Awhile back I took to Instagram to ask my followers what their favorite Florida spring is. Many people responded that Gilchrist Blue Springs was their #1 choice. Obviously, we had to make the trek out west to check it out. Let me just say that it did not disappoint.
About Gilchrist Blue Springs
Gilchrist Blue Springs is Florida’s newest State Park. This means that even bigger and better things will be happening at this natural beauty. They are expanding the campground, building a bathhouse, and making road improvements. Of course, the highlight of the park is a large second-magnitude spring that pumps out 44 million gallons of water each day. The park is also home to Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring.
What is there to do at Gilchrist Blue Springs?
Obviously the main attraction at the park is Gilchrist Blue Spring. We didn’t get a chance to check out the other springs (Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring), but we will definitely scope those out next time!
The springs are a great place to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, swim, and snorkel. There are kayaks and canoes available to rent on the property.
We sure to wander past the ropes (if you have a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe). You won’t regret it!
Visting Information
The park is open from 8 AM to sundown, 365 days a year.
The cost is $4 to $6 per vehicle.
The park is located in Gilchrist County about 5 miles west of the town of High Springs and 25 miles south of Lake City.
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking arounding.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
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Florida Springs Packing List- Did you know that Florida has more than 700 natural springs? That is more than any other place on Earth! From the largest springs (Wakulla Springs which is the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world) to tiny trickles, the springs hold eight billion gallons of water.
Florida has 15 state parks that preserve the crystal-clear springs and the creatures that call these springs home. They also help protect the animals that call these springs home. Florida’s natural springs are home to manatees, otters, Florida gar, alligators, eels, turtles, and countless specifies of fish.
In order to make the most out of your visit, you need to pack a few essentials, plan accordingly, and be prepared to totally unwind. Our Florida Springs Packing List will help ensure you bring along the essentials!
Freshwater springs are the ultimate year-round Florida attraction. With Florida’s warm climate and the water temperature maintaining a constant 72 degrees, you can visit the springs 12 months out of the year.
In fact, the springs were actually Florida’s original tourist attraction. Long before people came to Florida to visit Disney World, Legoland, and Universal Studios, they hopped on steamboats to explore the waterways. Silver Springs was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire country.
Today, many of Florida’s springs offer swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, and kayaking in constant temperatures of 72 degrees. Many springs also offer hiking trails and camping.
Our kids love floating down the spring runs. The current slowly takes you from the launching point to the ending point. Once you get used to the cold water, it is extremely relaxing! Of course, you can paddleboard, kayak or canoe on top of the water to avoid getting wet, all together!
Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs also offer glass-bottom boat tours that give you a unique view of the springs and the animals that inhabit them.
As I stated above, the springs are a year-round attraction in Florida. During the winter months, hundreds of manatees flock to the springs. Since the water is a constant 72 degrees, it is warmer than the nearby rivers. Blue Spring seems to be a favorite for the West Indian Manatees. In fact, as many as 360 manatees were recorded at the springs on March 1st, 2020!
The springs are phenomenal year round! If you want a glimpse of the manatees, come during the winter (January and February seem to be peak times). If you want to kayak, canoe, or paddle board you can do so year round, but you’ll find it less crowded in the cooler months.
If you’re brave, you can swim year round. The water temperature is the same all year. Florida’s weather is really inconsistent in the winter. We can go from being in the 80s one day to the 50s the next. As long as you can handle the outside temperatures when you exit the springs, you can absolutely swim in the springs 365 days a year.
Are There Alligators in the Springs?
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Silver Springs State Park
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Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitterfor more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!
**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**
Did you know that Florida has more than 700 natural springs? That is more than any other place on Earth! From the largest springs (Wakulla Springs which is the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world) to tiny trickles, the springs hold eight billion gallons of water.
Most of the natural springs in Florida are in the north and central regions- meaning that they make for great day trips from Orlando, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville.
Florida has 15 state parks that preserve the crystal-clear springs and the creatures that call these springs home. They also help protect the animals that call these springs home. Florida’s natural springs are home to manatees, otters, Florida gar, alligators, eels, turtles, and countless specifies of fish.
What is there to do at the springs?
