Silver Springs State Park is a spring and river park in Silver Springs, Florida, about 7.3 miles from Silver Princess in Ocala. You can take in the headspring from a viewing deck, walk paved riverside paths, or book a glass-bottom boat tour.
- Address: 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, Florida 34488.
- Park hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.
- Glass-bottom boat tours include 30-minute and 90-minute options.
- Park admission varies by vehicle and visitor type; boat tours have separate prices.
What to See at Silver Springs State Park
The main entrance area brings together spring views, river paths, gardens and ways to get out on the water. Start at the headspring viewing deck, then follow the paved paths along the river and take in the ornamental gardens.
Glass-bottom boat rides and canoe and kayak rentals are also available from the main entrance. Swimming is not permitted at the park, so plan to enjoy the water from the viewing areas or on an activity that is allowed.
The park took shape in October 2013, when Florida took over the Silver Springs Nature Theme Park and combined it with adjacent Silver River State Park. The glass-bottom boats have been a Silver Springs attraction since the 1870s; the boat concessionaire says the glass-bottom boat was invented here.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours and Water Activities
Glass-bottom boat tours give you a view of the spring from the water, with both short rides and longer river tours available. Florida State Parks charges $17 for 30-minute tours for adults, $15 for seniors aged 55 and over and children aged 3–12, and nothing for children under 2.
For 90-minute tours, the prices are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors aged 55 and over and children aged 3–12, and nothing for children under 2.
The boat concessionaire says 30-minute tours run every 15–20 minutes and recommends reservations because they often sell out; limited walk-in seats are available first come, first served. Extended river tours are listed daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
For those departures, arrive 30 minutes early. Published start guidance ranges from a 10 a.m. start to departures every 15–20 minutes, so confirm the schedule with the concessionaire before setting out.
One of the concessionaire’s nine boats, the Chief Potackee, is wheelchair accessible when it is in service. Wind can affect its availability, and reservations for it require choosing a wheelchair-accessible time slot. Tours may also change or be canceled because of weather or other safety issues.
Pets are not allowed aboard the glass-bottom boats, though service dogs are permitted. Food is not allowed on board; beverages in containers with lids or caps are allowed.
If you bring your own canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, a $4 launch fee applies per craft at the headspring, in addition to park admission. The park says there is no land access from the water along the river or in the headspring area except at the canoe and kayak launch ramp.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation
The park’s mapped trails include the Half Mile Creek Trail, a 0.75-mile loop, as well as the Ross Allen Boardwalk, Spring Trail and Fort King Paddle Trail. No motor boats are permitted on the Fort King Paddle Trail.
For a land-based visit, pair the headspring viewing deck with a walk on the paved paths or one of the named trails. If you want to paddle, rentals are available at the park, and the headspring launch ramp is the land-access point for launching a privately owned canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Park Hours, Fees and Access
Silver Springs State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year. Florida State Parks charges $8 per vehicle carrying two to eight people, $5 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers.
The boat concessionaire separately instructs visitors to check in at its ticket booth and pay $2 per person for state-park admission, which differs from the park’s admission schedule. Because admission and tour details can change, check the official site before you go; confirm boat schedules with the concessionaire as well.
The park’s phone number is 352-236-7149. The Silver River Museum and Environmental Center has limited hours and a schedule separate from the rest of the park; check Marion Schools for its schedule before adding it to your plans.
How do you get from Ocala to Silver Springs State Park?
The park is at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Silver Springs, east of Ocala. If you are shaping a broader day in the city, this one-day Ocala itinerary can help you organize time around your park visit.
The park’s address gives you a destination to use when planning your route from Ocala.
For a practical overview of getting around the city before you set out, use this guide to getting around Ocala. Keep the park’s admission and tour arrangements in mind when deciding how to sequence your day.
FAQs
Can you swim at Silver Springs State Park?
No. Swimming is not permitted at the park; you can view the spring from the headspring deck or take part in available boating activities.
How much are glass-bottom boat tours?
The prices vary by tour length and age: 30-minute rides cost $17 for adults and $15 for seniors aged 55 and over and children aged 3–12, while 90-minute rides cost $35 and $30 for those groups, respectively. Children under 2 ride free.
Are glass-bottom boat tours available every day?
The concessionaire says 30-minute tours run 365 days a year, with departures every 15–20 minutes. Weather and safety issues can change schedules or lead to cancellations.