— By Vanessa Caceres —
If your family enjoys horses and getting out in nature, then the north central Florida town of Ocala makes for a perfect road trip. Ocala is located about an hour and a half from both Orlando and Tampa, so you can make it a day trip if you’re staying in one of Florida’s bigger cities. Alternatively, Ocala is also a great destination on its own.
A Family Trip to Ocala, Florida
Ocala’s claim to fame is that it’s the Horse Capital of the World. The city’s plentiful businesses focused on raising thoroughbred horses earned its title. In fact, there are more than 35,000 thoroughbred horses living there. Marion County, where Ocala is located, is said to have more horses than any other county in the U.S. Many champion horses have lived in Ocala, including six Kentucky Derby winners and 26 Breeders’ Cup champions.
So yes, Ocala has peaceful-looking horse farms that you’ll drive past, but you probably want to go deeper than that. Whether you want your road trip to Ocala to focus on #horselife or something broader, we’ve got a few ideas to share.
Here are six things you can do with your family when visiting Ocala, Florida.
Take a Horse Farm Tour
Ocala has a variety of horse farm tours, like the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour, where you’ll discover more about the Gypsy Vanner horse from Great Britain. Or, tour the Grandview Clydesdale Farm & Tours to learn more about those famous Clydesdales. Farm Tours of Ocala takes you through several horse farms in the area while traveling with a small group.
Visit the World Equestrian Center
The World Equestrian Center is a massive, new complex with an upscale hotel and a variety of arenas for horse shows. You can check its website in advance to find out what shows will be there. Be sure to budget extra time to walk around, check out some of the beautiful and whimsical horse and animal sculptures, and grab a bite to eat at onsite restaurants like the Yellow Pony Pub or Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop. You can also take a peek inside the hotel.
Spend Some Time Downtown
Downtown Ocala continues to grow, and you’ll find a mix of things to see that can entertain all ages. If you’re there on Saturday, check out the Ocala Downtown Market for a mix of agriculture, arts, and prepared foods. Just a couple of blocks away is Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, where online reviewers affirm the selection truly brings out your inner “kid in a candy shop.” Within a few blocks, you’ve got several great restaurant choices, like Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille and Brick City Southern Kitchen. This handy map from Ocala Main Street can be a helpful guide.
Take in All of the Art
In a nod to the area’s equine heritage, you’ll find a collection of horse statues in downtown Ocala. The statues are part of an art project called Horse Fever, painted with all types of different designs and often giving a nod to the area’s history. Find more information about the horse statue locations here. You’ll also find several eye-catching murals around downtown.
And speaking of art, one can’t-miss family activity in downtown Ocala is the West Tuscawilla Art Park. Created in 2016, the three-acre park includes public art, botanical plants, walking paths, and a scenic water view. It’s also located beside the historic Ocala Union Station. Let your young ones run around the park while they choose their favorite artwork.
Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour at Silver Springs State Park
This natural gem has been around for decades; in fact, several movies were filmed there in the 1950s and 1960s, including, “Creature From the Black Lagoon.” Silver Springs is famous for its glass-bottom boat tours, which let you see right into the park’s clear waters. Look out for manatees and gators among the fish and vegetation!
Beyond the boat tour, you can enjoy a pleasant walk around the park or go kayaking. Plus, keep your eyes open for the rhesus macaque monkeys living at the park.
Check Out Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
The Garlits’ Museum says that it’s been a “curator of motorsport’s past” since 1976. If anyone in your fam enjoys watching or taking part in drag racing or historic car culture, be sure to stop by the museum.
Tuscawilla Art Park
Conclusion
As you can see, visiting all of Ocala’s sights and enjoying its horse culture can easily take up a full day or weekend. Add in the fact that you’re relatively close to Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville (home of the University of Florida), and it can make for a great family destination in north central Florida.
Photos courtesy of Vanessa Caceres
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About the Author: Vanessa Caceres is a freelance travel, health, and business writer living in Florida. She has written for publications like U.S. News and World Report, Visit Florida and Visit Sarasota. Find more of her work at the Florida Culture website or on Instagram.
