Top 10 Must-Sees in Ocala/Marion County
There is a LOT to explore when you visit Ocala/Marion County. So much so, in fact, that it can be a little daunting. But don’t worry!
We’ve narrowed it down a little for you. Check out our Top Ten Must-Sees in Ocala/Marion County.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/silver-spring-boat_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=d9524c80471518c8764432bb21318488 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/silver-spring-boat_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=b7aaf11959c6fddf6c754d2e97732642 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/silver-spring-boat_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=094254d7624145b4234cb27677b5e353 750w)
1. Silver Springs State Park
The site of the most famous spring in the Ocala/Marion County (and possibly the state), Silver Springs State Park is literally one of Florida’s most beautiful places. One of the largest artesian springs ever discovered, Silver Springs isn’t just beautiful to look at. It’s fun to enjoy, too, thanks to kayak and canoe rentals.
However, what Silver Springs is best known for is their famous Glass-Bottom Boats. Make sure to get on board and take a guided cruise on the crystal-clear waters, where you can see fish, manatees, sunken boats and more.
Did you know that there are dozens of beautiful parks around Ocala / Marion county? To learn more about them, click here!
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Ocala-National-Forest_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=965926b1e09b1e81d7d8cc5f2ef488c4 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Ocala-National-Forest_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=24275bbb3276ef6aba5712ea3d312331 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Ocala-National-Forest_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=b24f9dfba55b7a1121045721b9e8f380 750w)
2. Ocala National Forest
Love nature and adventure? Then you’ll love the Ocala National Forest. The second largest national forest in Florida, Ocala National Forest covers 130,447 acres and includes over 80 square miles of recreational waterways and springs to explore. Some of the most beautiful springs in the area include Silver Glen Springs, Juniper Springs and Salt Springs and all make for a fun way to cool off in the Florida sunshine. Hike or bike the trails and be on the lookout for the wonderful wildlife and birds that call the forest home.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Horse-Farm-Tour-KimbertonKidsPettingHorseSunset_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=91bd1cb0f3d5ad1c7fa06fe1269ab228 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Horse-Farm-Tour-KimbertonKidsPettingHorseSunset_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=ec118699fdb23c4e0330123b8a2b95bb 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Horse-Farm-Tour-KimbertonKidsPettingHorseSunset_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=a2e93c5eb6f0ca4fff069392e5c72a44 750w)
3. Horse Farm
Did you know that Ocala/Marion County is known as the Horse Capital of the World®? One of the reasons why is that we’re one of only four major thoroughbred centers in the world and have a variety and diversity of horses that is internationally unparalleled. With more than 1,200 thoroughbred horse farms in the area, we have produced 45 national champions, 6 Kentucky Derby winners, 20 Breeders’ Cup champions and 6 Horses of the Year. In other words, it’s a mecca for fans of everything equestrian!
You don’t have to be satisfied with just watching (or petting) the horses, though. Make an appointment to go on a horseback ride. A visit to the horse farms in Ocala/Marion County is a moving experience you’ll never forget.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/appelton_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=9b7ccaa97ea2d69fb68368cd37b7c4de 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/appelton_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=e2703ed454e9ced923a0e65a8b8e92c1 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/appelton_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=9f9f5a2d61abdacff805f65db0cc78ad 750w)
4. The Appleton Museum Of Art
With multiple exhibits from different continents and time periods, The Appleton Museum of Art is like walking through a history book. Examine stunning paintings, sculptures, artifacts and more. Take an art class to develop your skills. Don’t forget to peruse their incredible selection of books, jewelry and décor at the gift shop. No matter what your interests, there’s something for everyone at The Appleton Museum of Art. If you are all about the arts, Ocala/Marion County offers many more ways to discover the destination’s unique arts and culture scene, including murals, additional museums and galleries and an outdoor art park featuring larger-than life sculptures.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Fort-King-CREDIT-OcalaMarion-County-Visitors-and-Convention-Bureau_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=e81701b300e9bb510af2be8b44b05a6b 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Fort-King-CREDIT-OcalaMarion-County-Visitors-and-Convention-Bureau_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=b2b040b409bdebce7f4359f77ddf5155 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Fort-King-CREDIT-OcalaMarion-County-Visitors-and-Convention-Bureau_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=1181f046b3c54b06aeb9f6a8ab66307d 734w)
5. Fort King National Historic Landmark
Step back in time and explore the wooden wonder of Fort King. Originally built in 1827, King Fort was abandoned, burned down, rebuilt for the Second Seminole War and today has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Here you can enjoy the park, a visitor’s center with a library and historic artifacts and an interpretive trail. It stretches from the Fort to the Seep Spring and into a lush ravine, and it’s the perfect way to make history come to life!
