The Magical Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park is home to one of America’s largest and most-loved springs. The park is famous for its Glass Bottom Boats and its kayaking trail. Silver Springs State Park is perfect for leisurely walks, hikes, kayaking, paddle boarding, and camping. It is the perfect day trip from most major north and central Florida cities.
From the moment that you pull into Silver Springs State Park, you know that this place is totally different than most of the nearly 1000 Florida springs. There is a massive theme park-esque sign that welcomes you to the park.
Table of Contents
The History of Silver Springs
Native Americans were known to use the river as a food source as far back as 1500 (but probably before then). Evidence of their presence can be found at the bottom of the Silver River in the form of a 500+ year old sunken dugout canoe.
Spanish explorer Hernado de Soto is thought o have been the first European to discover the area.
Years later, it became one of Florida’s first tourist attractions. In the 1950s, more than 800,000 people a year would visit the park! The main entrance to the park is a reminder of this former roadside attraction.
Silver Springs was classified as a national natural landmark in 1971 and was acquired by the state of Florida in 2013.
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
The Glass Bottom Boat Tour is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your visit. Glass Bottom Boat tours began in 1878! Not only are the boat captains totally hilarious, they are also incredibly knowledgeable. Our tour took us past 4 spring heads, an impressive 400+ year old sunken dugout canoe, and down the Silver River. We saw manatee, alligators, turtles, fish, and birds, as we heard stories about the history of Silver Springs State Park. The Glass Bottom Boat tour was a great introduction to the park.
The cost of the boat tour is $12 for adults.
Pro-Tip: There is no swimming at Silver Springs State Park. The springs are best experienced via Glass Bottom Boat Tours, kayak, or paddle board.
Rentals
The park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals.
- One Hour Paddle Rental- $20
- Two Hour Paddle Rental- $30
- Full Day Paddle Rental- $35
- Full Day Paddle Rental with Shuttle Service- This option is great for more experienced paddlers. After journeying 5 miles downstream, you’ll be shuttled back to Silver Springs State Park. $40
- 2 Hour Guided Paddling Tour- Prices vary
The Monkeys of Silver Springs
About 100 years ago, an eccentric boat captain released rhesus macaques monkeys on an island within the parks grounds in an attempt to create a Tarzan themed tourist attraction.
The monkeys were able to swim and escaped the island. Today, an estimated 176 monkeys call the Silver River home. Since the monkeys are known to carry disease, the park is working on relocated the monkeys elsewhere.
Visiting Silver Springs State Park
Physical Address:
Silver Springs State Park
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Entry Fees:
$2 per person. Children 6 and under a free.
The park is open 365 days a year from 8 am dark.
Know Before You Go
- There is no swimming or tubing at Silver Springs State Park. If you want to tube, we suggest checking out Blue Spring State Park, Kelly Park, or Ichetucknee State Park.
- There is a launch fee of $4 per vessel (+$2 per person admission) if you bring your own kayak, canoe, or SUP.
Are There Alligators in the Springs?
Are there Manatees at Silver Springs?
Yes! Your best chance for manatee sighting is in the winter months. Because the springs maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees, the manatees tend to leave the cold river for the warmer spring waters.
What is there to do Nearby?
The park is an excellent base for exploring the Ocala National Forest. Be sure to check out Juniper Springs (30 mins away), Alexander Springs (45 mins away), and De Leon Springs (50 mins away).
Our Spring Essentials
Floats and Rafts
SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float
More Fun Stuff!
Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask
Safety
Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit
Skin Care & Insect Repellent
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Towels & Swim Suits
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
Closing Thoughts
We absolutely loved our time at Silver Springs State Park. Our biggest regret was that we didn’t take our paddle board and kayak. The kids already started planning our return trip before we even left the park. I have a feeling we’ll be visiting again, very soon!
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9 Comments
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Catherine
Wait, monkeys and manatees?!?! Florida never ceases to surprise me! My family loved our last visit, we will definitley have to add a stop at Silver Springs to our next trip!
Carol Colborn
Manatees, alligators, and monkeys plus glass-bottomed tour of the magical springs!
Kelly
Silver Springs State Park sounds amazing, especially with so much history. It would be the perfect day to me to spend kayaking the river. I always love glass bottom boat rides as well. What you see below the water always tells a story.
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Jamie
I’d not heard of Silver Springs State Park before despite spending much of my childhood in Florida, but it looks gorgeous. I love the idea of seeing Manatees in the wild and the various outdoor activites that you can participate in, such as kayaking. And the Glass Bottom boat looks like it could be a fun few hours out!
Elle MacRae
I’m not surprised! It seems like in Florida there are two types of families; beach families and springs families. Growing up we spent more time at the beach than the springs. Now that I’m older, we try to balance out both. The springs are so amazing, but get really crowded during the hot months.
Nina Bosken
A glass-bottom boat sounds super cool. It would be awesome to see at the fish and life below it. This park looks awesome!
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