Florida spring

Gilchrist Blue Spring

Photo by: Florida Springs

Update June 2026: The spring is currently closed to access via the park. The park is undergoing major renovations to add campsites and general improvements. While the picnic area of the park is open, it’s about like having lunch in the middle of a construction zone. We expect the spring to open spring of 2026 but check the website for the latest. Located within Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, it is a mesmerizing spring renowned for its crystal-clear, 72-degree water and a robust flow of about 44 million gallons per day. Set amidst cypress trees and ancient oaks, its vibrant turquoise basin—up to 24 feet deep with a shallow sandy fringe—offers a stunning spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, with a quarter-mile spring run flowing to the Santa Fe River. Easily accessible via the park entrance off NE 60th St. (no boat required), it’s the park’s centerpiece, drawing families and adventurers alike. Summer weekends and holidays like the Fourth of July pack the park to capacity—arrive by 8 AM to secure entry. For a quieter visit, choose weekdays in spring (March-April) or fall (October-November), when early mornings showcase the water’s brilliance and wildlife like turtles and fish thrive. Water clarity is typically “gin clear” but can turn tannic when the Santa Fe River floods after heavy rain. Check conditions beforehand, as the clearest water coincides with low river levels such as less than 1.5 feet.

Gilchrist Blue Spring Photos

9 of 9 photos

Photo by: panhandleadventuresPhoto by: panhandleadventuresPhoto by: panhandleadventuresPhoto by: panhandleadventuresPhoto by: panhandleadventuresPhoto by: florida springsPhoto by: florida springsPhoto by: florida springsPhoto by: florida springs