Ocala is dubbed the “Horse Capital of the World.”
With 600 horse ranches and many horse-related attractions, festivals, and activities, Ocala offers guests the complete equestrian experience.
Ocala’s thoroughbred farms have produced 45 national champions, six Kentucky Derby winners, and twenty Breeders’ Cup champions.
Visitors can horseback ride, attend horse shows and things to do in Ocala and explore the Painted Horse Trail.
Ocala and Marion County also have pristine natural landscapes and freshwater springs.
More family-friendly outdoor activities may be throughout the area, including hiking and bicycling the trails, fishing, boating, and paddling.
Rundown of the 13 best things to do in Ocala
You’ll have a fantastic time in Ocala regardless of when you visit. Here are 14 things to do in Ocala that you will adore.
1. Silver Springs State Park
If you do one thing in Ocala, visit Silver Springs State Park!
This park in Marion County is significant in Florida history since it was the state’s first tourist destination, opened in the 1870s.
Since its inception, it has seen an increase in visitor traffic each year and has even served as the backdrop for various popular films, including James Bond and other Tarzan flicks. Why is it so popular?
Silver Springs is the world’s oldest artesian spring, pouring into the Silver River.
There is so much to do on the water, but the option is to take a glass-bottom boat tour!
You’ll also love exploring one of the many beautiful hiking paths, kayaking, camping, visiting the museum, and more!
Silver Springs State Park is ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Ocala.
Address: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488, United States
Phone: +13522615840
2. Appleton Museum of Art
The Appleton Museum of Art is an art museum and a significant cultural center at the College of Central Florida.
It is among those things to do in Ocala, which houses almost 24,000 artifacts that provide something for everyone, whether you prefer old European art, modern art, or old African artifacts.
Aside from displaying numerous exhibits, the museum hosts a variety of exciting activities!
Check their calendar for the artist discussion, workshop, or live music performance.
The Appleton Museum of Art has something for everyone, regardless of their artistic preferences.
Address:4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470, United States
Phone: +13522914455
3. Juniper Springs Recreation Area
The Juniper Springs Recreation Area is an ideal area to spend the day.
The Civilian Conservation Corps created this famous leisure area in the 1930s, and it now offers swimming, camping, boating, hiking trails, and other amenities.
Juniper Springs has hundreds of natural springs, ranging from microscopic to large.
There is a stunning, crystal-clear pool here filled with spring water.
The pool is shallow at one end and deep enough to jump into at the other.
For those searching for a shorter trip, the 0.8-mile Juniper Run Nature Trail is ideal for families.
Address: 26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488, United States
Phone: +13526253147
4. The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park
If you enjoy getting your heart beating and adrenaline pumping, you must visit The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park!
This park is one of the top things to do in Ocala on two valleys and four lakes, and there are numerous activities to choose from.
Try all five courses, including the Treetop Express and Big Cliff Canyon trip, for an unforgettable view!
If you visit Ocala, FL, with a full moon, you may even be beneath the stars!
This adventure park offers a variety of unusual and enjoyable experiences for the entire family, including horseback riding, wine and chocolate tours, kayaking, gem mining, and more.
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Address: 8045 NW Gainesville Rd, Ocala, FL 34475, United States
Phone: +13523519477
5. Silver River
The Silver River, a 7-mile-long river in Marion County, is ideal for adventure and relaxation.
The artesian springs in Silver River State Park feed the Silver River, which flows into the Ocklawaha River.
It flows slowly and has no wake zone.
The Silver River has borders on some of Florida’s most beautiful and diverse wilderness areas.
Spend the entire day floating down the river in a canoe or kayak, admiring the breathtaking scenery, tranquil sounds of nature, and wildlife above and below.
Look for sea turtles swimming beneath you, alligators lounging on the riverbanks, birds enjoying the sun, and native Florida vegetation all around you.
Spend a day floating along the river with the entire family, bring a picnic, and enjoy a beautiful day in the sun.
Address: Florida, USA
Phone: Not Available
6. SHALOM PARK
If you’re searching for a calm but lovely botanical garden to explore, swing by Shalom Park on your trip to Ocala.
This non-profit park is one of the best things to do in Ocala.
It covers 44 acres and is home to over 250 plant and tree species.
Aside from its stunning environment, Sholom Park assists visitors in discovering peace and tranquility.
It has a meditation trail, seating places, and plaques throughout the park with inspiring, thought-provoking quotes.
Sholom Park is a slice of heaven, a sweet getaway into nature where you can discover peace, tranquility, and perhaps even the answers you seek.
