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Ocala is a city of about 65,000 people in north-central Florida, the seat of Marion County and the center of a region known as the Horse Capital of the World. Its rolling pastures, white fences and limestone soils support hundreds of thoroughbred and show horse farms, and the area has produced many champion racehorses.
The city grew around Fort King, an army post founded in 1827 during the conflicts with the Seminole people, and today its brick-paved Downtown Ocala Square has a gazebo, restaurants and monthly art walks. The Ocala Historic District preserves Victorian homes, and the Appleton Museum of Art holds an impressive collection from around the world.
Ocala is also a gateway to Florida's springs. Silver Springs State Park, famous for glass-bottom boat tours over crystal-clear water, lies on the edge of the city, and the vast Ocala National Forest to the east is full of springs, lakes and trails. The World Equestrian Center and the Florida Horse Park host major equestrian events.
One of the largest artesian springs in the world, where glass-bottom boat tours have run since the late 1800s over clear water full of fish, turtles and underwater vegetation. Visitors can also kayak the Silver River and may spot the park's free-roaming rhesus monkeys. Arrive early on weekends to rent kayaks.
A vast national forest east of Ocala, established in 1908, with sand pine scrub, lakes and famous swimming springs such as Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs and Salt Springs. Visitors come for canoeing, camping, hiking the Florida Trail and spotting wildlife. Springs fill up early on summer weekends.
A museum inside Silver Springs State Park with exhibits on the area's fossils, Native American history and the ecology of the Silver River, plus a re-created pioneer village with historic buildings. It is especially good for families and school groups. Check opening days, as hours are more limited than the park.
A large art museum operated by the College of Central Florida, with European paintings and sculpture, American art, antiquities, Asian and African collections and changing exhibitions in a striking marble building. It is one of the best art museums in central Florida. Allow about two hours to see the galleries.
A museum founded by drag racing legend Don Garlits, with dozens of famous dragsters, including his own Swamp Rat cars, along with a large collection of antique and classic automobiles. It is a must for racing and car fans and is just off Interstate 75 south of Ocala. Allow one to two hours.
One of the largest equestrian sports complexes in the world, with indoor and outdoor arenas hosting show jumping, hunter and dressage events, plus a hotel, restaurants and shops around a central plaza. Many horse shows are free to watch. Check the events calendar to see top riders in competition.
A large equestrian park near Ocala that hosts eventing, driving, dressage and other horse competitions on its cross-country courses and arenas. Its wooded trails, connected to the Cross Florida Greenway, are open to riders, hikers and cyclists. Visit during an event weekend to watch horses tackle the jumps.
The site of Fort King, a U.S. Army post founded in 1827 that played a central role in the Second Seminole War. The park has walking paths, interpretive signs and a reconstruction of the fort, telling the stories of soldiers, settlers and the Seminole people. Guided tours and living history events are held on some weekends.
The historic heart of Ocala, a brick-paved square with a gazebo surrounded by restaurants, cafes, boutiques and galleries in older buildings. It hosts the First Friday Art Walk, concerts and holiday events. Park in the downtown garages and stroll the square in the evening, when restaurants put tables outside.
A large historic district east of downtown, especially along SE Fort King Street, with Victorian, Queen Anne and early 20th-century homes shaded by live oaks. It is a lovely area for a slow walk or bike ride, and the homes are especially pretty during the holidays. Please stay on public sidewalks, as homes are private.
A large park near downtown Ocala with a lake, walking paths, playgrounds and historic buildings, home to the Discovery Center science museum and next to the Reilly Arts Center, where the Ocala Symphony Orchestra performs. It is a good place for a stroll or family picnic before a show. Parking is near the arts center.
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