Location: Ocala
Top Things to do in Ocala
Top Restaurants in Ocala
10 Things to do 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. Farm Tours of Ocala
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 287 reviews
We are doing Private tours with 6 days a week. Private Groups will ride in our van with the guide or have option to follow. Min 3 people max 10. We visit 3 locations! Get "Behind the Gates" to get an Insider`s look behind the gates of Ocala`s Magnificent Farms! . Close Encounters with foals, different breeds, disciplines and meet the people train and care for them. Between the farm stops, we will note points of interest, and facts about different farms, disciplines during the drive. Each stop is about 20 to 30 Mins with a " WALKING TOUR" of each facility. Children are loved and welcome but, please THIS TOUR IS NOT SUITABLE FOR SMALL CHILDREN . You will see this in reviews of past guests. Tour meets at Tack Shack of Ocala 481 SW 60th Ave. Ocala.
Reviewed By Touristsfrombangor
We would highly recommend Farm Tours of Ocala. The owner, Karen, provided a wonderful tour of several horse farms where we were able to see the full spectrum of caring for and breeding thoroughbreds and Arabian horses. With Karen's decades of experience and invaluable connections, we got beyond the gates and behind the scenes, providing us with a very rare opportunity well worth the price of admission! If you love horses, you will love this tour.
2. The Gypsy Gold Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 819 reviews
Our founders, the Thompsons, connected over a mutual love of animals, and thereafter discovered an unknown breed of horse, developed by British Gypsies, while traveling through the English countryside. After a four-year journey to understand these horses and the culture that created them, they took part in naming them, the Gypsy Vanner horse. The Gypsy Gold Farm is home to the first 16 registered horses of a breed that's now 6,000 animals strong with registries . Their 40-acre farm is a Central Florida Trip Advisor favorite, education and cultural oasis, where visitors learn about one of the most colorful and least understood societies on earth and the magical Vanner Horses they envisioned. Farm tours are available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:00 am and last for two hours. Tickets may be purchased on our website.
Reviewed By AnnB426
When you visit Gypsy Gold Horse Farm you are not just going to see a very special breed of horses, but you are going to learn about a way of life. Dennis has such a knowledge and obvious passion for the Gypsy Vanner horse that I could have listened all day as he told us about the origins of his beautiful horses and the lives of the peoples who bred them As we toured the paddocks and spent time with the beautiful gentle horses Dennis gave visitors time to pet and photograph them. We learned more about the characteristics of the breed, and were able to experience their personalities for ourselves. Is Gypsy Gold Horse Farm worth visiting again? That has to be a resounding yes, once is never enough to see the Gypsy Vanner Horses.
3. 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.
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. 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!!
7. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
Reviewed By src1962 - Orange City, United States
All of Don Garlits cars are on display along with vintage drag racing and antique cars. Don is usually here and he will tell you stories of the old days if he has time.
8. Appleton Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
The museum’s permanent collections of approximately 18,000 objects include European, American, Asian, African, Contemporary and pre-Columbian art and artifacts, and a series of temporary traveling exhibitions are presented throughout the year. The museum is also building a collection of works of Florida artists which relates directly to the history and cultural heritage of the Central Florida community.
Reviewed By MarnetteS - Webster, United States
We took a day trip to Ocala to visit the Appleton Museum of Art. It was well worth the hour drive to see this outstanding collection of over 18,000 objects from the collection of Arthur Appleton. Appleton entered Dartmouth at 16, graduated with an MBA from the Amos Tuck school four years later and served in the Navy in WWII. He took over Appleton Electric from his father and is credited with 161 patents. A worldwide traveler, he began collecting at 17 years of age. The museum is located on one of six campuses of the College of Central Florida and opened in 1987. Housed on two floors, the museum reflects Appleton's eclectic collection. Art lovers will find something of interest among the varied galleries: Art for the Afterlife; Art of the Ancient World; African Art Gallery; Asian Art; Portraiture; Pre-Columbian; European Art; Maritime Art; Florida Artists; Equine. We were in awe in many of the galleries but especially African Art; Art for the Afterlife; and Asian Art. Several of the pieces have a QR code to scan; a curator gives a brief talk about the piece pointing out its unique features and notable qualities. We visited on a Saturday afternoon; there were very few visitors. The museum is Covid compliant: masks must be worn. Unfortunately, the labs (clay, art and Artspace) remain closed. However, programming continues with "Teaching Tuesdays" when new instructional online art projects are posted using basic art and craft supplies. These classes are ideal for ages 7-12. All project videos can be found on social media or at the museum website. “First Saturdays” at the Appleton are free "to enjoy the special exhibitions, permanent collection and our beautiful outdoor Sculpture Garden." Additional outreach programs include Zoom online book clubs and chats with painters. Participation is free and easy. Login details are sent via email. In 2013, the AMA was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Only about 10% of U.S. museums share this distinguished honor. The museum and gift shop, Appleton Store, is open Tuesday-Saturday: 10-5 and Sunday: noon-5. It is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Adult admission: $10; Seniors/55+: $8; Youth (6-17): $5; Children under 5: Free; Veterans and Active Military (with ID): Free. We have seen reduced admission prices for veterans but never free admission. Parking is plentiful as are restrooms and seating areas to rest and reflect. The Appleton Museum is an Ocala gem and not to be missed.
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. Ocala Downtown Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 237 reviews
Ocala's Downtown Square is an eclectic blend of restaurants, boutiques, salons, and art & cultural exhibits. Park your car and you are within 10 minutes walking distance of all of this and more. We have a fabulous historic movie theatre that plays 1st run movies, billiards hall, community theatre in a gorgeous histric building with several runs per year of Rock Horror Picture Show, tattoo parlors, diverse nightlife...you get the picture! Come on down and enjoy all the Downtown Square has to offer.
Reviewed By janish64 - Ocala, United States
After a tasty meal at Harry's we walked across the street to relax at The Down-Town Square. A 2 piece band was playing...Adam Rountree. The music was pleasant, the night air offered a soft breeze, the square is being decorated for Christmas...what a delightful place.
