Silver Springs State Park is a must-visit year-round, but winter offers something extra special. Growing up, I loved coming here as a kid, marveling at the glass bottom boats and the wildlife. Now, I’ve returned with my family to experience the park in a whole new way. Winter is the perfect time to explore without the heat and humidity, making everything more comfortable and enjoyable.
Florida’s winters might not bring the dramatic seasonal changes seen in northern states, but they do offer a break from the sometimes oppressive summer heat. The cooler temperatures make paddling with manatees, hiking the trails, or strolling through the gardens a much more pleasant experience.
In this post, I’ll share why winter is such a great time to visit Silver Springs. From spotting wildlife to enjoying cozy indoor spaces, there’s plenty to explore during the cooler months!
Table of Contents
- Quick Intro to Silver Springs State Park
- Where is Silver Springs?
- Manatees Love Silver Springs
- Other Winter Wildlife at Silver Springs State Park
- Enjoy Winter Camping at Silver Springs State Park
- Cooler Temperatures = Perfect for a Leisurely Garden Strolls
- Winter is Trail Season at Silver Springs
- Grab Lunch and a Warm Drink!
- Horseback Riding at Silver Springs – A Perfect Winter Experience
- Warm Up at the Silver River Museum & Education Center
- Learn More
Quick Intro to Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park is famous for its iconic glass bottom boats. The park became a tourist attraction in the 1870s, and glass bottom boats were invented here during this time.
From the 1930s to the 1980s, it was a hot spot for filming movies and TV shows. It’s a paddler’s paradise with more than 30 springs to explore. The St. Johns River Water Management District site has fascinating information for those interested in the science behind these natural wonders.
Where is Silver Springs?
Silver Springs is just outside of the Ocala National Forest. It’s a 90-minute drive from Orlando and Daytona Beach, so it’s doable for a day trip.
The main entrance is at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488, but there are multiple entrances. Check the park website to make sure you are going to the correct address for the activities you would like to do.
For a deeper dive into all the activities and history of the park, check out my full Silver Springs guide blog post here.
Manatees Love Silver Springs
While manatees can be spotted at Silver Springs year-round, the best time to see them is during Manatee Season, from November 15th to April 1st. During these winter months, manatees seek warmer waters, making an incredible journey from the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Johns River, navigating the risky Buckman Lock, and following the Ocklawaha River until they reach the Silver River.
The best way to spot these gentle giants is by taking a glass bottom boat tour or paddling along the river, but they can also be seen from footpaths and observation areas along the Silver River. Manatees are naturally curious, but it’s important to give them space. If they become too accustomed to humans, it could put them in danger.
Want to learn more about manatees, check out the Save the Manatees website.
Manatees, Wildlife and Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Winter is a great time for a glass bottom boat tour because the covered, open-aired boats travel along the shade-less Silver River, and the cooler temperatures keep the ride comfortable. This is also peak manatee season, making winter the ideal time to spot them while staying warm.
The glass bottom boat tour dates back to the 1870s and is a must-do. It’s fully accessible, entertaining, and informative. You can choose between a 30-minute or 90-minute tour, and while the boat ride is an additional cost to the park entry fee, it’s absolutely worth it.
We took the 30-minute tour in April, and it was a hit with everyone. It’s like snorkeling without the effort! The water was so clear, and we saw tons of fish, turtles, and even a tiny baby turtle that had us squealing with delight. The captain was friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all of my questions. Although we didn’t see any manatees since it was after their peak season, there are always a few in the spring run, but visiting in winter gives you the best chance to see them up close.
Paddling with Manatees
Silver Springs is an ideal spot for paddling, especially during the cooler months. Since you have to stay on your vessel and much of the paddle routes are fully exposed to the sun, winter makes the experience much more enjoyable.
On colder days, the chances of seeing manatees increase dramatically. We paddled on a chilly December morning and were treated to countless manatee sightings. It was a weekend, so there were a lot of people on the water as well. If you’re hoping for a quieter experience, try visiting on a weekday and avoid busy holiday weekends.
When paddling near manatees, remember to:
- Give them space and observe from a distance
- Never feed, water, or touch them
Manatees are protected under several laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and breaking these laws can lead to fines or arrest. There’s always plenty of other wildlife to see, so be sure to respect their space as well.
Find more tips for paddling at Silver Springs here!
Other Winter Wildlife at Silver Springs State Park
Winter is also a great time to spot other wildlife at Silver Springs. Alligators can be seen sunning themselves on logs near the water’s edge, and you might spot a few turtles basking in the sun. Keep your distance from the alligators, and never feed or harass them.
Silver Springs is also home to rhesus macaques, which were introduced to the park in the 1930s. If you see them, make sure to keep a safe distance—these monkeys are known for unpredictable behavior, including flinging poo!
Enjoy Winter Camping at Silver Springs State Park
Camping in Florida is best in winter! The cool temperatures means you can enjoy sitting outside and make smores!