Freshwater springs are the ultimate year-round Florida attraction. With Florida’s warm climate and the water temperature maintaining a constant 72 degrees, you can visit the springs 12 months out of the year.
The springs were actually Florida’s original tourist attraction. Long before people came to Florida to visit Disney World, Legoland, and Universal Studios, they hopped on steamboats to explore the waterways. Silver Springs was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire country.
Today, many of Florida’s springs offer swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, and kayaking in constant temperatures of 72 degrees. Many springs also offer hiking trails and camping.
Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs also offer glass-bottom boat tours.
13 Best Florida Springs to Visit with Kids
Three Sisters Springs- Crystal River, Florida
This park is home to absolutely crystal clear water. In fact, it’s so clean that you can see straight through it! Three Sister Springs is the perfect place to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Due to the high population of manatees, there are no motorized water vessels allowed inside of the park.
If you want to view the springs without getting wet, you can walk along the boardwalk at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which offers 57 acres of wetlands to explore.
Weeki Wachee Springs- Weeki Wachee, Florida
You won’t believe what makes this State Park so famous. Mermaids. Yes, mermaids! Weeki Wachee Springs is home to the world-famous mermaid show! The mermaids have been entertaining guests since 1947.
While you can kayak and canoe at the springs, swimming is not permitted. Don’t fret because the park is also home to Buccaneer Bay. Buccaneer Bay has white sandy beaches and water slides! If water slides aren’t your thing, you could also take a riverboat cruise.
Oh, and another cool thing about these springs? Weeki Wachee Springs has a bottom so deep that it has yet to be found!
Experienced divers can also explore the freshwater cave system that is the deepest in all of North America.
Ichetucknee Springs- Fort White, Florida
Ichetucknee Springs is one of the most well-known springs in the state. The Ichetucknee River is the ultimate place to grab an inner tube and simply let the current take you away. This no-frills adventure is fun for all ages. This is also a great spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
The park is also home to Blue Hole Spring. Trust me, this is natural Florida at its finest!
The main spring (a.k.a. the Ichetucknee Head Spring) has been deemed a national natural landmark and is home to many of Florida’s most precious wildlife species.
Wakulla Springs- Wakulla Springs, Florida
Wakulla Springs State Park is located just 15 minutes south of Tallahassee. This is the deepest and largest freshwater spring in the world! After being featured in classic movies such as “Tarzan” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon” this spring became a popular tourist attraction.
This is the place to spend the day swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Experienced scuba divers can explore the system of underground caves. Be sure to take the famous river cruise during your visit!
It has also been deemed a National Natural Landmark and a National Archaeological and Historic District.
Ginnie Springs- High Springs, Florida
Like Ichetucknee, Ginnie Springs are some of the most popular in the state. This is pure, natural Florida! The park boasts magnificently clear turquoise water that entices visitors to dive in. Snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting are all popular here. To make things even easier, you can rent the equipment on-site!
Experienced divers can check out the caves.
Drinking is allowed at Ginnie Springs because it is privately owned, unlike other popular springs which are city or Florida State Parks. This means that it does tend to draw a more party-type crowd.
Madison Blue Springs- Lee, Florida
Voted the #1 swimming hole in the country by USA Today, Madison Blue Springs is considered to be one of the best springs in Florida. Head about 70 miles east of Tallahassee to this stunning blue, clear, freshwater spring. This popular swimming hole is 25 feet deep and 82 feet wide. You can hop on a raft to enjoy a float down the 150-foot run, or you can hop on a paddleboard or canoe to experience the springs from the water’s surface.
Like Three Sisters Springs, this is the perfect spot to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive. If you’re an experienced diver, you can even hit up some underwater caves!
Rainbow Springs- Dunnellon, Florida
Rainbow Springs is 90 miles northwest of Orlando making them the perfect spot for a day trip! These springs are more than 10,000 years old, making them one of the oldest and largest in the state! Native Floridians regularly visited these sapphire waters believing that they had healing powers. And, perhaps they do? The only way to find out is to get your toes wet!
Rainbow Springs State Park is a popular haven for tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and camping. There is a gigantic swimming area with white sand. The park is also home to nature trails that are surrounded by man-made waterfalls and natural gardens.
Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs- Altoona, Florida
Tucked away in the Ocala National Forest is Alexander Springs. This is one of the best places for families to visit because it is relatively shallow, gradient slow, slope eases swimmers into the stunning water.
Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. This is also a great spot for hiking and camping.
Silver Springs, Silver Springs, Florida
Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat for a unique view of the spring’s creatures, including manatees! Or, hop in the water for a bit of swimming and snorkeling.
You can also rent a kayak or a canoe onsite if you’d like to add to the fun!
The Silver Springs is located in Ocala National Forest and are a notable archeological site. Be on the lookout for fossils!
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early in the day, as capacity is limited!
Gilchrist Blue Springs
Gilchrist Blue Springs- High Springs, Florida
Gilchrist Blue Springs is one of Florida’ youngest state parks. Located just 25 miles south of Lake City, this park is ideal for a day of snorkeling, swimming, and paddling. The park also has hiking trails.
This park is so much fun that it often fills up to capacity (okay…the fact that the park is smaller may have something to do with that, too). Plan on getting there very early or go late in the afternoon. Gilchrist Blue is considered to be one of Florida’s greatest hidden gems! If the park is full, we recommend heading to nearby Ginnie Springs. Ginnie Springs is larger so it is less likely to reach capacity.
Blue Spring- Orange City, Florida
Blue Spring is a state park located in Central Florida. What was once a hub for steamboats is now a winter refuge for manatee. Temperatures in the spring run remain at 72 degrees, year-round, making it a safe haven for West Indian manatee. In fact, as many as 360 manatees were recorded at the springs on March 1st, 2020! When the weather cools down, manatees congregate in the natural spring where the water temperature is warmer than in the surrounding areas.
This place is great for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There are also trails that you can hike or bike.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park
De Leon Springs- De Leon Springs, Florida
De Leon Springs State Parkis AMAZING! The site is a former plantation and fancy schmancy hotel. There are remnants of both periods of the properties history on the ground. De Leon Springs was one of the first eco-parks in the state of Florida. There are hiking trail, kayak and canoe rentals, and a swimming area.
The park is famous for its Old Sugar Mill Restaurant. People come from all around to make their own pancakes at the griddle-topped tables. It’s a super fun experience!
Salt Springs, Ocala National Forest
Salt Springs- Fort McCoy, Florida
Salt Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest. Most of the swimming area is actually quite shallow- once you get away from the entrance area. The park also permits floats, which makes the springs extra fun for kids! We found a cove across from the entranceway and it was the ideal spot for our littles. The closer you get to the spring vent, the deeper- and rockier- the water gets.
Are there alligators in the springs?
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
Dealing with the Crowds
The springs get packed on holidays, weekends, and summer months. In fact, several springs often reach capacity early in the day. Plan accordingly. You may want to consider camping, if it is available, or staying at an Airbnb close to the springs so you can get there early.
For the least crowds, go during the off-season or shoulder season such as October or April.
De Leon Springs State Park is one of the most stunning natural attractions in the state of Florida. It’s one of those cool sights that focuses on both nature and history. It is definitely a must-see if you’re in the area. It is easily accessible as a day trip from Orlando, Daytona, or Jacksonville.
History of De Leon Springs
Long before De Leon Springs was a state park, it was a plantation known as Spring Garden Plantation. The site was home to the first water-powered sugar mill in Florida. The mill was built in 1832 and parts of the machinery and brickwork are preserved behind the restaurant (more on this later!).
This area was also home to the Seminole tribe who attacked the plantation in 1835. During their raid, they destroyed the mill, stole cattle and slaves. Two years later, General Zachary Taylor and his troops were finally able to drive the Seminoles out. In 1849, a team of about 100 slaves reconstructed the mill and plantation and harvested cotton and sugar.
The plantation owner began providing supplies to the Confederate Army with supplies. Upon hearing this, the Union troops destroyed the plantation in what was known as Birney’s Raid.
When the war ended, Spring Garden became a tourist destination. Visitors arrived via steamboat and railroad. To help attract more tourists, the name was changed to Ponce de Leon Springs and locals claimed the springs were the Fountain of Youth.
