Ocala, Florida, isn’t a sleepy city. This bustling North Central Florida equestrian epicenter is full of special events, great local businesses, festivals, nightlife, nature, entertainment options, art galleries, and much more. With so many things to do in Ocala, you’ll likely never find a dull moment in Brick City.
Exploring Ocala means taking part in all kinds of activities. Things to do in Ocala are varied and exciting. Consider a glass-bottom boat ride at Silver Springs State Park. Shop-til-you-drop and the stores and boutiques lining the city’s Downtown Square. Sample local beers at the city’s many breweries. Zipline over tree canopy at a local adventure park. Get in touch with your inner artist and check out local galleries. With so much to do and enjoy, you are sure to love your time spent in Ocala.
Do you call Ocala home? Are you just visiting for the weekend? Regardless, you’ll enjoy the many fun things to do in Ocala you’ll find right around the corner.
What Is Ocala Best Known For?
Ocala, Florida, is located in the heart of Marion County in the North Central part of the state. This city of more than 60,000 residents is diverse. The economy here hinges on healthcare, retail services, manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. Ocala is known for the natural beauty of the Ocala National Forest, thriving local business scene, and great schools.
Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World
But what is Ocala best known for? The answer to this question is easy. Take a ride west of town down State Road 40 or explore the rural areas of Marion County and you’ll see why. Ocala is considered the “Horse Capital of the World” and is best known for its worldwide equestrian influence.
Ocala’s equestrian influence is in-depth and far-reaching. From the breathtaking World Equestrian Center to the many horse farms and training facilities, you’ll see horse culture all over Ocala. There are approximately 600 thoroughbred horse farms in Ocala. These farms have produced almost 50 National Champion horses, 20 Breeder’s Cup Champion winners, six Horses of the Year, and six Kentucky Derby winners.
Ocala is home to all kinds of equestrian events. The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is an annual equestrian event that features 12 weeks of competitions and draws thousands of people to Ocala. Live Oak International, held every spring at Ocala’s Live Oak Plantation, is a world-class driving and show jumping competition. You’ll also find events almost every weekend of the year at the World Equestrian Center.
Horses are essential to Ocala’s economy. Data compiled by the Marion County Visitor’s and Convention Bureau found that visitors from outside the Ocala area spent more than $24 million locally during the 2021 World Equestrian Center Winter Spectacular. This spending contributed to a total local economic impact of more than $37 million for the entire event.
Why is Ocala Famous for Horses?
What makes Ocala just a great destination for horses? The answer is underfoot. The aquifer system in and around Ocala is made of limestone, which infuses the water here with minerals. These minerals are essential to the development of strong bones in horses. Horses can take in these essential nutrients when they graze on the grass in their Ocala paddocks or drink the local water.
Ocala is a great place to raise and train horses because of this unique feature. Many breeders, farmers, and trainers take advantage of the Ocala aquifer by establishing operations here.
Even though Ocala is best known for horses, you’ll find many other things to do here. There’s much more to learn about Brick City, as Ocala is a destination for everyone.
Is Ocala Worth Visiting?
Ocala is definitely worth visiting, even if you aren’t into the equestrian scene. There are many things to do in Ocala and the city draws visitors from all walks of life.
There are many reasons to visit Ocala. Nearly 2 million individuals visited Ocala between June 2020 and July 2021. So many people just can’t be wrong. In fact, visitor spending in Ocala generated more than $1 billion during the same time period, even as COVID ravaged the nation.
What brought millions of people to Ocala last year? The same kinds of things that bring local residents joy. Comfortable year-round weather, equestrian events, entertaining things to do, a thriving business scene, educational and training opportunities, renowned healthcare facilities, and much more.
Ocala is certainly worth visiting. All the things to do in Ocala practically promise you’ll have a good time here, as there is truly something for everyone. Let’s look at a few fun things to do in Ocala.
Fun Things to Do in Ocala
The entertainment options in Ocala are endless. There are hundreds of fun things to do in Ocala, from stepping back in time at a local historic destination to painting a masterpiece with help from a trained artist. Explore a sampling of fun things to do in Ocala.
