Last Updated: July 6, 2026
Manatees are among our favorite animals to observe — slow, serene, and utterly unbothered by the world around them. We had encountered them several times around Florida, but always in murky, brackish coastal waters where you caught only fleeting glimpses of grey shapes drifting beneath the surface. Seeing them in the crystal-clear water of a Florida freshwater spring was something else entirely. From Lady Lake, it was a short drive northeast to Blue Spring State Park in Orange City — and it turned out to be one of the most memorable wildlife experiences of our entire journey across Florida.
Manatees, Blue Spring State Park
West Indian Manatees are remarkable animals. Large, slow-moving herbivores, they graze on aquatic plants, seagrasses, and algae, grazing much like underwater cattle. They can reach lengths exceeding 13 feet and weights over 1,300 pounds, yet they move with a quiet, weightless grace that feels almost meditative to watch. Despite their size, manatees are genuinely gentle — they have no natural predators, and their greatest threats come from cold stress, boat propellers, and habitat loss. Florida has spent decades working to protect them, and the recovery effort has been one of the state’s conservation success stories.
Manatees cannot tolerate water temperatures below approximately 60°F. When cold weather pushes coastal and river temperatures down, manatees migrate to Florida’s freshwater springs, which maintain a constant year-round temperature of roughly 68–72°F. Blue Spring, connected to the St. Johns River in Orange City, is one of the most important warm-water refuges in the entire state. During the peak winter months of November through March, hundreds of manatees congregate here — and on a cold January or February morning, the number of animals in the spring run is simply staggering.
Blue Spring State Park has developed an excellent series of elevated boardwalks along the spring run that allow visitors to look straight down into the water from above. The visibility in the spring is extraordinary — you can see individual manatees clearly from surface to bottom, watch them interact, roll, surface to breathe, and glide past in slow motion just feet below you. Michael had the camera working almost continuously. The combination of crystal-clear water and completely undisturbed animals created some of the finest wildlife photography conditions of our entire trip across the country.
Manatees are far from the only wildlife worth watching at Blue Spring. The spring run and surrounding wetlands host a remarkable variety of birds and fish year-round. We spotted numerous Anhingas drying their wings on branches above the water — unlike ducks and cormorants, Anhingas lack waterproofing oils on their feathers and must air-dry after diving, giving them their distinctive spread-wing posture. Giant Florida gar drifted through the shallows like prehistoric shadows, some of them nearly as long as we were tall. For birders and wildlife photographers, Blue Spring consistently delivers something extraordinary no matter where you point the lens.
We could have stood on those boardwalks for hours — and very nearly did. Watching a manatee surface, exhale, and slip silently back under the clear water never got old. These are animals that seem to exist on a different clock than the rest of the natural world, and spending time with them at Blue Spring is a genuinely calming and wonderful experience.
Visitor Information — Blue Spring State Park: Blue Spring State Park is located at 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, Florida 32763. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to sundown. Admission is charged per vehicle. During manatee season (approximately November through March), swimming and snorkeling in the spring run are suspended to protect the animals — but the boardwalk viewing is exceptional. In warmer months when manatees have returned to the river, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and tubing are available. Camping and cabin rentals are also offered on-site. For current conditions and manatee counts visit floridastateparks.org. Phone: (386) 775-3663. Arrive early — the parking lot fills up quickly on winter weekends.
Silver Springs, Florida
Our next stop was Silver Springs State Park near Ocala, famous for its extraordinary glass-bottom boat tours over one of the world’s largest artesian springs and for its long history as a Florida attraction. We only stayed a couple of nights — winter storms limited our activities — but we made good use of our time there. A few years earlier we had explored the park by canoe, gliding through the cypress-lined waterways, and it had been magical. This visit was quieter.
The real highlight was a Pileated Woodpecker that was unusually cooperative. These birds are typically heard more than seen — their loud, laughing call echoes through forests before you ever locate the bird. This individual was working the lower portions of a tree and staying in one small area, allowing sustained close observation and photography. The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America, recognized instantly by its dramatic red crest and powerful chisel-like bill. It excavates large rectangular holes in dead trees in search of carpenter ants — the evidence of their work is unmistakable wherever you find it in the woods.
