Gilchrist Blue Springs vs. Blue Spring State Park (Orange City): What’s the Difference?
If you’re planning a Florida spring adventure, you’re not alone if you’ve found yourself confused by the names Gilchrist Blue Springs and Blue Springs in Orange City. We hear it all the time “Aren’t those the same place?”
They’re not! There are several springs named “Blue Springs” within the state, apparently they all saw the blue water and had the same thought!
While both are stunning freshwater springs, they’re located in different parts of Florida and offer very different experiences. This guide breaks down the key differences so you know exactly where you’re going and what kind of day to expect.
Location: North Florida vs. Central Florida
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Gilchrist Blue Springs is located near High Springs, Florida, about 30 minutes northwest of Gainesville and roughly 1.5–2 hours from Orlando. It sits along the Santa Fe River, surrounded by rural landscapes and natural forest.
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Springs (often called Blue Spring State Park) is located in Orange City, about 30 minutes west of Daytona Beach and closer to the Orlando Daytona corridor. This park is part of the St. Johns River system and is much closer to residential areas.
Why this matters: If someone says “Blue Springs near Orlando,” or “Manatees Blue Springs” they’re almost always talking about the Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, not Gilchrist Blue Springs in High Springs. Although it is possible to see manatees in Gilchrist, it is MUCH more common to see them in Blue Springs in Orange City as it is a manatee sanctuary off the St. Johns River system.
The Water: Big Blue Pool vs. Deep Green Giant
At Gilchrist Blue Springs, the main attraction is a large, deep, vibrant blue spring basin. The water is incredibly clear, with a dramatic limestone vent and lush vegetation surrounding the pool. It feels wild, open, and distinctly “Old Florida.” At over 20ft deep, it offers the perfect escape to safe swimming all year around and soft white sand surrounds the beach areas creating easy access to enter the spring vent. The unique spring run also offers a chance to view an untouched vibrant ecosystem with vegetation spreading over 0.25miles of crystal clear water to explore and see Florida’s wildlife. With access to the Santa Fe River you still have a chance to see a manatee from your kayak or paddleboard in the area!
At Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, the spring feeds a long, 0.5mile narrow run that flows into the St. Johns River. While still crystal clear, the spring is much deeper in places, with steep banks and over 125ft deep at the main vent! As a first magnitude spring, this spring puts out almost 2.5x the amount of water Gilchrist Blue Spring does at over 100million gallons every day of fresh water! Blue Springs has several restrictions and only allows swimming during certain time periods of the day and season. (No swimming or paddling with the Manatees in the winter!)
Activities & Amenities
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
- Swimming in a large crystal clear vibrant blue spring basin all year around
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Santa Fe River all year around, and home to Get Up And Go Kayaking – Gilchrist Blue guided clear kayaking tours!
- Nature trails and shaded picnic areas, home to ‘Aric the Giant’ a 400yr old Cypress Tree!
- Wildlife viewing (turtles, fish, birds, otters, and the occasional manatee which is more rare to see). Extremely large population of turtles! It’s very common to see 50-100 on a tour up close!
- Recently Remodeled Camping Sites (2025)
- A quieter, more immersive nature experience
Blue Spring State Park (Orange City)
- Swimming (seasonal), water color varies but usually more greenish clear not vivid blue like Gilchrist.
- Boardwalks and paved walking paths
- Canoeing and kayaking on the spring run only offered during certain times of year (NOT during manatee season)
- Picnic areas and playgrounds
- Famous winter manatee viewing (swimming and kayaking closed during manatee season), on cold mornings it’s possible to see hundreds from the observation decks.
Key difference:
Gilchrist is more adventure-focused and spread out, great for exploring with several springs in proximity (Rum Island Spring, Jonathan Spring, Pickard Spring, Lily Spring, Ginnie Springs, The Devils Ear, Ichetucknee). Shallow based river with over 36 named springs, and during most of the year the river itself is very clear, like sweet-tea colored!
Blue Springs is a deep system and where a lot of manatees go during the winter and accesses the St. Johns River system. Great for certified cave diving and close to Daytona Beach!
Why People Mix Them Up
The confusion usually comes from:
- Very similar names
- Both being iconic Florida springs
- Social media posts that don’t include city names
Pro tip:
Always say the full name Gilchrist Blue Springs (High Springs) or Blue Springs (Orange City) when planning trips or giving directions. There are several springs with “Blue” in the name!
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Gilchrist Blue Springs if you want:
- A nature-forward experience
- Guided Clear kayaking or paddling adventures!
- A quieter, more immersive spring day
Choose Blue Springs (Orange City) if you want:
- Easy access near Central Florida
- Seasonal manatee viewing
Final Thoughts
Florida is home to hundreds of springs, but Gilchrist Blue Springs and Blue Springs State Park in Orange City stand out for very different reasons. Knowing the difference helps you plan the perfect trip and avoids accidentally driving hours in the wrong direction!
No matter which one you visit, you’ll experience the magic that makes Florida’s freshwater springs so special.
