Discover fun things to do in Ocala, the heart of central Florida

Book a comfortable room or suite at the Country Inn & Suites, Ocala, FL to stay within easy reach of Historic Downtown Ocala, where you can shop the boutiques, dine on locally sourced cuisine, or take a romantic carriage ride with Horse Country Carriage Company & Tours. If you’re here for a family vacation, the kids will love the interactive science exhibits at the Discovery Center, and you can’t go wrong with a visit to Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. Of course, any trip to Ocala wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the area’s top things to do outdoors, from glass-bottom boat outings at Silver Springs State Park to hiking, fishing, or waterskiing in Ocala National Forest.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Nature
  • Shopping

Appleton Museum of Art

7.52 mi / 12.11 km from the hotel
With 30,000 square feet of permanent gallery space, the Appleton Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of art ranging from pre-Columbian pottery to contemporary American paintings.

Silver Springs State Park

9.02 mi / 14.51 km from the hotel
Since the 1870s, Silver Springs State Park has been a relaxing destination for enjoying nature via glass-bottom boat, kayak, or canoe.

Historic Downtown Ocala

3.7 mi / 5.95 km from the hotel
Stroll hand-in-hand as you explore the sights of Ocala’s bustling downtown, which offers delicious farm-to-table restaurants, charming boutiques, and art galleries. For some rainy day fun, catch a film at the art deco Marion Theatre.

Cactus Jack's Trail Rides

6.5 mi / 10.47 km from the hotel
Book a ride at Cactus Jack's to take a relaxing horseback trip through the Cross Florida Greenway Trail system. There's no need to worry about the heat since the trails are 75% shaded.

The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park

8.26 mi / 13.29 km from the hotel
Make a reservation for one of Canyons’ thrilling zip line tours that takes you soaring through the trees at over 130 feet in the air.

Discovery Center

4.41 mi / 7.09 km from the hotel
Take the whole family to the Discovery Center where you can go on an educational nature walk or browse interactive exhibits.

Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

8.98 mi / 14.45 km from the hotel
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is home to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame and nearly 300 cars, including 90 race cars and 50 antique cars.

Market Street at Heath Brook

0.89 mi / 1.43 km from the hotel
Looking to add to your wardrobe, jewelry box, or home décor collection? Head to this premier outdoor shopping center, home to a variety of stores, including DICK'S Sporting Goods, Dillard's, and Chico's.

Ocala National Forest

27.34 mi / 44 km from the hotel
Spanning almost 383,000 acres, the Ocala National Forest features more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs. A myriad of outdoor activities includes fishing, camping, hiking, and waterskiing.

Paddock Mall

0.86 mi / 1.38 km from the hotel
Find more than 60 stores at this indoor mall featuring all your favorite retailers, from Belk and Macy’s to Foot Locker and Lane Bryant. Top off your shopping spree with a sweet treat from Auntie Anne’s Pretzels or Starbucks.

Horse Country Carriage Tours

9.23 mi / 14.85 km from the hotel
Located on beautiful Kimberden Farm, this carriage company offers horse-drawn carriage tours through paths lined with live oaks and palm trees.