We made it to our last spring that is less than an hour from our hometown, Winter Springs. Ugh, from here on out we’re going to have to get up earlier than 7:30 to make it to a spring before it packs out. No more sleeping in on the weekends for us!
Admission Fee:
- $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
- $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
- $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Hours: 8:00 AM until the sun goes down.
I’ve been to Blue Springs a couple of times and I can honestly say, it’s not my favorite. I’ve tried to give it a couple of chances and each time we go, I end up freaking out due to the vast amount of alligator gar moseying along in the spring. Once people start getting in the water, that’s when the alligators and manatees start to move away from the spring and more towards the St. Johns River. But not those gar! Nope, they prefer to sneak up on ya when you’re snorkeling down the spring. Every time I swim in Blue Springs I’ll always end up looking over and they’ll be swimming right next to me. Those sharp teeth scare me to death!
NOTE: Alligator Gar are harmless. They’re just scary looking!
While Blue Springs isn’t particularly my favorite spring, it is one of Kevin’s absolute favorite places to go. He told me it is mainly because of all the space. Not only near the pavilions and playground, but the spring itself it quite spacious. There’s a wide assortment of swimmers; some prefer to float in a tube (no rules on how big your tube can be!), some snorkel, and you’ll find others scuba diving at the beginning of the spring. Because of it’s vast variety of people, it makes for a VERY popular spring. We showed up around 8:30 AM and to our surprise there were already two parties being set up and most of the picnic tables were taken!
One of the pavilions at the spring.
Also had a volleyball net, and playground!
Panoramic view of the spring!
The amount of algae currently in the spring made the water look more green.
Past the sign leads you down towards the St. Johns and swimmers are not allowed.
Beware of alligators!
This is part of the swimming area.
Kyaking is allowed in the spring except from the hours of 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Although I’m not sure why, because we noticed all the swimmers were trying to stay out of their way. It seemed a little dangerous in our opinion.
As always, there was a hiking trail!
Although it’s not my favorite spring, it has some history there that I love! They have a house called the Thursby House that they have restored and it’s open to the public. Kevin and I had a lot of historical conversation upon reading and visualizing what it would be like to live back in the 1800’s.
Thursby House
You can clearly tell who takes all the pictures!
Some of the stuff left behind. Sorry for the glare, everything’s behind glass!
There was a furnace in almost every room.
Back of the house.
The original outhouse.
All in all, it was a good day! The spring is very quiet so early in the morning, but as always, keep in mind that springs pack out fast. The Thursby House and seeing manatees are always my favorite.
Want to see what it’s like to swim in the springs? Check out our first GoPro video of Blue Springs! Lots of alligator gar, manatees, and a visual of where the spring pumps it’s water from. Click the link below and check it out!
Our Florida Springs Adventure – Part 3: Blue Springs (GoPro style)
28 Comments
Oh I remember when we visited there, that place is amazingly beautiful.
Loved the post btw, keep up the good work:-)
<3: Jasmin N | littlethingswithjassy.blogspot.fi
Florida springs are definitely gorgeous! Thanks so much 🙂
xo
Ashlyn
What an amazing trip this must have been! I love to travel and this seemed like a great adventure. Also, AMAZING photos!
Yes, it was fun! Not my favorite spring but still, it’s beautiful there. Thank you so much 🙂
xo
Ashlyn
What an interesting place! Love the alligator signs. You don’t see that out here in Cali. I’ll have to remember that place whenever I venture east.
Ooooo I love Cali! Yeah, here in Florida you always have to watch out for alligator. Have fun traveling east someday!
xo
Ashlyn
Well, Kevin is not so wrong, its amazing place with the beautiful house and lakes.
But beware of alligator.
It is definitely pretty, but yes, watch out for the gators! 🙂
xo
Ashlyn
That is quite different and seems like a really cool trip. You 2 seem to have enjoyed it very much!
It was really fun! It’s only the third spring, we still have many more to go! 🙂
xo
Ashlyn
That hiking trail looks great. Did you guys do any part of it, or is it an all day thing?
Not an all day thing, it said 4.5 miles to the end. We usually only walk .5 miles of every trail we run into due to us wanting to spend most of the time in the spring. However, the trails will give you an in depth experience of natural Florida.
xo
Ashlyn
What a beautiful place, looks like you had some great outdoor adventures
It was fun, we’re ready to go again tomorrow! 🙂
xo
Ashlyn
Love the pictures…looks so relaxing- except that part with the alligators lol
I’ve been there plenty of times and I’ve yet to see a gator but apparently they’re there. Good thing there’s enough people around to scare them away!
xo
Ashlyn
Nature is incredible, isn’t it? This place looks so peaceful and relaxing, yet people can do various activities. Your photos are stunning.
I love nature (besides snakes, haha) and it’s been fun getting to go around to all the different springs! Thank you 🙂
xo
Ashlyn
I would be quite afraid to go into the water after that alligator sign 😀 but the place looks really lovely!
Yeah, I’m not a fan of the native Florida animals myself! You just have to keep an eye out, but the people scare them all away usually. 🙂
xo
Ashlyn
It seems that u guys had so much fun and the place looks great would love to visit one day.
We recommend it!
xo
Ashlyn
Look at all these trees ! It’s not something really common here :/ Must have been an amazing trip 🙂 the alligator sign tho
Oh yes, it’s definitely a Florida thing! 🙂 No worries, the alligators move more towards the lake once there’s people in the springs!
xo
Ashlyn
you just reminded me i should visit our local hot springs soon!
Never been to a hot springs before! Sounds lovely 🙂
xo
Ashlyn
I love Florida! What a blast I had when I decided to study abroad in Orlando! 😉
Really?! I cannot stand living here. However, the springs make Florida a little big better 🙂
xo
Ashlyn