The Ponce de Leon Springs Hotel and Casino was constructed. Though it only had 14 rooms, it quickly became a hot spot for wealthy Northern visitors. By the 1950s the site featured tropical gardens, a jungle cruise, a tram tour, oh yeah… and a water skiing elephant.
In 1982, the state of Florida took over the attraction and attempted to make it a little less cheesy. Today, the park system maintains 625 acres surrounding the springs.
What is there to do at De Leon Springs?
The park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may be able to spot a bald eagle!
The parks offers a 50-minute eco/history boat tour on the Spring Garden Run. Visitors that are on the waiting list for the restaurant can hop on the boat tour without losing their place in line. A minimum of eight passengers is required for the tour to commence.
The springs are also popular for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. There are canoes and kayaks available to rent on the property.
Swimming and snorkeling is permitted in the natural pool area but not in the Spring Run due to boats and alligators. The water is a constant 72 degrees.
There is a gorgeous half-mile paved hiking trail with interpretive signs not far from the restaurant. The Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail is a four-mile loop where you might spot deer, turkeys, wild hogs, and the elusive Florida black bear.
Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant
In the early 1900s, a structure was built on top of the foundation of the 1830s mill. The building was later converted to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant commonly referred to as the Sugar Mill Restaurant. The restaurant features griddle tables where visitors prepare their own pancakes. Breakfast and lunch are available. The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Visiting Information
The park is open from 8 AM until sunset 365 days a year.
Fees:
$6 per vehicle: 2-8 people
$4 per vehicle: one person only
$4 per motorcycle
$2 per person for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
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Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitterfor more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!
**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**
Ravine Gardens State Parks is one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida. Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring. The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants. The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.
When this hidden gem opened on July 4, 1933, it consisted of 270,000 plants in a formal garden and planted along the slopes of ancient ravines. Today, the park is a combination of formal and natural gardens. It is one of the nine Florida parks featuring New Deal era structures. The fieldstone terrace, rock gardens, and entrance are all reflective of construction during this time period.
At the park’s entrance, there is a 64-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt who spearheaded the New Deal and served as President during the park’s opening.
Hiking at Ravine Gardens State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park is home to the famous Azalea Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile trail that winds throughout the park’s ravines. The trail features two suspension bridges and about a gazillion stone steps. The trail is considered to be strenuous because of its narrow and steep paths, roots, muddy bottoms, and stairs.
You do not have to complete the entire two-and-a-half-mile trail- there are lots of entry and exit points that take you down to the springs where the trail is easier to navigate and you can sneak back to the parking area.
If you’re looking for a less challenging hike, try out the Main Park Drive Loop. This paved path is 1.8-miles long and follows the rim of the ravine systems. You’ll still be able to enjoy all of the scenery of the ravines, just from a different point of view.
Visiting the Park with Children
This is a great space to visit with your family. The park has a playground and several spaces that are perfect for a picnic. Admittedly, the trails can be a little tough (many hikers that we passed had trekking poles). However, we also saw a family with 6 kids (all under the age of 12) that handled the trail like pros. I think it all boils down to experience.
Smiley (7) did great on the trails. It was an excellent work out for both of us. At the end she remarked that she “felt the burn” (meaning her muscles were burning from the exercise). I think the steps would have been hard to navigate for the twins (3).
If you do plan on visiting with kids, you may want to consider the Main Park Drive Loop. Probably one of the coolest thing about the park is the suspension bridges. One of these bridges is easily accessible at the very beginning of the trailhead. You could easily walk across the suspension bride and then head down the neighboring steps to walk along the creek bed.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
If you’ve ever been to Florida in the summer, you know how miserable our weather can be. The summer months are hot, humid, and often wet. The best time to visit Ravine Gardens State Park is during the cooler months. During the park’s blooming season (January through March), visitors will be surrounded by the park’s signature flower- the azalea. This is our favorite time to visit.
Visiting Information
Ravine Gardens State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.The park uses an honor box to collect fees- exact change is required.
$5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
$4 single-occupant vehicle
$2 pedestrians and bicylclists
Where is the Ravine Gardens State Park Located?
The park is located in Palatka, Florida. The park is just over an hour from Jacksonville and 45 minutes from St. Augustine.
