Attraction of the Week: Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park, a beautiful historic park in central Florida, is a unique roadside attraction to check out if you are traveling through this quaint rural area. This park has been attracting visitors since the 1870’s, making it the state’s oldest tourist attraction. Most famously, this park is known for their glass bottom boat rides, which have been in operation for over a hundred years.

Living in Tampa Bay area, we figured we would check out one of the these rides while living in close proximity. The tour was great and I recommend checking it out if you are passing by or located within a reasonable daytrip. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way, but it is a great daytrip from Tampa or Orlando.

A ride through crystal clear springs

Your tour guide will take you on a journey across one of the few remaining uninhabited springs in Florida. We learned a lot of history about the springs, wildlife, and even some movie filming history along the way. We learned that this springs happens to be one of the largest Artesian spring formations in the world, producing over 500 million gallons of water a day.

The water is crystal clear, so you can see all different sorts of fish and turtles from the transparent bottom of the boat. I found it a bit hard to take quality photos due to the speed of the boat, nevertheless, here is a sample of what you will see. Note: the views are much more spectacular in person! This is one of those things you have to experience for yourself to appreciate it.

I also enjoyed the beautiful views of the natural Florida landscapes which includes a beautiful mix of cabbage palms and other native trees which you will only see in the Southeast.

Wildlife sightings & Birdwatching

An alligator sighting or 2 is not uncommon. This gator blended in so well with the dirt that we didn’t even notice it at first! Living in Tampa, we see gators all the time (at various parks and even around the lake at our apartment complex) but it’s still fun to see all this exotic wildlife that I would never have seen growing up in the Midwest. It’s something different for sure and a nice bonus for anyone not naturally from the area.

Keep your eyes peeled – they are more likely to be seen in the winter basking in the sun to maintain their body temperature.

In addition to gators, you will likely see all different birds. Florida in general is a great place for bird watching. The Great Florida Birding Trail is basically a network of parks and sites where lots of birds have been sighted. They recommend the River Trail where you may seen migratory songbirds in the spring and fall months.

We also saw a few turtles – like the gators you will need to look closely as they blend in with the tree branches.

You may also see a monkey if you look around the trees. Several hundred Rhesus macaques (native to Asia) live along the river. They have been here since the 1930’s when they were brought in for a jungle cruise tour. Unfortunately, we did not see any during our cruise or nature walk. According to this news article, there are about 400 currently residing in the park.

On a side note, you may also see a manatee especially during the winter season. We did not see any, however, we saw one once while swimming in the Gulf which was pretty exhilarating and scary at the same time!

Movie props submerged under water

Our tour guide also informed us that several movies filmed here including: a few Tarzan features, Legend, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Rebel Without a Cause. Your guide will take you past a few submerged statues in the water that were used for various films like Moonraker and Jason and the Argonauts. My pictures didn’t turn out the best but you can sort of make out the statues.

How long is the tour?

The tours are pretty short (only 30 minutes), however, extended 90 minute tours are available on a limited basis (times listed below). Tours are fun and educational; your tour guide will point out different formations and unusual sightings in the water. Pricing is $15 per person.

You can reserve your ride on the website. Current boat times are: 10am, Noon, 2pm, and 4pm. Wheelchair accessible rides are offered at 11:30am and 1:30pm. Extended 1.5 hour boat tours are offered for an additional fee. Reservations required for extended rides and recommended for regular rides as they sell out quickly. Special brunch boat tours and clear kayak and paddleboard tours are also available. Prices current as of 2025 and subject to change. Please check the website for updates.

Hiking and other historical sites

The scenery surrounding the park is gorgeous with beautiful shady Spanish moss, cabbage palms, and cypress trees. Below are a few glimpses of the various plant life you will come across on your ride or on the trails. It’s fun to see a different side of Florida, especially if you are used to visiting the Gulf Coast beaches. Our visit fell during the winter season where most of the trees were pretty barren, so you can expect more lush greenery during the spring and summer season.

Hiking options include a few short trails including the popular 2 mile Swamp Loop which starts from the museum and features quaint river views. Native wildlife you may encounter include bobcats, Florida Black Bears, and coyotes, and armadillos. Of course, wildlife sightings are quite rare but still stay vigilant and keep your distance.

Our tour guide pointed out this horseshoe palm during our cruise. Supposebly, it is supposed to bring you luck if you stand inside it. We figured we would test it out and see if it brings us any luck in the future. Couldn’t hurt, eh?

You will also find a statue of Chief Osceola, a Seminole Indian chief of the early 1800’s. You can learn more about the historical roots of this park on the Springs website or at the museum.

A relaxing oasis

The overall tone of the park is pretty relaxing despite the heavy tourist traffic for the boat rides. I like that they have relaxing adirondack chairs set up so you can take in the springs scenery. If you are used to just visiting Florida for the theme parks, visiting the wild side of the state should be a nice change of pace.

More to do

Other recreational activities for more active types include equestrian trails, kayak and canoe rentals, and guided kayak tours. During the summer season, various concerts and events take place. There is also a small museum with some hands on exhibits that you can explore.

Location and Pricing Info

This park is conveniently located only 70 miles from Orlando and 90 minutes from Tampa, making it a great day trip destination for locals or tourists residing in or visiting either of these areas. I recommend a winter visit due to the cooler temperatures and lower chance of rain.

Admission is a bit pricey when you consider parking ($8) plus another $15 per person for the boat ride. However, most attractions in touristy states are pricey, and a trip here is much less expensive than any theme park. Make a whole day out of it: bring with a picnic lunch, wear gym shoes to hike a few trails, and bring with your camera to take some great photography.

Park hours are 8am – sunset, 365 days a year.