Where To Play, Eat, and Stay in Ocala, the Heart of Florida’s Horse Country

16.12.2023 - 14:34 / matadornetwork.com / Mickey Mouse / Art

For many travelers, a Florida vacation means one of two things: white-sand beaches or Mickey Mouse. But if you drive north of many of Florida’s most famous coastal resorts, and continue on past Disney World, you’ll find Ocala, where streets are lined with majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and rolling farmlands are edged with gleaming white ranch rail fencing. Everywhere you look, there are reminders of the area’s biggest business: horses.

Located in central Florida, midway between Orlando and Gainesville and about 90 minutes west of Daytona Beach, Ocala has been dubbed the “Horse Capital of the World” for its many horse farms. The city is home to the country’s largest equestrian complex, which attracts upward of 100,000 competitive riders, trainers, owners, and guests from around the world each year.

But Ocala is also filled with crystal clear freshwater pools, stunning natural springs, acres of lush forests, and a burgeoning culinary scene — so even if you don’t know your Arabians from your Clydesdales or your mustangs from your Missouri fox trotters, you’ll find plenty of activities and adventures in Ocala that are among the best Florida has to offer.

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

The crystal clear waters of Silver Springs have wowed visitors since the late 1800s. The best way to experience them and their underwater life is to take a glass-bottom boat tour. The 30-minute tour in an iconic green-and-white boat will take you throughout the springs where you’ll see a variety of fish and learn about the many Hollywood projects that were filmed in the park, including the classic 1950s monster movie, “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” Along the way, you’ll see birds, turtles and other wildlife.

Afterward, take a leisurely hike around Ross Allen Island. If you’re lucky, you might even see some of the wild rhesus macaques that live in the park. The monkey colony was introduced to the area in the late 1930s by a boat operator and has thrived for almost 100 years.

Silver Springs State Park: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

If just looking at water isn’t enough, you can have an aquatic adventure on the Rainbow River at this park located about 30 minutes southwest of Ocala. Choose a traditional or clear kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and make your way up the river, exploring crystalline tributaries and stopping for a swim in the turquoise waters of the Rainbow River canal. You’ll see lots of fish, birds, turtles, and even the occasional otter. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and tubing also are available, and you can bring your own watercraft or rent one.

KP Hole Park: 9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432

Photo: Rebecca L. Rhoades

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