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Ocala, Florida: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

The horse country wraps right around this city on almost every side of it. The springs are all separate trips, and each one wants its own day. Silver Springs, Rainbow Springs and Alexander Springs are three quite separate drives. The downtown holds the museum, the theater and the square all in one. Group by water, by horses or by downtown and the driving halves itself.

Are you planning a trip to Ocala, Florida and looking for the things worth doing? Look at where the city sits first. Ocala is a small city in North Central Florida, about 30 miles south of Gainesville and about 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Orlando. This city carries a long run of activities, attractions and days out that will fill a vacation properly.

If you want the horse country, Ocala is where that actually lives. With its parks, its nature trails, its historical landmarks and its cultural side, you will not run short of things to do in Ocala. You can walk the wilderness of Ocala National Forest, paddle through Silver Springs State Park, or take the engines at Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing.

Whether speed, art, food or simply somewhere quiet is what you came for, Ocala has a version of it. From the food in Ocala to the collection at the Appleton Museum, the list of things to do and places to visit in Ocala runs long. So pack the bags, plan the trip and give a proper stay to Ocala, Florida.

Key Takeaways

• Ocala offers a variety of activities and attractions for everyone, from exploring the wilderness of Ocala National Forest to savoring the flavors of Ocala.
• Unleash your inner cowboy at Ocala or get your adrenaline pumping at Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours.
• Immerse in art at the Appleton Museum or unwind at Sholom Park.

Embrace Your Inner Cowboy at Ocala

Yeehaw. It’s time to saddle up in Ocala, the Horse Capital of the World. With its rolling hills, heavy pasture and horse farms running to the horizon, Ocala is where anybody who cares about horses, riding and the equestrian world should be.

Whether you have ridden for years or never sat on a horse, there are plenty of ways onto the trails and out into the country. From guided trail rides to private lessons, Ocala runs all of it. And with over 600 horse farms in the area, you will find the right place to saddle up and ride out.

One of the stops nobody skips in Ocala is the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm, home of the Gypsy Vanner Horses. These horses are known for their colored coats and their calm temperaments. Take a tour of the farm and meet them at close range. You might even get to ride one of them.

If you want to understand the thoroughbred industry, visit one of the many thoroughbred horse farms in the area. These farms are where some of the fastest racehorses in the world are bred and trained. Take a tour of the facilities and see what actually goes into producing a champion.

So, what are you waiting for? Embrace your inner cowboy and head to Ocala for a day in the saddle.

Unleash the Speed Demon at Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

Are you the sort who came for engines? Look at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida. This museum covers the whole of drag racing, from its history to its technology to what makes people watch it.

The museum takes its name from Don Garlits, a drag racer who won championships and set records across a long career. Garlits also founded the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, which sits inside the museum and honors the sport’s strongest drivers and innovators.

Inside the museum, you’ll find a deep collection of drag racing cars, from vintage hot rods to modern machines. You can get near enough to read the engineering, from the bodywork to the engines. And with some luck, you may see Garlits himself, who still appears at the museum regularly.

But the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is more than a room full of cars. It’s also a serious collection of racing memorabilia, including trophies, helmets and racing suits worn by the names everybody knows. You can see the “Swamp Rat” dragster, which Garlits drove to victory in the 1960s.

If drag racing is your subject, or you simply want an afternoon unlike the others, the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is the stop in Ocala, Florida. Come and stand next to the machines that made the sport.

Paddle Your Way Through Silver Springs State Park

Looking for a good way into the country around Ocala, Florida? Look at Silver Springs State Park first. And the strongest way into it is a paddle down the Silver River.

Hop in a kayak or canoe and get ready for what is under you. The water is clear enough to read the bottom, where the fish, turtles and eelgrass all sit. Keep your eyes open for alligators too, though they want less to do with you than you do with them.

If paddling yourself is not the plan, you can take a boat tour instead. But where is the fun in that? You’ll get far more out of the river if you are the one steering. Plus you get the exercise thrown in.

