Things to Do in Blue Spring, Orange City and DeBary
Winter manatees, clear springs and the slow-moving St. Johns River.
See top-rated activities »About Blue Spring
Blue Spring State Park, in Orange City, is the largest spring on the St. Johns River and the reason many visitors drive inland. From roughly mid-November through March, when the river turns cold, manatees move into the spring run, which stays near 72 degrees all year. On the coldest mornings hundreds of them gather in the clear water, and the boardwalk along the run gives a close, unhurried view. Swimming is closed while the manatees are in residence and reopens in spring, when snorkelers and tubers take over.
Boat cruises on the St. Johns leave from the park and wind past cypress, wading birds and the occasional alligator; they run year-round, and in winter the trip often passes manatees heading to the spring. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the park, and the Thursby House, a 19th-century home on a shell mound, stands above the run.
DeBary, just to the south, has two quieter stops. DeBary Hall Historic Site preserves an 1870s winter hunting estate built by a New York wine importer, with a museum and grounds that the county keeps open to visitors. Gemini Springs Park has two small springs, picnic lawns, a fishing dock and a trail along the run toward Lake Monroe. Green Springs Park, in the Enterprise area of Deltona, is known for its small, emerald-colored sulphur spring.
These towns are close to Interstate 4 and to the SunRail station in DeBary, which makes them easy to reach from Orlando. They have chain hotels and a few river marinas rather than resorts, so most visitors either come for a day or pair them with a stay in DeLand. On winter weekends the Blue Spring parking lot can fill by mid-morning, and the park may close to new cars until spaces open, so plan to arrive early.
Don’t Miss
A designated manatee refuge where hundreds of manatees shelter in winter, viewed from a boardwalk along the spring run.
Narrated river cruises from the park dock, with birds, alligators and, in winter, manatees.
An 1870s hunting estate with a museum and grounds run by Volusia County.
Two small springs with a fishing dock, picnic areas and a trail toward Lake Monroe.
A small, green-tinted sulphur spring in a wooded county park with a short trail.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Blue Spring
Viator
Viator
Viator
Viator
Viator
ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 27, 2026. Best of Volusia County may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Blue Spring — FAQ
When is the best time to see manatees at Blue Spring?
On cold mornings between December and February. Manatees usually start arriving in mid-November and leave by late March; the park posts daily counts during the season.
Can you swim at Blue Spring?
Only outside manatee season, usually from spring through early fall. During the winter the spring run is closed to swimming, tubing and paddling.
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