Author: Planes, Trains & Autos

The Ultimate Glacier National Park Itinerary: How to Spend 7 Days in the Park

Planes, Trains & AutosLeave a comment

Hey Guys!

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park and wondering how to fit it all into one week? Well, you’re in the right place! This 7 day Glacier National Park itinerary takes you to the park’s most breathtaking lakes, scenic drives, waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing areas while helping you make the most of your time.

From driving the legendary Going to the Sun Road and hiking to Hidden Lake Overlook to exploring Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and the North Fork, this itinerary is designed to help first time visitors experience the very best of Glacier National Park without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re looking for iconic photo spots, the best hikes, or recommendations on where to stay each night, this guide has everything you need to plan an unforgettable week in one of America’s most spectacular national parks.

Quick Overview

Length: 7 Days

Best time to Visit: Late June through late October

Must See Highlights:

Best for: Fist time visitors, hikers, photographers, wildlife lovers, and road trippers.

Tip: Before hiking, check the weather or webcams that are scattered throughout the park

Before You Go – What to Know

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

Peak Season for Glacier National Park is mid to late June through late October.

Going to the Sun Road usually opens late June or early July depending on the weather.

How Many Days Do You Need?

You can see the highlights in 2-3 days but a full 7 days lets you experience the major areas of the park including:

  • West Glacier
  • Going to the Sun Road
  • Lake McDonald
  • Logan Pass
  • Two Medicine
  • Many Glacier
  • Polebridge

If you only have 2-3 days, I would recommend you spend one night on the West side and two nights on the East side of the park.

Click here & here to see maps of the park

My favorite area of the park is the Many Glacier area…it’s more scenic and has lots of wildlife.

Park Entrance Fees

Where to Fly Into

I recommend Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) as it’s located approximately 40 mins from the West Entrance.

Other nearby airports include:

Renting a Car

I highly recommend you rent a car for visiting the park as the park is very spread out. Make sure to rent your vehicle before anything else as I have seen a shortage on rental cars and people have resorted to renting U-haul trucks!

Here are the best places to rent from:

Cell Service

There is very limited service throughout the park so be sure to download offline maps before arriving.

If planning long hikes, I highly recommend you have a Garmin inReach in case of an emergency. However, with that being said, newer phones will now let you call 911 even without service.

A great app to use in the park is the Guide Along app….it works offline and guides you down the Going to the Sun Road and lets you know when to stop.

Wildlife Safety

  • Carry bear spray – you can pick this up at several locations in and around the park
  • Stay at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife
  • Never feed animals
  • Make noise on trails

What to Pack

  • Hiking boots
  • Rain jacket
  • Layers
  • Bear spray (you can’t fly with bear spray)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Hat – some trails are full sun exposed
  • Snacks – if hiking be sure to carry plenty of salty snacks or electrolyte powders
  • Portable battery 
  • Backpack

Download These Apps

Where to Stay

I always recommend staying inside the park because you avoid the long lines of cars trying to get into the park. Glacier is a very popular park and there are several options for accommodations  inside the park including:

Where to Dine Inside Glacier National Park

Some favorite places to eat outside of the park are: Cattle Baron Supper Club (permanently closed), Two Sisters Cafe (between Babb and St. Mary), Johnson’s (St. Mary), Serrano’s (East Glacier), Josephine’s (Coram), Backslope Brewery (Columbia Falls), and Bonsai Brewery (Whitefish).

Map showing dining options in Glacier National Park

Where to Buy Groceries

There are no grocery stores inside Glacier National Park, but there are groceries available in the surrounding towns.

You can find a few things for picnics at the general store in Apgar Village.

Browning has Glacier Family Foods, St. Mary has a small (but very expensive) grocery store, and you can find Costco, Walmart and other large grocery stores in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish located on the West side.

Where Do I Find Gas

Make sure you fill up your tank outside the park. There are gas stations in all surrounding towns but not inside the park.

Understanding the Layout of the Park

map showing areas of Glacier National Park

There are three visitor centers located in the park.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the perfect 7 day Glacier National Park Itinerary!

Day 1 in Glacier National Park

If you are staying on the West side of the park:

Click here to read my blog post on 110 Things to Do Outside of Glacier National Park

Day 2 in Glacier National Park

For Day 2, I would recommend spending the day driving the Going to the Sun Road.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road was completed in 1932 and is a spectacular 50 mile, paved two-lane highway that bisects the park east and west. It spans the width of Glacier National Park, crossing the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high at Logan Pass.

There are several pullovers along this road and to fully enjoy it, I would recommend you pack a picnic lunch and spend the day enjoying the views.

Tip: There are only 3 ways to access the Going to the Sun Road – from the West Entrance at Apgar, from the East Entrance at St. Mary’s Village and a lesser known entrance called Camas Road that is located on the West side.

The Camas Entrance and Camas Road can be accessed via the North Fork Road, driving north from Columbia Falls, MT. To get there, drive 20 miles up the North Fork Road along the western edge of Glacier National Park. After turning onto Camas Road, there are only a few more miles to the entrance station.

Something to consider is the fact that the first 10 miles of the North Fork Road are paved, but the rest of the drive toward the entrance is gravel. Sometimes the road is great and other times it is a nightmare!

Stops along the Sun Road in order from West to East:

Click here to read my blog post where we spent the day driving the Going to the Sun Road

Day 3 in Glacier National Park

Today, I would spend the day driving to Polebridge.

