Silver Springs is one of Florida's largest artesian spring systems and a Florida State Park near Ocala. Glass-bottom boats have run here since the 1870s, and the clear Silver River is lined with cypress and wildlife including turtles, wading birds and wild monkeys introduced decades ago. Hiking trails, kayak rentals and a historic area complete the visit. The trip is about 75 miles (121 km) northwest from Orlando, roughly 1 hour 25 minutes by car. Take the Florida Turnpike and SR-40 or I-75 north to Ocala, then east on SR-40 to the park; about 1 hour 25 minutes. Costs: Park entry about $2 per pedestrian or cyclist and about $8 per vehicle (2-8 people); glass-bottom boat ride about $12-$15 adult; kayak rental about $20-$40 per boat. Before going, confirm hours and any closures with the operator at 352-236-7148 or www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/silver-springs-state-park.
| Distance | About 75 miles (121 km) northwest |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 25 minutes by car |
| Getting there | Drive: Take the Florida Turnpike and SR-40 or I-75 north to Ocala, then east on SR-40 to the park; about 1 hour 25 minutes. No LYNX or SunRail service reaches this destination, so rent a car, book a tour or use rideshare. |
| Cost | Park entry about $2 per pedestrian or cyclist and about $8 per vehicle (2-8 people); glass-bottom boat ride about $12-$15 adult; kayak rental about $20-$40 per boat |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- Gas plus about $2-$4 in tolls
- Frequency
- Any time; leave early to beat I-4 traffic
- Operator
- Rental agencies at MCO or Orlando hotels
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
- Mode
- Guided tour or coach
- Cost
- Few tours serve Silver Springs from Orlando; private van tours cost about $100-$180 per person
- Frequency
- Daily departures where available
- Operator
- Orlando tour operators (book via Viator or GetYourGuide)
- Departure point
- Selected Orlando, I-Drive and Disney area hotels
- Mode
- Rideshare one way
- Cost
- About $120-$170 each way; return pickups are unreliable
- Frequency
- Any time
- Operator
- Uber / Lyft
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
Location
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
29.2154, -82.0544 View on map
Highlights
- Ride a glass-bottom boat over the main spring boil
- Kayak or canoe the Silver River
- Hike the Silver River nature trails
- Look for turtles, otters and wading birds from the riverbank
Tips for visiting
- Reserve kayaks in advance on weekends and holidays
- Bring insect repellent for shaded trails
- Swimming in the spring is limited; check ranger instructions
- Combine with Ocala or the Crystal River day on a long trip
When to visit
Year-round; glass-bottom boats run daily. Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Accessibility
Glass-bottom boats and the main trails are accessible. Phone 352-236-7148 to confirm.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Silver Springs from Orlando?
About 75 miles, roughly 1 hour 25 minutes via the Turnpike and SR-40.
Can you swim there?
Swimming is limited in the main spring; kayaking and boat rides are the main activities.
What does it cost?
Park entry is a few dollars per person or about $8 per vehicle; boat rides and rentals are extra.