Location: Ocala
Top Things to do in Ocala
Top Restaurants in Ocala
10 Nature & Parks in Ocala That You Shouldn't Miss
Ocala (/oʊˈkælə/ oh-KAL-ə) is a city located in Northern Florida. As of the 2013 census, its population, estimated by the United States Census Bureau, was 57,468, making it the 45th most populated city in Florida.
Restaurants in Ocala
1. Sholom Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 604 reviews
Sholom Park is a non-profit, privately owned, 44-acre botanical garden in Ocala, Florida. Opened to the public in 2004, the park features more than 2 miles of paved trails and more than 100 species of plants and trees. Sholom Park seeks to become a model of land stewardship and the preservation of open space for education and public enjoyment. Guests are invited to experience a true feeling of serenity, contentment, joy and inner peace.
Reviewed By MKMartinezGA
Beautiful and peaceful gardens and paths to enjoy nature and the outdoors while providing park benches for reflection or finding inner peace.
2. Baseline Road Trailhead
3. Florida Horse Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By janish64 - Ocala, United States
This is our 2nd annual attending of this awesome 'show'. We brought friends who totally enjoyed the experience too. This year we took cushions with to sit on the 'cool' metal bleachers. (Good idea) There are plenty of parking areas, food tents, satellite facilities and a huge arena to enjoy the horse events. Visiting the 'barns' before the show was a great experience in itself. Seeing the horses up close, interacting with the pleasant staff, picture taking...all super experiences. The 'show' itself was beyond wonderful. Clydesdales, Percherons and Belgium horses each weighing a ton were majestic, beautiful, and huge to say the least. When they went past the area we were at...it was like thunder. WOW.
4. Silver Springs River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By IGetPaid2DigDirt
We paddled the five-mile trip from the park to Ray Wayside Park. It was absolutely stunning! Monkeys, otters, manatees, alligators, TONS of turtles, beautiful trees, and crystal clear water. I wish it wasn't hours away from my home.
5. Santos - Belleview Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Biking and hiking trails just outside Ocala.
Reviewed By nebraskan70005 - New Orleans, United States
My wife and I rode from Santos trailhead to the I 75 land bridge and back on the paved path. Very enjoyable ride for a couple of senior citizens. Route had varied scenery, was shady and lightly used during the week in January. Trailhead had parking spaces, picnic tables and flush toilets all in good condition. We have already made camping reservations this spring to return to ride the easiest of the single track paths.
6. Letty Towles Dog Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
7. Juniper Prairie Wilderness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
More than 14,000 acres in Ocala National Forest, this area is diverse with prairies, pine flatwoods, marshes and a subtropical jungle.
Reviewed By FlaHarlock - Tavares, United States
My favorite place to hike in the ONF, especially during hunting season. Juniper Prairie is a NO HUNTING zone and the wildlife know it. This area is packed with animals. I’ve seen deer, coyote, fox, otter, armadillo, and lots of bear. The Florida National Scenic Trail goes right through the middle and there are several side trails with less traffic. Hidden Pond is a great spot to off grid camp. If you’re interested in experiencing the real Florida.. This is it. Highly recommended!
8. Alexander Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Clear-blue spring and creek in Ocala National Forest.
Reviewed By valerieann2020 - North Port, United States
This place was stunning. A must see if you are in the Ocala area. The spring in the middle is very deep (30 feet in some areas) and you end up doing a lot of treading water if you are snorkeling or free diving. I would recommend being a strong swimmer or having a flotation device if you know that you aren't, or you have children. We didn't have problems with crowds but we went on a Wednesday. We spent about two hours in Juniper Springs, and then spent about 2 more hours here at Alexander Springs. Both were beautiful but out of the two, this one was my favorite. We will definitely be coming back here! Also note that the park fee for Juniper Springs does not cover both springs. Alexander Springs was $6 a person to get in and well worth it!!
9. Silver Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By Jakobi1974
The boardwalk through the hammock was very nice (even if we never saw the monkeys!) and bug-free! The glass bottom boat tour was amazing - to see everything without getting wet and learning the rich history of Silver Springs. The gift shop is a bit pricey.
10. Tuscawilla Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By janish64 - Ocala, United States
Serene, pleasing to spend time breathing in the fresh air, an abundance of wild-life to enjoy and photograph, Spanish moss flowing in the breeze from the mighty trees where it is draped on the branches...all that and more to enjoy under beautiful Florida blue sky.