It’s approximately 45 mins from the West Entrance.

Tip: Be sure to have bear spray & plenty of gas

My first stop would be the historic Polebridge Mercantile where you will pick up some of the famous bear claws or lots of other yummy baked goods or even lunch.

From here, I would drive another 25 mins along a very bumpy road to the beautiful Bowman Lake. 

At Bowman Lake, you can kayak, canoe, hike or just relax on the pebbled beach.

You will need to bring your own kayak or canoe and it must be inspected prior to using it in any of the lakes.

This area offers a peaceful, less crowded alternative to the park’s main hubs.

There’s a campground located here too.

Tip: Also located in this area is Kintla Lake

You could have lunch at either Polebridge Mercantile, Northern Lights Saloon (right beside the mercantile), or  Home Ranch Bottoms.

If you have time, you could drive to Whitefish and spend time at the Whitefish Mountain Resort & don’t miss having ice cream at Sweet Peaks Ice Cream.

The drive from the Polebridge Mercantile to Whitefish would take approximately 1 hr 10 mins.

Day 4 in Glacier National Park

I have been to Glacier National Park two years in a row….my first time was in 2020 and then again the following year.

With that being said, I highly recommend you split your time between the West side of the park and the East side because it takes close to two hours to drive from one side of the park to the other.

On the West side you have Lake McDonald and the North Fork area (Bowman Lake) and on the East side of the park, you have Many Glacier, Two Medicine and St Mary (the East entrance to the Going to the Sun Road…you are closer to Logan Pass from this entrance).

If you stay somewhere like St Mary Village or KOA Campground, you would be about 30-40 mins from the Many Glacier area and about 1 hour from the Two Medicine area.

For this day, I would leave the west side of the park and drive either the Going to the Sun Road to the East side or Hwy 2 to the East side.

If you drive the Sun Road, you can hike some of the trails that you may not have gotten to yet like Hidden Lake Overlook, the Highline Trail, St Mary Falls, Virginia Falls or Baring Falls.

Click here to see hiking trails by location

If you’ve already hiked these trails, you could drive Hwy 2 and do these stops.

Day 5 in Glacier National Park

Today, I would get an early start and drive to the Many Glacier area.

One of the most spectacular hikes you can do here is the Grinnel Glacier Hike.

You can either book a reservation on the boat and cut off 4 miles roundtrip, or you can hike the full hike for a total of 11 miles roundtrip.

Click here to read about where we hiked this trail

If you prefer not to do this hike, click here to read about other short hikes in the Many Glacier area.

You can also book a boat tour of Swiftcurrent Lake or rent a canoe. You would board your boat or rent your canoe at the Many Glacier Hotel.

You could also book a Red Bus tour or a horseback riding tour.

I highly recommend you have lunch or dinner at the Many Glacier Hotel if you don’t book a stay there.

The one hike I would do while in Many Glacier is the Fishercap Lake hike. This is where you will have a good chance of seeing a Moose! It’s a very short hike too.

If you continue Fishercap Lake trail, it will take you to the Redrock waterfall. It’s a total of 4 miles roundtrip.

Day 6 in Glacier National Park

Today, I would spend my day in Two Medicine.

A great hike to do will be the Running Eagle Falls hike. It’s a very short hike.

Click here to read about where we hiked Running Eagle Falls

There’s another great hike you can do called, Twin Falls. You will need to book a boat reservation for this hike.

Click here for more hikes in this area

You can also book a boat tour of the lake, have a picnic, canoe Two Medicine Lake or have lunch or ice cream at the historic General Store.

Tip: If you’re traveling with a dog, keep in mind that pets aren’t allowed on trails in Glacier (only in developed areas like parking lots, campgrounds, and along roads). Two Medicine is no exception, so you’ll want to plan pet care accordingly.

Don’t miss a bear claw from the nearby Kyiyo Mercantile & Bakery. It’s approximately 30 mins from Two Medicine Lake.

Day 7 in Glacier National Park

Today, you will be heading back to the West side to either fly back home or spend the night closer to the west side so you will be near the airport.

If you have one more full day, you could easily spend another day in the Many Glacier area, or drive the Going to the Sun Road again making additional stops or hikes.

Or you could visit Waterton Lakes National Park. Waterton is the Canadian portion of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

If you would like to visit Waterton, you will need your passport. Waterton is beautiful, usually less crowded than the rest of Glacier, and is home to the charming Waterton Townsite.

If you need more ideas of things to do, Click here to read my blog post on 110 things to do outside of Glacier National Park

To find my blog posts on our trips to Glacier National Park, Click here

I recommend following Glacier National Park Facebook pages too so you can keep up with the latest news, tips and ideas.

 

Silver Springs State Park: Things to Do & Visitor Guide

Planes, Trains & AutosLeave a comment

Hey Guys!

If you are looking for a place to kayak or canoe alongside crystal clear springs, abundant wildlife, and even the chance to spot manatees, Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida, is one of the best destinations in the state.

While many people know the park for its famous glass bottom boats, we chose to experience Silver Springs from the water–and it ended up being one of our favorite outdoor adventures in Florida.

Paddling through the spring fed river gave us an up close look at turtles, birds, fish, and the park’s beautiful natural scenery.

If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers everything you need to know about kayaking and canoeing at Silver Springs State Park, along with helpful tips, what to expect, and the best things to do during your visit.

