One Day at Silver Springs: Best Things to Do
Enjoy a scenic kayak trip like no other at Silver Springs State Park. This guide features everything you need to know before you go including things to do, what to bring, & much more.
After leaving the incredible Rainbow Springs State Park, where we kayaked the Rainbow River, we made our way to our next stop, Silver Springs! Silver Springs is Florida’s first attraction and one of the largest fresh water springs found in the state. The park is most known for its glass bottom boat tours, excellent wildlife viewing, and incredible kayaking. It’s a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail with opportunity to see wild turkey, bobwhite quail, hairy woodpecker, and American kestrel.
Many unique rock formations created from sand dollars, sea biscuits, clams, and snails can be found at Silver Springs. Over time, these fossils and other particles became naturally cemented together forming the limestone that you see today.
The parks numerous outdoor activities make it a great place for all ages to explore the beauty and wonder of Florida’s fresh water springs. Whether you have just one day or a couple days to spare, Silver Springs State Park is a great place to visit.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Silver Springs
Getting to Silver Springs
When to Visit
What to Bring
Things to Do
ABOUT SILVER SPRINGS
Silver Springs State Park is a 5,000 acre fresh water spring located in Central Florida. It’s been a main attraction in the state since 1820 when it became a commercial distribution center for the surrounding area. As popularity for the springs grew you could find steamboats racing up the river to deliver eager passengers to the wonder that is Silver Springs.
By the 1930’s Silver Springs was the set for many Hollywood films including Creature from the Black Lagoon, James Bond’s Moonraker and James Dean’s Rebel Without A Cause. However due to the building of Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, Silver Springs popularity started to decline resulting in poor care for the park. In 2013 the State of Florida acquired the spring and has been in the process of restoring and preserving the area since.
ENTRANCE FEE
$8 per vehicle or you can use the Florida State Park Annual Pass.
PET POLICY
Pets must be leashed at all times and no longer than 6 feet in length. Pets are allowed on hiking trails, picnic areas and in the campground. They are not allowed on the water.
GETTING THERE
Silver Springs State Park is located in city of Ocala just 1.5 hours from Orlando. There are two entrances to the park, the main entrance on SR 40 and the camping & museum entrance which is located 1.3 miles from the main entrance.
1.5 hours from Tampa
1.5 hours from Orlando
2 hours from Jacksonville
4.5 hours from Miami
WHEN TO GO
Silver Springs is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m to sunset.
The water is a consistent 72 degrees year round, making summer, weekends, and holidays the busiest times for the park.
April through October bring the warmest weather with temperatures reaching the high 90’s. November through March bring cooler temps with high 70’s and low 50’s.
TIP | The only way to explore the water at Silver Springs is by kayak, canoe, or paddle board. No swimming is allowed.
WHAT TO BRING
Kayak
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Silver Springs. Bring your own or grab a rental available in the park. Rates are $30 per hour.
Paddle Board
A great way to view the crystal clear blue waters of Silver Springs. Bring your own or grab a rental available in the park. Rates are $35 per hour.
Underwater Camera
For capturing life underwater. We love using our GoPro.
Dry Bag
Great for keeping things you don’t want wet, dry.
Sun Protectant
There is no shade while in the water so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Water
Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love using our insulated bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
THINGS TO DO
KAYAK, PADDLEBOARD, OR CANOE
Paddling around Silver Springs gets you up close with countless fish, turtles, and even a few alligators. We launched at Fort King and paddled to Mammoth Spring which is the main headspring to explore the crystal clear water. Then we completed the 1 mile loop around Ross Allen Island.
For a longer adventure you can paddle the 5 miles down the Silver River to the Ray Wayside Park. From here you can paddle back against the current or arrange for the shuttle to pick you up. This is an awesome way to check out the wildlife that call Silver Springs home.
If you are looking for an awesome inflatable kayak check out the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak. It’s lightweight, compact, and travels easy.
HIKE & BIKE THE TRAILS
There are 7 trails to explore the park by foot or by bike. Five are found at the camping & museum entrance located 1.3 miles from the main entrance where you’ll find the other 2 trails. We saw deer, butterflies, and many birds. Remember to bring lots of water, sun protection, and insect repellent. Boots are also helpful as the trails can get muddy or sandy.
Camping & Museum Entrance Trails
Sandhill Trail - 1.7 mile loop - Yellow trail indicators.
Sinkhole Trail - 2.2 mile loop - Red trail indicators.
Old Field Loop - 0.8 miles - Green trail indicators.
Swamp Trail - 1.9 miles - Orange trail indicators.
River Trail - 1.3 miles - Dark Blue trail indicators.
Main Entrance Trails
Spring Connector Trail - 4.6 mile out & back
Creek Trail - 0.75 mile loop
GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR
In 1870 the glass bottom boat started as a piece of glass fixed to the bottom of a row boat. Since then it’s become Florida’s oldest attraction and remains a popular way to see the park. It provides an easy way to explore the springs without all the effort of paddling. The glass bottom boat brings you face to face with the underwater world that make up Silver Springs. The tours are available as 30 minute or 90 minute tours.
For more information about Glass Bottom Boat Tours.
CAMP IN SILVER SPRINGS
When visiting Silver Springs State Park a great place to stay is the Silver Springs Campground. It’s located 1.3 miles from the main state park entrance in its own separate facility. From here you have access to 5 of the 7 trails, a kayak launch into the Silver River, and the Silver Springs Museum.
RV or tent site options are available with water and electric connections. Each site comes with a grill, picnic table, fire ring and tons of space. Cabins are also available.
WALK THE GARDENS
The restored gardens at Silver Springs are a great way to explore the park on foot. The paved walkway makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy the colorful flowers, lush green trees and a variety of birds. It is also dog friendly.
Let us know what are your favorite ways to explore Silver Springs in the comments below!
SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Soak in Florida's natural fresh water springs with this guide to Rainbow Springs State Park. Featuring top things to do, best time to go, what to bring, & more.