Welcome to Silver Springs State Park, one of Florida’s most legendary natural wonders and—fun fact—the state’s oldest tourist attraction. Picture this: You’re gliding across crystal-clear water, looking down at an ancient underwater world. A turtle drifts by. An alligator suns itself on the shore. Maybe, if you’re lucky, a manatee floats past, giving you that slow, judgmental stare. And then—wait, was that a monkey swinging through the trees?

(Record scratch.)

Hold up. Monkeys? Wild monkeys? In Florida? Yep. And we’ll get to those in just a minute.

Located in Ocala, this place has been drawing visitors for over a century, thanks to its massive artesian springs that pump out 500 million gallons of water every day, forming the breathtaking Silver River.

Long before Florida became the theme park capital of the universe, Silver Springs was the place to visit. People came from all over to see the iconic glass-bottom boats, movie-worthy scenery, and—yes—wild monkey-filled forests. If you love nature, history, and just the right amount of Florida weirdness, you’ll probably love this place, too. And unlike some other Florida attractions, you won’t have to sell a kidney to afford it.

For me, Silver Springs is pure nostalgia. My grandparents lived nearby, and every Florida vacation included a stop here. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, this place was a full-on attraction—with rides, a jeep safari, animal shows, a concert stage, and even a water park. Yeah, it was kind of a big deal. But over time, things changed, and Silver Springs isn’t the bustling attraction it used to be.

But maybe… that’s a good thing?

Because now, it’s a peaceful, nature-filled escape—a place where you can step back in time and experience Old Florida the way it used to be. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s equal parts classic charm and outdoor fun, here are five solid reasons why Silver Springs still deserves a spot on your Florida bucket list!

Silver Springs State Park is affordable fun!

Let’s be real—Florida vacations aren’t cheap. A single day at Disney World or Universal will easily run you over $100 per person (and that’s before the food, drinks, and that impulse-buy souvenir you’ll regret later). But Silver Springs? This place is like stepping back into the 1980s price-wise—because admission is still just $2 per person.

Yep. Two bucks.

That’s less than a gas station coffee. Less than a toll on most Florida highways. Less than… well, basically anything these days. And parking is free, too.

For just $2, you can explore the park’s nature trails, boardwalks, and scenic river views, and even bring a picnic for an ultra-cheap day of fun. There’s also a retro-themed café inside, complete with a jukebox and a full-service bar(because sometimes, nature is best enjoyed with a cold drink in hand).

Glass-Bottom Boats – A Window to Another World

Now, let’s talk about the thing that made Silver Springs famous—those classic, iconic glass-bottom boats.

These tours have been running since 1878, making them the original Florida attraction. Before Mickey Mouse built his empire, tourists were coming here to marvel at the crystal-clear water and the strange, beautiful world beneath it.

The water is so clear that you can see straight to the bottom, where fish, turtles, ancient artifacts, and even old Hollywood movie props still rest. That’s right—Silver Springs was once a major filming location!

Classic Tarzan movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and even the old TV show Sea Hunt were all shot right here. So, as you glide across the water, just imagine a rubber-suited swamp monster lurking below, waiting to do… whatever lagoon creatures do.

Pricing:

• A 30-minute glass-bottom boat tour costs $15 per person
• A 90-minute extended tour (for hardcore nature lovers) is $25 per person

These tours at Silver Springs State Park sell out fast, so reserve in advance—otherwise, you might end up looking at the river from the shore, wishing you were on a boat.

Wild Monkeys & Other Crazy Wildlife

Yes, there are wild monkeys here.

Back in the 1930s, a boat tour operator thought it would be a fun idea to release Rhesus macaques on a small island in the river to make his jungle cruises feel more “authentic.” What he didn’t realize? Monkeys can swim.

They quickly escaped, multiplied like crazy, and now there are an estimated 400+ monkeys living in the park.

They may look cute, but don’t get too close—they’ve been known to bite, scratch, and even throw poop at annoying tourists. Oh, and a lot of them carry herpes. So… admire them from a distance unless you want a very unpleasant souvenir.

Interestingly, the park doesn’t officially acknowledge their presence. There’s no mention of them on the website, and you won’t see signs pointing them out. They’re an “if you know, you know” kind of deal—which makes spotting them even more exciting.

Kayaking & Paddling – Paddle Through Paradise

If you love kayaking, this is one of the most beautiful places in Florida to do it.

The Silver River is stunning—crystal-clear water, towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, and tons of wildlife. Paddle past turtles, gators, fish, and if you’re lucky, a manatee might glide by.

You can bring your own kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and launch for just $4, or rent one on-site. They even have clear kayaks, so you get your own personal glass-bottom boat experience.

Guided kayak tours are also available, but reserve in advance—this place gets busy, especially on weekends!

Silver Springs State Park is a Blast from Florida’s Past

If you want a taste of classic Florida, Silver Springs is a time capsule.

It was Florida’s first major tourist attraction, drawing visitors long before the era of roller coasters and theme parks. Back in the day, this place had rides, a water park, a jeep safari, and even live animal shows.

While those attractions are gone, the nostalgia remains. Walking through the park, you’ll see old wooden docks, vintage signs, and the same iconic glass-bottom boats that have been running for over 140 years.

And if you’re a movie buff? You’ll love knowing that Hollywood once used this place as its go-to jungle set.

So, should you visit Silver Springs?

Absolutely.

It’s beautiful, historic, and super affordable. Whether you want to take a glass-bottom boat ride, spot some wild monkeys, kayak through paradise, or just soak up some classic Florida nostalgia, Silver Springs is 100% worth the trip.

And best of all? You won’t go broke doing it.

📍 Plan your visit: https://silversprings.com/plan-your-day

Silver Springs State Park is located just east of downtown Ocala in Silver Springs, Florida. 

5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40)
Silver Springs, FL 34488