This Is the Most-visited State Park in the U.S. for 2025—and It Has 19 Waterfalls in 2 Miles
"I noted Blue Spring State Park in Florida was ranked No. 9 on Google Maps' top-visited state parks list." - Katie Nadworny
Katie Nadworny
Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Manatees Migrate to Blue Springs In the winter months, manatees seek the warmer, shallow waters of Blue Springs State Park. An observation deck allows for viewing of the manatees. It's quite a sight—seeing the gentle, endangered species. I was invited to canoe with a manatee researcher for Save the Manatees. Massive manatees came up to and swam under our canoe, while the baby manatees stayed shyly close to their mothers. Paved paths, hiking trails, and canoe and kayak rentals are available."
We were very sad we missed our boat tour by 2 minutes. It is refreshing to swim in the springs, depending on the water temperature. We brought air mattresses to swim around on and keep us warmer. There were 3 manatees that were in the main channel. I wanted to go out there on my air mattress- but they said there were alligators. Very easy walk to where you are allowed to swim.
Cory Chamberlin
Google
Nice all around pretty deep so excellent for floating but wanna watch your little ones. Have super nice walk along the water and if your lucky you can see a manatee along with all kinds of fish.
Jordan Michelle
Google
Absolutely beautiful! The park is clean, well-maintained, and has a great playground and campsite. They have rentals for inner tubes, kayaks, and snorkeling gear, with a few food and beverage kiosks. The homestead was also interesting and a cool bit of history! Quick disclaimer though - the water is quite chilly!
Kathy “Kwhite” White
Google
This is a beautiful spring with clear water, lot's of fish and an occasional manatee sighting or two. They're beautiful creatures and very curious. You're not aloud to touch them, but this manatee didn't get the memo. Lol!
What an awesome experience and video I was able to capture.
Paul Meola
Google
Well kept campground. Plenty of water access but no beach. Rentals for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking are available. Water is crystal clear in the swimming area. Playground and restroom facilities are near water as well as in the campground There is also a campstore. Campground also features a tour boat ride on the river. Viewing deck allows for long views of the water and wildlife (birds, gators, fish).
Brittany Balusik
Google
Very clean walk ways and bench areas, well placed signs and cool picture opportunities. We mostly walked around with my toddler because the water looked deep. I definitely will be coming back for the glass bottom boat tours
黃鴨子
Google
The most interesting state park I’ve ever visited!! A clean river with so many kinds of fish and even manatees you can swim with. We are so lucky having them with us for 2 days.
All the facilities in the park are well . Clean and comfortable restrooms (with air con) and rooms for changing clothes, but it’s pity don’t have showers. There’s a little stand behind gift shop you can rent life vests and big tubes floating on the river.
Also can rent kayaks and wildlife watching cruise, which is twice a day.
This place is definitely a must to do list when you come to Orlando.
Juan Pablo Urdaneta Quiñones
Google
It is a beautiful large park with plenty of room with camping, cabins, kayaks, tubes, restaurants, gift shop, lockers, picnic tables, picnic areas, and more. Come and visit this amazing park where you can see manatees.
Entrance fee: 5$ per car.