of manatees, fish, turtles, and alligators; all of which we saw. The park entrance is easily marked and the paths are obvious. The boardwalk goes down to the 'river' in several places so you get as good a view of the water as possible. The day we went there were 8 manatees in clear view, two of which were tagged with a locator buoy. The homestead is a fairly uneventful (free) one-story (out of three) self guided tour. My family and I visited this park about 15 years ago and we were able to swim in the river (summertime). Since this is the Overall, it is a nice peaceful diversion from the craziness of Orlando. Well worth the getaway.

cmanofcape

If you are tired of the beach, get away to this beautiful spring. There is a wooden walkway that parallels the spring run. During the winter, the run is full of manatees enjoying the 72-degree water. In the summer, swimmers can enjoy the spring. The walkway winds through a canopy of moss-covered trees and is very peaceful when there aren't many visitors. Although there was plenty of parking on the day we visited, I understand that once the lots fill, no one is admitted. The manatees had gone and swimming was not yet allowed, so for us, it presented a wonderful day to enjoy the weather and scenery without crowds. There are two concession stands and a small gift shop. Along the river, you can take a two-hour boat tour for $22. Entrance fee to the park is a modest $6 per car. There are a few cabins and a camp ground, picnic tables and a house from the days when steamboats traveled the river.

priscillaw593

When we are in the neighborhood we stop in and visit with the gentle giants called manatees. They are not thrilled with very hot weather so it is best to visit when it is cold out. We went today and saw very few but were lucky enough to see many over Christmas. It is $6.00 to enter the park and there are several things to do. You can take a lovely boat ride on the St. John's River. The captain was very well versed in the surrounding areas and it was a lovely cruise. Easy access to every aspect of the park. There is a store to buy momentos and a place to buy food and snacks. There are many places to watch the manatees as the water is very clear and shallow. There are also cabins for rent but they looked like they didn't have electricity. There is also an old homestead to visit for free. You can picnic on the grounds and spend a good deal of a day.

peggy475

we saw about 200 manatees!!really adorable!i didn't want to leave!i even adopted one!come in the morning,cause when we left at noon there was a line up (30 cars) to come into the park.

TheHillestads

On our next visit to Blue Spring, we'll be better prepared -- we expected to see a few manatees, probably at a distance, and not all that clearly, and that would be it. So NOT true! We saw hundreds of manatees in shallow, crystalline green water, babies and mamas, an alligator or two, with easy viewing from a metal walkway and long boardwalk. Learned a lot about native fish, as well, also readily seen. Should have brought a picnic -- tables and benches are available -- though a concession stand and gift shop are onsite. The 1872 Thursby House illustrated the rise and fall of river traffic here. Fee is just $6 for a carload. Camping and cabins available. Know that manatee season is from November - March. We'll be back.

Beckfest

Very Good, it is spring feed, so the water is very clear. You think you just see a shadow and it is a manatee. They have ramps, so it is easy access for everyone. There is one area where dogs are not allowed. It state park, so it only cost 6.00 a car full. There was a picnic area. There was a place to but good, but we did not purchased anything. There is a camping area there also, we did not camp.They had clean restrooms.It is an area that appeals to all ages. Little ones were excited about seeing all the fish.We would go back again!

pams847

Blue Spring State Park is one of my husband and I's favorite Florida state parks. The campsites are large and private, wifi is available at the gift shop and concession and the walk along the river boardwalk is a feast for the senses. We were there mid-February and at one point, there were 400 manatee seeking winter shelter in the in the spring area of the St. John river. We booked the river cruise and were not disappointed, we saw lots of wildlife and the boat captain was most informative and entertaining. A lovely place indeed!

Beckfest

It cost 6.00 a car full, to get into this park, well worth it. They have great viewing areas with easy access no matter your level of abilities. Being spring feed the waters are so clear. You also get to see lots on manatees, which was unbelievable. You would lthink it was just a shadow then it would move. You can also swin in the waters, and snorkel, looked like great fun. There is one area where dogs were not allowed on the walking path. That was okay with us. They have a nice gift shop, clean restrooms and some people bought picnics. There is also camping, but we did not go into that area. Little kids were also excited to see all the different kinds of fish. Would go again.