14 Fun Facts About Ocala

As you plan your trip to Ocala/Marion County, keep these fun facts in mind to help shape your itinerary and make the most of your visit.

Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World®

Ocala and Marion County are officially home to more horses and horse farms than anywhere else in the U.S., with over 600 thoroughbred farms rooted in rare limestone-rich soil that produces nutrient-dense grass that is ideal for raising elite racehorses. This unique terrain has helped make Ocala a global powerhouse for breeding and training champions, including multiple Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup winners.

At the heart of this equestrian culture is the World Equestrian Center, the largest complex of its kind in the country, spanning 378 acres and hosting year-round national and international competitions.

For more information, check out our list of local horse farms you can visit.

There are numerous buildings in Ocala on the National Register of Historic Places

Ocala’s downtown is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, boutique shopping, and an impressive cultural scene, highlighted by the Marion Theatre and the monthly First Friday Art Walk. Several local landmarks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Coca-Cola Building, E. C. Smith House, East Hall, Marion Hotel, Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, Ritz Historic Inn, and Union Train Station, while the original Fort King site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2004.

With over a century of history to explore, you can learn more about Ocala's history, browse our shopping directory, or take a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Ocala.

Ocala is known as “Brick City”

Ocala’s distinctive architecture grew out of a disaster. After a devastating 1883 fire destroyed most of downtown’s wooden buildings, city leaders required new construction to use brick, stone, or iron. This decision reshaped the city, creating a boom in Victorian-era design. Today, the downtown district, nicknamed “The Brick City,” features restored historic structures now home to cafés, art galleries, specialty shops, and offices.

Ocala is home to one of the first tourist attractions in Florida

Silver Springs, often called Florida’s original tourist destination, is renowned for its crystal-clear springs that gush over 500 million gallons of water a day. Since the 1870s, visitors have come to enjoy its famous glass-bottom boats, which reveal an underwater world of fish, turtles, manatees, and ancient cypress roots.

Learn more by reading our Guide to Glass-Bottom Boat Rides.

You may have seen Ocala on the big screen

Silver Springs has been the setting for more than 100 films and TV shows, including Tarzan, Sea Hunt, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the James Bond movie Thunderball. Its lush scenery and clear water made it ideal for underwater scenes, and visitors today can still spot leftover props on glass-bottom boat tours.

Ocala is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural springs in Florida

Although Ocala is not a coastal city, it is surrounded by some of Florida’s most popular freshwater springs. In addition to Silver Springs, the area is home to Rainbow Springs and Juniper Springs. These natural attractions offer excellent opportunities for swimming, tubing, kayaking, and picnicking.

You can see manatees in Ocala

Manatees are Florida’s official marine mammal. In Ocala, the best places to spot manatees are Silver Springs State Park, Silver Glen Springs, and Salt Springs Recreation Area. During the cooler winter months, sightings are more common as they seek out the springs’ warmer waters. Ocala residents are also just a short drive from neighboring Crystal River, one of the only places in the U.S. where you can legally swim with wild manatees.

There are magnificent oak trees all around Ocala

Walk down any street in Ocala, and you’ll see centuries‑old oak trees. Their moss-draped branches create cool, leafy tunnels and beautiful, dappled light. Visitors can stay at a campground site among the oaks and enjoy the views at nearby parks and recreation areas.

Find out all the places you can camp in Ocala/Marion and explore our beautiful parks and recreation areas.

One of the largest and oldest national forests in the eastern United States is in Ocala

Ocala National Forest spans over 600 square miles (about 387,000 acres), making it one of the largest and oldest national forests in the eastern U.S. With natural springs like Juniper, Salt, and Alexander, extensive multi-use trails, campgrounds, cabins, and day-use areas, it’s a prime destination with hiking trails, places to swim and paddle, birdwatching, and more family-friendly outdoor recreation opportunities.

Read our Ocala National Forest guide to learn more about this top destination in Ocala.

Ocala sits along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway

Ocala sits along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, a 110-mile corridor of conservation land stretching from the Gulf Coast to the St. Johns River, where you will find places to ride your bike or hike, as well as horseback riding trails.

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway began as the Cross Florida Barge Canal, a proposed shipping route across the state that was ultimately halted due to cost, construction challenges, and growing environmental opposition led by activist Marjorie Harris Carr. Deauthorized in 1990, the unfinished canal corridor was later transformed into the expansive greenway that visitors and residents love today.

Check out all the places and trails you can bike in Ocala/Marion.

Ocala has excellent birdwatching opportunities

Ocala and Marion County are a paradise for birdwatchers, as the area is home to countless species, from owls and eagles to hawks, egrets, herons, cranes, ducks, and the rare Florida scrub‑jay. Top spots for birding include Silver Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area, and Lake Delancy Recreation Area.

Learn more about birding in Ocala/Marion.

You can take a ride on the highest and longest zip line when in Ocala

Reach exhilarating new heights in the Sunshine State! Towering 155 feet above a reclaimed quarry, the Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park in Ocala boasts Florida's highest zip line. Stretching 1,150 feet, it’s the state’s longest zip line too.

On the canopy tour, kids who meet the safety criteria and adults can soar along 9 zip lines, cross 2 rope bridges, and tackle a rappel. Beyond the rush of speed and altitude, the sweeping views are unlike anything else you’ll find in Florida.

Review Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park safety criteria.

The “Godfather of Drag Racing” calls Ocala home

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, founded by local legend Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, traces the evolution of drag racing from its early days to modern professional circuits, featuring hundreds of vehicles and artifacts, including the record-shattering “Swamp Rat” dragsters. Museum highlights include interactive exhibits, a Hall of Fame, and occasional chances to meet Garlits himself.

Ocala has become a hub for aviation enthusiasts

Actor and pilot John Travolta is one of Ocala’s most notable residents, with a private home in Jumbolair Aviation Estates, an exclusive fly-in community north of the city that features the country's longest private runway. This aviation-focused estate has accommodated aircraft such as a Boeing 707 and Gulfstream jets.

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The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau is the county’s official resource for vacation and meeting planning information. We are dedicated to increasing tourism and economic growth within our beautiful county.