You Can See Hundreds of Manatees Gather at This Stunning State Park Every Winter—and It Has Crystal-clear Spring Water

Some of the most pristine places on Earth attract not just people seeking beauty, but animals searching for food, safety—or, in the case of Blue Spring State Park in Central Florida, warmth.

Each winter, when the surrounding waters cool, hundreds of West Indian manatees migrate to the park’s crystal-clear spring, where the temperature remains 72 degrees year-round. The spring releases over 70 million gallons of water a day into the St. Johns River, which is now one of the largest winter gathering refuges for manatees in Florida.

Visitors can stroll the park’s boardwalk—a one-third-mile stretch from the St. Johns River to the headspring—and watch from above as manatees float peacefully below, socializing or nursing their calves in the clear, warm water. It is not only a rare chance to observe these gentle giants without disturbing them, but also a conservation success story: When research began in the 1970s, around 36 manatees visited the park. Now, there are well over 700. 

Some manatees even return in summer to give birth in the protected waters, and rehabilitated manatees are often released in the spring to be monitored before rejoining the wild population. Manatee season at Blue Spring State Park typically runs from mid-November through March.

Winter may draw visitors hoping to witness one of the country’s most heartwarming migrations, but there are plenty of reasons to visit the park in the spring, summer, and fall. Wildlife lovers will find the endemic Florida scrub jay in the park year-round. And, after the manatees leave the park, the spring and spring run open up to swimmers, snorkelers, and even scuba divers. There are also boat tours, kayak and canoe rentals, hiking, and fishing within the park.

Blue Spring State Park has a campground with over 50 campsites (including spots for RVs) and six cabins. All are located within walking distance of the spring. Plus, much of the park is wheelchair accessible, including certain campsites, cabins, and bathrooms, and the park’s boat tours.

Blue Spring State Park is located less than 10 minutes west of central Orange City, Florida, and just around one hour north of the airport in Orlando.

Entrance to Blue Spring State Park is $6 per vehicle and the park is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to sundown.