Overview
Ocala is a city in North Central Florida. Here, rolling green pastures lead to crystal springs, gentle rivers and unspoiled lakes, and hundreds of horse farms gallop with thoroughbred natural charm and beauty.
4 sights · 6 places to eat · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ocala
Appleton Museum of Art
Circle Square Cultural Center
This auditorium at Circle Square Commons is Ocala's largest indoor venue for all forms of entertainment including performances by internationally known entertainers, theatrical productions, concerts, dances, meetings, co…
Silver Springs State Park
Features trails, numerous outdoor activities, and Silver River Museum. The park has one of the few remaining and restored one-room school houses built for African-Americans during the segregation era. In 2013, Silver Riv…
Fort King National Historic Landmark
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 53°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Central Florida)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- GNV Gainesville Regional Airport, Gainesville — 36 mi away. Directions
- SFB Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando — 62 mi away (major hub). Directions
Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville have the nearest international airports. Gainesville has a regional airport with some major airline service. Ocala is also home to the Ocala International Airport (KOCF) which serves many corporate and small private planes owners.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Appleton Museum of Art, Silver Springs State Park
- Lunch Pronto Pizza
- Afternoon Circle Square Cultural Center, Fort King National Historic Landmark
- Dinner Charlie Horse
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Harrys on the square offers good food at a reasonable price and there are several good pizza places that have good food as well.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville have the nearest international airports. Gainesville has a regional airport with some major airline service. Ocala is also home to the Ocala International Airport (KOCF) which serves many corporate and small private planes owners.
By bus
By car
Most folks arrive here in their own vehicles or rental cars, from Interstates 75 or 95.
Get around
By bus
Ocala has the SunTran bus system for local public transportation.
By car
See
See Silver Springs State Park
Features trails, numerous outdoor activities, and Silver River Museum. The park has one of the few remaining and restored one-room school houses built for African-Americans during the segregation era. In 2013, Silver River State Park and the Silver Springs attraction, known for its glass-bottom boats, were merged to form Silver Springs State Park.
Do
Ocala and Marion County is known as the horse capital of the world, with more than 70,000 acres of horse farms, many equestrian venues, and miles of horse riding trails.
Nature abounds in and around Ocala. Many lakes, streams, springs, rivers, and parks are perfect for fishing. Ocala National Forest is popular during hunting season, and golfers will find some of the most challenging courses in Florida in and around Ocala.
Eat
Harrys on the square offers good food at a reasonable price and there are several good pizza places that have good food as well.
Eat Amrit Palace
Well-known in North Central Florida for Indian food.
Eat Charlie Horse
A fabulous place for burgers and serves food until 1AM. At 9PM, they also have karaoke and an outdoor deck with live entertainment.
Sleep
Go next
Nearby
Ocala National Forest
Park · 19 mi away
The Villages
City / town · 24 listings · 21 mi away
Wildwood
City / town · 24 mi away
Fruitland Park
City / town · 2 listings · 27 mi away
Inverness
City / town · 10 listings · 27 mi away
Leesburg
City / town · 13 listings · 30 mi away
Crystal River
City / town · 15 listings · 34 mi away
Gainesville
City / town · 61 listings · 36 mi away
My experience
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