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    Silver Springs State Park

    4.3 (61 reviews)

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    we would like to know just what the heck you guys at kayaking florida are trying to do here to people, you take a married coulpe on a tour for hours, see more wildlife then they have seen in their entire life (and we are old) not only that but you all were all polite and considerate and very knowledgeable and then you turn around and only charge that amount of money for all of it?????????? you guys must be crazy!!!!!! we had a fantastic time and saw so much and went so many places and with the current.....very low impact. the movies and pictures you sent us were great not to mention "free". kevin o'conner was brimming with history and knowledge about the area, the water, the wildlife and a very sharp eye for spotting those gators and fish. he paddles backwards so you see him and hear him very clearly, but he doesn't run into anything??? again....had a great time, a must do in the sunshine state!!!!

    Melissa B.

    Saturday August 12th, we walked around Silver Springs State Park and took kids on Glass Bottom Boat Ride in the Lagoon of Silver Springs. We saw Turtles and lots of fish while learning the history of the park & area. It was absolutely beautiful day! No swimming in this Crystal Clear water because Alligators dominate this water. The boat ride was very nice. We had reservations on the 9:45am boat. They also enjoyed having their Paw Paw Lee with them. There is a lot of history here Including it was once owned by CBS and several movies including Creature from the Black Lagoon and series Seahunt with Lloyd Bridges. We didn't get to see Monkeys or Alligators..Definitely going back!

    Cabin 5 back porch
    Vicki M.

    We rented one of the cabins for a weekend. They are super cute and have 2 bedrooms, a gas fireplace, grill and fire pit. The reservation process and check in were easy. Reservations are available online 11 months in advance and go fast. The cabin loop was very quiet. We went to the other side of the park and enjoyed the glass bottom boat ride, I highly recommend. The captain was very informative and funny. I would return to the park during warmer months to do some hiking and kayaking

    Lucas R.

    An incredible tour for those who enjoy and appreciate nature, Ocala has several options but this traditional place has already been the setting for some famous films, we loved the experience we had here in 2023.

    Kasey C.

    In 1878, Hullam Jones invented the glass bottom boat for Silver Springs providing a unique and spectacular view if one the larger natural springs in Florida. After WW ll, Silver Springs was one of the most visited attractions in Florida, particularly with the glass bottom boat ride. It's off the main path of Florida today and is a quiet, slow paced wonderful experience. Manatees often frequent the springs and of course loads of fresh water fish. Overnight camping is available, and the Stare is updating the restrooms and snack areas in 2023. Open year-round from 8 am to Sundown, fall and winter are perfect times to visit. Check out website: Floridastateparks.org for entrance fees and camping options.

    Goofing off before the tour.
    Kathryn Y.

    Apparently this used to be the biggest tourist spot in Florida. Before Disneyland took over. If you love nature, and I do!, this is the spot for you. On the day of my visit it was very busy with kayaks but the tour boats have priority on the river. Basically it was one giant spring! Alligators, turtles, and manatees. Loads of birds and fish too. If you have your own kayak they have launching fees and places for that. Next time I'd love to rent a glass bottom kayak as it allows you access to certain areas not accessible by boat. Definitely must visit more than once place!! Wear sunscreen and a hat. Happy yelping.

    Our Jayco North Point 310 on site 39. Hug sites and awesome trails.
    Charles I.

    Love this park for the bike & hiking trails, Kayaking and glass bottom boat rides. Visit the very nice museum of some local history & a little cracker village of some old homestead homes.

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    Such a nice day out and about. The springs are beautiful to walk by and look at but I would definitely recommend kayaking it.

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    Ask the Community - Silver Springs State Park

    Review Highlights - Silver Springs State Park

    We enjoyed the glass bottom boat ride where we saw many turtles, all kinds of fish and beautiful birds.

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    Scott Springs Park

    Scott Springs Park

    4.2(18 reviews)
    7.2 mi

    I often come to this park since it's close by. It's a 21 acre park with a natural spring Grotto…read morewhich is very beautiful and relaxing. It has a playground and children's exercise equipment that adults can use as well. Just a few things but they are fun. There are picnic areas, pavilions, lot's of trails for walking, hiking and even a health trail and a small cave! There is a bike section that include a skills area/jump lines a berm and a skinny ! There are areas where you can fly kites and go for a run. This is a park for the nature lover and for everyone to see. Many families come here but it's never appeared crowded due to how spacious and the variety of activities. There is even a little free outdoor library box at the entrance. Restrooms for everyone and lot's of parking! I need to get more pictures my phone was on 1 percent. I will definitely go and get pictures soon! The park is opened from sunrise to sunset ! Address: 2825 SW 24th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34471 Phone: (352) 368-5517 I hope that you will visit and enjoy the park as much as I do!

