Last Updated on March 15, 2024
Blue Spring State Park is a wonderful state park in Orange City, Florida.
Less than an hour north of Orlando, the Central Florida park is located in Volusia County (home to Deland, Daytona Beach, Ponce Inlet, & New Smyrna Beach).
This particular state park is known for being the largest spring in the St. Johns River basin.
Additionally, it’s a great place to see manatee populations (also known as “sea cows”) during the winter months.
We highly recommending a visit to Blue Spring State Park any time of the year.
We’re also including nearby places to eat, stay, and shop during your excursion if you want to make it a fun, Florida getaway.
From scenic accommodations and comfort food to cool vintage shops, check out all the places you can visit on a trip to this beautiful part of Central Florida.
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is a Florida State Park and designated manatee refuge along the St. Johns River.
The spring area has a cool water temperature, with spring water averaging 72 degrees.
Conservation efforts and park improvements have led to a growing population of West Indian manatees, who call the area their winter home.
The manatees migrate to the natural Florida springs for warmer waters between November and April of each year. This period is known as the manatee season.
Things to Do at Blue Spring State Park
There are plenty of things to do at Blue Spring State Park. One of the most popular options is to book boat tours.
Blue Spring Adventures offers a St. Johns River Nature Cruise that takes visitors on a 1 or 2-hour narrated boat tour along the St. Johns River.
It’s a great opportunity to see up-close and personal many of Florida’s natural wonders. The enthusiastic guides are knowledgable and personable.
Make reservations online for a nature cruise.
The Thursby House
While at Blue Spring, you can also visit the Thursby House, a museum that was originally a house belonging to Louis Thursby.
Thursby was one of the first European settlers in the area. He arrived in 1857.
The house has preserved its turn-of-the-19th-century appearance and is an interesting time capsule of life in Florida over 150 years ago.
You’ll find lots of interesting information on signs throughout the park.
Blue Spring Experiences and Camping
In addition, Blue Spring offers miles and miles of trails to explore. A wooden boardwalk makes it handicap accessible and family-friendly.
Walk through pine flatwoods for the chance to see birds and animals that are native to the area, such as Florida scrub jays and black bears.
The park permits snorkeling, and certified scuba divers can partake in scuba diving when it’s not manatee season.
Kayak rentals are available through Blue Springs Adventures.
Bring your own kayak or take a guided kayak tour. It’s one of the best ways to see the St. Johns River.
Park amenities include a camp store, picnic areas, and a gift shop.
Don’t miss the tube rentals if you want a relaxing tubing experience.
If you are interested in camping, Blue Spring has a campground with 51 campsites and six air-conditioned cabins.
TIPS:
- Blue Spring State Park is open daily from 8 am to sundown.
- Admission fees are $6 per vehicle (two to eight people), $4 per single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers.
- The park often reaches capacity during periods of high visitation and closes temporarily for a few hours to new visitors. Go early!
- The spring run in the park closes to all water activities during the winter months for manatee protection efforts.
- Camping costs $24 per night plus tax and a $6.70 reservation fee. RVs are also charged a $7 utility fee per night.
- Cabins are available at $95 per night plus tax, a $6.70 reservation fee, and a $7 utility fee per night.
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Blue Spring State Park Address: 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
Friends of Blue Spring State Park
The Friends of Blue Spring State Park is a Citizen Support Organization dedicated to enhancing the park through additional equipment, educational programs, and other specific projects.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Everyone’s support is vital in maintaining Blue Spring State Park as a delightful and educational destination for all visitors!
Authentic Florida is proud to be a corporate member and hope you will consider a Friends of Blue Spring State Park membership, too.
Learn more about this great group at the official Friends of Blue Spring State Park website.
Blue Spring State Park Events
Blue Spring BINGO!
Every Wednesday night at 6:30 pm, BINGO takes place at Riverwalk Pizzeria & Brew Pub in Orange City. This wonderful restaurant and brewery is the perfect setting for a fun-filled, family-friendly night.
Bingo cards are available for just $1 cash per card, with all proceeds benefiting Blue Spring State Park.
Play 4 games, each with an array of amazing prizes.
Riverwalk Pizzeria & Brew Pub Address: 1070 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
2024 Wildlife Festival
The Wildlife Festival takes place on Saturday, March 9th, from 9 am to 3 pm at Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona.
The free, family-friendly event is a perfect mix of education and fun. Go for a guided hike or take an eco-buggy tour of the preserve.
Friends of Blue Spring members will be there to showcase handcrafted stuffed manatees and a variety of other manatee-related items available for donation.
The Friends are eager to connect with YOU and share information about their volunteer group that backs Blue Spring State Park!
Lyonia Environmental Center Address: 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona, FL
Firefly Nights
Florida Fireflies!!! Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing glow of nature’s own light show at Blue Spring State Park .
As twilight descends, observe the enchanting display of fireflies illuminating the trees while you wander the boardwalk.
Fireside Firefly Chats @ 7:00pm & 7:30pm
Firefly T-shirts in three fabulous colors
Firefly buttons, magnets, and glow-in-the-dark stickers
$1 glow sticks (NO WHITE LIGHT ALLOWED)
Kids craft table
Firefly Nights Event Details
Date: Begins on Saturday, March 16th. Runs until fireflies are gone. Check their Facebook page for updates.
Location: Blue Spring State Park , 2100 W. French Ave. Orange City, FL
Time: 6:00 PM until dark (must be out by 9:00 PM)
Cost: After Hours Permit $14 (per vehicle)
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience nature’s own firefly light show up close and personal.
