Location: Ocala
Top Things to do in Ocala
Top Restaurants in Ocala
Top 10 Free Things to do in Ocala, Florida (FL)
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. 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.
3. Letty Towles Dog Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
4. Infinite Ale Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By surffishFLA
Very good selection of beers with a few nice ,Belgian yeast type surprises, i.e. an awesome Dubbel at only 5%.. When I was there, I had an awesome beertender. A very nice find, and I hate writing reviews too.
5. The Corkscrew Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
We are a unique winery and brewery, that also can help you ferment your own products. We also offer group wine making classes, Paint and Sip classes, wine and beer bar, live music, and a venue for private events. We are a great spot for quiet date nights, family gatherings, team-building exercises, customer appreciation parties, and corporate events.
Reviewed By kbrown23
This was worth the trip up to Ocala from Orlando. We learned so much about the wine-making process with this fun, hands-on, interactive experience. Plus, if you enjoy different wine/beer/cider, this is your place because most of what they offer to drink is what they tinker with. The owner & staff are so personable and just the best kind of people. You can tell he loves what he does. I wish it was closer so I could go more easily.
6. 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.
7. Ocala Downtown Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn22704 - St. Augustine, United States
Our family loves going to this farmers market. We travel from a whole different city to come here for fresh bread, fruit & veggies and anything else that l see. There are always lots of samples, and who doesn't love that? There are always people ready to help and plenty of parking. It is very organized and clean too. And it's covered, so if it is raining, no big deal.
8. Landbridge Trailhead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By clcpsalm119 - Leesburg, United States
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is the epitome of what a bike trail should be.The asphalt blacktop looks newly paved and is almost perfectly smooth the entire 15+ mile ride. It is plenty wide for two way traffic and passing with lots of nice curves and some hills passing through some truly beautiful woodlands in Central Florida just outside of Ocala. Wildlife abounds along its entire length. An added bonus is the 100's of miles of mountain bike trails that intersect along its length in many places. It is super well maintained and marked throughout on the pavement for any emergency that may need reporting. There are only a couple of road crossings with the majority being underpasses and a very unique overpass over Interstate 75. Anywhere there is a blind corner there are large round cornering mirrors and signs to notify you to slow appropriately. There are water and toilet facilities at the Santos Trailhead and further down their is an equestrian campground that also has accessible facilities. If you plan for a down and back ride it is a great workout and make sure to bring some hydration. A large part of the ride is shaded but there is enough sun exposure to warrant sunscreen. All and all, this is a top teir bike trail and worth the drive to get there if you have to travel. Truly My New Favorite Bike Trail! Highly Recommended!!!
9. Katya Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Katya Vineyards is North Central Florida's Premier Boutique Winery and Fine Eatery. Family owned and operated, The Katya Family showcases their own handcrafted wines as well as selections from around the world. Executive Chef Tony Deras updates his menu weekly to include the freshest and most seasonal ingredients available.
Reviewed By marquemarksthespot - Bradenton, United States
How do I begin to explain the experience that I have just experienced at Katya Vineyards… We were greeted immediately by father Katya (David Sokol) like we were new friends, then ushered to a perfect table decorated for the occasion with a lovely welcoming note for my birthday. A Knights Templar standing ceremoniously at the ready. We were "catered-to" by Katya (Katherine), namesake and daughter to the restaurateurs, and her cohort Damani, soft spoken and eager to please. We shared the restaurant with other patrons, but it felt like we were their only table - that's what I mean by "catered-to", not just served. The menu choices were mesmerizing and tantalizing. We decided on variations of the four course pre fix with the wine compliment - after all, who could possibly decide on one’s birthday? My husband ordered the opposite of myself so I could taste everything...do you get the feeling I'm a foodie? We gave Katya and Damani our orders, then Katya asked us about wine. I thought we would have what was printed on the menu, like it or not, which we were prepared to give a try for better or worse. Katya didn’t make any assumptions and asked us what kind of wine we liked. Disguised as a soothsayer of wine sorts on Halloween night, she made masterful choices that I didn’t even know I would like. I might not tell you every item of every course - since Chef Tony Deras changes his menu weekly, which in itself is mind boggling - but without further ado, I'll do my best. My first course, a pear and four-cheese pasta purse - delicate and unexpected - paired with a perfect Marfil cava - tiny bubbles, not too sweet,not too dry, “just right” said Goldilocks. For his first course, my husband ordered the fresh Burrata on a crisp lightly fried eggplant with a tomato cream - and let me tell you, this is when my pulse began to rise - I must have eaten half of my husband's appetizer....andjokingly cursed the chef knowing this eggplant appetizer was gone to me forever as we live hours away. My second course, a freshly picked(at least it tasted like it) baby green salad with a dressing I have never tasted the likes of - notes of citrus,not tart or acidic, and herbs well blended, never knowing where one stops or begins. If I had a lid for the dressing, that cute little decanter would have found itss way in my purse!. My husband's second choice, a pumpkin bisque with candied bacon and just the right dashes of white truffle. Now I have to say, I always complain I dislike pumpkin -, well, well, whose got pumpkin on her face now? Would it be inappropriate to have a lipsmacking emoji? My third course, a roasted duck on fresh egg pappardelle in pumpkin saffron cream - yeah, yeah keep you're snark to yourself. The duck accompanied by pumpkin saffron cream was flavorful and at the perfect temperature and doneness. Clearly, Chef Deras needs to make all my pumpkin dishes. My husband had the scallops on pumpkin mascarpone ravioli for his third course. I must say, other than killing (bad choice of words?) your scallop by overcooking, I feel like you can't do tons with the flavor, but not this chef. If you close your eyes, and bite into his scallops, they are like a fine wine-a beautiful top note that I haven't tasted anywhere else, followed by meaty and tender, then straight down my craw. At this point, I'm pretty sure Chef Tony is a masterful magician, the Dumbledore type, creating secret concoctions, infusions, and creamy truffle spells. I felt like I was having food and wine orgasms (for those more modest, squeaks and shrills) - my shreaks after the first delectable bite of every dish imbibing on each new sip of wine or champagne. I was glad we were in a small, cozy spot in the room close to live music, under the protection of the poor Knight. For dessert, my husband indulged in the dark chocolate and roasted peanut layer cake. It didn't take Mr.Peanutbutter-Addiction any time to make his choice. I had the creme brule' cheesecake, it was subtle, airy, and creamy. My husband said it best, "It's the journey of a cheese cake, in every bite". My only regrets... realizing that I would never be able to recreate any of these incredible dishes, not even the damn eggplant, and that I had to walk out the door and leave the magical magician Chef Tony Deras and Katya Deras, the soothsayer of wine, behind me.
