Silver Springs, Florida

Entry to Silver Springs, near Ocala, Florida

View through the glass bottom of the tour boats

This specific type of palm lays out in the sun

The original tourist attraction in Florida was Silver Springs. Boasting one of the world's largest freshwater aquifers, Silver Springs was a tourist attraction from back in the mid 1800's. In the 1870's the park started offering glass-bottomed boat tours, which allowed occupants to view clear to the bottom of the wildlife and plant abundant waters. These tours are still offered today.The park is a quiet, welcome retreat after visiting Disney World, and although at one time during the 70's and 80's a water park was built to attract more tourism, the current eco-tourism focus of the spring, river, and trails make for a relaxing visit.