Location: Ocala
Top Things to do in Ocala
Top Restaurants in Ocala
Countries
10 Budget-friendly 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. Slick Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Tour the historic Silver River with Slick Charters. See alligators, monkeys and more. Fish the rivers and lakes of the Ocala National Forest for Largemouth Bass. Please contact us for prices!
2. Discovery Kayak Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
We are a full service guide and Florida kayak tour and rental company, based in the Ocala, FL area. We pride ourselves on the best customer service and kayak experience available. We want to help you get out and experience a day like no other. So,come see the "Real Florida". Check our schedule on the website and make a reservation today! Hurry we fill up fast.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The Ocala Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
The Ocala Escape is Ocala's Premier Escape Room Experience! You have 60 minutes to escape from an immersive room where you’ll take part in the story of your choosing. Choose your story. Work as a team. Take chances. Look for an escape... but will you find it? The Ocala Escape offers 3, immersive and engaging, escape room experiences. All scenarios are private. Reservations must be made on our website and are required. The Ocala Escape is only staffed when there are bookings."
Reviewed By 648tinkc
They go above and beyond! Wonderful staff and great puzzles!! Perfect for ANY age. Everyone gets to participate.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. 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!!
