Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs is a first-magnitude karst spring system producing over a billion gallons of water per day from the Floridan Aquifer. The glass-bottom boats that made Silver Springs famous began operating in the 1870s, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in the United States. The remarkable clarity of the water — visibility often exceeds 30 feet — allows passengers to observe the spring boils, native fish, turtles, and the occasional manatee from above. Swimming is not permitted at the main spring area, but the park offers kayaking, canoe rentals, and a wildlife sanctuary.