Ocala, located in North Central Florida, has a growing population of 63,000+ and counting. With hundreds of horse farms and the famous World Equestrian Center, Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Though Lexington, Kentucky would argue that claim. While the horse industry in the area is substantial, there are other things to do in Ocala.
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Take a Hike Along the Cross Florida Greenway
Anyone who loves to hike will appreciate the Cross Florida Greenway. It is a 110 mile linear park that spans from the Gulf of Mexico to St. John’s River. There are many trailheads, but one close to Ocala is the Land Bridge Trailhead.
The trails in this area are designated specifically for hikers, bikers, or horseback riders. There are also a few multi-use paths too. The trails pass beneath the hammock, so they remain shaded in Florida’s hot sun. I was grateful to find a 3.3 mile shaded loop for hikers only.
Search for Manatees at Silver Springs State Park
Another lovely park in Ocala is Silver Springs State Park. This park is best known for its glass bottom boat tours. The first glass bottom boat tour was in the late 1870’s when Hullam Jones and Phillip Morrell fixed a piece of glass to the bottom of the rowboat.
But the first gasoline powered trip took place in the 1920’s after Col. W.M. Davidson and Carl Ray acquired the rights for Silver Springs. As a result, Silver Springs was Florida’s first main attraction. With Disney World and all the beach front properties, it is hard to believe that now!
But in the 1930’s Hollywood filmed many movies at Silver Springs. Rebel Without a Cause, the James Bond movie Moonraker, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and several Tarzan movies along with the TV series Sea Hunt are just a few of the featured fliks. Today’s boat tours point out the places where certain scenes take place.
The tours also spend time looking for manatees, monkeys, and alligators. On my tour on a cool February day, we saw all three.
The park offers 30-minute tours and longer 90-minute tours. The 90-minute tours book up a few days in advance, so plan accordingly. I personally liked the 90-minute outing because we got to go farther down the crystal clear river. Though, now that I know the history and how easy the river is to navigate, I’d simply rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
In addition to boat tours and paddling opportunities, Silver Springs features hiking trails, picnic areas, a restaurant and gift shop, and a museum. You could easily spend a whole day with the family, especially if they start holding music and movie events on the open grass. The Silver Springs State Park is certainly a popular place to visit in Ocala.
Explore the Fort King National Historic Landmark
Another interesting tourist attraction in Ocala is the Fort King National Historic Landmark. Fort King was a U.S. Army frontier fort used during the Seminole War. The site includes a reconstructed fort with interpretive signs, a visitor center, and a few trails that pass by a spring through the woods. History buffs will really like this historic landmark.
Stroll the Ocala Downtown Square
Not far from the fort is Ocala’s quaint downtown square. Its center includes a shaded park with a historic gazebo. The few surrounding blocks feature some lovely restaurants, colorful thrift stores, and charming boutiques. Don’t miss Mark’s Prime Steakhouse for a fancy meal or District Bar and Kitchen for excellent food and a great patio.
In a tribute to the Brick City, Ocala’s nickname, one block just south of the square is paved in brick. Also known as the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala features the Walk of Champions, a series of plaques honoring famous horses. Finally, there is farmers market on Saturdays just a ¼ mile from the square.
Admire the Sculptures in Tuscawilla Art Park
Just north of downtown Ocala is the Tuscawilla Art Park. The three acre lot features both permanent and rotating sculptures among winding paths, shade trees, and picnic tables. Art lovers will enjoy admiring the sculptures before heading south.
Drop Into the Ocala Drive-In
Just a 10-minute drive south of Ocala’s Historic Square is the Ocala Drive-In. Yes, I said it…a drive-in movie theater. Talk about nostalgia! The Drive-In plays a double-feature of current movies on two different screens every night. You can only watch one screen, and you must buy a $5 concession voucher.
Even then, the entrance fee is still less than the price of a movie theater ticket. Check their website for the featured films and evening movie times.
Visting the Drive-In was especially great for me in my Sprinter van, as the outdoor movie theater is also a harvest host! I could camp there with my dog overnight. Finally, the Drive-In shares the grounds with a flea market that is open from 8am to 4pm Friday through Sunday. You can make a day of it!
Visit the World Equestrian Center
A 15-minute drive to the west of downtown will bring you to the World Equestrian Center whose facilities are spectacular. With over 2,000 acres, this world class venue features a luxury hotel, an RV Park with a gas station, showers, and a convenience store, several restaurants, an expo center, and of course the largest equestrian complex in the United States.
The horse show facility includes over 3,000 horse stalls and superb arenas that draw some of the top competitors in the Nation. The best quality hunter/jumper shows take place Wednesday through Sunday January through March. And if you like Christmas lights, visit in December!
Places to Eat in Ocala
The restaurants at the World Equestrian Center include Filo’s Mexican Cantina, Miss Tilly’s Lollipops, Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop, Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, Emma’s Patisserie, Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, Stirrups Restaurant, and a few eateries in the Riding Academy Hotel.
My go to’s were the bacon and egg sandwich from Ralph’s and the Birria Tacos from Filo’s while I spent two months showing at the facility. Some other favorite restaurants in Ocala include Amrit Palace, La Fiesta Mexican Cocina, and Fiore’s Café.
Amrit Palace
I am not typically fond of Indian food, but the cauliflower appetizer at Amrit Palace is spectacular. I could have gotten two orders of it for dinner. The atmosphere is nice and the service is fast and friendly. Indian food enthusiasts will love this place.
La Fiesta Mexican Cocina
I almost always order fajitas when I go out for Mexican food, and the portion at La Fiesta Mexican Cocina is enough for two. You definitely get your money’s worth at this gem.
Fiore’s Café
Fiore’s Café fills up fast! We met at 5:15 and by 5:30 most the tables were taken. The cozy atmosphere, delicious garlic bread, and quick service make this Italian food restaurant super popular.
Where to Stay in Ocala
A convenient place to stay in Ocala is the Hampton Inn. It is nothing special, but it is located between downtown Ocala and the World Equestrian Center with easy access to the highway. The price is right too!
Take A Side Trip
While in Ocala, consider popping up to Gainesville for a football game, visiting nearby Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park to see the wild horses and bison, or taking a longer jaunt to Sarasota to see The Ringling Circus Museum.
In all, the horse capital of the world offers visitors more than just horses, though Ocala’s horse country is quite nice. ETB
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I went to Ocala a number of times as a kid and rode horses and visited the springs. It would be fun to do a return trip to visit the springs and the historic fort.
I’d love to see manatees. Every time I go to Florida, something crops up and I miss my chance.