Adventure and beauty await in this undiscovered Florida town you haven't heard of

Crystal-clear natural springs, the rolling hills of horse country, and a charming historic downtown help Ocala shine.

When Southerners close their eyes and imagine paradise, it often looks a little (OK, a lot) like a Florida beach. Sugar-white sand, sparkling turquoise waters, sea oats swaying in the wind, and there you have it: picture-perfect Florida. One of the downsides to our obsession with Florida's coastline is that it can blind us to interior destinations that are just as worthy of a visit as their seaside counterparts.

Case in point: Ocala, Florida. This central Florida town located between Gainesville and Orlando is blessed with gorgeous vistas at every turn. Dubbed the Horse Capital of the World because of its many active horse farms and significant participation in the horse industry, Ocala is a place of rolling green pastureland and scenic views. And just because it's not on the coast doesn't mean water is in short supply. Ocala is home to several impressive natural springs that first put the town on the map as a tourist destination decades ago. Visit Ocala during winter, from mid-December to mid-March, after the wet season has ended. The weather is dry, warm, and pleasant.

Here are the best things to do in Ocala, Florida, on your next visit to this hidden gem of a town.

Head Outdoors

Swim in a Natural Spring

For some, a Florida vacation isn't a Florida vacation without water. Ocala trades salty surf for crystal-clear freshwater pools thanks to the area's many natural springs. Take the whole family for a dip at the Juniper Springs Recreation Area, a massive complex of natural swimming pools and springs of all sizes—from the tiny and bubbling to the large and gushing. Relax in the 72-degree water under a dense canopy of palm and oak trees. SCUBA-certified divers can find a different kind of adventure at Paradise Springs, a privately owned cavern, where divers can explore prehistoric fossils on ancient limestone walls under the water. Other springs to check out include nearby Rainbow Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Salt Springs, and Silver Springs (no swimming allowed in this one, but still worth a visit).

Hike in the Ocala National Forest

On the edge of town, you'll find the 387,000-acre Ocala National Forest, which is the second-largest national forest in Florida. Visitors can explore the vast coniferous and sand pine scrub forestland via trails that connect more than 600 swamps, lakes, rivers, and streams. Other activities inside the forest range from canoeing, boating, and fishing to snorkeling, diving, and swimming.

Go Horseback Riding

When you're ready to get in on the action, book a horseback riding tour with Cactus Jack's Trail Rides or Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park. A 1- to 2-hour guided tour with Cactus Jack's takes you through the Cross Florida Greenway State Park on the back of a gorgeous well-cared-for horse. Along the way, you'll see oak hammocks, pine forests, and green fields. The outfitter has Arabians and Thoroughbreds, as well as Tennessee Walkers and Argentina Polo horses.

Tour Silver Springs in a Kayak or Glass-Bottom Boat

Head to Silver Springs State Park to see Ocala's first tourist attraction, Silver Springs. There was once a waterpark around the stunning natural springs, but today the best way to enjoy the springs is by taking a kayak or glass-bottom boat tour. You can rent either—plus standup paddle boards and canoes—through Silver Springs State Park. Prices start at just $14.

Go Zip Lining

See Ocala from a different vantage point on a zip line tour with Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park. Choose from four different zip line adventures that allow you to soar high over two dramatic limestone canyons and four glittering lakes. Did we mention that this is the highest, fastest, and longest zip line over water in the U.S.? Yup, you're in for a real treat.

Explore the Historic Downtown

Fill Up at The Lodge

After you've had your fill of outdoor adventure, head to Downtown Ocala for farm-to-table dining, craft beer, and more in one walkable, easy-to-explore historic neighborhood. Local businesses emanate for a few square blocks around Town Square, a paved octagon surrounded by trees and grass that also features a historic gazebo. Find classic pub bites at The Lodge Brick City Craft Pub & Eatery, and choose from more than 100 craft beers, cocktails, and bottomless mimosas at Sunday brunch. Stop by the second Friday of the month to enjoy dueling pianos.

Savor Southern Dishes

For Southern specialty dishes, go to Ivy on the Square. The menu features Pimento Cheese Fritters, Bacon Wrapped Dates, and a Fried Green Tomato Burger. Pair your meal with a glass of real Southern sweet tea or a specialty coffee. For a more intimate gathering, reserve a dinner and movie night for your private group, and you get to pick the movie.

Grab a Pint at Infinite Ale Works

After dinner, wind down with a pint at microbrewery Infinite Ale Works, where you’ll find craft beers like Into the Dark Roast, an imperial coffee stout, and Raspberry Witfinite, a two-time Best Florida Beer winner. Tour the brewery, which features 34 taps, house-made cocktails, hard teas, and nitro coffees, and grab a bite while you’re there. 

Stroll the Shops

Take your credit card for a spin at Tumbleweed of Ocala antique store where you'll find furniture, unique housewares, art, and more. Browse Marley Mae Market & Paperie for gifts, clothing, and custom wood cutouts and invitations. You'll likely find a souvenir to bring home. Head to Agapanthus or Serendipity Boutique for women’s clothing, jewelry, gifts, and home accents.

Find the Sweet Spot

A candy shop is a great way to sweeten the day, and Ocala’s downtown has a few options. Grandpa Joe’s has a large selection of candy and gifts to choose from. Sort through the bulk bins, nostalgic candies, and old-fashioned sodas. At Ocala’s Chocolate and Confections, the display cases of handmade gourmet treats like truffles, fudge, and seasonal candies tempt customers. They also offer more than 30 flavors of ice cream. 

Take In The Culture

Visit the World Equestrian Center

You can't visit the Horse Capital of the World without spending some time with the majestic mares and stallions. One of the best places to do so is the largest equestrian complex in the country, the World Equestrian Center. The massive complex features world-class indoor and outdoor arenas, as well as a luxury hotel, state-of-the-art amenities, stores, restaurants, and more. Most equine events at the center are free, so all you have to do is check the online calendar for an event you're interested in and show up.

Tour the Appleton Museum of Art

If Ocala's natural beauty inspires the art lover in you, head to the Appleton Museum of Art, an 81,000-square-foot classic and contemporary art museum that's part of the College of Central Florida's Appleton Cultural Center complex. The museum is home to a collection of 24,000 objects displayed in galleries highlighting everything from Florida artists and equine art to pre-Columbian artifacts and maritime collections. Be sure to check out the museum's outdoor sculpture walk and garden before leaving.

Learn About Historic Fort King

This U.S. Army frontier fort played an important role in the Second Seminole War when the Seminole fought to protect their native land against American settlers. It was the longest and costliest war Americans had with native people. Tour the visitor center and Archaeological Resource Center to see displays and artifacts from the fort. Visitors can explore the fort, which is a replica of the original and is one of few forts reconstructed to its actual size. Follow the mile-long trail that leads to the historic site, and see the spring soldiers bathed in and drank from. Educational programs throughout the year highlight the site’s history.