Silver Springs offers 59 campsites spread across two campgrounds, with several spots large enough to accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length. Each campsite is equipped with water, electricity, a fire ring, a grill, and a picnic table for your convenience. While there is no direct sewer hookup at the sites, a dump station is available within the park. You can easily make reservations online to secure your spot.
Winter camping at Silver Springs lets you enjoy the cool nights under the stars and the peaceful sound of nature, all without the intense summer heat.
Primitive Group Camping
In addition to the two main campgrounds, Silver Springs also offers primitive group camping. The group site includes picnic tables, a shared fire ring, a launch for paddle craft, and portable toilets. Keep in mind, there is no access to potable water, so be sure to come prepared. To reserve a spot, you can contact the ranger station at 352-236-7148, ext. 4.
Cooler Temperatures = Perfect for a Leisurely Garden Strolls
Florida’s mild winters make exploring the beautiful gardens at Silver Springs a relaxing experience. The paved paths are fully accessible, with spots like the Camellia Garden and Osceola Garden offering plenty of places to snap photos or simply soak in the scenery. Need a break? Benches are scattered along the way, perfect for catching your breath or taking a moment to enjoy the view.
When we visited in the spring with my mother-in-law, we enjoyed these lovely paths and made good use of the benches. It’s also where we stumbled upon the Silver Springs Wings! Just keep in mind that not all paths are shady—some are fully exposed to the sun for longer stretches. And even in early spring, it got pretty hot out there. That’s exactly why winter is the ideal time to visit and enjoy these gardens!
Winter is Trail Season at Silver Springs
From May to October, Florida’s heat and humidity can make hiking challenging. However, winter is the perfect season to explore the trails. Silver Springs State Park offers a variety of hiking opportunities to suit all levels, and the cooler winter months allow for more comfortable hikes without worrying about the extreme heat.
Be sure to visit the park’s website for up-to-date trail conditions and any closures. As of March 2024, part of the Creek Trail is temporarily closed.
I haven’t had the chance to hike at Silver Springs yet, but the range of trails available sounds promising, and I’m excited to try them out soon!
Silver Springs Trails:
| Trail Name | Length |
| CreekTrail | 0.75-mile loop |
| Old Field Loop | 0.8 miles |
| River Trail | 1.3 miles |
| Sandhill Trail | 1.7-mile loop |
| Swamp trail | 1.9-mile loop |
| Sinkhole Trail | 2.2-mile loop |
| Spring Connector Trail | 2.3 miles one-way |
Grab Lunch and a Warm Drink!
Feeling hungry or need to warm up? The Spring Side Café is a great stop.
We were pleasantly surprised by the variety on the menu—it goes beyond the usual burgers, grilled cheese, and hot dogs. The prices reflect the quality, but the expanded options are worth it.
The café offers indoor seating with climate control, or if the weather’s nice, you can sit outside and enjoy the view. Plus, they’ve got a bar for adults looking to unwind. On especially chilly days, grab a hot coffee or tea to warm up.
Horseback Riding at Silver Springs – A Perfect Winter Experience
There’s something magical about horseback riding on a crisp winter day. The earthy scent of leather mixes with the cold air, and you can see the breath of both you and your horse in the morning fog. The quiet winter woods feel different, almost serene, with the crunch of leaves and the soft sounds of hooves on the trail.
Silver Springs State Park offers equestrian trails with a separate entrance off State Road 40. I didn’t even know about these until I did a deep dive into the park, despite visiting for years! These mixed-use trails wind north of the Silver River, and maps are available at the trailhead. The cooler winter months bring a break from biting insects, and the trails, while sometimes muddy or wet, add to the natural adventure. Without the summer heat, it’s an even more enjoyable ride, letting you focus on the peace and beauty of the landscape.
Wanna Ride but Don’t Have a Horse?
Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides has horses for visitors ages six and older at the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. You can make reservations online or by calling 352-266-9326.
Warm Up at the Silver River Museum & Education Center
For those chilly winter days, the Silver River Museum & Education Center is a great place to warm up while learning about Florida’s natural and cultural history. Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits, including Seminole Indian artifacts and fossils. If the weather is mild, you can also explore the outdoor areas like the pioneer Cracker settlement and pottery kiln.
Open on weekends from August to May, the museum has a separate entrance (1445 Northeast 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL) and requires a small admission fee for visitors ages 6 and up, in addition to the park entry fee.
Learn More
You can learn more about Silver Springs and other fantastic locations and activities by checking out my other blog posts:
Very informative and well paced.
Thank you Jessica.
Thank you Roberto! 🙂
I love being out on the water even when it’s cooler outside. Paddleboarding at Silver Springs looks like a great option for this!
Sonia, it is a great winter paddleboarding spot!
Great post! I’ve not been to Silver Spring Park yet, but I’ve added it to my list.
You’ll love it Katie.
Ooooh okay, you have me convinced completely! I would loooove to see the manatees (and to be fair, winter doesn’t seem that wintery in Silver Springs – that looks warm compared to Canada, so it’d be a break from the rains!)
It’s definitely a mild winter. Perfect to be outdoors and seeing manatees!