Location: Silver Springs
Top Things to do in Silver Springs
Top Restaurants in Silver Springs
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Things to do in Silver Springs, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Parks
Silver Springs is an unincorporated community in Marion County, Florida, United States. It is the site of Silver Springs, a group of artesian springs and a historic tourist attraction that is now part of Silver Springs State Park. The community is part of the Ocala metropolitan area.
Restaurants in Silver Springs
1. Forest Animal Rescue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Wild animal sanctuary providing permanent homes for rescued big cats, wolves, bears, primates, bats and more along with rehabilitation and release of native black bears. 90 minute guided by one of the sanctuary founders available twice monthly, by appointment only, can be booked on Forest Animal Rescue's website
Reviewed By 76garyb - Silver Springs, United States
Not a zoo and not an entertainment. These folks really care for animals and give unwanted exotic animals a pleasant home to live out their days. Big cats, bears, apes and monkeys, you name it and they are provided with care and a home. Contact the management for info about a tour or making an always-needed donation. Volunteer help is also appreciated.
2. Juniper Springs Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Showcasing sparkling springs in a subtropical setting, Juniper Springs is one of the oldest and best known recreation areas on the east coast. Located between Ocala and Ormond Beach along SR 40, this complex of swimming and picnic areas, campground, and trails was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The setting is unlike any other found in the United States, with hundreds of tiny bubbling springs and massive springs gushing out of crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks; an oasis within the heart of the desert-like Big Scrub.
Reviewed By DebbieG1964 - Palm Harbor, United States
I had a wonderful kayak run on the river. Yes, you do have to get your kayak/canoe on the cart and walk it some distance along the boardwalk to the river. Then you have to bring it back to the office to get your oar, whistle, life jackets... Someone from the park will help you put the kayak in the water. This run is for Experienced kayakers only! The river is high, the currents are strong. You must know how to correctly steer your kayak/canoe away from below & above the water hazards as the river winds around with the strong currents! In fact, many people have flipped over especially in the rapids. Tree limbs are down across the river in many places since Irma. In order to pass some, you must duck way, way under--flat. So people with back problems should avoid the run. If you get hurt, please don't sue the park! Don't ruin it for the rest of us who come often to enjoy the river. The price to rent a kayak/canoe is much higher now because of the injuries sustained by novice kayakers. No, you can't take your food...in plastic bags. When you return, you do help unload the kayak/canoe on to the rack. Outside of that, there is no better kayak run! There is amazing cool, blue natural springs to swim in. Kids used to be able to jump in from the platform, but years ago, some kids were horsing around and a boy jumped in on top of a girl swimmer breaking her clavicle. Instead of taking responsibility for their lack of proper parental supervision, the parents sued the park! Now, the platform is fenced off. If you jump in, you will be warned then asked to leave. If you come, come to enjoy the peace & quiet. Please leave your music, speakers & alcohol beverages at home! Don't run it for the rest of us! This includes in the campgrounds! There are black bears, wild turkeys, racoons, deer...who frequent the springs area. The staff asked to please advise all visitors via Internet to please do NOT feed the bears here or anywhere in the country! If they get too people friendly (due to feeding), they will be relocated or even euthanized. The same for alligators & other critters! There are alligators in and around the river so don't wade in and keep pets away! Alligators are often well hidden, set up to ambush water fowl and can move very, very fast! Don't underestimate them! If you are from out of state, know that just about every body of water, regardless of the size may have an alligator in it! So be advised! Don't wade in with your feet or bring your pets near the edge. That includes man made lakes, watersheds, ponds along trails... Alligators move around often sometimes for many miles looking for water especially during the winter drought! If you get hurt, don't sue the park, county or state! There is a short boardwalk nature trail to another beautiful blue spring in the back. I have seen alligators, river otters, turtles, bear... there so be mindful. I also walked Florida Trail on the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Saw bear paw prints, deer, wild turkey & raccoon tracks. They are using the trails because the forest is so thick in most places. So hike with awareness & respect the wildlife! Some of the trail is flooded over with no above crossing. The campgrounds are nice with showers & clean bathrooms. Please be consider of others who come out to enjoy the peace & quiet. There is nothing more rude & disrespectful when people crank up their music when others wish to enjoy nature's peace & quiet. All in all, a great trip. One of my favorite places!
3. Juniper Creek
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 89 reviews
Creek in the Ocala National Forest popular for canoeing and swimming.
Reviewed By brianm7516 - Jacksonville, United States
This is a great paddle for experienced kayaker, if you are not, drive down to Silver Springs or Salt Springs. This is WILD Florida, not tourist land. There will be gators, there will be limbs and trees down, and during bear mating season, the run might just be closed. You won't be able to get on your phone because there is no service or stop for a break on shore. Its a great run for people that want to see real Florida and are experienced paddlers.
4. Ray Wayside Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Mangzz - Bradenton, United States
This is a very nice park costs $5, bathrooms are decent. The Silver River is beautiful, people fishing. However, if you want to see Silver Springs, I recommend launching from the State Park. The trip from wayside was tough and we kayak often. The current was very strong and took us quite a while to get all the way there.
