Overview
Blue Spring is a state park that is west of Orange City, in Volusia County.
1 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Blue Spring State Park
St. Johns River Cruises
River boat tours.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 47°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Deltona)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SFB Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando — 14 mi away (major hub). Directions
- DAB Daytona Beach International Airport, Daytona Beach — 23 mi away. Directions
Take US-17 from Deland or Sanford to Orange City, look for French Avenue and signs to Blue Spring State Park. There is a street called Blue Springs Avenue, but this doesn't lead to the spring.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The park is open from 8AM until sundown, 365 days a year.
The park frequently reaches capacity during the week and on the weekends, during the winter and summer months. To avoid waiting, visit the park early.
History
The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees.
For centuries, the spring area was home for Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, and was settled by Louis Thursby and his family in 1856. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring's crystal clear, 73°F water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Canoes and kayaks can navigate the outlet's swift-flowing waters when manatees are not present.
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Typical for central Florida. A combination of pines, palmetto scrub, some hardwoods (especially along outlet and spring). A variety of birds (incl. endangered Scrub Jay), squirrels, fish live here. Manatees come in the winter.
Climate
Get in
Take US-17 from Deland or Sanford to Orange City, look for French Avenue and signs to Blue Spring State Park. There is a street called Blue Springs Avenue, but this doesn't lead to the spring.
Fees and permits
Admission (Feb 2018):
- $6 for 2-8 people in a vehicle.
- $4 for a single-occupant vehicle.
- $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Get around
The park is small and has several short walking trails and a boardwalk overlooking the spring and outlet.
See
The spring is pretty, and can be viewed from a boardwalk.
Do
- Canoe rentals are available through the park.
Sleep
Lodging
Various motels are available along US-17 in the Deland, Sanford areas.
Camping
Air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground, and primitive campsites are available in the State Park.
- Camping (Feb 2018): $24 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee. Includes water and electricity.
- Cabins (Feb 2018): $95 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee.
For campers who plan to arrive after sunset, call the park on the day of arrival at +1 386 775-3663 to get the gate combination and instructions.
Stay safe
You may not touch, feed or ride on a manatee. They are an endangered species, so messing with them is illegal.
Go next
Buy, eat, and drink
There is a small gift shop with manatee-themed items and snacks. There are three picnic pavilions and grills if you're bringing food to the park. The Park amenities page has more details.
For more options, there are restaurants in Orange City and DeLand.
Nearby
Orange City
City / town · 20 listings · 3 mi away
Lake Beresford
Rural area · 9 listings · 3 mi away
DeLand
City / town · 25 listings · 6 mi away
Cassadaga
City / town · 5 listings · 6 mi away
Deltona
City / town · 11 listings · 8 mi away
Sanford
City / town · 36 listings · 11 mi away
DeLeon Springs
City / town · 3 listings · 12 mi away
Lake Mary
City / town · 8 listings · 13 mi away
My experience
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