It has been such a blast getting to know our new home town Ocala, FL and finding all of the fun activities and best places to eat around the area. I wanted to share with you all why you shouldn’t miss Ocala, FL when visiting FL and also share with my local audience some fun things to do in the local area. If you live in Orlando, Tampa or Gainesville visiting Ocala would be a great day trip as we have a lot of things to do and see here.
Things to do:
Kayaking at Silver Springs or Rainbow Springs
We love both of these springs and they each have something different to offer, if you do go kayaking I recommend booking through Get Up and Go Kayaking as they have clear kayaks that you can see through.
W.E.C (World Equestrian Center)
This is such a neat experience and one you don’t want to miss! They have several free shows throughout the year, restaurants, a five star hotel, pool, and don’t miss their Christmas Spectacular at Christmas time.
Ocala Civic Theatre and Appleton Museum
These are right next to each other and are both great experiences. The Civic Theatre has theatre shows year round to see. The Appleton Museum is a neat place to view art.
Downtown Art Walk
This is such a neat experience. There is music in the town square and tons of different artists there each time and the shops downtown are open at night. It happens the last Friday of every month.
Sholom Park
This is our favorite park to visit and there is so much to see here. It’s great for a nice walk outside or a picnic.
Biking on Greenway Baseline Trailhead and Santos Trailhead
You don’t want to miss biking or walking on either of these trails. The Greenway includes part of the FL National Forest and Santos is beautifully covered with tons of trees as well. They are both unique trails and we love biking on them.
Light up Ocala
This event is a must see in our area! Several people travel from places in FL to see this event. Our whole downtown is lit up in Christmas lights and we have several vendors at this event.
Zip the Canyons
This is a really fun experience right in Ocala, FL. There are several zip lines on this course and the views are amazing.
Restaurants
There are so many different restaurants here in Ocala. I wanted to share my top favorites along with places that are great with Gluten and Dairy Free options.
Brunch
The Gathering Cafe (this is my absolute favorite! It’s a local coffee shop that has amazing coffee and breakfast)
First Watch (this is a chain, but has such great food!)
Symmetry Coffee (they have great coffee and some good brunch too! I love their lunch options too)
Lunch
Pie O’ Mine and Greens (they have great build your own salads and wraps)
Latinos Y Mas (they have great salads as well)
Brick and Iron Cafe (great smoothie bowls)
Ivy House (they have a great lunch menu with salads, sandwhiches, burgers and such a cool atmosphere)
Salyulitas (they have great tacos and guac)
Dinner
Braised Onion (this is by far one of my favs here and so good with allergies)
Latinos Y Mas (has great mexican food and you can sit outside)
Mojos (they have a great menu and you can eat here at lunch or dinner)
Mesa de Note (this is a great Italian restaurant and they were great with my allergies)
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille (this has great seafood and New Orleans style food)
Pie O Mine (great stone fired pizza, they have Gluten and Dairy free pizza options)
Blue Highway Pizza (great casual place and great pizza, they have Gluten and Dairy free pizza options )
Dessert
Sarafey’s Gluten Free Bakery (I love this place and they have great gluten and dairy free baked goods)
Happy Pineapple (amazing dole whip)
La Dolce Vita Gelato and Pastry (don’t think they have non dairy options)
Hope you all enjoy exploring Ocala and all of the many things to do and see in our local area. Check back for more travel guides coming this month!
Beyoutiful Adventure 