MY TOP SPOTS | THINGS TO DO IN OCALA

Known as one of America's largest artesian springs, this is a popular destination for glass bottom boat tours, hiking, bird watching, and picnicking right here in Ocala. 

• Glass bottom boat tours: get a unique underwater view of the springs and its inhabitants.
• A variety of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, and bird watching.
• Wildlife sightings may include alligators, manatees, and numerous species of birds.

Home to a wide variety of art collections and traveling exhibits, this museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts in Ocala. 

• Houses both permanent collections and traveling exhibits.
• Collections range from European art and contemporary art to Chinese artifacts.
• Offers art classes and workshops.

This is the second largest national forest in Florida, and it's perfect for hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping. The forest also houses several clear springs and hosts a variety of wildlife right here in Ocala. 

• The forest covers over 600 square miles with numerous trails for hiking or mountain biking.
• Home to more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, perfect for swimming or fishing.
• Diverse wildlife: you might see black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and more.

 A quaint and historic area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and events. It's also home to the Ocala Downtown Square, an area that often hosts outdoor concerts and other events. 

• Historic buildings and charming streets with a variety of shops and restaurants.
• The Ocala Downtown Square, which frequently hosts concerts and other events.
• Art walks and farmers markets are regular occurrences.

This is a unique museum showcasing the history of drag racing, with hundreds of cars on display. It's a great place for motor enthusiasts. 

• Houses one of the largest collections of drag racing cars in the world.
• Includes the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
• Offers insights into the evolution of the sport and its vehicles.

 A significant historic site which was once a 19th-century military fort during the Seminole Wars. It offers a glimpse into Florida's past. 

• An important historical site from the Seminole Wars era.
• Offers a visitor center with exhibits and reenactments.
• Nature trails around the fort are perfect for a peaceful walk.

Ocala is known as the "Horse Capital of the World". There are plenty of horse farms and ranches that offer tours, where you can see beautiful horses and learn about horse breeding and racing. 

• Known as the "Horse Capital of the World" due to its large number of horse farms.
• Offers tours to see the horses and learn about breeding and training.
• Some farms may allow for horseback riding experiences.

 Located in the Ocala National Forest, this is one of the oldest and best known recreation areas on the East Coast. Known for its swimming hole, hiking trails, and camping spots. 

• A scenic area with crystal clear springs for swimming.
• Extensive trails for hiking and wildlife viewing.
• Offers camping facilities with a unique semi-tropical setting.

 For those looking for a little adventure, this place offers zip lines, rope bridges, and rappelling. 

• Offers one of the longest, highest, and fastest zip lines in Florida.
• Also features rope bridges, rappelling, and other adventure activities.
• Offers stunning views of the surrounding nature and canyons.

This is a long stretch of greenway offering various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horse riding. The Santos Trailhead is a popular mountain biking location in the greenway. 

• Stretches for miles offering a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding.
• The Santos Trailhead, a popular location for mountain biking.
• Picnic spots, bird-watching, and camping opportunities throughout the greenway.