Driving from Jacksonville to Manatee Springs State Park: A Scenic North Florida Route

Manatee Springs State Park—home to a first-magnitude spring producing 100 million gallons daily and a winter refuge for manatees—lies about 109 miles (175 km) southwest of Jacksonville. The drive takes ~1 hour 45 minutes via a straightforward route through Florida's "Nature Coast."

Turn-by-Turn Directions

1. Start: Jacksonville. Get on I-95 South toward Daytona Beach.
2. ~45 mi: Take Exit 284 for FL-207 South toward Hastings / St. Augustine (signs may say "Volusia County").
3. Turn left onto FL-207 South. Follow for ~50 miles through rural farmland and small towns (Hastings, Spuds, East Palatka).
4. Cross the St. Johns River on the FL-207 bridge (scenic).
5. At intersection with US-19/US-98 (near Perry): Turn left onto US-19 South / US-98 West (joined here). Follow signs for Cross City / Chiefland.
6. ~8 miles: Turn right onto CR-326 / Manatee Springs Road (well-signed).
7. ~2 miles: Park entrance on the right. Follow signs to spring run, boardwalk, or campground.

Alternative Routes

• Via I-75 (faster but less scenic): I-95 S → I-295 W (Jacksonville beltway) → I-10 W → I-75 S (Ocala) → US-27 S (Williston) → US-19/98 S → CR-326. ~125 mi, ~2 hrs. Better traffic flow.
• Via US-301 / FL-24 (most rural): US-301 S (Starke) → FL-24 W (Gainesville/Bronson) → US-19/98 S → CR-326. Scenic but slower.

Tips

• Fuel/Food: Fill up in Palatka or Chiefland—limited services on CR-326.
• Traffic: FL-207 can back up near St. Augustine (tourists). Check FL511.com.
• Park Hours: 8 AM–Sunset, 365 days. $6/vehicle (2-8 people), $4/single, $2/bike/pedestrian.
• Manatee Season: Best viewing Nov–Mar. Boardwalk to Suwannee River is 800 ft.

The FL-207 route offers a classic "Old Florida" drive—moss-draped oaks, cattle ranches, horse farms, and the mighty St. Johns. Slow down and enjoy it.