Visitor Information — Silver Springs State Park: Silver Springs State Park is located at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, Florida 34488. Open daily 8:00 AM to sundown. Admission charged per vehicle. Glass-bottom boat tours are available for an additional fee and are the signature experience of the park. Kayak and canoe rentals, hiking, birding, and camping are also available. Visit floridastateparks.org for current tour schedules and pricing. Phone: (352) 236-7148.
Crescent City, Florida
Crescent City is a small, quiet town in Putnam County in northeastern Florida, sitting on the shores of Lake Crescent. It is not a major tourist destination — and that was perfectly fine with us after weeks of busy parks and attractions. We relished a week of doing almost nothing, settling into a blissful routine of long walks, wildlife watching, and genuine rest. The pace here was exactly what we needed.
We stayed at Renegades on the River, situated directly on the St. Johns River south of Jacksonville in the small community of Welaka. Full hookups, reliable satellite, and intermittent internet — the standard trade-off in rural Florida parks. The setting on the river was genuinely beautiful, and the sunsets over the water were spectacular every evening.
The park’s main appeal was its restaurant and Tiki bar right on the water. The food was solid, the atmosphere casual and friendly. Renegades is a local favorite for the boating and motorcycle crowd — Harleys pulled in at all hours, and a Bassmaster fishing tournament was running during our stay, filling the marina with bass boats and competitors. The Tiki bar had live music or karaoke nearly every evening, drawing large and enthusiastic crowds that sometimes played past midnight. Our coach was parked close enough to hear it all. Worth knowing before you book if you are a light sleeper.
The wildlife around Renegades, however, was exceptional. We were surprised to find a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks essentially living in the RV section of the park, completely at ease with people and motorhomes. They hunted from low perches — fence posts, branches, even the edges of picnic tables — making them extraordinarily accessible for photography. Red-shouldered Hawks are beautiful birds: medium-sized with a warm rufous-barred chest, strong barred wings, and a distinctive banded tail. Their preferred prey in Florida scrub and river habitats includes lizards, frogs, small snakes, and the occasional small mammal.
Having cooperative raptors hunting at eye level just outside the coach door was an unexpected gift. Michael was able to shoot extended sequences of each bird hunting and returning to its perch — the kind of sustained raptor photography that normally requires a hide and hours of patience. These birds simply did not care that we were there.
Nearby, the Welaka National Fish Hatchery manages a series of ponds for warmwater fish production — primarily largemouth bass and bluegill for stocking Florida’s public waters. The ponds attract a constant stream of wading birds and shorebirds, including Forster’s Terns patrolling and diving over the water. For birders who want a quick and productive detour while staying in the Crescent City area, the hatchery ponds are worth a visit.
We made a day trip to Barberville Yard Art Emporium, a sprawling outdoor gallery of lawn ornaments, sculptures, signs, and eccentric yard art of every imaginable variety. Giant roosters, vintage mascots, alien sculptures, whimsical signs, folk art figures — the place is enormous, completely over the top, and entirely impossible to walk through without laughing. It would be very difficult to leave without finding at least one thing you desperately want for your home, yard, or business. We showed remarkable restraint, given that we live in a motorhome.
One of the genuine luxuries of life on the road is the freedom to enjoy a cold beer for lunch in the middle of the week without a second thought. No schedule, no commute, nowhere to be. The Tiki bar at Renegades made that easy — cold drafts, a river view, and all afternoon ahead of you. Life is good.
February brought a stunning full moon on Michael’s birthday — rising enormous and orange over the St. Johns River, reflecting off the water in a long silver column. We stood outside in the warm evening air watching it climb, and it felt like a birthday gift from the universe. There are worse ways to spend a birthday than watching a full moon rise over a Florida river with the woman you love and the world’s best dog at your feet.