    Two things set what would be a pretty average park in bland surroundings apart - the scenic grotto…read morewhich it's named after (go ahead and call it a sinkhole and not a springs if you want; it's still cool and unique in my book) and the Jordan Shapot painted panels lending the place a bit of culture and history. The bike trail is smooth but boring. It just circles the big field with picnic tables and playground equipment without even a small diversion into some woods. I had my dad's janky garage sale bought bike so I wasn't about to attempt the ramps and obstacles they have set up for mountain bikes. The deck next to the grotto could be bigger but there was no one down there when I went so that wasn't an issue. I could see how it could be though. It's a nice little spot of serenity. So if you get sick of the rat race come hang here with the turtles. (I didn't see any but I hear they got em.)

    Photos
    Scott Springs Park - Me in the terrain park with my Stumpjumper.

    Me in the terrain park with my Stumpjumper.

    Scott Springs Park - Such pretty feet!!-2016

    Such pretty feet!!-2016

    Scott Springs Park

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    Sholom Park - The land

    Sholom Park

    4.8(57 reviews)
    13.5 mi

    Wow! WoW! Wow! I think this park is profoundly under the radar and simply not well known enough…read more This isn't just some playground with a path. In fact, there is no playground equipment at all. What it does offer, though, is everything one could want in a natural setting. You can walk for a little while or lose yourself in it for much longer. The paths are easy, accessible, and thoughtfully laid out, with enough variation to keep things interesting from start to finish. It never feels repetitive, which is rare. The labyrinth was genuinely enjoyable, with multiple points of interest throughout. Subtle shifts in sound and visual texture keep you engaged, yet everything remains grounded in simple nature, shaped by the hands of men.. nothing artificial or forced, just an intentional design that draws you in. The crowning glory moment for me was the Zen garden. I cannot remember the last time I felt that level of calm and stillness. It has a way of centering you almost immediately. I would have stayed longer, but I needed a restroom, which unfortunately was closed at the time. This is a place I will return to without hesitation. My mother has yet to see it, and I already know she is going to love it.

    What an astoundingly beautiful park near On top of the world in Ocala…read more The long, winding drive to the parking area is absolutely beautiful. And the parking area is the hub. Theres a gated park that has a fountain, walking thru that, you get to walk the labyrinth in contemplation. It truly is a spiritually refreshing walk. The Zen garden is simply a work of art. They maintain it as a meditation garden, so its a quiet zone. There is a large open space, perfect for gatherings and picnics. Theres a great big walking trail with shady benches ever 20 feet or so. The pomd with the koi is nice, the fish are large, but the water is stagnant and smells bad. Those fish are HUGE! I LOVE THIS PARK

    Photos
    Sholom Park - Raking Garden

    Raking Garden

    Sholom Park
    Sholom Park

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    Tuscawilla Park

    Tuscawilla Park

    4.3(12 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    This park is right by my daughter in law and son's apartment and in the downtown district…read more There is a small lake that you can take a nice walk , admire some of the wildlife or fish ( catch and release )It's very beautiful and nice anytime of year. There is a playground for the kids the Discovery Center which is a science museum for kids. There is lighted tennis and basketball courts to enjoy. There's even a baseball field and a racquetball court! Quite a lot for this park which is really a nice treat. It is also known as having rotating sculptures or art installations at Tuscawilla's Art Park as it is located in the park. Many people come here daily it's downtown and really a lovely place to enjoy. The main address: 800 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, Florida 34470 Tuscawilla Art Park address : 213 NE 5th st. Ocala, Florida 34470 Tuscawilla Playground Address: 836 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, Florida 34470 The Discovery Center Address: 701 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, Florida 34470 Ocala Parks and recreation phone number: 352) 368-5517. Discovery Center phone number: (352) 401-3900 Pavillion Rental phone number: { Booking space for events } (352)368-5509 Park Ranger phone Number: (352)789-1133 Enjoy your visit !

