Top 5 Things to Do in Silver Springs, FL

Explore Silver Springs, FL: From kayaking and wildlife viewing to hiking and historical attractions, discover the top 5 activities for an unforgettable adventure.

THINGS TO DO

2/5/20252 min read

Guided Kayak Tour in Silver Springs
Guided Kayak Tour in Silver Springs

Silver Springs, Florida, is a vibrant state park known for its natural beauty and historic attractions. Many tourists come to the area to experience its crystal-clear springs, where the waters are so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. Families with kids also come kayaking in Silver Springs to see the many animals living in its natural surroundings.

When you come to Silver Springs, you will find lots of ways to explore, including my tranquil kayaking tours in Silver Springs, FL, which will show you it all. Here are some of the best things you can do in the state park.

1. Wildlife Viewing

Silver Springs is home to a variety of wildlife across its diverse habitats. There are several ways to view wildlife at the state park, including paddling, booking glass-bottom boat tours, and hiking or walking the boardwalk.

While the animals you’ll see depend on the area and the season, some of the key species you can find in the park include:

West Indian Manatee

River Otter

White-Tailed Deer

Armadillos

Florida Black Bear

American Alligator

Gopher Tortoise

Pileated Woodpecker

Limpkin

Migratory Songbirds

In addition, the park is also home to a wide range of insects and other invertebrates.

2. Try Out Wildlife Photography

With its vast number of animal species, Silver Springs is the perfect place to try wildlife photography. You can snap photos of the animals using a camera or a phone. The surrounding trees and fauna also make for a wonderful backdrop.

To get the best shots, we suggest visiting the park early in the morning or late afternoon when there are likely fewer crowds and the animals are more active.

3. Go Hiking

The park features hiking and nature trails of varying lengths. The River Trails are the most popular options. The Swamp Trail, for example, is a round-trip loop hike spanning over two miles. That path ends at a boardwalk along the Silver River. The River Trail is a 2.1-mile round-trip trail that brings visitors through river hammocks to a beach along the river with a loop at the end.

Other notable hiking trails include Creek Trail (0.75 miles), Spring Connector Trail (4.1 miles as a loop), Sandhill Trail (1.7 miles), and Sinkhole Trail (2.2 miles).

4. Visit Cultural and Historical Attractions

Silver Springs is certainly known for its natural beauty. However, there are also cultural and historical attractions you can visit inside the park. Cracker Village, for instance, is a beautiful replica of a 19th-century pioneer settlement that offers visitors a glimpse of Florida’s past.

Another great attraction to visit is the botanical gardens, which gives you a chance to have a more peaceful experience as you wander through nature.

5. Paddle the Silver River: Kayaking in Silver Springs

Finally, don’t miss the chance to paddle along the state park’s Silver River. The waters are crystal clear and slow-moving. It also serves as the home to plenty of aquatic life, including schools of fish, turtles, and manatees. As you paddle, you’ll pass lush greenery and beautiful cypress trees that make for a truly unforgettable trip.

Plan Your Adventure at Silver Springs!

If you’re hoping to get a memorable and enriching experience at Silver Springs, book a tour with us at Kayaking With Sassy. Our knowledgeable guides can show you the best spots along the river for wildlife watching and share interesting facts about the plants, animals, and history of Silver Springs. Your kayaking tour in Silver Springs will be unforgettable when you go with Sassy!

Plan your adventure today! Contact us for more information.