See Silver Springs Up Close
Silver Springs State Park, located just east of Ocala in Silver Springs, is the perfect place to get back to nature. The springs here have been attracting visitors since the 1870s and opportunities for recreation here are nearly endless.
Consider boarding a famous glass-bottom boat to see the springs up close on an interpretive tour. If you’d rather see the springs for yourself, rent a kayak and paddle the Silver River. See an old Cracker Village to learn about Florida history. Spend the night at one of 55 camping sites. Dine at the on-site Springside Restaurant and enjoy ice cream or fudge from Paradise Sweets for dessert.
Planning a visit? You might want to spend a few hours to an entire day at Silver Springs State Park. Learn more about activities at Silver Springs State Park.
Observe Fine Art at the Appleton Museum
Ocala’s Appleton Museum, on E. Silver Springs Blvd., is a local hub for arts and culture. The museum features more than 24,000 works of art and objects, along with rotating exhibits, lectures, and more.
Recent exhibits include the work of Alphonse Mucha, Kristin Herzog, James Twitty, Christian Duran, Clayton Pond, Clyde Butcher, and many others. Upcoming exhibits include inflatable contemporary art in the fall of 2022 and the work of Hiromi Moneyhun coming from December 2022 through June 2023.
In fact, the 81,000 square-foot museum itself is a work of art. The museum’s design and architecture feature Italian travertine marble both inside and out. Visitors are welcomed by a courtyard and fountain.
The Appleton Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is associated with the College of Central Florida.
Looking for more art in Ocala? Consider planning a visit to Brick City during the annual Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) festival held downtown each October. Artists from around the country exhibit their work at the festival.
Sip Local Suds
Beer drinkers love Ocala. The city is home to a few craft breweries that serve award-winning local suds. Favorite Ocala breweries include:
- Big Hammock Brewery and Bites, located at 102 SE 1st Ave, is famous for its Asian-fusion menu (try the ramen bowl), brews made on-site, and owner/head brewer Jason Delaney’s great conversation.
- Hiatus Brewery, located at 6230 SW State Road 200, is best known for its expert food and beer pairings.
- Infinite Ale Works, located at 304 S. Magnolia, has been making Belgian-inspired brews since 2014 and is about to expand operations.
- MAE Brewing Co., located at 4901 E. Silver Springs Blvd., started as a home brewing project and combines great beer with Latin flavors.
Take a Walk in a Peaceful Park
Looking for a place to honor your inner self and find tranquility? Shalom Park, located on Ocala’s southwest side, is one of the city’s most peaceful destinations. Take a stroll through gardens that feel enchanted. Plan a picnic under a pergola. Enjoy views of a picturesque pond from the boardwalk.
This private park is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the spring and summer months and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. The park is not dog friendly, so please leave Fido at home.
Shop Like a Local
If you’re the kind of person who likes to shop til you drop, you’ll love visiting Downtown Ocala. This growing business center is home to a number of unique local boutiques and shops that offer everything for every style.
A few local favorites include:
- Marley Mae Market and Paperie, located at 16 S. Magnolia Ave., was named after owner Jennifer Arvanitis’s pet greyhound and features stationery and cards, unique gifts, and adorable clothing.
- AGAPANTHUS, located at 18 S. Broadway St., features clothing, accessories, and a salon perfect for getting a blowout.
- The Mustard Seed Collection, located at 56 SE 1st Ave., is home to an expansive collection of vintage furniture and goods.
- Her Kloset at Greiner’s, located at 405 E. Silver Springs Blvd., offers designer clothing and more in a posh setting.
Go Farm Fresh at the Downtown Market
Ocala’s Downtown Market is the place to be on Saturdays. From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. each weekend, this pavilion turns into a bustling market featuring farm-fresh goodies, crafts from local artisans, hand-made soaps, specialty treats, and much more.
Two of our favorite regular vendors at the Ocala Downtown Market include:
- Natural Oats Soap offers hand-made soaps, lotions, and body care products created by the Browning sisters. They even make gentle pet care products like dog shampoo and paw balm.
- Eufloria Flower Co. is a passion project for native Ocalan Krista Ingrilli. Let her create a bouquet of fresh flowers for you or create your own floral masterpiece.
