Tag: astor

Top 7 Attractions to See Near Astor, Florida

North Central Florida in Astor, Florida near the St. Johns River is a must visit spot this time of year. There is so much to do in Astor and in nearby Ocala and Daytona Beach. The great part about Astor is it’s just a 45-minute drive to Ocala and 45 minutes to Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Circle these seven attractions near Astor, Florida on your map to visit this year.

Lake George

Lake George near Astor, Florida is the state’s second largest lake behind Lake Okeechobee. It is a beautiful freshwater lake ripe full of bass and other fishing opportunities. At approximately six miles across and 11 miles around, Lake George is fed from the northern flow of the St. Johns River. Get out there and enjoy a sunset and do some boating on Lake George this year.

freshwater springs
The St. Johns River near Astor, Florida is home to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural springs.

Natural Springs

The St. Johns River near Astor is home to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural springs. The springs contain crystal-clear water that stays constant 72-degrees year-round. Make plans to go snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. During the winter months, head to the springs to spot manatees that are staying warm in the springs until the coastal waters warm back up again.

Follow these tips for swimming and enjoying the local springs.

De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs is a 525-acre park that produces 19 million gallons of water a day at 72 degrees year-round! The park consists of boat ramps, swimming areas and offers canoe and kayak rentals. Picnic tables, grills and a playground are also available for families.

While you are there, be sure to have one of the best breakfasts around at the Sugar Mill Restaurant, which is located in a 100-year-old 1830s sugar mill.

Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest is a nationally protected forest of 607 square miles of nature exploration. Full of natural springs and hunting opportunities, you can spot manatees, bears, deer, birds and other wildlife at certain times of the year.

Learn how to camp along the St. Johns River and the forest’s hunting guidelines.

attractions astor, florida horse jumping
Less than an hour from Astor is Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, home to world-class golf courses and equestrian events .

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

Are you an equestrian lover or a golfer? Less than an hour from Astor sits the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, home to world-class golf courses and equestrian events that include the Ocala Breeders Sales, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and the Live Oak International among others.

Daytona Beach

One of the most popular beaches in the country, Daytona Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy spring break. It is also home to NASCAR’s Daytona 500 and Bike Week in February. In July, the speedway is home to the Coke Zero 400, a Biketoberfest in October and other racing events. The beach along the Atlantic Ocean is a Spring Break hotspot and a great place to visit year-round.

attractions astor, florida daytona 500
Daytona Beach is home to NASCAR’s Daytona 500 The race track is a short drive from Astor.

Rent a Cottage

Need a place to stay that’s right in the center of all of the above attractions? Look no further than Castaways on the River in Astor. Guests can enjoy quaint cottages and motel rooms overlooking the St. Johns River. Enjoy the tranquility of the river in a setting that’s close to all the attractions and events in Central Florida you plan on attending this year.

Rent a Boat

While you are here, make sure you rent a boat to enjoy some boating and do some fishing on the St. Johns River. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental and your North Central Florida accommodations stay today.

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8 Must Visit Spots in Astor, Florida

North Central Florida is a treasure trove of natural beauty that you need to explore for yourself along the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida this year. You may only have a weekend to visit so we have done your homework for you. Here are the eight must visit spots in Astor you need to visit this year.

lake george
You have to rent a boat on the St. Johns River to fully appreciate Lake George’s beauty.

Plan a Trip to Lake George

Lake George calls recreational anglers and boaters alike to its haven of shimmering water and endless fishing opportunities. At approximately six-miles across and 11 miles around, Lake George is Florida’s second-largest lake behind Lake Okeechobee. Fed from the northern flow of the St. Johns River, Lake George is actually fed its water from the south of the lake. Lake George is a wonderful spot to do some fishing and enjoy some boating this year.

Read our Lake George guide to learn more about this popular lake.

ocala national forest
The Ocala National Forest is a protected habitat waiting for exploration.

Visit the Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest is a nationally protected forest of 607 square miles of exploration. It contains more than 600 lakes, springs and rivers too. Depending on the time of year, you can see bears, deer, birds, manatees and other marine life in the forest.

Learn the ins and outs of camping along the St. Johns River, how to start a campfire and hunting guidelines in the Ocala National Forest.

silver glen springs
Spot manatees in the winter at Silver Glen Springs.