Know Before You Go: Admission, Parking & Hours

Before heading to Silver Springs State Park, it’s helpful to know a few basics to make your visit go more smoothly.

The park is open daily from 8:00 am until sunset, 365 days a year.

There is an admission fee to enter the park, and parking is conveniently located near the visitor center, kayak launch area, gift shop, and other amenities.

If you’re planning to kayak or canoe, keep in mind that rental fees are separate from the park’s admission fee.

Visitors bringing their own kayak or canoe should also check the current launch policies before arriving. There is a $4 launch fee if you bring your own boat.

Because Silver Springs is a popular destination–especially on weekends, holidays and during manatee season–arriving early can help you find parking more easily and enjoy a quieter experience on the water.

Current park admission:

  • $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist
  • $4 for a single occupant vehicle
  • $5 per vehicle (2-8 people)
  • $2 for each additional passenger in vehicles carrying more than 8 people

Before your visit, it’s always a good idea to check the park’s website for the latest admission fees, operating hours, rental availability, and any temporary closures or updates.

Where to Rent Kayaks and Canoes at Silver Springs State Park

If kayaking or canoeing is at the top of your list, renting a boat at Silver Springs State Park is a simple process.

The park has several options including single and tandem kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and even clear kayaks for those wanting a unique view of the crystal clear spring waters.

I highly recommend reserving your kayak in advance, especially if you are visiting on a weekend, holiday, or during manatee season. The cost ranges from about $45 to $75 for a two hour rental.

Popular launch times can fill up quickly, and booking ahead helps ensure you’ll get the type of kayak or canoe you want.

After arriving at the park, you will first pay the state park admission fee before driving to the designated paddling area.

Once there, check in with your rental company, sign the required waiver (this is required for every person in your party and must be completed before you pick up your boat), and complete any remaining paperwork.

Tip: I highly recommend you make your reservation online and complete your waiver online as it will speed up the process once you go to check in at the boat rental. They will also require you to show your driver’s license AND you will have to turn over your car keys to them. You will pick your keys up once you turn your boat back in.

After getting checked in, the staff will provide you with a life jacket, paddle, and your boat before helping you launch your kayak or canoe into the spring fed waters.

If you’re bringing your own boat, you can use the park’s launch area for a launch fee of $4 per boat.

Once you are on the water, you will immediately notice how incredibly clear the spring is.

The current is gentle, making it a great paddle for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

Before long, you will be gliding past towering cypress trees while keeping an eye out for manatees, turtles, birds, fish, alligators, and even the park’s famous wild monkeys!

Kayaking and Canoeing at Silver Springs State Park

Kayaking and canoeing is one of the best ways to experience the park.

Unlike the famous glass bottom boats, paddling allows you to explore the crystal clear waters at your own pace while getting much closer to the incredible wildlife.

The water is so clear that you can often see fish swimming beneath your kayak!While there were plenty of people out enjoying the water, we still found moments of peace and quiet along the way!

We were here in December and it was very crowded!

There are several ways to explore the Silver River depending on how much time you have.

Fort King Paddling Trail

If you’re looking for a shorter adventure, the Fort King Paddling Trail is a great option.

This scenic loop winds around Ross Allen Island Boardwalk before connecting with the Silver River and is great for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxing paddle without committing to a long trip.

Silver River to Ray Wayside Park

For a longer adventure, many visitors choose to paddle approximately five miles downstream from the headsprings to Ray Wayside Park. (separate admission fees may apply)

This route typically takes around 3-4 hours and follows the gentle current, making it an easy and enjoyable trip.

If you rent your kayak through the park, shuttle transportation back to the launch area is available after your paddle.

If you decide to paddle each way and back (10 miles), please keep in mind that the slight current of 3-5 mph may not seem like much but it can be tiring after 5-miles paddling upriver.

Out and Back Paddle

If you don’t want to arrange a shuttle, another popular option is simply paddling downstream for as long as you would like before turning around and returning to the launch.

This allows you to enjoy the scenery while choosing a distance that fits your schedule.

No matter which route you choose, be sure to take your time.

I honestly don’t remember which route we took because my sister guided the way since she has been several times before.

There are many side channels and small coves that branch off the main Silver River so be sure to take the time to explore those….the scenery is so beautiful!

Tip: If this is your first time, I  recommend the following: picking up a paddling map when you check in, use a GPS app like Avenza Maps or Gaia GPS , study the park map before your trip or ask the park’s staff for recommendations…they always know the best tips for viewing wildlife.

We spotted lots of waterfowl along the river including ducks, herons, egrets, and other native birds!

Can you See Manatees at Silver Springs State Park?

Although we enjoyed seeing all of the wildlife along the river, the animals we were most excited to see were the manatees!

Click here to book a tour to swim with manatees at Crystal River (1 hr 10 mins away)

Spotting these gentle giants in their natural habitat was the top of our list, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our visit!

Unlike some Florida springs where manatees are only common during the winter, manatees can be seen in Silver Springs throughout much of the year.

However, your best chance of seeing them is during the cooler months, typically from November through March, when they seek out the spring’s constant 72 degree water.

As temperatures drop, more manatees move into the spring to stay warm, making winter the peak season for sightings.

During the warmer months, many manatees leave the springs and travel through Florida’s rivers and coastal waters in search of food, although some remain in the area year-round.