Visitor Information — Renegades on the River: Renegades on the River is located at 221 River St., Welaka, Florida 32193 (near Crescent City). Full-hookup RV sites available with river views. The on-site restaurant and Tiki bar serve food and drinks and host live entertainment most weekends. Note: the park attracts boaters and motorcyclists and can be noisy on Friday and Saturday evenings. Call (386) 467-2464 for reservations or visit their Facebook page for current entertainment schedules.
Visitor Information — Barberville Yard Art Emporium: Located at 1784 S. Volusia Ave. (US-17), Barberville, Florida 32105. Open most days; call ahead to confirm hours at (386) 749-3562. The property is enormous — wear comfortable shoes and give yourself plenty of time to wander. Prices range from very affordable to substantial depending on the piece. No admission fee to browse.
Practical Tips for Blue Spring State Park and Crescent City
Visit Blue Spring in the morning on cold days for the best manatee viewing. Manatees cluster most densely in the spring run when ambient temperatures drop and the spring water is warmest relative to the surrounding environment. Cold winter mornings — especially following a cold front — bring the highest concentrations of animals. Arrive right at the 8:00 AM park opening to secure parking and get a spot on the boardwalk before crowds build.
Swimming is suspended during manatee season. From approximately November through March, the spring run is closed to swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking to protect wintering manatees. Plan your visit accordingly — if you want to swim or snorkel the spring, late spring through early fall is the season. If manatees are your priority, winter is the only time.
Parking at Blue Spring fills up quickly on winter weekends. This is one of the most popular wildlife viewing destinations in Florida and it shows. The parking lot can reach capacity by mid-morning on busy weekends. Arrive early, especially if you are traveling with a large vehicle. RV parking is limited — call the park ahead of your visit to confirm availability.
Renegades on the River is a social, lively park — not a quiet retreat. The Tiki bar, live music, Harley traffic, and fishing tournament crowds make it a fun and atmospheric destination, but if you need early nights and quiet mornings, site placement matters. Ask for a site away from the bar area when booking.
The Welaka Fish Hatchery ponds are a free and underrated birding stop. Located just a short drive from Renegades, the Welaka National Fish Hatchery ponds attract herons, egrets, terns, cormorants, and shorebirds year-round. Admission is free and the ponds are accessible during normal hatchery hours. A quick stop for birders is well worth the short detour.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see manatees at Blue Spring State Park? The peak season for manatee viewing is November through March, with the highest concentrations typically in January and February. The colder the ambient temperatures, the more manatees gather in the warm spring. During a hard cold snap, it is not unusual to see 200 or more manatees in the spring run at once. The park posts daily manatee counts on their website during the season.
Can you swim with manatees at Blue Spring State Park? No — swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the spring run are prohibited during manatee season to protect the animals. Viewing is from the elevated boardwalks, which actually provides a superior perspective since you can see directly into the clear water from above. In the warmer months when manatees return to the river, the spring reopens for swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and kayaking.
What other wildlife can you see at Blue Spring State Park? Beyond manatees, the park is an excellent destination for Anhingas, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Ospreys, and various wading birds along the spring run. Giant Florida gar are commonly visible in the shallows. River otters and turtles are frequently spotted as well. The surrounding forest and upland areas support gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and a wide variety of songbirds.
Is Blue Spring State Park good for wildlife photography? It is one of the best wildlife photography destinations in Florida, full stop. The crystal-clear spring water allows underwater subjects to be photographed from above without glare issues common in murky water. The manatees are completely habituated to people on the boardwalks and behave naturally throughout. The Anhingas and wading birds along the run are equally approachable. Bring a long lens for distant subjects but don’t overlook wide-angle shots of the manatees when they approach the boardwalk directly below you.
What is Silver Springs State Park known for? Silver Springs is one of the largest artesian spring systems in the world, pumping hundreds of millions of gallons of crystal-clear water daily. It has been a Florida attraction since the 1870s and was one of the first ecotourism destinations in the country. The park is best known for its glass-bottom boat tours, which allow visitors to peer down into the spring boils through the boat’s glass floor — an experience that remains extraordinary even today. The surrounding forest and river system support a thriving population of wildlife including wild Rhesus monkeys, descendants of animals released during early tourist operations.
