Spend Your Spring Break in Ocala/Marion County
Venture away from the stereotypical beach spring break spots and plan vacation to Florida’s Natural Wonder. Whether you’re looking for something for the entire family, a thrill-seeking adventure or rest and relaxation, Ocala/Marion County offers something for just about everyone.
Ocala National Forest
Just 40 minutes outside of historic Downtown Ocala, the Ocala National Forest holds endless possibilities for nature enthusiasts. The second largest national forest in Florida offers exciting additions for any itinerary, including hundreds of miles of biking, hiking and equestrian trails to explore. There are also multiple beautiful natural springs you can swim or paddle in. For those wanting to spend a night under the canopy of ancient oaks and bright starlight, camping sites are located within the forest, allowing you to close out your day of exploring in the most relaxing way.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Silver-Glen-Swimming_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=4fe5fd18b894116e222b0b74ca93b0ea 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Silver-Glen-Swimming_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=4d78f6e4c76ae606aed624b466dfd299 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Silver-Glen-Swimming_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=1fdecc894a87006b5b06828bc7b07427 734w)
Silver Springs State Park
Another charming spring break must-do is a visit to Silver Springs State Park. As one of the largest artesian springs in the world, visitors love the historical and cultural artifacts, wildlife and vegetation. Silver Springs is home of the famous glass-bottom boats, where people get the opportunity to see wildlife like fish, turtles, manatees and more. Adventurers can canoe or kayak the 1.1-mile trip around Ross Allen Island and explore unique habitats.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Silver-Springs-resized-for-web-NEWS.jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=ca823e4127a92ba2d6234ef86c0f47d5 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Silver-Springs-resized-for-web-NEWS.jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=5f21f984158fe87e522fc493e9968f48 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Silver-Springs-resized-for-web-NEWS.jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=baf87c2dc0aa616adeefe37f9b029c18 768w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Silver-Springs-resized-for-web-NEWS.jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=3de0a49c79097b82207d17c5b07093a4 1024w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Silver-Springs-resized-for-web-NEWS.jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=959a7b7a39554cc4275db82865182bff 1200w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Silver-Springs-resized-for-web-NEWS.jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1440&s=5180a46e39a79d83e9cbcc4cb04e382b 1440w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Silver-Springs-resized-for-web-NEWS.jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1920&s=f21928e34070c593bbe6672ec2d333cd 1920w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Silver-Springs-resized-for-web-NEWS.jpg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=2560&s=6154248a5b23356578d76a07361b3717 2508w)
Rainbow River
Keep the “spring” in spring break going with a visit to KP Hole, a public park that rests on the banks of the Rainbow River, a six-mile long river known for its clear glass-like water, with underwater visibility of over 150 feet. The clarity makes it perfect for finding a wide array of underwater species. KP Hole Park offers tubing, kayaking, canoeing and diving as ways to experience the river. Tubing down the river is a four-hour trip, while kayaking or canoeing usually takes half the time, making it a memorable way to spend the day with a group.
Rainbow River itself is formed by Florida’s fourth largest spring, Rainbow Springs, which is surrounded by lush state park grounds perfect for campers and nature enthusiasts. Take a walk through the gardens and be sure to visit the iconic waterfall, lined with pink, purple and white azalea flowers during this time of the year. Float along the springs’ crystal clear water, or kayak or canoe through the mossy cypress trees. If you have time, go tubing on a two-hour trip around the park—the perfect way to spend part of your tropical spring break.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River-Tubing_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=c4582d6459962a9eb73bbb4a106a113b 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River-Tubing_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=06e85353431d550421814dff1058dcb2 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River-Tubing_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=4c33cb5a521f05fbabb165439f7ca9ca 750w)
Santos Trails
If you’re fueled by adrenaline-pumping off-road adventures, the Santos Mountain Bike Trails fits the bill. They are one of only six bike trails in the U.S. offering more than 60 miles of off-road area covering the county’s beautiful landscape. For more experienced mountain bikers, the Vortex Bike Trails have a vertical drop of about 20 feet, options for higher jumps and more challenging trails. The 49 Ave. Trails are another must-see in the region, lined with remnants of historic ship canal “diggings” that exist today as miniature valleys. If leisurely is more your speed, there are beautiful paved trails that are also accessible! Additionally, parts of these trails are also open to horseback riding.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Santos-Paved-Trail-resized-for-web_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=e853c1deb727910545c56776e8c763cc 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Santos-Paved-Trail-resized-for-web_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=2f1023238ebf0d809e81a42684b411a7 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Santos-Paved-Trail-resized-for-web_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=c0781a590783877b90d7bcbef8d63cf7 750w)
Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park
To finish off your trip, soar through the county’s limestone canyons on the longest, highest and fastest zip lines in Florida, including the longest zip line over water in the U.S., at the Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours. You can also explore the one-of-a-kind grounds on horseback, weaving through nature trails to reach breathtaking sights.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Zip-Lining_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=7fd6bf4af2f44622744cf803dd9d5b51 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Zip-Lining_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=e2ad3cf8240e88de840b409d6276a4a7 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Zip-Lining_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=7c85bb01554980246be5b289de022f59 750w)
This is just a glimpse of what Ocala/Marion County has to offer this spring. Check in on our events calendar to see what special events are happening during your visit!
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Natural Springs Must-Do Activities in Marion County
Here are Marion County's top must-do activities for natural spring lovers.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Canoes-Docked-mtime20180928134925.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=b3ccc789fbe75de73475ae7b5bc99f99 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Canoes-Docked-mtime20180928134925.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=19139adbe11130e5ea0cb794860b90fe 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Canoes-Docked-mtime20180928134925.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=01419782a354fd235c689584514d57c9 768w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Canoes-Docked-mtime20180928134925.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=e8df1f62b3eabc464375784199b246df 1024w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Canoes-Docked-mtime20180928134925.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=aaf3f6b2a2d4e60fc76c9be26667b9c1 1200w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/meta-images/Canoes-Docked-mtime20180928134925.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&q=80&w=1280&s=147b2b247121cc6a5cffde9a39c62375 1280w)
Warm Water Springs Attracting Tourists Year Round
Ocala/Marion County offers vacationers an authentic Florida destination featuring some of the state’s most magnificent warm water springs.
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Spring Events Are Blooming in Ocala/Marion County, Florida
Spring is in the air in Ocala/Marion County, where morning hikes through canopied woods give way to afternoons spent exploring…