    A nice smaller park, with a walking area around the pond. Ducks, egrets, turtles, lots of anhinga,…read moreand a few other waterfowl. Fishing is allowed but catch and release only. There are some interesting sculptures and beautiful trees. There is a playground, some benches, and a few picnic tables.

    Photos
    Tuscawilla Park
    Tuscawilla Park
    Tuscawilla Park

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    Ocala Wetland Recharge Park

    Ocala Wetland Recharge Park

    3.8(4 reviews)
    6.4 mi

    This park is such a peaceful, scenic escape. The walking trails are beautifully maintained, and the…read moreboardwalks give you the perfect view of the wetlands, birds, and wildlife. It's a great spot for a relaxing walk, photography, or just sitting quietly to soak in the view. There's educational signage throughout the park, which I loved, it's fascinating to learn how this place is helping the environment while also being so beautiful. It's super clean, safe, and free to visit. I would love if they had planted some flowers around and some plants so it has a better landscape. For a bit of the walk it felt like a desert land and like that had ripped out a lot of the plants and natural flowers but that's just my assumption. Whether you want a mindful stroll or just some fresh air and a gorgeous sunset, this place is a must-see. I'm already planning my next visit!

    No entrance fee. So much to read and learn in this interesting 60 acre park. Plus there are photo…read moreops galore...have your camera handy. Tom and I spent the morning at this very interesting park. We walked a lot of the 2 & 1/2 miles of paved trails and boardwalks with occasional stops at different look-outs. There are many displays with information that are dotted thru out the park plus a huge tube-shaped structure that explains the logistics of what you'll encounter during your adventure. There are endless photo ops of interesting scenery, birds, ducks, turtles and colorful flowers. Huge trees draped with Spanish moss swaying in the welcome breeze...what a sweet way to spend a Florida morning.

    Photos
    Ocala Wetland Recharge Park
    Ocala Wetland Recharge Park
    Ocala Wetland Recharge Park

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    Landbridge Trailhead - On the north corner of the parking lot is the biking trail to the Landbridge, fun ride to this beginner

    Landbridge Trailhead

    5.0(3 reviews)
    11.5 mi

    Kicking off the new year on a new trail - and it was a great one! This trail is part of the Majorie…read moreHarris Carr Cross Florida Greenway that stretches from the Gulf to the St Johns River, the Greenway is a Florida State Park. This address takes you to the Landbridge Trailhead (approximately 1.4 miles NE of the actual I-75 Landbridge) and has separate parking and trails for equestrians -vs- hikers and bikers which is nice. There are bathrooms, a water bottle filler, a bike wash station, a few picnic tables, a bike tool station (although the air hose was cut) and all of it very well maintained given the impressive number of acres. The mountain bike trail intersected the paved trail so when we had enough bumps (hello, beginner here?!) we could take the paved trail a little while longer and all the back, thank goodness.

    Came here for the first time this past weekend and really enjoyed it. We will definitely be coming…read moreback. At this trailhead, there is PLENTY of parking (when you pull in go to the right - it goes around a corner and there is where you'll see a couple of parking lots). There are bathrooms, a water fountain, and trail map here at the trailhead. You can choose a couple different trails - going to the right is a 3.5 mile hike (one way - so there and back is 7 total) that goes over to the 49th ave trailhead or to the left goes to Santos (7 mile one way). We went with Santos. Things were pretty clearly marked; however we somehow ended up on the bike trail at some point (there were 4 of us and we were busy in conversation so ya know, it happens lol), but was easy enough to make our way back so our 7 miles turned in to about 8-8.5. Worked out great because we ended up coming out where Santos Bike Shop is and took a Lyft/Uber back to our car at the trailhead. The bike shop was great, super nice people, plenty of knowledge in there. The trail itself is shaded for the most part, sun creeps in, but it's definitely shaded with all the trees. We saw a LOT of cool looking trees. I'm a big fan of being able to explore Florida (free is even better) so it's nice to be able to go out on the trails without having to pay to get in to parks or for parking or what not. If you have bikes, this is a GREAT trail to come to - the trails are separate as far as bike friendly and people hiking friendly which is nice for both parties. We really enjoyed and can't wait to visit again.

    Photos
    Landbridge Trailhead - Horses at the trailhead :)

    Horses at the trailhead :)

    Landbridge Trailhead - At the top of the Landbridge!

    At the top of the Landbridge!

    Landbridge Trailhead - At the top of the Landbridge over i75!

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    At the top of the Landbridge over i75!

    Silver Springs State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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