The park rents both kayaks and canoes, so take your pick. And if you want the harder version, try an inflatable kayak. It’s more work, but the rapids are worth it.

Don’t forget the camera, because you will want the country on it. And pack snacks and water while you are at it. You’ll have earned both by the end of the park’s 5-mile river run.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a paddle and take the day at Silver Springs State Park.

Immerse in Art at the Appleton Museum

You’re in Ocala and art is what you follow. What should you do? Go to the Appleton Museum of Art. The museum’s permanent collection runs approximately 18,000 objects, covering European, American, Asian, African, Contemporary and pre-Columbian art and artifacts. You can lose hours in the galleries.

The other thing worth knowing? Entry to the Appleton Museum costs nothing. That’s right, you can spend the afternoon among the collection without paying. So take friends, family or whoever you came with and head over.

If contemporary art is your interest, you are in luck. The Appleton Museum runs temporary traveling exhibitions of contemporary artists through the year. Check the museum’s website to see what is up now.

But the Appleton Museum is not only about looking. The museum also runs workshops and lectures for anybody who wants the history behind the work. So if you want to know more than you did, check the museum’s calendar of events.

Finally, if history is your subject, the Appleton Museum has that too. The museum’s collection includes pre-Columbian art and artifacts, which give you the Americas before Columbus’s arrival.

In summary, the Appleton Museum of Art is the first stop for anybody in Ocala who looks at pictures. With no entry cost, a deep collection and real educational programs, you can spend a day on art and history without spending money.

Explore the Wilderness of Ocala National Forest

You’re in Ocala, Florida and you want to get outdoors. Well, the Ocala National Forest is where to go. This forest covers over 600 square miles and holds a long list of wildlife, including wild turkeys and black bears. So put the boots on, take the camping gear and give it a day.

One of the strongest things about the Ocala National Forest is the hiking. With over 600 miles of trails, the range runs from easy walks to real climbs. The Alexander Springs Recreational Area is where to start. Here you’ll find a spring-fed swimming area alongside several trails that run through the forest. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you go.

If biking is more your speed, the Ocala National Forest runs plenty of trails for that as well. The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is the one people pick, with over 22 miles winding through the forest. Just watch for the occasional black bear crossing in front of you.

Of course, no trip to the Ocala National Forest is complete without a night under canvas. There are several campgrounds across the forest, running from primitive sites to full hookups. So pack the tent and the sleeping bag and give a night to it.

Whether you do this often or simply want a day outdoors, the Ocala National Forest will meet it. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and walk it.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours

Looking for something that gets the heart going properly? Look at Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours in Ocala, Florida.

With the longest, highest and fastest zip lines in the state, you go through the air with the canyons opening below you. And if this is your first time, the guides here are experienced enough to make that not matter.

Ready to go? Here’s what a Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours run gives you:

• Three different zip line tours to choose from, ranging from $54.99 to $109.99.
• Tours last up to three hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery.
• In addition to zip lining, you can also enjoy horseback riding, kayaking, and gem mining.
• If you want to capture your adventure on film, you can rent a GoPro or pre-order a digital photo package.

So what are you waiting for? Get the adrenaline at Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours and take the ride properly.

Savor the Flavors of Ocala

Ocala eats better than the size of it suggests, with a range of cooking that covers most tables. From American classics to Spanish-inspired dishes, you’ll find the lot in this Florida city. So take a fork and get into it.

First, let’s talk American cooking. Ocala turns out burgers, fries and milkshakes that hold up anywhere. You cannot go wrong with the classic burger at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, topped with bacon, cheddar cheese and a fried egg. And do not skip the fries, crisp outside and soft in the middle. Wash it down with a thick milkshake and the meal is complete.

But Ocala’s food is not only American. The city carries a strong Spanish influence, which shows in its tapas bars and restaurants. One of the strongest places for Spanish-inspired cooking is La Cuisine French Restaurant, which runs everything from paella to churros. The restaurant sits in a historic building draped in Spanish moss, which gives the room its atmosphere.

