This Florida State Park Has a Caribbean-blue, Spring-fed Swimming Hole and Is a Gathering Site for Hundreds of Manatees

"Florida at its finest, this 2,600-acre park west of Orange City and north of Orlando revolves around a first‑magnitude spring that pours more than 70 million gallons of crystal‑clear, turquoise water into the St. Johns River each day and stays a refreshing 72°F year‑round for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and even scuba. That constant warmth makes it one of the state’s largest winter gathering sites for West Indian manatees; from November through March the spring run closes to water activities and becomes a magical refuge where you watch hundreds of manatees from the boardwalk and observation platform, with daily interpretive programs and exhibits along the Spring Run boardwalk. Wildlife sightings go beyond manatees—otters, fish, scrub jays, gopher tortoises, deer, bears, and a variety of birds all make appearances—and hiking options include the 3.6‑mile (one‑way) Pine Island Trail, plus weekly yoga and monthly full‑moon hikes. When the water is open (late March/early April through mid‑November), the smartest swim is to walk the boardwalk to the diver’s entry, head briefly against the current into the spring head known as “the boil,” then float the run back to the swim deck—and on hot days, just jump in rather than easing into the 72°. Time a visit for manatee season, the mid‑March firefly display from the Florida single snappy firefly, or summer’s tubing‑and‑paddle fun—there’s really no bad time to explore." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines