On our recent road trip back from the historic streets of St. Augustine, we decided to take a detour and explore Blue Springs State Park. Now, I’m all about making the most of a road trip, especially when there’s nature, wildlife, and a little adventure involved.
The Basics: Location, Costs, and Contact Information
Blue Springs State Park is located at 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763. It’s about an hour north of Orlando, making it a great stop if you’re heading back from St. Augustine or just looking for a day trip. If you need more details or want to check on availability (because this place can get busy!), give them a call at (386) 775-3663.
Admission costs are pretty reasonable:
- $6 per vehicle (2-8 people)
- $4 for a single occupant vehicle
- $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, or passengers in a vehicle with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance Pass
What to Do at Blue Springs State Park
While the actual springs and swimming area are currently closed until November for some much-needed bank reinforcement, don’t let that deter you. There’s still plenty to do here.
- Kayaking the St. John’s River: If you’re up for a paddle, the St. John’s River is open for kayaking. Just a heads up—you might have a few alligator sightings along the way. Nothing says “Florida adventure” quite like paddling past a gator.
- Manatee Spotting from the Boardwalk: Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk that winds through the park, where you can spot manatees and their adorable calves swimming below.
- Gift Shop Exploration: Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop before you leave. Whether you’re into quirky souvenirs or just need a postcard to send back home. , Insider trick, actually fill out the post cards and send them. Mine are still sitting on my nightstand.
Our Stay at Comfort Inn & Suites
Now, let’s talk about our accommodations for the night. We stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites near Blue Springs, which was… well, it was no Gaylord Palms or Marriott World Center, let’s just say that. But hey, it was close to the park, offered a free breakfast, and the beds were decent. After being spoiled by some pretty luxurious stays, this one was a bit of a reality check—but it did the trick.
Plus, the location couldn’t be beat. We were just a short drive from the park, making it easy to pop over in the morning and spend the day exploring before hitting the road again.
Final Thoughts
Blue Springs State Park is a must-visit if you’re in the area, especially if you’re like us and enjoy a mix of outdoor activities and wildlife spotting. Even with swimming off the table until November, kayaking, manatee watching, and simply soaking in the natural beauty make it well worth the trip.
So, next time you’re on the road back from St. Augustine or in Orlando and looking for a break from the man made wonders, give Blue Springs a visit. And if you’re in need of a place to crash for the night, the Comfort Inn & Suites has you covered—just don’t expect room service!
For your next trip, keep Blue Springs State Park in mind for a perfect blend of Florida’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. #BlueSpringsStatePark #FloridaRoadTrip #NatureAdventures #ExploreFlorida #TravelWithKids
Beautiful.
it sure was!