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Things to do in Ocala 🐴
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items A list of some of my favorite local places to eat, things to do and places to shop. Check out some of my favorite places to go and eat 😎
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
Ourdoorsy things to do in the quaint small town of Ocala. There’s multiple natural springs all over the city. There’s some parks and farmers markets. Just some things I like to do if I feel like being outdoors.
Definitely check Rainbow Springs out if you haven’t! You can tube or kayak down the river. Swim, snorkel or scuba. There’s so much natural beauty waiting to be seen.
Rainbow Springs State Park
My favorite lakefront restaurant on Lake Weir. The views are beautiful, the food is immaculate, drinks are good too. I personally am a big fan of their chicken tenders (basic, I know) & their cuban. You can also hangout on the beach and swim. The...
Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill
I love starting off my Saturday mornings at the farmers market to get some fresh produce, bread, sweets and even the best kombucha. Many vendors selling different items. Good vibes 😎
Ocala Downtown Market | Home
Smaller farmers market than Downtown Ocala but also has some good vendors! Open on Thursdays :)
Circle Square Commons Farmers Market
Perfect little park to take a stroll or sit down and read a book. There’s also a good sized pond with coy fish that you can feed for a few quarters!
Sholom Park
A beautiful state park with natural blue springs. Take a boat ride on the glass bottom boat and see the fish and wildlife right under your feet.
Silver Springs State Park
Super popular place to go for zip lining and kayaking through the canyons. Very cool experience and beautiful views
The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park
The BEST place for horseback riding. Peaceful trails and beautiful views. I highly recommend.
Horseback Riding Tours | Zip The Canyons
The cutest little petting zoo with many different animals. They have many different exotic animals like cows, goats, llamas, monkeys, reptiles, and even offers camel rides.
Ocala Petting Zoo
Restaurants
My favorite lakefront restaurant on Lake Weir. The views are beautiful, the food is immaculate, drinks are good too. I personally am a big fan of their chicken tenders (basic, I know) & their cuban. You can also hangout on the beach and swim. The...
Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill
Probably my #1 place in town for Italian food. Everything from there is chefs kiss!! My biggest battle is whether I should order the chicken parm, the penne all vodka or the alfredo bc it’s all so good.
Mesa de Notte
Personally one of my favorite places to go to for brunch, the food is amazing. They have a great dinner as well.
Stirrups Restaurant
One of my favorite breakfast places to go to. Super nice people & the best homemade food!! Also best bagels in Ocala, hands down.
Bagelicious Deli & Bakery | Ocala FL
Also another favorite breakfast/brunch spot of mine. They have the best cinnamon rolls & other pasties. They also write scriptures and quotes on their coffees and drinks. ☕️
🏆 The Gathering Cafe Downtown Ocala
My go to for sushi, hibachi & chicken fried rice 🍣🥢
EDO Sushi
The best Chinese takeout in town 🥠
CHINA STAR ⭐️
One of my favorite restaurants to eat at located in Downtown Ocala. Ivy on the Square has beautiful indoor & outdoor seating. The food is southern and delicious. I highly recommend their baked krispy chicken!
Ivy on the Square
Other Food & Drinks
Super cute bar with amazing drinks and delicious food too.
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Super cool brewery with amazing ciders & beers & great bites to eat. I personally love their pineapple cider 🍍
Big Hammock Brewery & Bites | Ocala FL
Arts & Entertainment
My personal favorite movie theater Ocala has. It’s pretty new and has XL movie screens as well as the most comfortable reclining seats. It’s honestly a challenge not to fall asleep.
Epic Theatres of Ocala
One of the few drive in theaters left in the state. Super nostalgic. You can check out what movies they play on their website. They also have a food stand with a good variety of options.
Ocala Drive-In
Downtown Ocala has a wide range of businesses including bars, restaurants, retail stores, hair salons, ice cream parlor and even a nostalgic candy store.
Historic Downtown Ocala | Ocala / ...
I remember visiting as a young child and loved seeing the historical exhibits and learning a lot. Great for kids and families!
Silver River Museum
Another beloved museum, check out their events calendar page to see what's going on :)
Home | Appleton Museum of Art / College of Central Florida
Local Favorites
The World Equestrian Center has some great restaurants and bars. I personally love the brunch at Stirrups. For a drink & some apps, Yellow Pony is a cool little bar. There’s also retail shops, ice cream shop, pastries and bakery, toy store. Check...
World Equestrian Center - Ocala
A plaza with many different retail stores, restaurants, and med spas. I do many of my shopping in this plaza.
Market Street At Heath Brook
Definitely check Rainbow Springs out if you haven’t! You can tube or kayak down the river. Swim, snorkel or scuba. There’s so much natural beauty waiting to be seen.
Rainbow Springs State Park