We got a little stir crazy last month so we spent a lot of time checking out parks likeCastaway Island Preserve, and Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We added a new park to our list when we hit up the gorgeous Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. We’ve learned that parks are a great place where we can get out, stretch our legs, enjoy the sunshine, and still social distance.
What is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park?
Just south historic St. Augustine, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River is a stunning park called Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The park preserves 425 acres of coastal scenery. Tucked in between the hammocks is an immaculate and extremely impressive 20-acre formal garden.
What are the highlights?
20-acre formal gardens
425 acres of coastal scenery
The largest outcroppings of coquina rock on the Atlantic Ocean
Fishing from the beach or the seawall along the Mantanzas River
Hiking and biking trails
Things to Know…
The cost is $5 per vehicle
The park is open from 8 AM until sundown
A1A passes through the park. The beach is located on one side of A1A and the rest of the park (including the formal gardens) is located on the opposite side.
The Coquina Rock formation is the largest on the Atlantic Coast. The formation is located nearly 1/4 a mile north of the parking lot.
A roped of sea turtles nest. DO NOT DISTURB
Where is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park located?
The park is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River in Palm Coast, Florida.
The physical address is: 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd Palm Coast, Florida
Our Experience
We headed south from Jacksonville to Palm Coast early in the morning, not really knowing what to expect of the park. We first headed to the seawall to watch the boats float by on the Matanzas River. The boys are obsessed with boats so they were in heaven watching all of the vessels sail by! There were a ton of fishermen on the seawall, so I assume the fishing must be decent there. There were also a group of people holding up signs asking boaters to slow down due to the presence of manatees in the area.
Next, we took a short hike down one of the trails. There were several markers indicating the various species of plants that lined the trail. It was a great place for the kids to stretch their legs after our car ride!
Afterwards, we checked out the formal gardens. They were absolutely lovely!
Then, we crossed A1A to hit the beach on the Atlantic side of the park. The water was incredibly choppy and wasn’t very safe for our little ones to play in. I also didn’t realize that the coquina formations were nearly 1/4 mile down the beach from the parking lot. We decided that it was too far to walk there and back with the twins so we skipped it.
After leaving the park to find somewhere more clam to swim, we ended up at a little cove known as Helen Mellon Schmidt Park. It was the perfect place for the kids to splash around!
We’ve been going a little stir crazy this month so we’ve spent a lot of time checking out parks likeCastaway Island Preserve, and Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We added a new park to our list this month when we hit up a stunning and remote beach frequently known as Blackrock Beach. You may sometimes hear it referred to as Boneyard Beach.
What is Blackrock Beach?
Blackrock beach is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets. This secluded beach is located just off of Heckscher Drive. A 1/2 mile trail through the woods dumps out onto a photographer’s paradise. The beach is covered with sun-bleached fallen trees. The beach is named after the rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!
Things to Know…
Parking cost is $3 per vehicle.
The beach is open from 9 AM until 5 PM.
To access the beach, park at the Blackrock Trailhead and walk 1/2 mile through the woods.
Pack plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. This is Florida, after all.
Make sure you pay attention to the tides, the entire beach can disappear during high tide.
Where is Blackrock Beach Located?
The beach is located off of Heckscher Drive in Big Talbot Island State Park. To access the beach, park in the Blackrock Trail parking lot and walk 1/2 mile down a trail through the woods.
Our Experience
I’ve been visiting Blackrock for years. In fact, I used to come here with my friends when I was in high school. We’d pack a cooler and a small grill and post up for the day. Man, those were the days!
Of course, nearly twenty years later, things are totally different. Experiencing Blackrock with kids is a whole new experience. The 1/2 mile hike from the parking lot to the beach feels a lot longer these days! You’ll definitely want to have bug spray and a beach wagon to tote all of your stuff. The mosquitos and yellow flies in Florida are no joke!
The trail opens up to magnificent views of Blackrock Beach. You instantly feel as if you’ve been transported to another planet. Sun-soaked white-washed trees are scattered all over the beach haphazardly. Just down the beach are the Mars-like black “rocks” that gave the beach its name. This place is out of this world!
