The largest spring on the St John’s River, Blue Spring maintains a constant 72ºF and between November and March it serves as the winter refuge for between 25 and 50 West Indian manatees, though as many as 200 have been spotted here! The best time to see them is before 11am; there’s a wheelchair-accessible path to the viewing platform. This tranquil state park is a revitalizing and popular spot to swim (prohibited when manatees are present), snorkel or canoe.
Camping ($24) and 6 basic cabins ($95) are available.