Because they are wild animals, sightings are never guaranteed, but arriving early in the day, paddling quietly, and taking your time can increase your chances of seeing one.

If you encounter a manatee, please remember to encounter it from a distance. It is illegal to touch, feed, chase, or harass manatees, and giving them plenty of space helps protect these threatened animals and their natural behavior.

While you won’t find the hundreds of manatees seen in places like Blue Springs State Park, it’s common to spot individual manatees or small groups as they move through the crystal clear waters.

About the Manatees of Silver Springs

Often called gentle giants, manatees are some of Florida’s most beloved wildlife.

Despite their enormous size, they are peaceful, slow moving mammals that spend much of the day grazing on aquatic plants.

Adult manatees typically measure 9 to 10 feet long and weight between 800 to 1,200 pounds, although some can. grow even larger and weigh more than 3,500 pounds!

Manatees are herbivore, meaning they only eat plants.

They spend 6 to 8 hours each day feeding consuming grasses, aquatic vegetation, and other freshwater or saltwater plants.

An adult manatee can eat 10% or more of its body weight in vegetation every day, which can add up to well over 100 pounds of plants.

One of the most fascinating things about manatees is how calm and curious they can be.

They often glide slowly beneath the surface, occasionally surfacing for a breath before disappearing back into the clear water.

Although they are excellent swimmers, they usually travel at a relaxed pace of about 3 to 5 miles per hour, saving their bursts of speed for when they feel threatened.

Because manatees have very little body fat, they cannot tolerate cold water for long periods.

That’s why they gather around Florida’s natural springs during the winter, where the water stays a comfortable 72 degrees year round.

Silver Springs provides an important warm water refuge, making the cooler months one of the best times to spot these amazing animals.

We saw several during our two hour canoe trip.

They came right under our boat!

It was so cool!

Other Things to Do at Silver Springs State Park

While Kayaking was the highlight of our visit, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Silver Springs State Park.

Whether you’re planning to spend a few hours or an entire day, you will find something for every type of traveler.

Ride the Famous Glass Bottom Boats

Silver Springs is best known for its historic glass bottom boat tours, which have been operating since the 1870’s.

Tip: A 30 min tour is $15-17 and a 1.5 hr tour is $30-$35

These guided tours take visitors across the crystal clear spring, offering a unique view of the underwater world below.

Through the glass panels in the bottom of the boat, you see fish, turtles, ancient limestone formations, and bubbling spring vents without ever getting wet.

Since we didn’t take the tour, we decided to at least get our picture in front of one of the historic boats.

Explore the Hiking Trails

The park features several scenic hiking trails that wind through forests, Sandhills, and shady hammocks.

Along the way, you may spot deer, birds, butterflies, and native Florida plants.

The trails vary in length, making them suitable for both short walks and longer hikes.

There are lots of signs along the trail that talk about the history of the park.

The wooden boardwalk meanders through the woods alongside the river.

You can watch the kayakers below…and even spot a manatee!

Mountain Biking

Silver Springs State Park has 4.5-miles of dedicated off-road bicycling trails suitable for fat tire bicycles. Additionally, mountain bicycles may use another 10-miles of hiking trails.

Horseback Riding

The entrance to the equestrian trails can be found on State Road 40 near the intersection with State Road 326, 1.3 miles east of the main entrance.

See the equestrian trail map here

If you do not have your own horse, Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides will offer groups or individuals (6 years and older) rides at the nearby Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

Bicycling

The park has limited opportunities for bicycling on paved trails, but many trails are available for mountain biking.

At the campground and museum entrance, the paved road between the ranger station and the picnic area is 1.1 miles and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing beneath the shade of pines and scenic oak trees.

Additional opportunities for bicycling on paved trails are available on the nearby Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

Bicycling is permitted at the main entrance on the sidewalks around the headsprings and gardens. However, due to potential congestion, bicycling is not permitted in the immediate vicinity of the entrance boardwalk, town center and glass bottom boat area.

Visit the Historic Pioneer Village

The Pioneer Village is a showcase of 19th-century pioneer buildings and structures and is available for exploration during the weekends.

This collection of buildings represents cracker settlement dating from the 1840s to the 1890s.

Visit the Silver Springs Museum

If you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure to check whether the Silver River Museum is open.

The museum features exhibits on Florida’s natural history, archaeology, fossils, and the cultural history of the Silver River area, making it a great stop for families and anyone interested in learning more about the region.

Have a Picnic

There are several picnic areas throughout the park with tables, grills, and shaded spots beneath the trees.

It’s a relaxing place to enjoy lunch before or after exploring the springs.

Watch for Wildlife

Even if you never step into a kayak, Silver Springs is a great place for wildlife viewing.

Keep an eye out for turtles, wading birds, osprey, hawks, alligators, fish, and if you’re lucky, a manatee!

The park is also home to the famous wild rhesus macaque monkeys that have lived along the Silver River for decades.

Although they can often be seen from the water or on boat tours, visitors should never approach or feed them and should always observe them from a safe distance.

Camping at Silver Springs State Park

If you would like to spend more than a day exploring the park, Silver Springs State Park offers excellent camping options.

You can choose from RV sites with water and electric hookups, tent campsites, fully furnished cabins and primitive group camping areas.

Each campsite includes a picnic table, grill and fire ring, making it easy to relax after a day of paddling or hiking.