Learn more at the official Friends of Blue Spring State Park website. Follow Friends of Blue Spring State Park on Facebook.
Other Events at Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, hosts several annual events, including:
- Manatee Festival: Held in January, this festival celebrates the return of the manatees to the warm waters of Blue Spring. Activities include arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, and educational exhibits about manatees and other wildlife.
- St. Johns River Cleanup: An annual event where volunteers gather to help clean up the St. Johns River, which is adjacent to the park. This usually takes place in the spring.
- Wildlife Programs: Throughout the year, the park offers various wildlife programs and guided tours, including ranger-led walks and talks about the local flora and fauna, especially focusing on manatees during the winter months when they are most commonly seen in the spring run.
- Holiday Events: The park sometimes hosts special events around the holidays, such as guided night hikes and themed activities.
- Nature and Birding Events: The park hosts birding festivals or nature photography workshops, especially during the migration seasons when bird activity is high.
It’s always a good idea to check the Blue Spring State Park official website, Facebook page, or contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information on upcoming events and any changes to the schedule.
Where to Eat Near Blue Spring State Park
Gram’s Kitchen
Gram’s Kitchen is an Orange City restaurant that serves breakfast all day. This great spot is located approximately four miles from Blue Spring State Park.
Breakfast options include hearty classics like omelets, biscuits and gravy, buttermilk pancakes, and much more!
One of the unique features that sets this place apart is Gram’s Featured Dinner Items, a calendar updated every month to include each night’s special dinner offerings.
You can be sure that featured items include comfort foods like pot roast, spaghetti, or fried chicken.
TIPS:
- Breakfast is served all day.
- Vegetarian menu items are available.
- Located on Volusia Ave in Orange City.
- Most menu items range from $10-15 dollars.
Gram’s Kitchen is open Monday from 6 am to 3 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 am to 3 pm, Thursday and Friday from 7 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 7 am to 1 am, and Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm.
For more information, visit the official Gram’s Kitchen website.
Gram’s Kitchen Address: 1501 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
Additional Places to Eat Near Blue Spring State Park
Riverwalk Pizzeria
Address: 1070 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
Swamp House Riverfront Grill
Address: 488 W. Highbanks Rd., DeBary, FL 32713
Fire on the Bayou
Address: 921 Town Center Dr #1100, Orange City, FL 32763
Lelo’s BBQ
Address: 1270 Saxon Blvd #103, Orange City, FL 32763
Mi Tierra
Address: 2235 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
Where to Stay Near Blue Spring State Park
Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina
Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina is a conveniently located place to stay near Blue Spring State Park.
The resort is about 10 miles away from the park but isn’t far from the same natural environments people travel to Blue Spring to enjoy.
In fact, Hontoon Landing is situated right on the St. Johns River, making it the best place to stay outside of the park campgrounds.
The riverside resort has seventeen rooms and suites that span four separate buildings.
Enjoy cozy beds, a pool, and gorgeous views of the water. Many of the rooms at this resort even have fully-equipped kitchens.
Hontoon Landing offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals if you want to take advantage of the resort’s perfect location to cruise along the St. Johns River.
TIPS:
- The resort has 17 rooms and suites available.
- Options include cottages, mini-suites, standard, river view, river view w/ kitchen, executive suite, studio, and captain’s suite.
- Check-in is at 3 pm. Check-out is at 11 am.
- No pets are allowed.
- A 50% deposit is required when making your reservation.
- Boat rentals start at $95 dollars daily for resort guests.
- Visitors who aren’t staying on-site can rent boats starting at $129 daily.
Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina is open daily.
For more information, visit the official Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina website.
Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina Address: 2317 River Ridge Rd., DeLand, FL 32720
Additional Places to Stay Near Blue Spring State Park
Cabin On the Lake
Address: 222 Tangerine Ave., Lake Helen, FL 32744
Hotel Cassadaga
Address: 355 Cassadaga Rd., Lake Helen, FL 32744
The Alling House
Address: 215 E. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
1876 Heritage Inn
Address: 300 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
Places to Shop Near Blue Spring State Park
Blue Springs Marketplace
Blue Springs Marketplace is a 4000-square-foot shopping space in Orange City. It is just four miles away from Blue Springs State Park.
The marketplace has a variety of vendors selling everything from furniture, home décor, art, and many more treasures.
There are tons of gems waiting to be found at the Blue Springs Marketplace. From vintage desks and cool knickknacks to unique art pieces, you never know what’ll find.
You are bound to head home from the marketplace with a one-of-a-kind to help you remember your trip!
Tips:
- Arrive earlier in the day for the best selections.
- It might be helpful to bring cash, depending on vendor preference.
- Location sometimes has pop-up yard sales. See their Facebook page for more information.
Blue Springs Marketplace is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Closed on Sundays.
For more information, visit the official Orange City Resale Facebook page.
Blue Springs Marketplace Address: 747 N. Volusia Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
If you enjoyed this article about top places to eat, stay, & shop near Blue Spring State Park and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions:
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- Make Your Own Pancakes at Old Spanish Sugar Mill Pancake House
- Top Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop Near Florida’s Unique Attractions
- Manatees Arrive Daily at Blue Spring State Park
- Our 19 Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs
- Springs to Cool Off from the Florida Heat
- Support Manatee Awareness with Save the Manatee Club
- A Day at Silver Springs State Park in 2023
- Green Springs Park + Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop