6 Ways to Have an Unforgettable Romantic Getaway to Ocala/Marion County

Planning a getaway with someone you love is a great way to escape your day-to-day routine.

Fortunately, Ocala/Marion County offers couples of all ages countless ways to get their romance on. Experiences range from rugged, outdoorsy adventures to refined and cultured nights on the town. Here is an array of can’t-miss recommendations.

1. Secluded Accommodations

Sometimes you just want to get away from everything and everyone. If that’s what you and your special someone are looking for, Ocala/Marion County is marked with a variety of rustic cabins that let you escape to fresh air, sunshine and wide-open spaces. You’ll find these accommodations in stunning locations, like on the banks of spring-fed Rainbow River or on a lakefront near the Ocala National Forest. Click here to visit the Accommodations section of our website — it’s broken down into lodging categories.

A rustic one-story wooden cabin with a porch nestled in a forest of mossy trees.

2. Night At The Drive-in

For a taste of vanishing Americana, try the Ocala Drive-In. First opened in 1948, it was completely refurbished and reopened in 2011. Long gone are the days of hanging tiny speakers on your windows. Now you’ll get theater-quality sound right through your car’s FM radio. The drive-in shows first-run double features nightly on a huge screen, starting when the sun goes down. You can bring your own lawn chairs or simply cozy up next to each other in your car. Older couples will love the nostalgia and younger couples will appreciate the novelty. The Ocala Drive-In is only a 10-minute drive from Historic Downtown Ocala.

exterior of the Ocala Drive in Theater in Ocala Marion County FL

3. Date In Luxury At The World Equestrian Center

Is a couple’s massage what you envision as part of your romantic vacation? Add in an evening dinner at an elegant steakhouse, chocolate covered strawberries from a decadent pastry shop, and a night in a luxurious suite overlooking a stunning equestrian arena. This is what awaits a stay at The Equestrian Hotel at World Equestrian Center.

A couple standing by a window, clinking glasses and looking out at a scenic view.

4. For Twosomes Who Love Adventure & The Rugged Outdoors

With 600 lakes, rivers and springs, Ocala/Marion County is widely hailed for its natural splendor. Couples can enjoy kayaking, tubing, hiking and lounging in such places as the Ocala National Forest, Rainbow Springs State Park, Silver Springs State Park, the Rainbow River, Juniper Run and Silver Glen Springs, among others. Click here for an overview. For couples who are all about the outdoors, the destination offers wide-ranging opportunities for camping.

Additionally, Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, located just seven miles north of downtown Ocala, offers an array of adventurous pursuits — kayaking, horseback riding, gem mining, and of course, zip lining.

A couple kayaks through the crystal clear waters of Silver Springs.

5. Sumptuous Dinner For Two

In the last half-decade, Historic Downtown Ocala has earned a reputation as a small city with a big culinary scene. You can indulge in a delicious and romantic dinner at a variety of restaurants, all located within a few blocks of each other. They include Mark’s Prime for steak and seafood, La Cuisine for French, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for a touch of New Orleans, Ivy on the Square for Southern-inspired food and a 1920s speakeasy flavor, as well as Katya Vineyards for a gourmet fine dining experience.

A man and woman sharing a meal and drinks at a dimly lit, upscale restaurant table.

6. Cuisines From Around the World

Elevate your dinner-and-a-movie date with an authentic meal. Amrit Palace is a must-visit restaurant, featuring butter chicken, tikka masala, and gulab jamun. Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse is another exceptional choice with a limitless selection of grilled protein. Traverse across different Latin American regions with various culinary specialties from Latinos Y Mas and Los Magueyes. Relish “pasta-tively” delectable dishes, ambient lights, and classical music at Mesa de Notte.