Visiting Blue Spring State Park — Manatees, Swim Run & Thursby House
Quick answer: Blue Spring State Park is at 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763 — 15 minutes south of Downtown DeLand. Hours: 8 a.m.–sundown daily. Admission: $6/vehicle. Manatee season Nov–Mar; swim season April–mid-November. Arrive at opening on winter weekends — parking fills fast.
Plan your visit
Manatee season (mid-Nov to March)
The spring's 72°F water becomes Central Florida's single-largest manatee refuge during cold snaps — the record is 932 manatees in a single day, set January 21, 2024. The spring run is closed to swimmers during manatee season; use the raised boardwalk to view the animals from above. Arrive at 8 a.m. opening on winter weekends — the park gates close to new arrivals when parking fills, often by 9–10 a.m.
Swim & snorkel season (April–mid-November)
Outside manatee season the spring run reopens for swimming and snorkeling. Water is 72°F year-round. Bring your own mask/fins or rent at the park concession.
Kayak, canoe, SUP & river tours
Rentals operate from the park concession (seasonal staffing). St. Johns River boat tours also depart from Blue Spring. Book ahead during holiday weekends.
Cabins & camping
Blue Spring has historic cabins and a campground. Book via Florida State Parks at reserveamerica.com — cabins reserve several months in advance, especially for manatee-season weekends.
Accessibility
The boardwalk to the spring run is fully ADA. The swim-entry area has steps; confirm specific accommodations with park rangers.
What you'll see
The centerpiece is the first-magnitude Blue Spring — over 100 million gallons per day of crystal 72°F water flowing into the St. Johns River. A raised boardwalk runs the length of the spring run; during manatee season you'll see dozens-to-hundreds of manatees resting in the warm water below.
On the park grounds, the 1872 Thursby House sits atop a pre-Columbian Timucua shell midden — a pioneer homestead literally built on an Indigenous archaeological site. The house is a small period-museum, open during park hours. The Hammock Hiking Trail loops through live oak hammock habitat; bring bug spray.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Blue Spring State Park?
- 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763 — about 15 minutes south of Downtown DeLand.
- What are the hours?
- 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year.
- How much does it cost?
- $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) is the typical Florida State Parks rate. Verify current pricing at floridastateparks.org.
- When can I see manatees?
- Mid-November through March — the spring's 72°F water is the warmest in the area during Florida's cold snaps, and hundreds of manatees overwinter here. The single-day record is 932 manatees, set January 21, 2024.
- Can I swim in the spring?
- Yes, but only outside manatee season (roughly April 1 to mid-November). During manatee season the spring run is closed to swimming to protect the manatees.
- Does the park fill up?
- Yes — on winter weekend mornings during manatee season, parking often fills by 9–10 a.m. Arrive at opening (8 a.m.) or visit on a weekday. The park closes the gate when full.
- Are there kayak or canoe rentals?
- Yes — kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals operate from the park's concession. St. Johns River boat tours also depart from here.
- Can I stay overnight?
- Yes — Blue Spring has cabins and a campground. Book through Florida State Parks (reserveamerica.com); cabins reserve months in advance.
- What's the Thursby House?
- An 1872 pioneer homestead on the park grounds, built atop a pre-Columbian Timucua shell midden. Open during park hours as a small period-house museum.
Visitor information last verified April 2026. State park admission and seasonal closures change — confirm at floridastateparks.org.