Find the Downtown Market at 310 SE 3rd Street. Though the regular marker takes place on Saturdays, you might find special events here during the week!
Things to Do in Ocala at Night
Ocala’s nightlife leaves nothing to be desired. There’s always something to do when the sun goes down, from sampling tiki cocktails to hearing nationally-touring music acts. Let’s look at a few things you can do in Ocala at night.
Taste the Good Life with Ocala Fine Dining
Local flavor abounds in Ocala. You’ll find a number of places for a fine-dining experience when you’re ready to get dressed up and treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal.
Fine-dining destinations in Ocala include:
- La Cuisine Restaurant, located at 48 SW 1st Ave., is known for its French influence and expansive wine list.
- Ipanema Brazillian Steakhouse, located at 2023 S. Pine Ave., offers an authentic churrascaria experience.
- Mark’s Prime Steakhouse, located at 201 SE 2nd Ave., serves wood-fired steaks with an upscale ambiance.
Looking for more fine dining experiences? Ocala is a short drive from Gainesville, Orlando, and Tampa -- all great Florida foodie destinations.
Pull Up for a Drive-In Movie
Remember the good old days when drive-in movies ruled? There were more than 4,000 drive-in movie theaters across the country in 1958. Today, more than half a century later, there are only around 300.
Fortunately, one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters is right here in Ocala. This nostalgic destination shows a double feature nightly and is open 7 days a week. Shows start around 8:30 most nights and the concession stand features a full menu.
Find the Ocala Drive-In at 4850 S. Pine Ave.
Try Trendy Tiki Cocktails
Looking for a unique place to enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail? The Tipsy Skipper, located at 48 S. Magnolia Ave., is the perfect place to relax in retro style. This 1950’s themed cocktail bar pours some of the best drinks in Ocala.
The drink menu at the Tipsy Skipper rotates seasonally and is based on the best and freshest fruits and garnishes. There’s even a secret menu of delightful libations sure to please. The bartenders here are creative and all willing to make their own specialty cocktails.
You’ll also find many classic tiki cocktails on the menu at the Tipsy Skipper. Consider sipping a Pearl Diver with rum, orange juice, and lime. Want something even more classic? Try a Three Dots and a Dash with rum, orange juice, lime, honey, and bitters. Other house specialties include drinks like Adult Capri Sun -- even served in a pouch -- and Jarritos soda spiked with rum.
Laugh at Bonkerz Comedy Club
Ocala certainly has a sense of humor. You’ll see it come to life at the Lodge (36 S. Magnolia Ave.) when Bonkerz Comedy Club is in town. Bonkerz Comedy Club holds shows on the first Friday and Saturday of each month and promises plenty of laughs.
Nationally touring comedians take the stage and promise to tickle the funny bone during Bonkerz Comedy Club shows. Past shows have featured celebrity comedians, including Jim Bruer, Caroline Rhea, Michael Kosta, Helen Keaney, Dusty Slay, and many others.
Catch a Concert at Circle Square
Circle Square Cultural Center, located on SW 80th Street inside Ocala’s On Top of the World Community, is a true entertainment destination. The center brings top touring talent and national shows to Ocala every year.
Upcoming concerts and performances for the Fall 2022 season include:
- Fortunate Son: World’s Greatest Tribute to CCR on August 13, 2022
- The Grass Roots on September 16, 2022
- Jim Curry’s Tribute to the Music of John Denver on September 30, 2022
- What a Night! Jersey Boys Meets Mama Mia on October 15, 2022
- Rob Caudill: The Ultimate Rod Stewart Experience on November 4, 2022
- Little River Band on November 19, 2022
Interested in any of the shows above? Call Circle Square Cultural Center at (352) 854-3670 for additional information.
Looking for other places to catch a great show in Ocala? Consider checking out the Marion Theatre (50 S. Magnolia Ave.) and the Reilly Arts Center (500 NE 9th Street).
Things to Do for Kids in Ocala
One of the best things about Ocala is how family-friendly the community is here. This means there are all kinds of opportunities for kids to have fun. Here is a small selection of things you can do in Ocala with kids.
