Every winter, hundreds of West Indian manatees gather at Blue Spring State Park in Central Florida. The spring stays a warm 72°F year-round, providing the manatees a safe place to escape the cold. The spring releases over 70 million gallons of water daily into the St. Johns River, making it one of Florida’s largest manatee refuges.
Visitors can walk along the boardwalk and watch the gentle giants float, socialize, and care for their calves in the clear water. In the 1970s, only 36 manatees visited, but now more than 700 come each winter. Some even stay in summer to give birth.
The park is open mid-November through March for manatee viewing, but year-round activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, boat tours, fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, like the Florida scrub jay.
Camping & Accessibility:
Blue Spring State Park offers over 50 campsites, RV spots, and six cabins, many within walking distance of the spring. The park is wheelchair accessible, including campsites, cabins, bathrooms, and boat tours.
Location & Fees:
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Location: Near Orange City, Florida, about 1 hour from Orlando airport
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Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle
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Open: 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year
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