Ocala · Marion County · Florida
Things to Do in Ocala, Florida
International equestrian competition, championship golf, natural springs, and a historic downtown square: a local guide to the Horse Capital of the World.
Living the Ocala Lifestyle
Ocala is more than a place to own a home. Set in the rolling hills of Marion County, surrounded by natural springs, old-growth hammocks, and hundreds of horse farms, it offers a way of living that is hard to find elsewhere in Florida.
Residents have year-round access to international equestrian venues, championship golf courses, clear spring-fed rivers, and a growing downtown dining and cultural scene. Whether your ideal day involves riding, a round of golf, paddling a spring run, or an afternoon in the galleries, it is all within a short drive.
Below is a local guide to the activities, attractions, dining, and recreation that define daily life here.
Equestrian & Horse Activities
Ocala calls itself the Horse Capital of the World, and its concentration of Thoroughbred farms and equestrian venues backs up the title. Whether you compete, train, or simply appreciate the horses, the calendar here runs through most of the year.
World Equestrian Center
Opened in 2021, one of the largest equestrian venues in the United States, with indoor and outdoor arenas, the on-site Equestrian Hotel, restaurants, and shops. Hosts hunter/jumper, dressage, and breed competitions along with dog shows, expos, and other events through much of the year.
Visit WebsiteHITS Post Time Farm
Home of the long-running HITS Ocala Winter Circuit for hunter/jumpers, plus seasonal shows and dressage competitions. Grand prix rings, schooling areas, and vendors draw riders and trainers to Marion County each season. Check the HITS calendar for current dates.
Visit WebsiteFlorida Horse Park
A multi-discipline equestrian park in SE Ocala, adjoining the Cross Florida Greenway, that hosts eventing, driving, and other competitions. Facilities include a cross-country course, show arenas, and access to miles of trails.
Visit WebsiteGypsy Gold Horse Farm
Credited as the farm that introduced the Gypsy Vanner breed to North America. Guided tours, when offered, let visitors meet these feather-footed horses up close. Check the farm's website for current tour availability.
Visit WebsiteGolf Courses & Country Clubs
Ocala's golf runs deeper than its size suggests. From private clubs with championship layouts to semi-private courses open for daily play, there is a course for every game.
Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club
A guard-gated private club featuring a Ron Garl championship course with tribute holes inspired by Augusta National, St Andrews, Royal Troon, and Baltusrol. The community, beside the World Equestrian Center, also offers an equestrian center, tennis, a spa, and dining.
Visit WebsiteCandler Hills Golf Club
A Gordon G. Lewis-designed, par-72 championship course that opened in 2005 within On Top of the World. Semi-private and open for daily play, it plays more than 7,000 yards from the back tees and has hosted the Ocala Open.
Visit WebsiteCountry Club of Ocala
A long-established club in a gated and guarded SE Ocala community, with an 18-hole golf course, tennis, a pool, clubhouse dining, and an active social calendar.
Visit WebsiteOcala Palms Golf & Country Club
A semi-private, 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Steve Nugent and opened in 1996, known for wide, open fairways. The club offers a pro shop and practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green.
Stone Creek Golf Club
The 18-hole championship course at the heart of Del Webb's Stone Creek community in SW Ocala, with a restaurant on site. A playable layout for a range of skill levels.
Juliette Falls Golf Club
A par-72 championship course by architect John Sanford, set on elevation changes that are rare for Florida. Long views, strategic bunkering, and a 10-acre practice facility make it a standout in the Dunnellon area.
Outdoor Recreation & Nature
Surrounded by natural springs, national forest, and miles of trails, Ocala offers some of the finest outdoor recreation in the Southeast. From mountain biking at Santos to spring-fed rivers, nature is always close.
Silver Springs State Park
One of the largest artesian spring systems in the world and a Florida landmark for more than a century. Take the famous glass-bottom boat tour over the clear spring water, paddle the Silver River, hike the trails, and watch for wildlife, including the river's well-known rhesus monkeys. Swimming is not permitted in the spring.
Visit WebsiteRainbow Springs State Park
One of Florida's largest springs, the headwaters of the Rainbow River. The park features a swimming area, gardens with man-made waterfalls, tubing and kayaking on the river, and trails through hardwood hammock.
Visit WebsiteOcala National Forest
The southernmost national forest in the continental United States, covering nearly 390,000 acres of sand pine scrub, hardwood hammock, lakes, and springs. Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail, camp, fish the forest's many lakes, and swim at springs such as Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs.
Visit WebsiteSantos Mountain Bike Trails
One of the best-known mountain biking destinations in the Southeast, with more than 80 miles of trails ranging from beginner loops to expert technical terrain in the Vortex area. Part of the Cross Florida Greenway, with trailhead facilities. Check current fees and hours before visiting.
Visit WebsiteSholom Park
A landscaped garden and walking park in SW Ocala designed for quiet reflection, with a labyrinth, shaded paths through garden rooms, water features, and sculpture. Check the park's website for current hours and admission.
Visit WebsiteDining & Fine Dining
Ocala's dining scene has matured considerably, from chef-driven restaurants and wine bars around the historic downtown square to Southern kitchens and a downtown winery tasting room.
The Ivy on the Square
A downtown favorite on Ocala's historic square, known for its American menu, cocktails, and polished but relaxed atmosphere. A go-to for celebrations and business lunches alike.
Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar
A downtown staple for smoked meats and Southern cooking, with a deep whiskey and bourbon list. A relaxed setting a few steps from the square.
Katya Vineyards
A winery tasting room and restaurant in downtown Ocala, pairing its wines with a seasonal menu. Tastings, live music, and private events round out the experience.