Zip Over the Tree Canopies (and Canyons)
The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, located just north of Ocala on NW Gainesville Road, is the perfect place for a day of adrenaline-pumping family fun. There’s something here for the whole crew, as little ones will love digging for treasure at the park’s Gem Mine and big kids will love flying through the skies on a zip line.
You can even book horseback rides and hikes through the breathtaking terrain at this local favorite.
Picture Yourself as Picasso
Painting With a Twist, located at Market Street at Heathbrook on SW College Road, is the perfect place for a budding Picasso. The studio hosts kid-friendly family classes practically weekly.
Kids will love the all-inclusive classes here. You’ll be given all the supplies you need to create a masterpiece and an expert artist will guide you along the way. Paintings created in recent Painting With Twist family classes include an adorable panda bear, a Boho Modern Wave scene, an abstract fish, and many more.
Are you an animal lover? Painting With a Twist also offers paint-your-pet classes where you can create a custom painting of your furry family members.
Make a Splash
It's a fact: there’s nothing like cooling off in a splash pad for a kid on a hot Ocala summer day. Thankfully, you’ll find many places to get wet and make a splash around Brick City.
You’ll find splash pads in and around Ocala. Here are a few family favorites:
- Citizen’s Circle Splash Pad, located downtown on SE Osceola Ave
- Lilian Bryant Park Splash Pad, located on NW 17th Place
- Belleview Splash Pad, located just outside Ocala on SE 110th Place in Belleview
Other places to make a splash in Ocala include the Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center on SE 36th Ave and the City of Ocala Hampton Aquatic Center on NW 16th Ave.
Go Crazy for Candy
Another fact: most kids have a sweet tooth. Thankfully, there are a few places to indulge in Brick City. Ocala candy stores are the perfect place to enjoy a sweet treat.
If you like shopping local, consider checking out Ocala’s Chocolate and Confections at 104 E. Fort King Street in Downtown Ocala. All the chocolates here are handmade. You’ll find all kinds of delectable here and chocolate-covered everything. A few favorites include the chocolate-covered potato chips for a hit of sweet and salty, the chocolate-covered marshmallows for a true sugar rush, and the chocolate alligators with true Florida flair.
Looking for another sweet experience? Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop at 20 SE Broadway is a recent addition to Ocala’s Downtown Square business community. This unique store features all kinds of old-time and nostalgic candy you likely won’t find anywhere else.
Have a History Lesson at Fort King
Ocala’s history is rich. Step back in time at one of Ocala’s oldest treasures, Fort King National Historic Landmark. This significant historic destination dates all the way back to 1827 and was a strategic point in the Second Seminole War.
Today’s Fort King is an interesting place to visit. Find interpretative guides and literature along the way and treat yourself to a day of learning. Find this 40-acre park at 3925 E. Fort King Street.
Travel Back in Time at Ocali Country Days
Each fall, Ocala travels back in time during the annual Ocali Country Days. This family-friendly history festival celebrates the first settlers to call the Ocala area home. You’ll see historic displays, try your hand at country crafts, hear live music, and much more.
Ocali Country Days takes place in mid-November at the Silver River Museum, located in the Silver River State Park. Kid-favorite activities at the annual festival include touring pioneer cabins and imaging life in another era, watching historical reenactors make sugar cane syrup (and trying a sample if you’re lucky), and exploring Silver River State Park.
Hit the Trail with a Horse
Ocala’s equestrian culture means there’s another family-friendly activity kids are sure to love: horseback riding. There are many guided horseback riding tours over local trails that will let you get up-close and personal with an equine animal.
Horseback riding tours in Ocala include those offered by:
- Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides
- Mustang Moon Equine Solutions
- Diamond Oaks Farm
- Wild West Horse Tours
- And others
Call Ocala Home with Golden Ocala Real Estate
It’s easy to live the good life with so many things to do in Ocala. Living in Golden Ocala gives you easy access to everything that makes Ocala special. Golden Ocala offers peaceful country club living with equestrian amenities. This community of luxury homes exemplifies the best of Ocala and promises a quality of life you won’t find anywhere else.
Are you ready to call Ocala home? Reach out to a friendly agent and find your Ocala dream home today.