Of course, no trip to Ocala is complete without the local cooking. The city is known for its Southern-style kitchen, running fried chicken, collard greens and cornbread. For a taste of the South, head to Ivy on the Square, which does comfort food properly in a small room.

In conclusion, Ocala’s food scene has genuine range and genuine quality. Whether you want American classics or Spanish-inspired cooking, you’ll find it in this Florida city. So come hungry and leave properly fed.

Relax and Unwind at Sholom Park

Are you tired of the noise? Do you want somewhere that asks nothing of you? Look at Sholom Park in Ocala, Florida. This 44-acre botanical garden is where the day slows down.

Take a slow walk along the park’s two miles of paved trails and look at the more than 100 species of plants and trees. Listen to the birds and the leaves doing what they do. Ah, you can feel the week coming off your shoulders already.

If you want somewhere to eat a picnic, Sholom Park has that too. The park runs several picnic tables where you can sit and eat surrounded by growing things. Just keep an eye on the food, because the local birds have form.

Speaking of birds, Sholom Park is where the birdwatchers go. Keep your eyes open for the blue jay, the cardinal and the woodpecker. Who knows, you might see something rarer than that.

So if you need somewhere quiet, head over to Sholom Park. It’s how you get out from under everything else for an afternoon.

The springs and the pasture both come off exactly the same ground here. That is why the water runs clear and the grass runs heavy. The horse farms sit on top of it and the state parks protect it. Springs and horses are the one single fact here, not two separate ones. Understand that one thing and the whole of Ocala falls into its place.

Experience the Vibrant Ocala Downtown Square

You do not want to skip the Ocala Downtown Square. This mix of restaurants, boutiques, salons and art and cultural exhibits is where the walking, the shopping and the eating all happen at once.

One of the strongest things about Ocala Downtown Square is how walkable it is. You can park the car and be within 10 minutes on foot of everything you came to see. The historic town square, a large paved octagon with a starburst design set among trees and grass, is the centerpiece of the whole area.

If shopping is what you want, Ocala Downtown Square runs plenty. You can work through the boutiques, art galleries and local shops and find things you will not see at home. Whether clothing, jewelry or home decor is the target, something here will stop you.

But Ocala Downtown Square is not only shops. There is plenty else to fill the hours. You can take a historical walking tour or join a ghost walk and pick up the area’s history. And if the arts are your interest, visit the Marion Theatre, which has stood in the downtown area since 1941.

Of course, no trip to Ocala Downtown Square is complete without eating properly. From farm-to-table restaurants to classic diners, something here will suit you. And if you want a drink, there are award-winning breweries, wineries and speakeasies to pick from.

So whether you want the shopping, the history or simply good food and drink, Ocala Downtown Square covers it. Don’t skip this part of Ocala, Florida, because it is where the town shows itself.

Enjoy the Performances at Ocala Civic Theatre

Looking for a good evening in Ocala? Look at the Ocala Civic Theatre. With performances running right through the year, there is nearly always something on at this theater.

If live theater is your subject, you’ll want the Ocala Civic Theatre. From classic plays to modern musicals, the programming keeps moving. And with local performers who can genuinely do it, the standard holds up.

But the Ocala Civic Theatre is not only for theater people. They also run concerts, comedy shows and other events across the year. So whether you want to laugh or hear music, something here will fit.

And the other thing worth knowing? The Ocala Civic Theatre sits right in the heart of Ocala, so it is easy to reach from anywhere in town. So take friends, get the tickets and give the evening to the Ocala Civic Theatre.

So what are you waiting for? Check the coming schedule at the Ocala Civic Theatre and plan the next night out in Ocala. Trust us, it holds up.

Discover the Beauty of Rainbow Springs State Park

Looking for somewhere to cool off in the Ocala, Florida heat? Look at Rainbow Springs State Park. With its heavy vegetation, its clear springs and its nature trails, this park will hold you for a day or two.

Once you arrive at Rainbow Springs, the scale of the place lands. The springs run clear and suit swimming, tubing and snorkeling. You can also rent a kayak or canoe and take the park from the water.

