Any Questions?
Have some questions about visiting Ocala/Marion County? We have answers!
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About Ocala
What is Ocala Known For?
Ocala/Marion County is internationally known for its equestrian culture and is often called the Horse Capital of the World®. It’s also celebrated for its natural springs, forests, outdoor adventure, and historic downtown.
Where Is The Visitors Center Located?
The visitors center is located at 109 West Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34475. We’re open 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday, so feel free to drop by to get a vacation guide, meet the team, and learn more about the great things we do to showcase Ocala/Marion County.
How Big Is Ocala/Marion County?
Ocala/Marion County has a total area of approximately 1,663 sq. miles and an estimated population of 410,000.
How Far Is Ocala/Marion County From Other Points Of Interest In Florida?
Ocala/Marion County is situated in Central Florida, making it a highly accessible destination on I-75, FL-441, SR-40, and US-301. Learn more about the estimated distance to airports and popular Florida attractions at our transportation page.
How Far Is Ocala/Marion County From Major Florida Cities?
Familiarize yourself with Ocala/Marion County's central location. It's easy to get here from other major metropolitan areas in Florida. The average distance from other cities in Florida is as follows:
- Daytona Beach: 75 miles
- Orlando: 80 miles
- St. Augustine: 90 miles
- Tampa: 100 miles
- Jacksonville: 110 miles
- St. Petersburg: 130 miles
- Tallahassee: 175 miles
- Fort Lauderdale: 300 miles
- Miami: 325 miles
Drive times vary based on the time of travel.
Events & Things To Do
What Events Are Happening In Ocala/Marion County?
We have cool events happening all the time in Ocala/Marion County! See our upcoming events on our calendar, and be sure to check back regularly for new events and updates.
What Is There To Do For Children?
Ocala/Marion County is an exciting, kid-friendly destination your whole family will love. Check out our blog on family-friendly things to do.
What Horse Farms Can I Visit?
Ocala/Marion County has more than 1200 horse farms, but not all are open to the public. To find out which farms you can visit, check out our list of local horse farms.
Weather
What Is The Average Summer Temperature? What Is The Average Winter Temperature?
Summer temperatures average 92°F high and 71°F low. Winter temperatures average around 71°F high and 46°F low.
For more temperature averages by month and tips on how to prepare, check out our weather page here.
Are Hurricanes Common?
While hurricanes aren’t especially common in Ocala compared to other Florida destinations, it’s always important to stay abreast of weather conditions, listen to state officials, and follow evacuation recommendations.
Trip Planning
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Trip?
If you're planning to come during equestrian season (roughly October through April), we recommend booking accommodations and any horse show tickets as early as possible. This is the busiest time of year, and availability fills up fast.
For summer visits, you'll generally have more flexibility. As a rule of thumb, booking 4–6 weeks out gives you the best selection of hotels and vacation rentals year-round.
Where Can I Find Trip Planning Resources?
We've made it easy to plan your visit all in one place. Download our free Vacation Guide for a comprehensive look at what Ocala/Marion County has to offer, or grab our Travel Guide App for on-the-go recommendations. You can also sign up for our e-newsletter to get upcoming events and travel inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