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Zip-line_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=0e28191abcca3cdc928e2b33a6a46209 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Zip-line_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=d8c528e07ef2f52feec9e9f5fc0c42fe 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Zip-line_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=73ac0e9654a9ebbf65af297cca6d1485 733w)
6. Zip Line
Tap into your adventurous spirit with a visit to the Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park! Zip line through lime rock canyons over a stunning lake and soar through shaded canopies. Various tour lengths are available to fit whatever vacation schedule you have, but it is easy to spend the whole day at the park as you can also go horseback riding, gem mining, kayaking and more!
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Historic-Downtown-Ocala-_Marion_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=7b9fc4274395e2f91891a7608b98096d 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Historic-Downtown-Ocala-_Marion_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=590f06a09ce879a1eeb7b8ed34a98c32 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Historic-Downtown-Ocala-_Marion_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=82fd10b4bc77924a6072c227ca248d17 734w)
7. Ocala Historic Downtown Square
Ocala was the very first town in Marion County in the early 1840s, and since then has grown substantially. However, you can still see pieces of its past in the historic buildings in the Ocala Historic Downtown Square. Come for a stroll among the eclectic boutiques, restaurants, galleries and more. Join us for the Ocala Downtown Market every Friday and Saturday for fresh produce, flowers, crafts and food, or stop by in the evening on the First Friday of the Month (September - March) for the First Friday Art Walk.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=abc316f61678cdac398105e0f7031cd5 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=e44d1e9b59fa81697db0876d91fea115 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=6704782d1af9bf17af8bfd413450805d 750w)
8. Rainbow Springs State Park And Kp Hole Park
At Rainbow Springs State Park, you’ll have a really “cool” time, in more ways than one! The springs remain at a refreshing 72°F year-round, meaning it’s always the perfect time and temperature to go swimming, snorkeling, diving, tubing and paddling. Not interested in splashing around? Check out the beautiful gardens, playgrounds, interpretive exhibits and concessions. There’s nothing like tubing the day away at KP Hole. Since 1953, KP Hole Park has been a year-round family destination. Spring-fed from the Rainbow River, the crystal-clear water is also always 72°F. The summer hours are from 8am-8pm, while winter hours are from 8am-5pm. Whichever season you visit, you’re sure to have an amazing day lazing about in the cool waters.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/WEC_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=f24045d2ff8811db86f99c63cae88aec 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/WEC_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=b5551d5a7a4300fb568adc32c753fa16 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/WEC_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=5c91d46e77d6aab113c7e4cfe78f0592 715w)
9. World Equestrian Center
While it is the newest must-see in the destination, the World Equestrian Center is by no means the smallest. Known by locals as WEC, the World Equestrian Center is the largest equestrian facility in the United States and offers a day full of fun even for those who are unfamiliar with horses. There is a luxury hotel, The Equestrian, multiple restaurants, a pub, sweet shops, shopping (including a toy story), horse and dog shows, and more!
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=e620a5e9753195b553031d1b2d422118 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=f458ba054be511f9df023f745b0f2a90 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=0e0c9fdb538ed6597e9a8a51ed38d522 768w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=097c189a080d45e594828aef9cf88477 1024w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=4ee8bb4b78309976f7d2c04d46b3e3fe 1200w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1440&s=d531f6dfb7a62f0db72cf26117771fc1 1440w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1920&s=114b496d8cf4e2cc1d5b24b5fbccd24f 1920w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=2560&s=aba51cd799db8b0262ed7e98f41e491c 2560w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/agritourism-the-orange-shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=3840&s=e392e87b9110d0809c16e535562635a6 3840w)
10. Agri-Tour On A U-Pick Farm
Have you ever picked a fresh blueberry straight from the bush or a juicy orange right from the tree? Visit the U-Pick Farms in Ocala/Marion County for this unique pleasure! At our U-Pick farms, visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at organic Florida farms and even take home some tasty souvenirs to remember the experience.
Use these ten suggestions as a basis for your next visit, but be sure to explore the many other things we have to offer. From natural experiences to cultural hotspots and more, you’ll have a truly wild time when you visit Ocala/Marion County.
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