But the park is not only about water. There are plenty of nature trails as well. Take a slow walk through and see what wildlife shows itself. Keep an eye out for deer, turtles and the occasional alligator.

If you want a harder day, walk one of the park’s longer trails. With miles to pick from, one of them will suit your legs. Just wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of water.

Overall, Rainbow Springs State Park is the one nobody in the Ocala area should skip. Whether you came for the springs, the trails or simply somewhere to sit, this park covers it. So pack a picnic and give the day to Rainbow Springs.

Appreciate the Arts at The Reilly Arts Center

Looking for the cultural side of Ocala? Look at The Reilly Arts Center. This performing arts center is where the live entertainment and events in this area happen.

Located just five blocks from Ocala’s Historic Downtown Square in Tuscawilla Park, The Reilly Arts Center is the stop for anybody who follows the arts. With serious acoustics and production equipment, the 705-seat venue runs events, concerts, meetings and parties.

Whether music, theater, dance or comedy is what you follow, The Reilly Arts Center runs it. From classical concerts by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra to stand-up comedy, the calendar rarely goes quiet at this venue.

But The Reilly Arts Center is more than a venue. It’s a place that takes the arts and culture of Ocala seriously. With its architecture and its interiors, the center is worth looking at before the show starts. And with its commitment to local talent and to the arts in this community, The Reilly Arts Center matters to Ocala beyond the ticket sales.

So why not step off the usual list and give an evening to The Reilly Arts Center? You’re likely to come out having heard something you did not expect.

Learn and Play at the Silver River Museum

If you want something that teaches as well as entertains in Ocala, take the Silver River Museum. This museum sits inside the Silver Springs State Park and runs as a program of Marion County Public Schools. It works closely with the Florida Park Service to give visitors something more than a walk-through.

The Silver River Museum sits in a historic 1930s building that once served as Civilian Conservation Corps barracks. Today it holds exhibits and displays covering the natural and cultural history of the Ocala area.

One of the strongest parts of the museum is the exhibit on the Seminole Wars. Here you can read the history of those conflicts and see artifacts from the period. Other exhibits cover geology, paleontology and pioneer life in Florida.

But the Silver River Museum is not only about reading. Kids and adults alike do well with the interactive exhibits, which reward poking about. From the fossil dig pit to the butterfly garden, everybody finds their own corner.

If history, nature or simply a good hour is what you want, put the Silver River Museum on the list for Ocala. You will come out knowing more than you did.

Tee Off at Ocala’s Golf Courses

Looking for a way to fill a day in Ocala? Look at the city’s golf courses. Whether you play seriously or picked up a club last week, Ocala’s courses have a version for you.

First on the list should be the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. This course, designed by Ron Garl, runs eight tribute holes taken from courses like St. Andrews, Royal Troon and Augusta National. You’ll play better than you are for at least a few of them.

Next is the Ocala National Golf Club. After a redesign by Rees Jones, this course plays better than it ever did. With its setting and its layout, you’ll enjoy losing to it.

If you want the budget-friendly option, check out the Ocala Golf Club. Built in 1920, this course has outlasted most of what was around it. With its classic layout and its setting, a round here is time well spent.

Last but not least is the Stone Creek Golf Club. With its long views and the lakes worked through it, Stone Creek gives you a genuinely good round. Spanning 7,221 yards over 187 acres of countryside and rolling hills, the course runs large undulating Champions Bermuda greens and precise bunkering.

So what are you waiting for? Grab the clubs and take a day on Ocala’s golf courses.

Visit the College of Central Florida

Looking for something that teaches and entertains in Ocala? Look at the College of Central Florida. This institution is worth visiting as well as studying at.

First, the campus itself is worth the drive. The 82,000 square-foot marble structure, built in a classical Italian style, does not look like a college. You’ll feel like you have walked into a palace by mistake.

But the College of Central Florida is not only about the building. It’s also home to academic programs running from business and health sciences to arts and education. Whether the plan is starting a degree or simply learning something new, there is a course here for it.

