Silver Springs State Park
Explore Florida's pristine springs and abundant wildlife via kayak, boat tours, or scenic trails. A historic natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife sightings
Silver Springs State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Florida's pristine springs and abundant wildlife via kayak, boat tours, or scenic trails. A historic natural wonder.
"Magical. Simply magical. What an amazing adventure."
Book rentals online
Kayak & paddleboard rentals are popular; book ahead to guarantee your spot! :ticket:
Bring water & snacks
Especially for longer kayak trips, stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Silver Springs River
Glide over the springs and witness the underwater world without getting wet. A historic Florida attraction!
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Silver River
Explore the pristine, clear waters at your own pace, spotting wildlife along the lush riverbanks.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for monkeys, manatees, alligators, turtles, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals in Advance
Understand Park Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book rentals online
Kayak & paddleboard rentals are popular; book ahead to guarantee your spot! +1 :ticket:
Bring water & snacks
Especially for longer kayak trips, stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure. :water_wave:
Check waiver requirements
Fill out waivers online before arrival for a smoother experience, especially for boat tours. :memo:
Dog-friendly trails
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on trails, making it a great family outing. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book rentals online
Kayak & paddleboard rentals are popular; book ahead to guarantee your spot! +1 :ticket:
Bring water & snacks
Especially for longer kayak trips, stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure. :water_wave:
Check waiver requirements
Fill out waivers online before arrival for a smoother experience, especially for boat tours. :memo:
Dog-friendly trails
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on trails, making it a great family outing. :dog:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so good footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Silver Springs State Park as 'magical' and a 'natural gem' with breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. The affordability, accessibility, and variety of activities like kayaking and glass-bottom boat tours are frequently praised. Some minor issues include the need to book rentals in advance and ensuring promptness for boat tours.
"Magical. Simply magical. My husband and I had the most wonderful and relaxing time paddle boarding and kayaking here. It’s easy to book on their website (read all the instructions before you go) and super convenient. They supply the paddleboard and kayak and then even pick you and your equipment up downriver at the end of your journey to drive you back up to the parking lot. It’s a decent amount of time depending on how you pace it, for us at a super easy pace it was a bit over 3 hrs so definitely bring water! But man…what an amazing adventure. From the second you push off the rest of the world melts away and you are literally engulfed in Florida’s natural splendor. Beautifully shaped trees, crystal clear water, large fish and turtles swimming under you, gorgeous birds preening on tree stumps, diving for fish or soaring overhead and occasional crocodiles and even manatees! If you’re afraid of the heat, we went in August and it actually wasn’t so bad because there is so much shade on both sides all the way down the river to stay under. But for a half day adventure? Totally worth it! Just 3 hours of floating and relaxing and wondering at the beauty around you. Please, please, please. If you get the chance or are in the vicinity, stop and swing by. If you want to reserve a kayak or paddle board definitely do so on their website in advance. But either way, put this on your list. It’s so breathtaking and absolutely worth it 👍"
WS
"Amazing place with breathtaking views and so many wild animals. But for me absolutely the best were really nice and helpful staff and park rules which allow people to come with dogs as long as they behave. Thanks to that you can spend great family time on the trails. You can also rent a kayak which is so much fun."
Joanna MD
"What a beautiful place. We went to the park and rode the 90 minutes Glass bottom boat for the very reasonable senior discounted price of $25 a person. Captain Luke was knowledgeable and funny. It was a really nice boat ride. We saw anhingas, turtles, alligators, monkeys and several other birds. What a beautiful place. I'm glad that it is a state park. We are lucky to have such a nice place"
Michael Raftice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Silver Springs State Park is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Orlando. You can drive there via FL-408 W and FL-528 W, or take a more scenic route. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a car, though direct options might be limited.
Yes, there is parking available at the park. The main entrance on SR 40 offers convenient access. Be aware that parking fees may apply depending on the entrance you use. +1
Public transportation options to Silver Springs State Park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange private transport for the most convenient access.
The park offers various ways to explore, including walking trails, boardwalks, and water activities like kayaking and boat tours. Renting a kayak or paddleboard allows for self-guided exploration of the Silver River.
Yes, Silver Springs State Park has RV camping facilities, making it a great destination for a longer stay. It's part of the appeal for many travelers exploring Florida. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Silver Springs State Park is very affordable at $2.00 per person when entering through the main entrance on SR 40. Children 5 and under are free. +2
Yes, the entrance fee can vary. While the main entrance on SR 40 is $2 per person, the Camping and Equestrian Entrances have a fee of $8.00 per vehicle for 2-8 people.
While general park admission doesn't always require advance booking, it's highly recommended to book kayak, paddleboard, and glass-bottom boat tours in advance, as they can sell out. +1
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Silver Springs State Park website for the most up-to-date information on park hours and any specific attraction operating times.
Yes, senior discounts are available for the glass-bottom boat tours, making it a more affordable option for older visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of activities including glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking on scenic trails, and wildlife viewing. It's a great place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. +1
Swimming is generally not permitted in the main springs themselves to preserve their natural state and protect wildlife. However, you can enjoy the clear waters through kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours.
You have a great chance of spotting monkeys (rhesus macaques), manatees, alligators, turtles, and a wide variety of birds. The clear waters make wildlife viewing exceptional. +3
Yes, the park features several hiking trails and boardwalks that wind through natural landscapes, offering opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the scenery. +1
Absolutely! Families can enjoy the accessible trails, wildlife spotting, and water activities. The dog-friendly trails are also a plus for families with pets. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available within the park. You can find a cafe offering sandwiches and snacks, and they also have a full bar menu.
Picnicking is a popular option at Silver Springs State Park. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at designated picnic areas.
The park cafe offers items like smoked gouda and green apple grilled sandwiches, with sides such as sliced cucumbers and pita chips with hummus.
Yes, a full bar menu is available at the park's dining facilities, meaning you can enjoy alcoholic beverages with your meal.
While the park has dining options, there are also restaurants in the nearby town of Silver Springs and the larger city of Ocala if you prefer more variety.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire park offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the crystal-clear springs and lush riverbanks to the diverse wildlife. Boardwalks and trails provide excellent vantage points.
Yes, the glass-bottom boat tours are a fantastic way to capture unique underwater shots and see wildlife from a different perspective.
Wildlife photographers often focus on capturing images of the monkeys, manatees, alligators, and various bird species that inhabit the park.
While wildlife is abundant, it's important to maintain a safe and respectful distance. The clear waters and open areas often provide good opportunities without disturbing the animals.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. This is also when wildlife is often most active.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🐾 Pet-Friendly Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Silver River: Kayaking & Paddleboarding
When paddling, be prepared for a truly immersive nature experience. The riverbanks are lush and verdant, providing ample shade, which is a welcome relief even on hot Florida days.
A Glimpse into History: The Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
The tours offer a unique perspective of the springs, allowing passengers to peer through the glass bottom and observe the vibrant underwater ecosystem without getting wet. During the approximately 90-minute tour, knowledgeable captains like Captain Luke share insights into the history of the springs and point out the diverse wildlife. Visitors often report seeing anhingas, turtles, alligators, and even monkeys from the boat.
Encountering Silver Springs' Famous Residents: Wildlife
+2 These primates, descendants of monkeys introduced in the 1930s, can often be seen along the riverbanks and even near the trails. +1Beyond the monkeys, the crystal-clear waters are home to manatees, especially during cooler months, offering a truly magical sighting for lucky visitors.
+2 Alligators are also a common sight, often seen basking on logs or swimming in the river. Remember to always observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance, as they are wild animals. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit