Where to stay in Ocala
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ocala
4100 Southwest 40th Street, FL, 34474
Treat yourself to a stay at this modern hotel along the I-75. Elegant suites feature plush beds, workstations, mini fridges and in-room entertainment. Enjoy access to the indoor pool and fitness center for daily exercise, plus a free buffet breakfast every morning in the lobby.
Courtyard by Marriott Ocala
3712 Southwest 38th Avenue, FL, 34474
The relaxing rooms at this contemporary hotel let you rest and recharge after a busy day working or exploring – some even have balconies overlooking the stunning outdoor pool. Catch up with colleagues over dinner at The Bistro or settle down for an evening under the stars by the firepit.
Hilton Garden Inn Ocala Downtown
120 East Silver Springs Boulevard, FL, 34470
With Downtown on your doorstep, this stylish hotel is a convenient base for your trip to Ocala. Head down to the lobby for a bite to eat at the Garden Grill Restaurant or catch up on your work in the on-site meeting rooms. Guests can also enjoy complimentary parking at the Downtown Parking Garage.
Best restaurants in Ocala
Ivy on the Square
53 South Magnolia Avenue, FL, 34471
Sample southern classics on Ocala’s historic downtown square. The supper menu features juicy, marbled ribeye steaks, barbeque shrimp and grits, and fried Florida lobster tail, while homemade desserts include coconut cake and Key lime pie. You can cozy up in the Ivy’s 1920s-style dining room or dine al fresco on the industrial-inspired patio.
La Cuisine Restaurant
48 Southwest 1st Avenue, FL, 34471
With an award-winning menu rooted in the timeless traditions of French cooking, this upscale bistro offers a romantic setting for brunch, lunch or dinner. Try delicacies like baked snails in garlic butter and pan-fried frogs legs or indulge in an exemplary beef bourguignon with a side of ratatouille.
Latinos Y Mas
2030 South Pine Avenue, FL, 34471
Since its opening in 1991, this family-owned restaurant has become a favorite of both locals and visitors to Ocala alike. Blending Latin flavors with Mediterranean flair, the menu offers everything from Colombian-style empanadas to signature Spanish rice dishes.
Best attractions in Ocala
Appleton Museum of Art
4333 East Silver Springs Boulevard, FL, 34470
Discover more than 18,000 works of art from across the globe at this museum, including bronze Buddhist statues, Tang Dynasty ceramics and West African masks. Admire artwork by local Florida artists alongside the iconic paintings of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, before exploring the world-class equine art collection, which spans more than 3,000 years.
Silver Springs State Park
5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard, FL, 34488
Just a short drive from Ocala lies one of America’s largest springs. Take a tour on a historic glass-bottom boat for a unique view of the crystal-clear waters – look out for manatees and turtles along the way. Back on land, you can hike the four-mile looping trail through longleaf pine uplands to see native deer, armadillos and gopher tortoises.
Discovery Center
701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala, FL, 34470
Located in the old Armory at Ocala Tuscawilla Park, the interactive Discovery Center hosts four exhibitions each year where families can learn about science and technology. Kids can take part in weekly classes, conduct their own experiments and even meet the center’s friendly lizards, snakes and spiders.