Ocala Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Ocala, located in the heart of the beautiful Florida region, is a city that offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Ocala is home to some of the finest equestrian facilities and competitions in the country.

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise in Ocala, with its abundance of outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by the Ocala National Forest, a vast expanse of pristine wilderness that offers hiking, camping, fishing, and boating opportunities. The forest is also home to numerous natural springs, where visitors can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, Ocala has a thriving arts and cultural scene. The city's downtown area is filled with charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a unique shopping and dining experience. The Marion Theatre, a historic landmark, is a must-visit for theater lovers, showcasing a variety of performances throughout the year.

History buffs will also find plenty to explore in Ocala. The city is home to the Appleton Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of European, American, and contemporary art. The Silver Springs State Park, a popular tourist attraction, offers a glimpse into the city's past with its historic glass-bottom boat tours.

Of course, no visit to Ocala would be complete without experiencing its equestrian heritage. The city boasts numerous horse farms and training centers, where visitors can witness the majesty and grace of these magnificent animals. The annual HITS Ocala Winter Circuit attracts top equestrians from around the world, making it a must-see event for horse enthusiasts.

Alternative names: Settled: 1849Population: 58.2 thous.Area: 45.85 mi²Elevation: 102 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 29°10'42"N, 82°8'27"W

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FloridaUnited States

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Ocala Top Attractions

Ocala Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ocala offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Silver River, Appleton Museum of Art, Silver River Museum, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

29°12'23"N • 82°1'13"W
Silver River
The Silver River is a short spring-fed river located east of Ocala in Marion County, Florida. Fed by Silver Springs, it connects the springs to the Ocklawaha River, passing through a pristine woodland environment.
Museum • Art museum
Appleton Museum of Art
The Appleton Museum of Art is an art museum located in Ocala, Florida. It is affiliated with and governed by the College of Central Florida and has been since 2004.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
Silver River Museum
The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is a nature museum in Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, Florida, near Ocala. The museum is named after the Silver River, which flows through the park.

Museum • Specialty museum
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is located at 13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, Florida, just off Interstate 75. Opened in 1984, it chronicles the history of the sport of drag racing.
29°11'14"N • 82°4'55"W
Fort King National Historic Park
Fort King was a United States military fort in north central Florida, near what later developed as the city of Ocala. It was named after Colonel William King, commander of Florida's Fourth Infantry and the first governor of the provisional West Florida region.
Church
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1886 and was the first black Baptist church organized in Winter Park, Florida, United States. Originally, the church began at the home of Reverend Charles and Mrs. Missouri Ambrose on Pennsylvania Avenue in the town's predominantly African American Westside.
29°16'12"N • 82°10'48"W
The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours
Nature • Natural attraction • Adventure park
Park • Nature and wildlife • Garden
Sholom Park
Sholom Park is a non-profit privately owned, 44-acre botanical garden in Ocala, Florida. Opened in 2004, the park features over 2 miles of paved trails and more than 250 species of plants and trees.
Church
Mount Zion A.M.E. Church
The Mount Zion A.M.E. Church is a historic church in Ocala, Florida, United States. It is located at 623 South Magnolia Avenue. The only surviving brick 19th-century religious structure in Ocala, the present Gothic Revival church stands behind the site of the original white frame building.
Synagogue
United Hebrews of Ocala
The former United Hebrews of Ocala synagogue is a historic Carpenter Gothic building located at 729 N.E. 2nd Street, in the Tuscawilla Park Historic District of Ocala, Florida. Built in 1888, it was one of the first synagogues in Florida.
29°6'24"N • 82°15'26"W
Circle Square Cultural Center
Farmer's market • Shopping • Square
29°11'5"N • 82°6'3"W
Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology
Museum • Natural history museum • History museum
Neighbourhood
Tuscawilla Park Historic District
The Tuscawilla Park Historic District is a historic district in Ocala, Florida. It is bounded by Northeast 4th Street, Sanchez Avenue, 2nd Street, Tuscawilla Avenue, and Watula Street. It encompasses approximately 20 acres, and contains 37 historic buildings. On March 30, 1988, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
29°11'11"N • 82°12'35"W
Black Forest Pawn
Nature • Natural attraction • Shopping
29°11'16"N • 82°8'14"W
Marion Hotel
The Marion Hotel is a historic hotel in Ocala, Florida, United States. It is located at 108 North Magnolia Avenue. On October 16, 1980, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
29°11'47"N • 82°8'11"W
Coca-Cola Bottling Plant
The Coca-Cola Bottling Plant is an historic building located at 939 North Magnolia Avenue in Ocala, Florida, United States. Built in 1939, it was designed by Fort Lauderdale architect Courtney Stewart in the Mission/Spanish Revival style of architecture.
Museum • History museum
East Hall
East Hall is an historic one-story redbrick building located at 307 Southeast 26th Terrace in Ocala, Florida, United States. It is located on the grounds of the Marion County McPherson Governmental Complex. Designed by architect Frank Parzaile, it was built in 1936 by the Public Works Administration.
29°11'32"N • 82°7'47"W
E. C. Smith House
The E. C. Smith House is a historic home in Ocala, Florida. It is located at 507 Northeast 8th Avenue. On May 24, 1990, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
29°11'13"N • 82°7'5"W
The Ritz Apartment
The Ritz Apartment is a historic building in Ocala, Florida, at 1205 East Silver Springs Boulevard, on the northeast corner of the intersection with Northeast 12th Avenue. On August 21, 1986, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Things to See and Do in Ocala by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Ocala.

Shopping

Paddock Mall
Ocala
ShoppingShopping centre
Circle Square Cultural Center
Ocala
Farmer's marketShoppingSquare
Black Forest Pawn
Ocala
NatureNatural attractionShopping

Active

Stone Creek Golf Club
Ocala
GolfOutdoor activities
The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours
Ocala
NatureNatural attractionAdventure park
Sholom Park
Ocala
ParkNature and wildlifeGarden

Other categories

Museum

Day trips

Ocala – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ocala, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Florida Museum of Natural History (Gainesville), Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Gainesville), Silver Springs State Park (Silver Springs).

34 milesNW
Exhibits on the region's land and culture
Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville
Nestled in the heart of Gainesville, the Florida Museum of Natural History stands as a beacon of learning and discovery in the Sunshine State. This esteemed institution is not only a museum in the traditional sense but also a vibrant center for research and education...
35 milesN
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, popularly known as "The Swamp", is a football stadium on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville and the home field of the Florida Gators football team.
5.9 miNE
Zoo, Body of water, State park
Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs
Silver Springs is a group of artesian springs that feed into the Silver River in Marion County, Florida. It is the largest artesian spring in the world and the site of the oldest commercial tourist attraction in Florida, and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.
26 milesE
Natural attraction, Nature and wildlife, Park
Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest
Juniper Springs, located in the Ocala National Forest east of Ocala, Florida, is a natural spring that forms the headwaters of Juniper Creek that winds its way to Lake George in the Saint Johns River.
35 milesN
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Stephen C. O'Connell Center, Gainesville
The Stephen C. O'Connell Center, also known as the O'Dome, is a 10,500-seat multi-purpose arena located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida. The facility is named for the sixth president of the university, Stephen C. O'Connell, who served from 1967 to 1973.

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Best Time To Visit Ocala

Learn when is the best time to travel to Ocala weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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March is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April, May, June, September, October and November.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in October, November and December. Most of it rains in June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Ocala?

The top attractions to visit in Ocala are:

What is the best time to visit Ocala?

March is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April, May, June, September, October and November. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.