Spend Your Spring Break in Ocala/Marion County

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.