Smiley loves being able to climb on the fallen trees and jump in the tidal pools. She has a blast chasing after crabs and frolicking in the water. The trek out to the beach can be difficult for littles, but luckily the twins can hike with the best of them. Our beach wagon works well on trails and on the beach so it would definitely come in handy when hitting the beach.
We have had quite an adventurous month! After being quarantined for four months, we became a bit stir crazy and began spending a lot more time checking out our local parks.
We took a few trips to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where we got up close and personal with a ferocious tiger! We spent a lot of time checking out our favorite animals, the bonobos.
This month we also visited the El Faro Memorial where we accidentally acquired a new kitten. We named him Captain Independence in honor of the fallen seamen and the 4th of July (the day we found him).
We spent a long weekend exploring central Florida with stops in Gamble Rogers State Park, Disney Springs, and Blue Springs State Park. We also visited smaller parks like Gemini Springs.
Smiley and Mama Elle had a “Mommy and Me” day that included a day trip down to St. Augustine. We enjoyed yummy donuts on the walls of Castillo de San Marcos before heading south to Marineland.
Later in the week we visited The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Memorial Park and Riverside park in our hometown of Jacksonville.
We rounded out the month by spending some time at our favorite beach, Huguenot, and testing out our new paddleboard at our favorite lake.
Blue Spring State Park will always hold a special place in our heart because it was the first spring that we visited with the kids. It is an amazing place to swim, tube, paddle, snorkel, and even manatee watch!
What is Blue Spring State Park?
Blue Spring State Park is located in Central Florida. What was once a hub for steamboats is now a winter refuge for manatees. Temperatures in the spring run remain at 72 degrees, year-round, making it a safe haven for West Indian manatee. In fact, when we visited in January of 2023, there were 625 manatees in the run!! When the weather cools down, manatees congregate in the natural spring where the water temperature is warmer than in the surrounding areas.
What are the highlights?
Swimming/tubing in the spring
Snorkeling and scuba diving
Paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing (available for rent)
Hiking or biking the 3.6 miles (one way) Pine Island Trail
Guided river boat cruise
Camping
Things to Know…
Arrive early! The park frequently reaches capacity during the week and weekends during the winter and summer months. (see “Our Experience” for more info).
The park is open from 8 AM until sundown.
The cost to enter is $5 per vehicle.
You can rent inner tubes at the park.
If you bring your own inner tube, you can pay between $1 and $3 to have it inflated for you.
The water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round
There is typically a food truck on-site however, you can also purchase burgers, hotdogs, corndogs, nachos, soft pretzels, etc. at the cafe.
Where is Blue Spring State Park located?
Physical Address: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
Our Experience
Y’all, Blue Spring State Park is poppin’! The springs open at 8 AM, 7 days a week. On Saturday morning we woke up and headed to the springs. We arrived just before 8:30 and they were already at capacity. Man, this place fills up quickly!
We returned later that day, at about 4:00 and the park had started to empty out. Since we weren’t going to be there long, we didn’t bother to break out the floats. We grabbed “Smiley’s” boogie board and put floatation vests on all of the kids and made the short trek from the picnic area, down the boardwalk, to the spring. The water felt freezing when we first got in, but our bodies quickly adjusted to the temperatures. It was amusing to watch everyone’s initial reaction to hitting the water. We floated down the spring run to the exit landing, which was just a short distance away.
Our son “82” hated it, at first, most likely because it was the first time he’s ever been in 72 degrees water. “Stinky” quickly adjusted to the water and was fine after the first initial tears. Smiley was in heaven!
Day Two
The next morning, we got to the park at 7:27 which was 33 minutes before the park was scheduled to open. At that point, we were the 72nd car in line (yes, I counted). One of the rangers told me that they were going to cut the line off at 150 cars. Once the park opened, it took us about 30 minutes to reach the ranger station to pay. The admission was $5.
Fortunately, we were able to stake out a picnic table where we could leave our stuff and have breakfast and lunch. We quickly saw that most people made this an all-day event! The park filled up rather quickly, we were fortunate to have been able to claim this spot.
The park has floats that you can rent. We brought our own, however. You can pay between $1 and $3 (depending on the size of the raft) to have your raft inflated. To me, this was well worth saving all of my hot air.