Address: 7110 SW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34481, United States
Phone: +13528543677
7. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame
Donald Glen Garlits is a racecar driver and mechanical engineer from Tampa, Florida.
He is regarded as the father of drag racing and had a pivotal impact on the sport.
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is a long-standing attraction in Ocala, Florida.
It opened in 1984 and showcases the history of drag racing while also housing the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Visiting this museum, which has nearly 100 distinct drag racing cars, is every racer’s dream.
Plan a few hours to swing by during your journey to Marion County. You won’t want to miss this!
Address: 13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473, United States
Phone: +13522458661
8. Fort King National Historical Site
The Fort King National Historic Site, which is one of the best things to do in Ocala and spans 40 acres, is worth visiting.
The Seminole Tribe’s attack on Fort King in 1834 sparked the Second Seminole War and remained significant throughout the seven-year conflict that ensued.
The United States lost that conflict, and Fort King had been used and abandoned several times throughout history before the Seminoles relocated and Fort King was designated a historical landmark.
You can still visit this place today to see the remnants of the fort and learn about its historical significance.
Address: 3925 E Fort King St, Ocala, FL 34470, United States
Phone:+13523685517
9. Gipsy Gold Horse Farm
Ocala, Florida, is known as the World’s Horse Capital, so it only makes sense to visit a horse farm while you’re there. The Gipsy Gold Horse Farm isn’t your average horse farm. It features Gipsy Vanner Horses, some of the most colorful and gorgeous horses you’ve ever seen.
This gorgeous 40-acre farm and cultural center houses the first Gipsy Vanner horses brought to the United States from Great Britain in the 1990s and hundreds more.
You’ll start with a presentation about the history of Gipsy Vanner horses, and the history of horses in Ocala, FL, and the surrounding Marion County.
Address: 12501 8th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473, United States
Phone: +13523073777
10. Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Centre
The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Centre is one of the best things to do in Ocala within Silver River State Park.
Marion County Public Schools runs an educational program to teach the public about the area’s natural history. It is at the campground’s entrance.
The museum serves primarily as an environmental education center for kids. It is open to the public on weekends.
You can learn about Florida’s natural heritage and how to maintain and conserve its natural resources.
You won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind, hands-on event!
Address: 1445 NE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470, United States
Phone: +13522365401
11. Withlacoochee State Forest
If you enjoy the outdoors, you should plan a trip to Withlacoochee State Forest when visiting Marion County!
It is approximately 40 minutes south of Ocala and is Florida’s second-biggest state forest.
Even though it receives over a million visitors, there is plenty of space for activities.
The forest covers more than 155,000 acres and offers a variety of activities.
The Withlacoochee River runs through the area, allowing guests to go kayaking, canoeing, biking, camping, and much more.
After a day on the water or a weekend in the woods, visit Brooksville’s breweries and distilleries.
Address: 15003 N Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601, United States
Phone: +13527974140
12. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a vast 68-acre non-profit garden on Lake Kanapaha near Gainesville, Florida.
Along a 1.5-mile asphalt promenade, 24 separate gardens display various flowers and plants, including Florida’s largest bamboo display and the state’s herb garden.
The pathway is handicapped accessible, and dogs are on leashes.
Picnic tables are scattered throughout this one of the things to do in Ocala, allowing you to eat lunch or a snack on the go.
The time to visit the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is during the summer, when the flowers are the most colorful, although any time of year is magnificent!
The Gardens also hold other events throughout the year, such as the Spring Garden Festival. Check the calendar of events to see what is coming up.
Address: Summer House, 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Phone: +13523724981
13.Ocala National Forest
Ocala may not be near the ocean, but there is plenty of water, beaches, and fun to be enjoyed.
The Ocala National Forest is one of Ocala’s biggest attractions, with over 600 lakes and rivers for visitors to enjoy.
Spend the day on the water snorkeling, paddle boarding, fishing, canoeing, or boating, or seek out a refreshing spring to swim in.
When not in the water, go hiking, biking, driving around the countryside, riding an ATV, or sitting around a campfire with your buddies.
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Address: Florida 32179, USA
Phone: Not Available
Final words
Ocala is a community in north central Florida that offers horseback riding and plenty of outdoor activities.
Among Ocala’s gorgeous rolling hills and freshwater streams, numerous nature theme parks and experiences are there to enjoy!
You can visit horse farms, museums, historical sites, and other things to do in Ocala.
Ocala is a spot to come to any time of year because of the bright weather in Florida.
I particularly enjoy visiting towards the end of winter or the beginning of spring, when the weather is ideal.