Dining Options

The park features the Springside Restaurant, which serves sandwiches, burgers, salads, appetizers, and daily specials along with beer, wine and cocktails.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Paradise Treats offers ice cream, coffee drinks, fresh baked treats, and pizza.

Of course, you can also bring your own lunch and enjoy one of the many shaded picnic areas throughout the park.

Shopping

Before heading home, be sure to stop by the Silver Springs Gift Shop.

You will find a variety of souvenirs, apparel, locally inspired gifts, books, toys, and other keepsakes to remember your visit.

It’s also a convenient place to pick up snacks and drinks.

Tips for Visiting Silver Springs State Park

After spending time exploring Silver Springs State Park, here are a few tips that can help you make the most of your visit.

  • Arrive early: The park can get very busy on weekends, holidays, and during manatee season. Arriving early gives you a better chance of finding parking, enjoying a quieter paddle, and seeing more wildlife.
  • Reserve your kayak/canoe in advance: If you plan to rent a kayak or canoe, book ahead whenever possible. Popular launch times often sell out, especially during peak season.
  • Bring polarized sunglasses: They help reduce glare on the water, making it much easier to spot fish, turtles, and even manatees beneath the surface.
  • Pack sunscreen and plenty of water: Florida’s sun can be intense, and there is very little shade once you are out on the river.
  • Use a waterproof phone case or dry bag: You’ll probably want to take lots of photos, and it’s always a good idea to protect your phone, camera, keys, and other valuables from getting wet.
  • Wear comfortable clothing: Quick drying clothes, water shoes or sandals with good traction, and a hat will help keep you comfortable throughout your paddle.
  • Respect the wildlife: Always observe manatees, alligators, monkeys,  birds and other wildlife from a distance. Never feed or approach wild animals, and allow them plenty of space.
  • Take your time: One of the best parts of visiting Silver Springs is slowing down. Some of the most memorable wildlife sightings happen when you stop paddling, drift quietly, and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
  • Check the weather before you go: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Florida, especially during the summer, so it’s best to get an early start if you plan on spending several hours on the water. Never get on the water when it’s lighting!

With a little planning, you will be able to enjoy one of Florida’s most beautiful natural springs while creating unforgettable memories on the water.

Click here to read reviews for this park and here to read the history of the park….it’s super interesting!

Fun Fact: In the 1930s, Hollywood discovered Silver Springs and over the years, scenes from at least 20 movies were filmed here, including Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean, Distant Drums starring Gary Cooper, the James Bond movie Moonraker, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and six Tarzan flicks.

Other Florida Springs Near Silver Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park – (about 30-35 mins away) one of Florida’s most beautiful first magnitude springs, Rainbow Springs is famous for its crystal clear water, swimming area, waterfalls, gardens and tubing on the Rainbow River.

Best for: Swimming, tubing, kayaking, waterfalls and snorkeling

Tip: There have been alligator attacks here so be cautious! This can happen anywhere in Florida so always be aware of your surroundings!

Juniper Springs Recreation Area – (about 35-40 mins away) Nestled inside the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs feels completely different from Silver Springs. The narrow spring run winds through dense palms and cypress trees, creating one of Florida’s most scenic paddle trails.

Best for: Kayaking, canoeing, camping, swimming, picnicking and hiking

Alexander Springs Recreation Area – (about 45-50 mins away) Known for its large sandy swimming area and gentle spring basin, making it one of the most family friendly springs in Central Florida.

Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking

Silver Glen Springs – (about 45-50 mins away) a beautiful first magnitude spring where clear turquoise water flows into Lake George. It’s a favorite spot for swimming, snorkeling, boating, and spotting fish.

Best for: Swimming, snorkeling and boating

Salt Springs Recreation Area – (about 50 mins away) Unlike most Florida springs, Salt Springs contains naturally occurring minerals that give the water a slight mineral taste. The spring offers swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and camping.

Best for: Swimming, paddling, and camping

Blue Springs State Park – (1 hr 15 mins away) one of Florida’s best places to see manatees during the winter months, with hundreds gathering in the warm spring waters from November through March. During the rest of the year, visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, tubing hiking and wildlife viewing.

Best for: Manatee viewing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and tubing

Which one should you choose?

Silver Springs for the best wildlife and manatee viewing

Rainbow Springs for the best tubing

Juniper Springs for the prettiest paddle through the forest

Alexander Springs for the best family friendly swimming spring

Silver Glen Springs for the best crystal clear snorkeling

Salt Springs for the unique mineral spring

Blue Springs State Park – the best manatee viewing in the winter months

Thanks for reading!

Click here to see links to all of my blog posts

 

 

 

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee

Planes, Trains & AutosLeave a comment

Hey guys!

If you’re looking for one of the best Christmas experiences in Nashville, Gaylord Opryland Resort should be on your list.

Every holiday season, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, elaborate decorations, festive activities, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories.

My husband and I spent our anniversary weekend here in December, and it quickly reminded us why we keep coming back.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply looking for festive things to do in Nashville, here’s what you can expect when visiting Gaylord Opryland during the Christmas season.

Click here for everything you need to know about your stay

Parking at the Gaylord Opryland Resort

First let’s talk about the parking at Opryland Resort.

Guests have two options for parking when staying at the resort: self-parking and valet parking.

Self parking is available right past the resort’s main entrance and currently costs approximately $37 per day (with in-and-out privileges for registered hotel guests).

