Top 10 Places to Have Fun in Open Spaces
You don’t need to be an expert outdoor explorer to have an adventure in Ocala/Marion County nature.
From biking to fishing, and everything in between, the area offers endless opportunities to have fun while also safely social distancing. We come by it naturally.
1. Paddling
Whether you are looking for an easy paddle in one of Ocala/Marion County’s many natural springs or a challenging venture up a river, grabbing a kayak, canoe or paddle board is a fun way to explore with a group, all while staying six feet apart. Among the favorites for places to kayak include Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs and the Ocala National Forest.
2. Tubing
Grab your family or a small group of friends and float all your worries away down Rainbow River on a tube. You can launch at KP Hole Park or Rainbow Springs State Park and enjoy a beautiful sunny day on the water. If you get hot, just hop in the cool water that stays a refreshing 72° all year! Make sure to check out our Tubing Guide before you go.
*Please note that tubing season for both parks run April – September.
3. Zip Lining
Take the outdoors to new heights in Ocala/Marion County, where you can feel the open air whip around you as you fly through breath taking canyons. Home to Florida’s longest, fastest and highest zip lines over water, Ocala/Marion County is ready for adventurers of all types. The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park also offers horseback riding, gem mining, kayaking and a wine and chocolate tour.
4. Biking
Bring your own bike or rent one from the local bike shops and hit the diverse trails through the destination. Really immerse yourself into Florida’s nature, biking in the Ocala National Forest or take to our nationally recognized mountain bike trails at Santos Trails. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or an easy rider, there are paths for all levels.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/bike_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=76deb99a3c65b77d819d7a4c665fe6a5 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/bike_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=8a8f959de120524c4b5a1204d76afd53 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/bike_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=8a6d0c846430d68063589a4ae717e3df 550w)
5. Hiking
From the expansive Ocala National Forest to the Cross Florida Greenway, there are endless miles of beautiful hiking trails lined with the unique-to-Florida landscape of pine trees and palm trees on top of each other. Find tortoises and rabbits along the way that may lead you to a hidden spring where turtles and otters are splashing around.
6. Tuscawilla Art Park
Looking to enjoy art, but not quite ready for a museum or indoor gallery? Tuscawilla Art Park is situated just north of the Downtown Ocala Square and is a great spot to see larger than life outdoor sculptures! From painted bridges to a metal elephant sculpture, you can appreciate the work of accomplished artists any time of day in the fresh air.
7. Fishing
Fishing in Florida is a rite of passage when you visit and a great way to get outdoors while keeping your distance from crowds. Whether you want to try to catch a trophy-sized bass in a boat or just love dropping a line from the bank with your friends, check out the top spots for fishing in the area to get you started.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Main-Image-Bass-Orange-Lake-mtime20201230103748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=d30bbd4229504ae240d1f94270321674 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Main-Image-Bass-Orange-Lake-mtime20201230103748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=b68a9005a9cad5478f863358ac84943f 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Main-Image-Bass-Orange-Lake-mtime20201230103748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=5a32eb7765fa21fd9223ec4a18b704e8 768w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Main-Image-Bass-Orange-Lake-mtime20201230103748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=05987273b918f596f4fb90f332b5471d 1024w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/Main-Image-Bass-Orange-Lake-mtime20201230103748.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=505ce56ec37261763d03e1740316d299 1080w)
8. Golfing
With more than 20 golf courses, public and private, players of all levels can enjoy the greens, warm weather and first class service while not worrying about too many people around. The game is inherently socially distant, so help yourself to the courses!
9. Birding
With the expansive parks, trails and bodies of water throughout Ocala/Marion County, bird watchers can easily spend a weekend immersed in nature, spotting lots of feathered friends. What is more socially distant than that? Grab you binoculars, back a lunch and hit the trails.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Bird_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=20f5b27f54cb9f7336b4d55aebc287aa 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Bird_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=b44dac95d278f8be3982c29198f6f147 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Bird_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=37dc2f7c81e71af740ab9dedc44eef94 550w)
10. Geocoaching
Here is a fun idea for our geocachers out there! Our destination has plenty of places where you may find hidden items, so make sure to check your favorite geocache app or website when you are visiting and go on a local treasure hunt. Maybe there are items hidden in a Downtown or the Ocala National Forest.
*As a reminder you can experience unique tastes of Ocala/Marion County at the many places to eat outdoors!
For savings on some of the fun outdoor activities in Ocala/Marion County, check out our Outdoor Adventure Trail Passport!
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KP Hole Park9435 SW 190th Avenue Road
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
United States