And if extracurricular activities are your interest, the College of Central Florida has those as well. They run clubs and organizations, including an art club, a gaming club and a beekeeping club. Who knew beekeeping had a following?

So if you want something in Ocala that is both interesting and useful, head over to the College of Central Florida. Who knows, you may leave knowing something you did not arrive with.

Plan Your Trip with TripAdvisor

You’re planning a trip to Ocala, Florida and you want to get it right. Well, lucky for you, TripAdvisor is built for exactly that.

First things first, you need a guide. TripAdvisor carries a long list of things to do in Ocala. From horseback riding to hiking, everybody finds something. And if you are unsure where to start, TripAdvisor’s user reviews and ratings will narrow it down.

Now that you have the guide, it is time to sort out the travel. TripAdvisor can find you flights, hotels and vacation rentals for the trip. And if you want more than that, they also run tours and activities.

But wait, there is more. TripAdvisor also runs a travel forum where you can talk to other travelers and get the local view on eating, drinking and exploring in Ocala. And if you are still unsure, TripAdvisor’s trip designers will build something around your interests and your budget.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning the trip to Ocala, Florida with TripAdvisor today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some free and fun things to do in Ocala, Florida?

Well, you can always walk the downtown area and take the historic architecture and the one-off shops. If you want something more demanding, head to the Ocala National Forest for hiking and swimming in the clear springs. And do not forget the free concerts and events at Tuscawilla Park.

What are some romantic activities for couples in Ocala?

For a day out together, start with a slow horseback ride through the country. Then head to the Appleton Museum of Art for the exhibits and whatever happens in the gardens. And for something you will both remember, book a hot air balloon ride and take the sunset over the hills around Ocala.

What’s the best way to spend a day in Ocala?

Start the day with a proper breakfast at one of the cafes in downtown Ocala. Then head to the Silver Springs State Park for kayaking, hiking and wildlife spotting. Afterward, take the local art scene at the Brick City Center for the Arts and finish with dinner at one of the farm-to-table restaurants around here.

What are some unique outdoor attractions in Ocala?

Ocala is known for the country around it, so do not skip the Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours, where you go over the treetops with the ground a long way down. You can also take a guided tour of the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm or visit the Florida Horse Park for the equestrian side of it.

What are some fun things to do in Ocala at night?

For a night out, head to the Ocala Downtown Square for live music and entertainment. You can also take a film at the historic Marion Theatre or a craft beer at one of the local breweries. And if you are feeling lucky, try the slots at the Ocala Poker & Jai-Alai.

What are some family-friendly activities in Ocala?

Ocala works well for families, with attractions like the Petting Zoo Ocala and the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. You can also take a guided tour of the Sholom Park or work through Silver Springs State Park on a glass-bottom boat. And for something that teaches while it entertains, visit the Discovery Center for the local plants and animals.

Frequently asked questions about Ocala, Florida

What does the Appleton Museum of Art actually hold?

About 18,000 objects in all. The permanent collection runs European, American, Asian, African, Contemporary and pre-Columbian art and artifacts, which is a wider span than a city this size usually manages. Entry to the place itself will cost you nothing at all. The Silver River Museum is what covers the local history side instead. That is two museums for one wet afternoon, with no money spent at all.

How long is the river run at Silver Springs State Park?

About 5 miles of it. You paddle the Silver River by kayak or canoe with the water clear enough to see the fish, the turtles and the eelgrass under you the whole way. The park rents both of them, so bringing your own is optional. Rainbow Springs State Park is what covers the other water day. Do both of them and you have seen what this ground does.

Is the Sholom Park worth an hour in Ocala, Florida?

It genuinely is, yes indeed. The 44-acre botanical garden runs two miles of paved trail past more than 100 species of plants and trees, which is a great deal of quiet for very little effort. The birdwatching out there is a good deal better than you will expect. The picnic tables sit along the route as well as that. It is the quietest hour anywhere on this whole list of places.

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