Valet parking is available at the resort’s main entrance and currently costs approximately $55 per day plus tips. When using valet parking, it can be a hassle when you are staying more than one night and want to leave the hotel.

Tip: Day guests dining at sit-down restaurants or visiting the spa can receive parking validation.

Keep in mind that because Opryland is a massive convention center, the valet line can get heavily backed up on holidays, weekends, and during major events. Give yourself an extra 15 to 20 minutes of cushion if you have a scheduled show, dinner reservation, or flight to catch.

Tip: Day visitors can click here to prepay for parking before you arrive to save more time and money.

If you are staying overnight, use the Marriott Bonvoy App (or the property’s text service) to request your car 20–30 minutes before you need it. This dramatically cuts down on your wait time at the main desk.

I love their app as you can use it to check into your room, unlock your room door, chat directly with the staff, book hotel rooms, earn reward points to used for future stays and more!

Tip: Some people will park at the nearby Opry Mills Shopping Center for free and walk to the hotel. Read more here and watch a YouTube video about it here & here

Checking in at the Gaylord Opryland Resort

After getting parked, you will head to the lobby at the resort’s main entrance.

The lines can be long but typically move pretty quickly.

We have arrived 2-3 hours prior to our check in time before and they have let us check in but it really depends on how busy they are.

If you arrive early and want to walk around the hotel or have breakfast or lunch, you can have the hotel store your luggage. There is a designated “luggage stand” just for this purpose.

When I made our reservation online, it asked me if we would be celebrating a special occasion so I let them know that it was our anniversary.

During check in, the guest services employee handed us a gift bag full of goodies for our anniversary!

Here are some tips for having a seamless check in experience:

  • If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, use the designated line, which can save significant time compared to the general line.
  • Download the Marriot Bonvoy App and check into your room when it is ready and use the app to unlock your room door.
  • Drop off your luggage and check into your room at check in time which is 4:00 pm
  • The main lobby can be crowded around 4 PM. Many guests have success checking in as early as 1:30 PM (subject to availability) or in the evening to avoid the rush.
  • Click here for 9 tips for a successful stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort

Our Room at Gaylord Opryland Resort

As I mentioned earlier, we have stayed at the resort a few times and we always request a room with a balcony that overlooks one of the 3 atriums.

  • Delta Atrium – the largest and most famous. It features the indoor river, flatboat river rides, waterfalls, tropical plants, and the New Orleans style atmosphere. It’s about 4.5 acres by itself. It is closest to the convention center and shopping, making it convenient but potentially noisy.
  • Cascades Atrium – known for its soaring ceilings, twin waterfalls, and lush tropical landscaping. This atrium is best for live music and waterfall views, though it is the busiest and loudest area.
  • Garden Conservatory – the original atrium, designed like a Victorian conservatory with thousands of plants and seasonal displays. The best choice for a quiet, romantic, and scenic experience.

We stayed in room D3136 which had a view of the Delta Atrium.

Tip: I alway take a picture of our room number so I don’t forget.

I honestly wasn’t a big fan of this atrium as it was very busy and noisy so I recommend going with the Garden conservatory if you are looking for something a bit more peaceful.

Tip: If your room number starts with a D, it means you will have a view of the Delta atrium. The next number tells you what floor you will be on…in our case, we were on the third floor in room 136. If your room number starts with a C, it’s the Cascades atrium and G is the garden conservatory.

You can request which atrium you would like when you book your room however, there is no guarantee that you will get that room. It depends on availability.

These rooms are highly recommended for the best experience, offering views of indoor waterfalls, rivers, and tropical gardens.

However, they can also be noisy as you will see and hear lots of people walking below your balcony so always try to choose a room on a higher floor or if you don’t like noise, choose an exterior room.

Tip: Avoid ground floor rooms as these often feature patios that are behind plants, resulting in lower privacy and obstructed views.

Our room had two queen beds, a nice size bathroom, chairs and a small table, coffee pot (hidden in the cabinet below the TV), and a small refrigerator.

Tip: Some rooms come with a small refrigerator while others only come with a beverage cooler and none of the rooms have microwaves.. You can click here to watch a YouTube video that showcases a room on the 5th floor.

Honestly, for what you pay, the rooms are nothing special but it’s the hotel itself that makes it worth the price.

Click here for package specials & discounts….if you are a Tennessee resident, they have a special just for you!

Tips for Navigating Gaylord Opryland Resort

Opryland Resort is huge so be prepared to do a lot of walking and wear comfortable shoes!

With three massive atriums, multiple restaurants, shops, a convention center, a spa, an indoor pool area, and over 2,800 rooms, it’s easy to get turned around!

My biggest tip would be to grab a resort map when you check in or download the resort’s app. The app includes a digital map with turn-by-turn directions and live info on events, dining hours, and more.

There are almost 2 miles of walking paths located inside the resort but I can promise you this, you will walk a lot more than 2 miles!

Christmas Lights and Holiday Decorations

If you are visiting during the Christmas season, make sure to allow yourself time to walk between attractions.

The holiday decorations throughout the atriums are part of the experience, and you will likely find yourself stopping frequently for pictures!

The resort goes all out during Christmas so you will want to make sure you check the app for all the events that are held during this time of year.

Make sure to explore the resort during both the day and evening…the lighting looks completely different at night.

The resort transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas holidays.

There are millions of twinkling lights inside every atrium and on the outside as well.

