Nestled in the heart of North Central Florida and convenient to major highways, Ocala is the perfect home base for all kinds of adventures. With so many world-class attractions nearby, it’s easy to find day trips from Ocala, FL, that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Destinations for day trips from Ocala, FL include everything from world-class theme parks to quaint fishing villages to a national forest and beyond. Pack the car, fill the tank, fire up the GPS, pick a podcast or playlist, and hit the highway to head toward one of these 6 great destinations within a short drive from Ocala.
Where is Ocala, Florida?
Ocala, Florida, is the perfect home base for a day trip because of its easy access to major highways. Ocala is located in Marion County, Florida, in the North Central part of the state. Ocala is about 130 miles south of the Florida-Georgia state line.
Highway I-75 runs adjacent to Ocala, making it easy to head north toward Gainesville or south toward Tampa from the Brick City. FL-40 heads east-west through the heart of Ocala and U.S. 441 bisects the city heading north-south.
Major Florida cities within an easy hour and a half drive of Ocala include:
- Jacksonville, which is approximately 80 miles northeast of Ocala
- Tampa, which is approximately 80 miles southwest of Ocala
- Orlando, which is approximately 80 miles southeast of Ocala
With so many major cities within a quick drive, Ocala is perfect for those who crave both small-town life with the occasional urban experience. Let’s learn more about day trips from Ocala, FL, so you can start planning your next adventure.
Family-Friendly Day Trips from Ocala
With its great schools and low crime rates, Ocala is the perfect place for your family to call home. No matter whether you’re local to the area or just visiting, consider hitting the highway and heading toward these nearby destinations when you’re craving a family-friendly day trip from Ocala, FL.
1. Get Out of This World at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, located near Cape Canaveral in Merritt Island, is the perfect place to learn about adventure and exploration. You can tour the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, walk among rockets, meet an astronaut, see a lunar module, and much more at this exciting day trip destination. If you’re lucky, you can even sync your trip with a launch and see Spacex and other vessels head toward the stars.
You’ll find the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Space Commerce Way in Merritt Island, FL. The 100-mile drive from Ocala to Merrit Island should take about 2 hours. Admission to the Kennedy Space Center starts at $47 for children aged 3-11 and $57 for kids aged 12+ and adults. Call 855-433-4210 for additional information.
2. Swim with Manatees in Crystal River, FL
Crystal River, Florida, is a small fishing town located right off the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a quick 40-mile drive from Ocala but feels like a world away thanks to its laid-back attitude.
What makes Crystal River stand out from other Florida fishing towns? Its the one of the only places where you can legally interact with wild manatees in the whole state. Between 500 and 1,000 of these gentle giants seek refuge in the warm waters around Crystal River each winter and a small population remains year-round.
Eco tours, diving tours, boat tours, paddleboard tours, and kayaking tours in Crystal River give you plenty of opportunities to meet a manatee. Learn more about manatee tours in Crystal River and Citrus County.
Day Trips from Ocala for the Active Set
If you thrive on activity and adrenaline, you’ll also find opportunities to get your heart pumping near Ocala. Let’s look at some day trips from Ocala, FL that will excite the active set.
3. Surf and Swim at Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, Florida, is a seaside city that thrives on action. The International Speedway revs the engine on excitement and hosts all kinds of events like NASCAR races, major concerts, and more.
However, Daytona Beach might be better known for its miles of white sand Atlantic beaches. Daytona Beach is a short 80 miles drive from Ocala on FL-40 E, taking you right through the heart of the Ocala National Forest. You’ll find all kinds of ways to be active on Daytona Beach, from surfing to parasailing to jet skiing.
If relaxing with the toes in your sand is more your style, Daytona Beach is also the perfect place to park with an umbrella. Vehicles are allowed to drive on the beach in Daytona. This means you’re sure to find an ice cream truck with sweet snacks rolling by when you’re ready for a cool treat.
4. See the Sky from an Aerial Adventure Park
Want to see North Central Florida from above? There are plenty of places for ziplining and aerial adventures near Ocala.
One option is The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, located just outside Ocala’s city limits at 8045 NW Gainesville Road. The park features a famous 1,100-foot zip line over a lake and is home to some of the fastest zip wires in the entire Sunshine State. Guided tours offer a sense of security as the adrenaline pumps through your body while you zip around above the skyline.
You can book a nighttime zip tour here during full moons, as well as tree-top adventures, horseback riding tours, and much more. Call The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park at 352-351-9477 for additional information.
Other zip line parks within an easy drive of Ocala include:
- Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Zip Line Park in Kissimmee, FL
- Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure in Daytona Beach, FL
- FLG X Adventure Course in Brooksville, FL
Romantic Day Trips from Ocala
You’ll find many day trips from Ocala, FL to enjoy when it's just the two of you. Plan a day out with your sweetie by visiting favorite destinations and getting a taste of what makes Florida special.
5. See History in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, FL, is one of the oldest and most historic places in both Florida and the entire United States. The city was originally founded in 1565 by Spanish conquistadors. The famous Castillo San Marcos sits on St. Augustine Inlet and has protected the special city since the 17th century.
The rich history in St. Augustine makes it a great day trip destination. Historic sites in the city include the Colonial Quarter in Downtown St. Augustine, Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Eternal Hope and Fountain of Youth, the Lightner Museum, the lighthouse and maritime museum, and the Villa Zorayda Museum.
Want to know another great thing about St. Augustine? The food. Can’t-miss restaurants here include:
- Columbia Restaurant is a traditional Spanish restaurant that dates back to 1905. Try the house salad and sangria.
- Ice Plant Bar, is known for farm-to-table east and unique craft cocktails. Consider making a reservation here for brunch on Saturday or Sunday to dine on favorites like the Buttermilk “Dutch Baby” Pancake (covered in berries, pecans, and brown butter banana whipped cream) and the house0made pimento cheese.
- Scarlett O’Hara’s in Old Town St. Augustine is a staple for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy casual Southern charm with great food and drink here.
You’ll find St. Augustine located about 85 miles northeast of Ocala.
6. Sip and Savor Florida Wine
Talk about local flavor! Some of the best wines in the Sunshine State are from the rich lands around Ocala. This means wine lovers can sample everything from sweet to dry within an easy drive from Brick City.
Many Florida wines are made from the Muscadine grape, but some of the best wines from vineyards around Ocala are very fruit-forward. For example, Island Grove Wine Company, located just 30 miles north of Ocala in Hawthorn, is best known for its Sunshine State Sangria. This tropical-inspired wine features berries, citrus, and other fruits and begs to be enjoyed on a sunny Florida day.
Other Florida wineries within an easy drive of Ocala include:
- Lakeridge Winery in Clermont, FL
- Keel and Curley Winery in Plant City, FL (try the Strawberry Reisling if you have a sweet tooth)
- Whispering Oaks Winery in Oxford, FL
- Dragon Flower Winery in Summerfield, FL
Ready to Make Ocala Your Home Base for Adventure?
With so many day trips from Ocala, FL to take and enjoy, it’s easy to see why Ocala makes a great home base for adventure.
However, did you know that there are all kinds of activities to enjoy in Ocala and Marion County? When you call Ocala home, you have even easier access to great attractions like art galleries and art museums, the natural splendor of Silver Springs State Park, breathtaking farm tours of Ocala, and even quenching the need for speed at Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing.
Are you ready to make Ocala your home? Consider reaching out to a friendly agent to learn more about Golden Ocala real estate