7 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.
Some of these activities may be closed/altered due to COVID-19. Please check with the individual businesses before making plans.
1. Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
What better (or more romantic) way to experience the Horse Capital of the World™ than arm in arm on a comfortable carriage drawn by a beautiful animal? Horse Country Carriage Co. operates out of the lush, 56-acre Kimberden Farm, 11 miles northwest of downtown Ocala. Enjoy a relaxing ride through canopies of moss-draped oaks and vast expanses of green at their location — or have Horse Country Carriage come to you for a more private experience.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 the World Equestrian Center.
5. Make Your Own Wine — 30 Bottles Worth
Outfitted in rustic wood, brick and leather, The Corkscrew, situated in the heart of Historic Downtown Ocala, invites couples to work with their experts to create their own wine in a varietal that suits their tastes. Amateur vintners then come back four to eight weeks later to pick up their custom batch of 30 bottles, which will remind you of your time in Ocala/Marion County with every tasty sip.
6. 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.
7. 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, Katya Vineyards for its four-course Wine and Gourmet Food Pairings,Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for a touch of New Orleans, Ivy on the Square for Southern-inspired food and a 1920s speakeasy flavor.