You will find towering Christmas trees, garland, wreaths, and festive displays around every corner.

One of the main highlights is the enormous Christmas tree in the Delta Atrium …the tree stands several stories tall and is the focal point of the atrium.

I loved this beautiful poinsettia tree!

Click here & here to see a list of events that the hotel has during the Christmas season…they offer carriage rides, gingerbread house decorating kits, breakfast with characters, ice skating, and so much more!

Restaurants at Gaylord Opryland Resort

One of the things that makes Opryland Resort unique is that it’s more than just a hotel.

It offers numerous restaurants, bars, coffee shops, snack locations, and dessert shops.

You could easily spend an entire weekend at the resort without ever leaving the property.

There are over 11 restaurants inside the hotel and one of those restaurants we have eaten at 2-3 times now and I highly recommend it!

It’s called the Old Hickory Steakhouse.

Before we arrived, I had made reservations for dinner. Since we were celebrating our anniversary, we wanted to enjoy a nice dinner at the hotel.

I highly recommend that you make reservations for any of the nicer restaurants as they stay very busy….especially during the holidays.

After arriving to the restaurant, we were seated a few minutes later.

We took a few minutes to look over the menu.

Obviously, with this being a steakhouse, their specialty is steak and they offer lots of different cuts.

The sides are huge so only order one for the two of you…..we even had leftovers!

Be sure to try their fresh baked bread with the honey drizzled over the top…it is out of this world!

After finishing our meal, the restaurant offered us a free dessert for our anniversary and it was delicious!

So, if you are celebrating something special be sure to mention that in your reservation.

This place is expensive so keep that in mind when making a reservation. We have only eaten here for special occasions as we typically don’t spend this much on eating out!

Read reviews for this restaurant here

We have also eaten at Jack Daniel’s restaurant and it was very good too.

The resort also offers room service too… You can order right from their app.

If you’re not interested in the restaurants at the hotel, there are over 20 restaurants located inside the Opry Mills shopping center that sits next door to the resort. Paula Deen’s restaurant is also located just a short walk from the hotel.

Tip: If you’re not in the mood for hotel dining prices, grab a snack and enjoy it while wandering the atriums. The seating is comfy, and the people watching is top notch. There’s Auntie Anne’s pretzels, burgers, stores with tons of snack options, ice cream, baked goods, and so much more!

Shopping at Gaylord Opryland

If you enjoy shopping well fear not, the resort offers lots of options to choose from.

Most people think it’s just a hotel, but it feels more like a small indoor village with boutiques, gift shops, snack markets, and specialty stores spread throughout the resort.

Some of the shops you will have to choose from are:

  • Swarovski – crystal jewelry, gifts and collectibles.
  • Cowboys & Angels – western inspired clothing ,boots, apparel, and Nashville souvenirs
  • Delta Marketplace – snacks, drinks, and travel essentials
  • The Signature Store – exclusive brands such as Vineyard Vines, Under Armour, and Toes on the Nose for SoundWaves and other logo items including resort wear, golf attire, beach towels, totes, and souvenirs.
  • SoundWaves Store – here you’ll find necessities for a fun day in the sun and water – from sunscreen, beach towels, souvenir water bottles and sunglasses to swimwear, cover-ups, hats and sandals.
  • Various resort gift shops selling Christmas ornaments, Opryland merchandise, home decor, toys, apparel, and souvenirs.

If those aren’t enough to keep you busy, you can walk over to the enormous Opry Mills mall!

Opry Mills is Tennessee’s largest outlet mall and is located right next door to the Opryland Resort.

The mall has more than 200 stores and approximately 20 restaurants such as the Cheesecake Factory, Aquarium Restaurant, Chuy’s, Mission BBQ, Johnny Rockets and the Bavarian Bierhaus. There’s also a huge theater at the mall.

You can also click here for the most popular restaurants in Nashville

Fun Fact:  The mall is located  where the Opryland Theme Park used to be…the theme park opened in 1972 and sadly closed in 1997 ..the owners sold the land to developers who demolished the park and opened the Opry Mills mall in 2000.

Things to Do at Gaylord Opryland During Christmas

Christmas is one of the most magical times to visit Gaylord Opryland Resort.

From mid November through early January, the entire property transforms into a winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, holiday activities, and family friendly entertainment.

You really never have to leave the resort…..there’s so much to see and do!

Of course, one of our favorite parts of staying at Opryland during Christmas was simply walking through the atriums and taking in all of the Christmas decorations.

But there’s so much more to do than just seeing the lights.

Here are the most popular things to do during the Christmas holidays:

  • Visit Snow Flow Mountain – brings outdoor winter fun to the resort with activities such as tubing and other family friendly attractions.
  • Watch the Resort Fountain Shows – several times throughout the day the Delta atrium comes alive with synchronized fountain shows featuring music, lights and dancing water.
  • Enjoy the Christmas shopping – lots of Christmas booths & shops set up just for the holidays
  • Ride the Delta River Flatboat – take a relaxing ride through the resort’s beautiful Delta atrium to see the gardens, Christmas decorations, waterfalls, and more.
  • Explore the Christmas decorations on the inside and the outside – the resort puts up more than 5 million Christmas lights throughout the resort
  • Take a horse carriage ride – enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the beautifully decorated resort grounds while taking in the festive lights and decorations. Don’t miss the incredible nativity scene!
  • Decorate a gingerbread house – guests can purchase a gingerbread house kit and spend time creating their own masterpiece. It’s a fun family activity.
  • Take pictures with Santa – guests have the opportunity to visit with Santa and take professional photos. Reservations are recommended since this is so popular.
  • Go ice skating – the resort offers an outdoor skating rink during its Christmas celebration…it’s fun way to embrace the holiday spirit.
  • ICE (I will make this it’s on separate post)
  • Enjoy a Character breakfast – you can start your day with a special holiday breakfast featuring beloved Christmas characters.
  • Watch the tree lighting ceremony – throughout the holiday season, guests can gather to watch the resort’s spectacular tree lighting ceremony. The event features music, holiday entertainment, and much more.
  • The new POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance show – a holiday cirque show inside the hotel during Christmas

