Blue Spring State Park

Beautiful place to visit! You can walk around, enjoy the views, and see Manatee up close. We were there mid Feb, and the manatee count was 389! We were told they leave towards springtime and head back towards the coastal areas.

Went right during prime time. So there was a line up to get in. The rangers kept the line moving quickly. We were lucky to find parking. The main walk is paved and boardwalk with overlooks. The day we went the manatee count was 482. There were a lot you could see from the walkway. Was an amazing sight to see them. The water was clear and kept getting clearer the closer you got to the spring.
Highly recommend visiting!
Restrooms, gift shop, and small snack stands on site along with kayak rentals.

Such a great place to visit to see some manatees. There were almost 300 there on the day we visited so the water activities cancelled but we weren’t planning on doing any anyway. I can imagine it’s very cool to do on a hot summer day. There are also some nice trails and plenty of bathrooms and food options.

I love coming here all year round. During the summer you can get in and enjoy the cool crystal clear water, and during the winter you can walk around and enjoy the wild life. There is so many manatees that visit each year, it's really amazing to see. There's also a boat tour that you can take but you have to get tickets in advance. There's a nice playground area for the kids, and there are also cabins for rent. And did I mention that the entrance fee per car is only like $6.

This place is magical. It was so cool to see all the manatees hanging out staying warm. When I went, the count was at 146! Earlier in the week, they had the record for almost 1k!!! This park is beautiful and I wish I would've packed a picnic.

Amazing!! So many manatees! And great trails, lookouts, bathrooms, museum, giftshop, etc. we did wait a while in a car line to get into the park, but it was only $6 per car. Like $2 for pedestrians, and more for bigger vehicles. Didn’t need a lot of time, not a whole day experience. An hour or two to walk the trail and watch the manatees. There’s picnic benches, lawn, and a lunch bar I believe too!

We saw so many Manatees! On the morning we went there were over 500 Manatees counted in the spring. They come into the warm spring waters when the temperature drops over night in the winter and head back to the river once it warms up enough so be sure to get there in the morning.

It's not a long nature walk, but it's gorgeous. In addition to manatees, I saw cormorants (birds), a snake, turtles, and an incredible amount of fish because the water was so clear! The boardwalk runs the full length of the spring area; it is flat and suitable for people with accessibility needs. The area is dog friendly, on leash. From the bottom end (by the river) up to the top "boil" area, it took 20 minutes to walk.

Went with my boyfriend to see the manatees and there were so many there! I know they look like rocks in the water but watching them swim around with their babies was so cool. A really good time, highly recommend.

Gorgeous views, fun family experience and educational!
We've been to these springs multiple times now and they do not disappoint.

There's a lovely boardwalk with docks and photo op spots that overlook the water which is clear enough to see all the fish that call these springs home. Then if you time your trip right you get to see the manatees too!

There's a small playground as well with tons of picnic benches all over so it makes for a great all day trip. On top of that they do kayaking, tours, and have numerous boards up throughout the park sharing about the springs history and the different wildlife there.

Can't wait to visit again!

Home of the manatees, that's what Blue Springs State Park is most known for. In fact, they have an annual manatee fest. You can swim during the summer. Canoes, and kayaks are available for rent. A scenic boat tour is available daily. Blue Springs also feature a gift shop, playground, and canteen.

If there is a line of cars getting in due to weekends , etc - be patient. Their ticketing process is only one booth. Once you’re in, you won’t regret it. The spring is absolutely beautiful. You can walk along the river and see manatees. Look carefully for all other wild life as well.

It was beautiful! We saw several manatees. The picture is of a mommy and 3 babies. There's a $6.00 per car fee to enter. There's trails and rentals. There is a campground, store and lovely walkways and viewing areas of the crystal clear springs. Beautiful park.

Love it here. Great place to swim in the summer with kayak rentals available.
During the winter come see the manatees.
There is a playground and a nice boardwalk up to the spring with great views.
In the summer come very early because the line to get in gets super long. Or go past the entrance to the river and set in your own kayak/paddle board and paddle up to the park to get in for free.

Seeing the manatees here was life changing. This is a gorgeous park that's well maintained. Very casual walking for people and children of all capabilities. Can't recommend it highly enough.

It is a fantastic place to bring kids and family out for family activities like picnics while enjoying God's beautiful creation. It was ONLY $6 per car at the entrance. They have a gift shop and a Kayak for rent if you like to roll around the lake. Beautiful area! 🥰❤

All I can say is WOW. this place is so magical. We were lucky enough to visit during peak manatee season. What an unbelievable experience!

Incredible manatee encounters in their natural habitat. It’s an amazing state park for all ages that we are very fortunate to have. I went specifically to see the manatee but there is also a great playground, picnic areas, canteen, public restrooms, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as a boat tour and kayak tour. I’ve lived in Central Florida for years and this was my first visit. I wish I went sooner… I’ll be going back many times and bringing family and pets too.

What a beautiful, welcoming park. We loved walking the paths and viewing the manatees, as well as the fish! The water is crystal clear and the viewing decks perfectly fit. At the end of our visit, our grandson had a fun time at the playground. Definitely want to return & try the boat ride!

My visit here was absolutely wonderful! I saw at least 80 manatees in the pristine Blue Spring waters.
The best time of year to come is the spring/winter due to the manatees seeking the warm spring waters.

I had never seen so many in one place, or any so up close, I’m going to remember my trip here for the rest of my life!

Viewing spots are accessible to anyone and there’s informational plaques along the trail.

Absolutely beautiful, I wish everyone making this experience possible well wishes