Visit WebsiteCuvee Wine & Bistro
A wine-focused bistro in SW Ocala with an extensive list and a menu of small plates and seasonal entrees. Refined but relaxed.
Shopping & Entertainment
From a historic downtown of independent shops and galleries to museums and performing arts venues, Ocala offers a well-rounded mix of shopping and culture.
Ocala Downtown Square
The heart of Ocala's cultural and social scene, the historic downtown square features a walkable collection of boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, restaurants, and cafes. The square hosts regular community events, including art walks, markets, and seasonal festivals.
Circle Square Commons
The town center of the On Top of the World community, with shops, restaurants, medical offices, and the Circle Square Cultural Center. Hosts concerts, a farmers market, and community events through the year.
Visit WebsitePaddock Mall
Marion County's enclosed shopping mall in SW Ocala, with national retailers, specialty shops, and dining. A convenient stop for everyday shopping.
Appleton Museum of Art
A College of Central Florida institution with a permanent collection spanning European, American, Asian, and contemporary art, housed in a striking marble-clad building. Traveling exhibitions, lectures, and programs run throughout the year.
Visit WebsiteReilly Arts Center
A performing arts venue in a renovated historic building, home to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and a year-round calendar of concerts, comedy, and community events.
Visit WebsiteMarion Theatre
A restored historic movie theater on downtown Ocala's square, now hosting film screenings, live music, and community events with plenty of Old Florida character.
Health & Wellness
Ocala has two full-service hospitals, a growing network of specialists and outpatient care, and green spaces that support an active lifestyle.
AdventHealth Ocala
A full-service hospital in the AdventHealth network offering services including cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, women's health, and emergency care.
Visit WebsiteHCA Florida Ocala Hospital
Formerly Ocala Regional Medical Center, an acute care hospital in the HCA Florida network providing medical and surgical services, including heart and vascular care, orthopedics, and trauma care for Marion County and the surrounding region.
Visit WebsiteSholom Park (Wellness & Meditation)
Beyond its gardens, Sholom Park has offered programming such as yoga and guided walks. The quiet, landscaped grounds are well suited to a reflective walk. Check the park's calendar for current programs.
Visit WebsiteAttractions for All Ages
Hands-on science, a legendary drag racing museum, zip lines over a former quarry, and spring-fed swimming: Ocala's attractions span every age and interest.
Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boats
The quintessential Ocala experience. A narrated glass-bottom boat tour glides over the clear water of Silver Springs, revealing fish, turtles, and the spring vents far below the surface.
Visit WebsiteDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
An automotive museum founded by drag racing legend Don 'Big Daddy' Garlits, with historic dragsters, classic cars, and racing memorabilia. A must for car enthusiasts.
Visit WebsiteDiscovery Center of Ocala
An interactive science and learning center with hands-on exhibits covering natural science, technology, and the arts, plus educational programs and special events through the year.
Visit WebsiteCanyons Zip Line & Adventure Park
An outdoor adventure park with zip lines over a former limestone quarry, plus horseback trail rides and other activities. A distinctive setting in a dramatic geological landscape. Check current offerings before visiting.
Visit WebsiteAlexander Springs Recreation Area
A first-magnitude spring in the Ocala National Forest that stays near 72 degrees year-round. The clear swimming area, trails, and canoe launch make for a full day outdoors.
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocala
Have a question that is not covered here? Call or text 352.303.9050. You will reach Cristian directly.
Ocala offers a wide range of activities: international equestrian competition at the World Equestrian Center and HITS Ocala, championship golf, natural spring parks like Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs, mountain biking at the Santos trails, dining on the downtown square, the Appleton Museum of Art, the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, and Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park.
Ocala is surrounded by exceptional outdoor recreation. Silver Springs State Park offers glass-bottom boat tours and kayaking. Rainbow Springs State Park features tubing and swimming in crystal-clear spring water. The Ocala National Forest offers hundreds of thousands of acres for hiking, camping, fishing, and spring swimming. The Santos trail system offers dozens of miles of nationally known mountain bike singletrack. Sholom Park provides peaceful gardens and walking paths.
Ocala calls itself the Horse Capital of the World, and the options reflect it. The World Equestrian Center hosts competitions throughout the year that are generally open to spectators. The Florida Horse Park offers trails and multi-discipline facilities. Gypsy Gold Horse Farm offers guided farm tours. A number of local farms and stables offer trail rides and riding lessons; check current offerings and booking requirements directly.
Ocala's dining scene centers on the historic downtown square and a handful of destination spots. The Ivy on the Square and La Cuisine are long-standing upscale options downtown. Brick City Southern Kitchen serves elevated Southern cooking. Katya Vineyards pairs wines with a globally inspired menu in a vineyard setting. Cuvee Wine & Bistro is known for its wine list and small plates. Restaurants change, so confirm hours and reservations before you go.
It depends on what you value. Ocala suits an outdoor way of life built around horses, golf, springs, and trails, and the cost of living generally runs below Florida's coastal cities. The area has established hospital systems, a growing dining and cultural scene, a central location between both coasts, and Florida has no state personal income tax. On the luxury side, the draw is equestrian estates, golf course communities, acreage, and natural beauty.
Options include the glass-bottom boat tours at Silver Springs, hands-on science exhibits at the Discovery Center of Ocala, the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, and swimming at natural springs like Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest. Sholom Park offers free admission to its gardens, and the downtown square hosts regular community events and a farmers market.
Explore More of Ocala
The communities, lifestyles, and real estate opportunities that shape life in Ocala.
Private Consultation
Ready to Make Ocala Home?
Whether you are drawn to equestrian living, championship golf, or the natural beauty of Marion County, Cristian Gonzalez can help you find the right property.
Or call directly · 352.303.9050
