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_{*Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Silver Springs State Park, and this post is not sponsored. This is my honest review*}

Related Article: Exploring Americas Mineral Springs

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Before You Go

*Reservations are required for boat tours-click here for times*

Don’t want a monkey to come steal your snack? Eat in the cafe, and don’t bring food outside. That’s my best tip. Take it from me…someone who knows.

What to do if you encounter an alligator? – Back away slowly and do not provoke. If it charges, run in a straight line and fight back if necessary. Focus on weak spots like the nose and eyes.

A Day In The Park

Silver Springs State Park was on our way home from a road trip, so we decided to make a stop and it did NOT disappoint! The park is absolutely beautiful and there are numerous staff available whether you’re being chased by a monkey, or need to cool off with a popsicle – they’re ready to assist.

This was a perfect mid-way stopping point for us as we were able to take a 30-minute boat ride, grab some delicious lunch and stretch our legs on a short hike before getting back in the car.

The park ranger was even kind enough to give us all free popsicles while we stood in line for our boat tour.

Lunch/Snacks

I was a little skeptic. Park food is a hit or miss sometimes. But this was one of the BEST park cafe’s I’ve ever tried. They have an extensive menu (for a State Park, more than 5 options at least), that offered nice kid choices at reasonable prices, and the food was delicious!

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

“A MUST for the bucket list!”

Everyone enjoyed this experience. The tours run every 30 minutes, but reservations are required.

While we waited in line for our boat, we chatted with one of the park rangers about the monkeys that roam the park. There are over 300 monkeys that currently roam freely throughout the entire park. My friends mom, jokingly said, “I just want to see a monkey. That’s all I care about today”, and she got her wish! (keep reading…it gets good I promise!)

Want to see a full video of the glass bottom boat tour? Follow me on IG.

The tour guide was very knowledgeable of the parks’ history, the individual springs, and the dad jokes had me laughing the entire ride. In the short ride, we saw multiple different active springs, 3 different notable filming locations, a handful of different marine life and a few alligators.

The water is so clear, it doesn’t even look like it’s that deep but in some parts of the spring, it gets up to 30ft deep.

Pro Tip: Want to see manatees? Visit is in the cooler months between December-February.

Paddle/Kayak

Guided tours are available, along with return transportation. It is suggested to allow at least 3-4 hours for these tours. Online reservation is required.

Hiking

The park has multiple different walking trails that are mostly, or partially shaded from huge overhanging weeping willow trees. You’ll find benches and informational signs along your trail.

The Monkeys

I wasn’t expecting to see a monkey honestly. The chances of seeing one over 4,000 acres of land is rare, but not impossible. The monkeys were originally brought to an island on the park in an attempt to add a new attraction to bring in more visitors. Unfortunately, during the next tour, it was discovered that the monkeys could swim and had all left the island but decided to keep the park as their home and still roam around today.

We were casually sitting on the bench, the kids enjoying a small ice cream after enjoying our boat ride and a short walk through the park when I see a tail out of the corner of my eye. Here he was creeping up behind the tree, trying to be sneaky when he jumped up really quick on the table. I immediately freaked out and ran (because that’s what they told me to do) and I did NOT want poo flung at me. My bag was unzipped and sitting on the table in front of him, but when I attempted to grab it he jumped at me and opened his mouth so I backed off.

After about 20 minutes of hesitation, and getting chased by the mean thief, I decided to get a park Ranger to assist. Fortunately, the monkey decided there was nothing worth stealing and eventually ran off, just as the Ranger was running up with an air horn to scare him.

Multiple lessons were learned during this trip

• Don’t leave your bag unattentated
• Don’t eat outside of the cafe
• Monkeys like ice cream

Citations

1. Florida Division of Historical Resources (n.d.). Silver Springs. Florida Department of State. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://dos.fl.gov/historical/preservation/florida-main-street/ask-the-locals/silver-springs-ocala/