Tip: Many of these activities require separate tickets or advance reservations, especially on weekends and the week leading up to Christmas, so it’s worth booking early if you’re planning a holiday visit.

Besides holiday themed activities, the resort also offers a spa, an incredible pool area, a scavenger hunt, an arcade, a gym, the Delta Riverboat and much more.

Tip: The only guaranteed way to experience the water attraction at the hotel called, Soundwaves, is by purchasing the Soundwaves package. You can not use the pool area without purchasing this package. However, if you don’t want to pay for the 4 acre, upscale pool area, the resort also offers both an indoor and outdoor Cascades pool that are available to guests.

ICE! at Gaylord Opryland: What to Expect

I had to talk about ICE on its own because it’s such a popular attraction at Opryland during the Christmas holiday season.

We have experienced ICE several times now and we never get tired of seeing it!

You can book online, book when you check in at the hotel, or book on the hotel’s app.

There are also lots of signs scattered throughout the resort advertising the many activities that are available and you can scan the QR code on the sign and book any activity you would like.

You will need to arrive approximately 15 mins prior to your check in time and give yourself plenty of time to walk from the resort over to the ICE exhibit since it’s in a separate building.

Inside the building where you check in for the ICE exhibit, is a gift shop with lots of gorgeous Christmas ornaments, decorations, home decor, and more.

You can also purchase some delicious hot chocolate before or after your visit…..I recommend waiting until after because you will get very cold in this exhibit!

Please, if you don’t listen to anything else I have said in this post, DRESS WARM!

The exhibit is 9 degrees and you won’t be able to stand it if you’re not prepared!

I’m talking about hat, gloves, scarves, thick socks, under armor, warm jacket, etc. The jacket that you are provided at the exhibit will not be enough to keep you warm!

The Opryland Resort has been featuring the ICE exhibit now for several years and like I said, it’s one of the most popular activities at the hotel.

When we were there, they were featuring, A Charlie Brown Christmas ICE experience.

After you arrive, you will see a screen that shows the reservations time they are allowing to enter the exhibit….so, you can head to the entrance when you see your time show up.

The ICE exhibit is built using more than 2 million pounds of ice and features colorful scenes, tunnels, archways, and larger than life characters illuminated with vibrant lighting.

You will walk through a series of themed rooms that tell the story as you move from scene to scene.

Around 40 artisans spend weeks carving thousands of blocks of ice into intricate sculptures, some using chainsaws and speciality tools to create incredibly detailed scenes.

One of our favorite parts about the exhibit was seeing the incredible detail carved into each sculpture.

Everything from the character’s facial expressions to the smallest decorative elements had been carved from ice.

Throughout the exhibit, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop for photos.

Don’t miss sliding down the giant ice slides…they are a highlight for both kids and adults!

The exhibit isn’t particularly long, but there’s so much to see that it’s worth taking your time.

The nativity scene at the end of the exhibit is breathtaking!

Between the frozen scenes, interactive elements, and larger than life sculptures, ICE is one of the most unique Christmas experiences at Gaylord Opryland!

Checking out of the Opryland Resort

The check out process at the hotel is very simple…you can check out right on hotel’s app.

Before we checked out at 11:00 am,, we wanted to go down to the Cascades Cafe to have breakfast.

Click here to read about all the important information you will need to know during your stay

The restaurant doesn’t take reservations so I would recommend you get there early as it can get very crowded.

For breakfast, the cafe only offers buffet style dining.

Click here to see their menu

The buffet has everything you can imagine!

I’ve never seen a breakfast buffet like this one!

And you will definitely be paying top dollar for it too!

Read reviews for the restaurant here & Click here to read reviews on the resort

Tip: If you have an event booked or just want to spend more time at the hotel after you check out, just have the hotel hold your luggage. However, your parking is based on 24 hrs so, you will pay for another day if you go over the 24 hrs.

After breakfast, we headed home.

Tip: If you chose valet parking, I would recommend you use the hotel’s app to request your vehicle before going to the entrance because it stays very busy during the holidays and you can wait up to 30 mins or more for your vehicle!

Is Gaylord Opryland Worth It?

Yes, if you want a resort experience and especially if you’re visiting during Christmas.

The hotel is expensive, but the holiday decorations, ICE, atriums, restaurants, and activities make it a memorable destination.

Book early and don’t forget to look for discounts and package deals!

Allow plenty of time to explore the hotel because the resort is much larger than people expect.

Click on the links below to read about our other stays at the Opryland Resort

A Weekend at the Opryland Hotel – Nashville, TN – July 2025

A Night at the Opryland Hotel – Dec 2023

Click here to see links to all of my blog posts