Blue Spring State Park

Brenda Powell

We went with friends by boat and had to walk the paths to get here but it was worth it!! You can get there by car too. The Spring is gorgeous!! Of course, like all Springs it is very cool water but you get used to it fast and it feels refreshing on these extremely hot Florida days! The first path takes you to the water to swim but if you hike to the next one, that is were the "hole"(spring) is located, which I was told by someone who knows the area well, is approximately 100 feet deep. The current is pretty strong and you can easily float down the river to the first access point so you don't need to hike back as far. Several people were snorkeling and scuba diving in the "hole" as people called it. Lol! The landscape and the clear spring water is breath taking! You can bring your own tube or rent one. We hiked passed the second access point to the last one, which is an observation deck where I was able to take pictures of the area with the "hole". Side note: You do need to check in the office in order to scuba dive there. They do sell drinks there too. Not sure what else since my husband went in to get us bottled water. There were tables outside but I am not sure if they sold food or not. This is definitely a Florida gem to experience!!

Tatiana Rokicki

Exceptionally beautiful spring and spring run. The boardwalk is also an easily accessible path which you have the potential to see so much wildlife from. One of the best places to see manatees as well during the winter. The park staff do a great job with maintaining this park. There’s also a hiking path inside the park accessible from the lower parking lot called pine island trail… east but long and very little shade In Some parts. I love visiting this place and have done so many many times!

Emily Dreimiller

This was one of the most beautiful places I have EVER been in my life!! The water is crystal clear & blue. I saw literally hundreds of manatees, along with some gators and eagles, osprey, storks, herons, and more. Make sure to get there about 7:30 am to get inside the park because it hits capacity quickly, and the manatees start swimming out to the river as soon as it warms up. I went the first week of February and saw so many manatees all day in the springs and swimming out to the river. The colder the water, the more manatees you will see. You can stand anywhere on the boardwalk or the dock and see manatees swimming right by! We also took a boat tour and a kayak tour down the river which were amazing. I would make sure to bring some extra water and warm jackets and snacks in the car just in case, since you might not be able to get back in that same day if you leave for capacity reasons. Staff were so friendly and helpful and made sure that everything was accessible - they even have a wheelchair that I could borrow for one of the days my arthritis was acting up & I couldn’t walk. They made so many accommodations for me. This was the best state park experience I’ve had to date!

Aimer Olivera

BEAUTIFUL! You definitely want to get there early as it gets full pretty quickly! The spring closes during certain times of the year because of the manatee activity. We were fortunate enough to see some manatees enjoying the spring. There's a small store where you can buy food and a gift shop. There are plenty of tables and areas through out if you want to enjoy a picnic. Plenty of signs available to educate you throughout as to the manatees, fish and other fun facts. There's also a boat tour available. The walk way that takes you from one end of the spring to the open area is wide enough that is wheelchair accessible and/or stroller friendly. Camp sites are available as well if you are fortunate enough to snag reservations. Its not a huge park, but definitely a great place to spend a few hours enjoying nature at its finest! Be sure your camera is fully charged because I assure you, you will be a lean mean picture taking machine!