Ocala

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. == 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 === 1 Greyhound, (bus stop) Pilot Travel Center & Arby's @ 4032 Hwy 326 W (east of I-75 & Hwy 326 junction, Exit 358 of I-75, north of Ocala). Travels primarily on Interstate 75 (Atlanta, Macon, Tifton, Lake City, Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, Miami and points in between). Some schedules continue west on I-10 towards Houston from Lake City via Tallahassee, Panama City, Pensacola, Ft Walton Beach, Mobile, Baton Rouge, etc. Passengers transfer in Lake City or Tallahassee to reach Jacksonville or another destination north and in Miami to continue south to the Florida Keys. 2 RedCoach, (bus stop) Pilot Travel Center & Wendy's @ 2020 SW 135th (County Rd 484) (west of I-75 & SW 135th (County Rd 484) junction, Exit 341 of I-75, south of Ocala). RedCoach offers a bus services between Tallahassee, Gainesville, Ocala and Orlando. From Orlando buses continue south towards Miami via Ft Pierce, West Palm Beach and Ft lauderdale on one route and through Tampa, Ft Myers and Naples on another. === 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. === By car === == See == 1 Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, ☏ +1 352 291-4455, fax: +1 352 291-4460. Tu-Sa 10AM-5:00PM, Su no9n-5PM, M closed. $10. (updated Mar 2025) 2 Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, ☏ +1 352 854-3670. 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, conventions, and more. 3 Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd (off US-40 and Baseline Rd), ☏ +1 352 261-5840, Info@SilverSprings.com. 8AM-sundown. Glass bottom boat tours: 10AM-5PM. 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. (updated Sep 2020) 4 Fort King National Historic Landmark. (updated Mar 2025) == 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. == Buy == == 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. Latinos Y Mas, 2030 South Pine Ave, ☏ +1 352 622-4777. M–Th 11AM–8:30PM, F Sa 11AM–9PM. (updated Jun 2021) 1 Mi Tierra Latina, 2105 County Road 484, ☏ +1 352 307-0888, info@vivamitierralatina.com. M–Sa 11:30AM–8PM, Su noon-6PM. (updated Jun 2021) 2 Pronto Pizza, 303 SE 17th St #104, ☏ +1 352 671-8222. 11AM–8:45PM. (updated Jun 2021) 3 Amrit Palace, 3415 South West College Rd, ☏ +1 352 873-8500, info@amritpalace.com. Well-known in North Central Florida for Indian food. (updated Jun 2021) 4 Charlie Horse, 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd (on the boulevard), ☏ +1 352 622-4050. A fabulous place for burgers and serves food until 1AM. At 9PM, they also have karaoke and an outdoor deck with live entertainment. (updated Jun 2021) Tony's Sushi, 3405 SW College Rd, ☏ +1 352 237-3151. (updated Jun 2023) == Drink == == Sleep == 1 Hilton Ocala, 3600 SW 36th Avenue, ☏ +1 352 854-1400. Family, wedding, meeting, event or romantic destination. The hotel located on a tree filled six acres, complete with its own paddock to go with the area's horse farm country. Newly renovated hotel with pet friendly rooms available. 2 Best Western Ocala Park Centre, 3701 SW 38th Avenue, ☏ +1 352 237-4848, toll-free: +1 800-704-0849, fax: +1 352 237-2281. 3 Courtyard Ocala, 3712 SW 38th Avenue, ☏ +1 352 237-8000, toll-free: +1 800-821-8272, fax: +1 352 237-0580. 4 Fairfield Inn Ocala, 4101 S.W. 38th Court, ☏ +1 352 861-8400, toll-free: +1 866-884-0981, fax: +1 352 861-8401. 5 Comfort Inn Ocala Silver Springs, 1212 S. Pine Ave, ☏ +1 352 629-7300. Outdoor pool. Ocala Microtel Inn & Suites, 1770 SW 134th Street, ☏ +1 352 307-1166, fax: +1 352 307-1086. == Go next == Ocala National Forest Gainesville