Orange City, FL, United States

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring feeds a clear run of 72°F water that flows into the St. Johns River, and on summer days swimmers float it alongside schools of fish. From mid-November through March the run belongs to hundreds of wintering manatees and is closed to all water activities, so swim season runs April to mid-November. Since July 2026 every visitor needs a day-use reservation, so book before you go.

Directions

Photo: KimonBerlin · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 87/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 30°C, wind 20 km/h, UV 3. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: The spring and run hold a constant 72°F, so any warm day in the open season works; summer weekends are busiest.
Getting in: State park open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year. Since July 15, 2026, all visitors (including annual passholders, pedestrians and cyclists) need a day-use reservation, bookable up to 60 days ahead with the entry fee paid online. Entry is $6 per vehicle (2-8 people), $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians, cyclists and extra passengers. An accessible boardwalk leads through the hammock to the spring.
Season: Swimming in the spring run is open April 1 to November 14; reopening can be delayed if manatees linger after a cold spring.
Who swims here: Snorkelers and certified scuba divers use the spring (divers limited to 32 at a time); Florida Dive Company runs guided snorkel and scuba tours.
Watch for: Spring run closed to swimming, snorkeling, diving, tubing and paddling during manatee season (Nov. 15 to Mar. 31; dates can shift with manatee presence)
Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted; keep at least 50 feet from them
No climbing on the spring banks or trees
Swimming in the spring is prohibited after hours
Facilities: Accessible boardwalk along the spring run · Restrooms · Shower station · Picnic areas with covered pavilions and grills · Concession with gift shop and camp store · Canoe and kayak rentals (Blue Springs Adventures)