about us

The historic Silver Springs Motel (formerly the Monterey Motel) is a newly remodeled family-owned boutique motel, just  two minutes away from the World Famous Silver Springs.

 

Located at 4121 E. Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40), Ocala, Florida 34470, The Silver Springs Motel is located in the center of the state, halfway between the Gulf of Mexico and Crystal River and the Manatees to the west, and an hour and a half east to the popular Daytona Beach, Florida. Families, kids, students, and "snowbirds" -- All are welcome!

 

Silver Springs Motel PoolWhether seeking a brief respite from travel, or an extended vacation, enjoy a relaxing stay in a casual, family atmosphere. Cool off in our large, refreshing swimming pool or a quick trip to one of the numerous lakes, streams or springs nearby.  

 

Little Lake Weir

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are a wide variety of museums, entertainments, theme parks and activities close by. The area is blessed by abundant natural resources, with hundreds of lakes, rivers, freshwater springs and forests providing incomparable opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, river "tubing," hiking, zip-gliding and horseback riding.

dining 

There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of our motel. The famous Fat-Boy's Barbecue is right across the street, with Sonny's Barbecue next door. Those hankering for Mexican food need walk only two doors down. Pizza Hut, China Lee Buffet, Beef O'Brady's Sports Bar and grill, as well as McDonalds, Wendy's and more are within a few blocks. 

our history

 

Monterey Motel Postcard 1The Silver Springs Motel originally opened in 1953 as the Monterey Motel, "FLORIDA'S FINEST," the "Showplace on Silver Springs Boulevard."  Postcards from the 50's and 60's show that, although newly renovated, the original structure has been scrupulously maintained, including the unique and beautiful curving stairways and  rod-iron columns and railing.

 

           

Monterey Motel Postcard 2

 

Monterey Motel 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

silver springs theme park

The nearby World-Famous Silver Springs Nature Theme Park also hosts a myriad of activities, including boat tours, amusement rides, wildlife shows, photography, music concerts, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Experience the unbelievably awesome glass bottom boat rides, peering over 40 feet down through crystal clear waters, teeming with countless species of fish, turtles and marine life into the very maws of the springs themselves as they pour over 550 million gallons of 99.8 percent pure water into the sparkling Silver River.

 

The glass bottom boats and river cruises take travelers on an amazing journey through the crisp, clear waters of the Silver River, with viewing of abundant wildlife in this unique natural and historic preserve. Silver Springs has been the scene of filming many television shows, including Tarzan and Sea Hunt. Rhesus monkeys long ago escaped from the filming and established a thriving colony along the banks and may be seen cavorting in their now natural habitat along the banks of the river. The Fort King River Cruise takes visitors through 10,000 years of history, including an archeological dig site and an authentic Florida pioneer homestead.

 

The park sports numerous wildlife exhibits, including the Swamp Ghost and Big Gator Lagoon, where some of Florida's largest alligators can be viewed safely from an elevated boardwalk. The world-renown Ross Allen Island provides safe but startling encounters with a collection of snakes, turtles, spiders, otters, and other native Florida animals. World of Bears showcases endangers species of bears including Black Bears and Kodiaks (the only Brown Bears on exhibit in Florida).

 

The park also features animal shows with both exotic and native animals, a Lighthouse Tower Ride, and a carousel.

 

other attractions

 

A second night's stay at the Silver Springs Motel affords a day of splash and frolic at Wild Waters Theme Park, just adjacent to Silver Springs.

 

Boat HouseFor those who like to go on their own, the Silver River State Park provides a public boat dock with access to the Silver River for canoeing and kayaking all the way  up to the mouth of the springs.

 

Twenty minutes south to Oklawaha Florida takes you to the beautiful Lake Weir and the locally famous Gator Joe's Beach Bar and Grill and Carney Island Recreation Area on Little Lake Weir with public beach access for bathing, boating, kayaking and skiing!

 

See further entertainment and activities under our Things to Do page.