View of historic boats docked at the landing of Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park

Experience glass bottom boats over America's largest spring

PARDON OUR DUST

Effective June 29, 2023: New restroom facilities are being built at Silver Springs State Park near the paddle craft launch area. The day use picnic area is closed. Vehicles may be rerouted due to construction. Please follow signs, cones and instructions from park staff. We appreciate your patience.

Cabin Accommodations

Cabin furniture provided: one queen mattress and two twin mattresses. Please bring additional accommodations if needed. Thank you.

Hours

8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$8 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

1425 N.E. 58th Ave.
Ocala FL 34470

Get directions

Contact Info

352-236-7148

Welcome to Silver Springs State Park

Explore one of America’s largest and best loved springs from the park’s famous glass bottom boats and see an underwater world.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

The main spring is surrounded by serene gardens and historic structures reminiscent of the days when Silver Springs was a major destination for Northerners arriving by steamship.

The park is still a favorite destination and the home of the annual Springsfest celebrating protection and restoration of all Florida springs and waterways.

The Silver River allows kayakers to experience a primeval forest wilderness surrounded by some of the state’s best managed sandhills, accessible by trails and dotted with friendly campgrounds.

Plan Your Visit

A headshot of the park manager in dress uniform
Learn

Manager's Message

There are many ways to experience this fascinating place. Refresh or create memories with a glass bottom boat ride and walking trails. Immerse yourself further by camping with us or staying in a cabin and hiking our many designated trails. 
Boat Tours
Service

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

The glass bottom boats showcase the crystal clear springs and the underwater life that naturally inhabits Silver Springs. Enjoy one of the many daily trips up and down the Silver River where guests have the unique opportunity to see below the surface of the water and enjoy the river’s wildlife, vegetation, and historical and cultural artifacts.
Picture of Mammoth
Service

Silver River Museum

Visit the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center on weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is a program of Marion County Public Schools. The museum is located within Silver Springs State Park, off Baseline Road (County Road 35).

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Reunions and Gatherings
Reunions and Gatherings
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Cabins
Cabins
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Gardens
Gardens
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Laundry
Laundry
Museum
Museum
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Silver Springs State Park Photo Gallery

Two visitors walking through the Silver Springs Entrance
Kayaker paddling at Silver Springs State Park
paddle
Juvenile Alligator laying on Lily Pad photo by Jean Blom

Photo by Silver Springs employee Jean Blom

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Information
Kayaker with Manatee

If you're lucky, you can see manatees during your paddling adventure at Silver Springs State Park!

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Information
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Sherman's fox squirrel on a pine tree branch staring down at photographer

Photo by Silver Springs employee Jean Blom

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Information
View of Concessions at Silver Springs
Become a volunteer at Silver Springs
Silver Springs Springhead
Learn

Geology of Silver Springs

Silver Springs offers one of Florida’s premier views of clear groundwater flowing to land surface and an excellent example of the connection between rocks and water over geologic time. More than 30 springs that have been documented in the upper part of the Silver River. 
Silver Springs Trail
Learn

Trails of Silver Springs

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a walk on one of Silver Springs State Park’s paths and trails. You might catch a glance of a Sherman’s fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer or wild turkey among the longleaf pines.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Florida Safari Tram Tour

Sat, Jan 6, 2024 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Wildlife sightings are common!
Silver Springs

Silver Springs, FL

Event

Ocala Plein Air Painters

Sat, Jan 13, 2024 8:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

Join the Ocala Plein Air Painters the second Saturday of each month at the park throughout the springs side of the park.
Silver Springs

Silver Springs, FL

Event

Pioneer Village Tours

Sat, Jan 13, 2024 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

The pioneer "cracker" village is a collection of buildings that portray life on the Florida frontier.
Silver Springs

Ocala, FL

People Make the Parks

Sally Lieb

Staff Spotlight: 2020 Distinguished Service Award

Sally has received the 2020 Distinguished Service Award.
Britt and Bonnie Halsell

Volunteer Spotlight

Britt and Bonnie Halsell are the recipients of the 2021 Volunteer Team of Two of the Year Award for  Visitor Services.
Friends of Silver

Friends of Silver Springs State Park

Friends of Silver Springs State Park is a citizen support organization, a non-profit volunteer organization, dedicated to preserving and enhancing Silver Springs State Park.

This Park is Recognized by:

Green Lodging
Native American Heritage Trail
Viva Florida 500

Park Map

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