Take a Dip in the Natural Springs

The St. Johns River area near Astor, Florida is home to some of the state’s most beautiful freshwater springs, which sit near the Ocala National Forest. The springs contain crystal-clear water that stays a constant 72-degrees year-round. Popular activities in the springs include swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. During the cooler winter months, you are also likely to spot manatees that have made their way inland to stay warm in the spring waters.

Put these springs on your must-visit list this year:

  • Silver Glen Springs is a popular place to see manatee sightings in the winter.
  • Juniper Springs provides an access point to the Florida National Scenic Trail.
  • De Leon Springs is the former home of the Native Mayacca Indians.
  • Salt Springs is a haven for turtles, bass and Blue Crabs and is not accessible by motor boats.
what to do astor florida dining
Some restaurants have boat docking access from the St. Johns River.

Dine at Local Restaurants

Astor, Florida is also a very popular spot to grab a bite to eat at local restaurants nestled near the St. Johns River. There are five must-stop dining spots that offer a variety of fresh seafood and waterfront dining options. Some restaurants have boat docking access from the river. Other restaurants are popular hangouts for motorcyclists taking leisurely weekend drives on State Road 40, so share those spots with bikers and keep an eye out for them on the road! Make sure you check out the dining scene in Astor during your next visit.

 

Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail

If you are a hiker, the Florida National Scenic Trail is calling your name. The trail consists of 1,300 miles of federally designated recreation trail that crosses right near the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida.

Try tackling the central portion of the trail near Astor, where you can search for Florida black bears, birds and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings of the St. Johns River.

Find out how to hike the Florida National Scenic Trail and map your hiking trip today.

what to do astor florida
Plan a trip to the St. Johns River soon to relax and unwind.

See Bears on the Scenic Byway

The nationally-designated Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway in North Central Florida is the place to catch glimpses of the Florida Black Bear. The east-west segment of the byway takes motorists along State Road 40 near the St. Johns River and through the Ocala National Forest and the Lake George State Forest.

Use an app to find black bears and read up on our guide to improve your black bear spotting skills.

Book Your Next Visit

Will you not be able to visit every must visit spot in Astor in one trip? No worries. Plan another trip soon and book a stay at Castaways on the River to spend some time in North Central Florida this year! Castaways on the River offers cozy cottages and motel rooms so you can stay just steps away from the St. John River in Astor, Florida.  You can also rent a fully-equipped RV spot near the St. Johns River too. Read up on the seven North Central Florida RV tips you need to know to be prepared too.

Rent a Boat

You have to rent a boat on the St. Johns River to fully appreciate the river’s beauty. The marina at Castaways on the River can accommodate all of your boat rental and fishing trip needs. Call Castaways on the River today at (352) 759-3442 to book your boat rental and North Central Florida visit accommodations today.

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Family Trip Ideas

Boat Ride – St. Johns River

Greenery on St. Johns River

St. Johns River is Florida’s longest river; forming a beautiful path that flows from Indian River County to northeast Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean. A boat cruise of the river offers many opportunities for an affordable family trip, as the river is known for its diverse wildlife and freshwater fishing, especially largemouth basses. The river is a haven for manatees and a variety of birds. Pass through Heritage Corridor, which offers views of Volusia County’s rich cultural heritage and national treasures.

Recreation –  Silver Glen Springs

If you are boating on the St. Johns River, plan to visit Silver Glen Springs, located just a few minutes up the river from Astor, FL. Silver Glen Springs is in the Recreational Area of the Ocala National Forest. The spring has a large semicircular pool that measures 200 feet from north to south, and 175 feet east to west. With such magnitude, the crystal-clear spring basin is popular for snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Everyone will have plenty of room to splash and play!

Silver Glen Springs - Family Fun

Silver Glen Springs is an important archaeological site with hiking trails where you can explore and learn more about the history and ecology of the area.  The natural setting is surrounded by forests of oak, cedar and pines, providing the perfect scenery for photography and birding. If you happen to visit the Spring in the winter, you may see manatees visiting from the cooler waters of the St. Johns River.

Castaways on the River offers many boats for rent for your next cruise. Consider staying with us as well and wake up to beautiful sunshine in our many cottages and motel rooms that will accommodate almost any party size. We would love for you to come visit and experience the beautiful oasis Astor has to offer.

-Castaways on the River