About Ocala Florida

Right in the heart of Florida, and the center of it all! Ocala is known as the Horse Capital of the World, boasting impressive horse training circuits, HITS, and majestic farmlands and of course, Ocala's most famous former residents, Affirmed, Eleventh Triple Crown Winner, & Needles, The first Florida-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby & the Belmont Stakes. Not only is Ocala beaming with champion pride, Ocala is at the center of native Florida wildlife, Ocala houses the largest natural artesian springs in the world, Silver Springs, and is Florida's oldest tourist attractions. Silver Springs National Park is home to native Florida animals and was made famous by the filming of Tarzan movies through the 1930s and 1940s. 

Ocala, Florida is also part of the Ocala National Forest, which spans between Ocala and Daytona Beach, housing natural springs, and access to diving holes that can reach up to 100ft in depth, all accessible in the area. From Devil's Den in Williston, Alexander Spring in The Ocala National Forest, Rainbow River in Dunnellon, and even the Florida Trail, there is plenty to do and see for all nature lovers! 

Ocala is situated close to many theme parks, recreation, beaches and plenty of Florida Sun. Only an hour's drive from Orlando, 90 minutes from Tampa, 45 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, and 90 minutes to Daytona Beach/Atlantic Ocean, Ocala, is the perfect mid-state getaway that is close to everything!

OCALA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Here are some of the great cities and areas of Marion County to explore!

Dunnellon

A small town with a grown up attitude located near the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers with lovely homes and quiet respite. Boating and tubing are fun things you can do every day. Dunnellon is just a short driving distance to the Gulf of Mexico and great fishing and scalloping.

DUNNELLON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Miconopy, McIntosh and Cross Creek

Small historical communities located in the northern part of Marion County. Graced with old oak trees, stately mansion- like homes and just a short drive to Alachua County and the University of Florida with all of its fantastic cultural events. Antiquing abounds in these old Florida settlements.

Micanopy, McIntosh, Cross Creek

Belleview, Summerfield

The gateway to Lake Weir, The Villages and Ocala, Belleview has been around since the 1800’s. It is evolving into a very service oriented little city due to it’s location and providing homes and businesses to support this growth.

BELLEVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Lake Weir, Weirsdale and Ocklawaha

Smaller historical communities around the shores of one of Marion County’s largest lakes. Home grown country stores and restaurants and many fine permanent and vacation homes make up this waterfront haven.

LAKE WEIR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Reddick, York, Morriston, Anthony and Sparr 

The country life of Marion County with many farms, large and small. Miles and miles of some of the most beautiful horse farms in the South, giving our area the title of “Horse Capital of the World.

The Ocala National Forest

Covering over a third of the land in Marion County, there are many communities and homes contiguous to the ONC, such as Ft. McCoy, Salt Springs, Eureka, Lake Kerr, Lake George. Teeming with wild life and many other fishing lakes, many folks enjoy the forest life.