The kids adjusted to the water much more quickly on day two. They loved being able to ride in our float, kick their feet in the cool water, and check out the fish that swam by. We saw several different fish in the spring ranging from gar to tilapia.
After a couple of rides down the spring run, we decided to take a walk. We spotted hundreds of fish and even a decent-sized alligator, not far from where we had been swimming.
St. John’s River Cruise
After lunch, we hopped on a boat and took a one-hour “cruise” on the St. John’s River. It was a little slow-paced for the kid’s taste. The captain was very knowledgeable and stopped several times to point out various birds along the way. We didn’t spot any manatee or alligators on the river.
After our river cruise, we took one last run down the springs and called it a day. I think it’s safe to say that we all had an incredible time. Hitting the springs is the perfect way to beat the Florida heat!
Our Winter Experience
As I mentioned above, during the winter months, manatees flock to the spring because the water is warmer there than in the river. Over the last few years, the number of manatees that migrate to the wildlife refuge have skyrocketed! On our visit (1/15/23) there were 625 manatees in the run! When we originally published this post in 2020, it was a big deal to have 300 manatees in the spring.
The park opened at 8 am and when we pulled in at 9:15. At that time, there was already a long line waiting to get inside the park. It only took us about 15 minutes to get inside the park.
We walked out on to the floating dock, along the boardwalk and were able to see hundreds of manatees. It was pretty cool! Admittedly, it was harder for the kids to see the manatees because they often just looked like shadows in the water, unless the manatees were surfacing.
While it was cool for them to see, it was definitely more entertaining for adults.
Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life? Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best State Parks in northeast Florida. When pulling into the driveway, you are instantly transported into the “Real Florida”. This is the perfect place to become one with nature and to take a step back into our state’s rich history.
There is plenty to do at Fort Clinch Park. Not only is the park home to a charming Civil War-era fort, but it is one of the best places in the area to find shark teeth. The park has a handful of excellent hiking/biking trails.
What is the history behind Fort Clinch?
Construction of the first fortifications on this site began in 1736, however, it wasn’t until nearly a century later that the Fort Clinch that we know started to take shape. They should have put a woman in charge, it would have been built in no time (haha). After the War of 1812, a series of forts (including Fort Clinch) were built along the eastern coastline of the United States to defend against foreign invaders.
After that, the construction of modern-day Fort Clinch began in 1847. However, when the Civil War started in 1861, the fort was only about two-thirds completed. For example, the cannons had yet to be mounted to the walls. Due to its location, the fort defaulted to Confederate control. Booooo, right?
Soon the Union swept through the area and started to gain control of southern Georgia. As a result, General Robert E. Lee gave the order to evacuate the fort. The Union troops quickly took over the fort and continued to enhance the fortification. When the fort was abandoned in 1869, it was still under construction.
The kids at Fort Clinch, 2020
The kids at Fort Clinch, 2024
What are the highlights of Fort Clinch State Park?
Visiting the fort
Shark tooth hunting
Shelling
Bicycling (there are 3.3 miles of paved road and 6 miles of multi-use trails)
Fishing
Hiking
Where is the park located?
The physical address is:
2601 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Our Thoughts on Fort Clinch State Park
We’ve spent many days wandering around Fort Clinch State Park. It’s a great place to escape the madness of our day-to-day lives. The hiking/biking trails here are fantastic. Our dogs love wandering through the woods and marsh. Be on the lookout for (alli)gators!
Likewise, the fort itself is amazing. The crew that works at the park has done a phenomenal job maintaining the park and helping it come alive. The kids love being able to peer into the windows of the prison, barracks, bakery, storehouses, hospital, kitchens, blacksmith shops, etc. All of the rooms were furnished to help recreate the feeling of living in the fort in 1864.
The kids also like to explore the rampart and gun deck to check out the cannons. This part of the fort offers incredible views of Cumberland Island and Cumberland Sound.
Also, a “soldier” is on duty every day of the year. Be sure to ask them questions and interact with them while you’re there!
Lastly, searching for sharks’ teeth is another one of our favorite things to do at the park. It’s best to hunt for shark teeth during low tide (when there is more beach exposure) or after a storm (when things get washed up onto the beach).
We have visited the park countless times with the kids and they never get bored of it!
