It was a great Christmas tradition to go down to Ocala Springs, Florida for a week every year. We were all so excited and could hardly sleep the night before this trip.
The thing that made it even more special is that we would also visit our grandparents when we were there.
I loved spending time with them because they would always help me make cookies or pies together in the kitchen.
They told me about old stories from their childhood and taught me how to bake delicious cookies, cakes, and other desserts. It was always such an exciting time of year!
I never felt like a tourist when I was there.
It was more like a second home but there are many tourist attractions in Ocala Springs, located in Marion County, that will delight you for a lifetime.
Do you want to experience real bliss?
Then come and enjoy your holidays in this area.
Its natural beauty makes it the perfect destination for all kinds of vacationers.
You can enjoy nature and tranquility along the beaches.
Florida is a place where there are picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico at the same time.
Back to Ocala Springs…
The shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Ocala Springs are amazing.
You can enjoy your time shopping here and have a lot of options to choose from.
There are also many local restaurants and bars available which provide you with delicious cuisines and other drinks.
If you are visiting Florida for the first time, you should try to enjoy your holidays in this beautiful place.
You can also enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hunting if you are there during the time of winter. You can even have a wonderful time at the golf courses.
1. Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest is considered to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States.
Its beauty lies in the abundance of different species of birds, waterfalls, as well as colorful wildflowers that are scattered all over its surface.
If you are an adventure enthusiast who likes to spend time camping in the wilds then this place is just right for you as you can:
- Go hiking
- Biking
- Diving
- Snorkeling,
- Swimming,
- Rent Canoes or Bring Your Own
- Rent a Kayak or Bring Your Own
- Fishing
- Enjoy boat rides on rivers and lakes for a few hours or even all day long.
- You can also have fun on boat tours as well.
- One of the best ways to enjoy the Ocala National Forest is by going on a guided tour.
- In these tours, you will not only be taught about the various flora and fauna of the area but also you will be shown the way to reach the best camping spots.
- These guided tours are usually miles long, organized by local tourism organizations and they provide everything that is needed to make your vacation a memorable one. Plus, you will be able to see the wild animals that roam around the forest as well as the scenic overlooks where you can enjoy a nice meal.
Since these tours are organized by the tourism industry, they are very informative and entertaining.
Setting Up Camp in Ocala National Forest
If you are interested in enjoying camping in Ocala National Forest, there are several options that you can choose from.
There are campgrounds that are located near the forest where you can enjoy a peaceful vacation with your family and friends.
But if you would rather enjoy a more exciting camping experience, then you can always go to the roadside camping sites that are available within a short distance from Ocala National Forest.
Renting or Bringing a Boat?
Boating in the Ocala National Forest is a popular activity to enjoy, as it provides excellent recreation options along these shores where one can go on their boats and explore more about its natural wildlife.
There’s a recreation area with various picnic areas available for you which provide great entertainment and relaxation opportunities.
The best thing about being there is that there will be no crowded beaches like those found at other tourist spots in Florida, just a peaceful atmosphere where you can relax among nature’s beauty.
It’s a beautiful place to enjoy your time.
There are many places along the forest, which provide you with an opportunity of enjoying boat rides on rivers and lakes for a few hours or even all day long.
2. Ocala Springs Hiking
There are lots of trails available for all kinds of hikers in Ocala Springs, so don’t worry if you never hiked before because there is plenty for you to explore.
It is a great place for people who like adventure and want some outdoor time during their vacations.
The Ocala National Forest provides you an opportunity to discover more about nature and its beauty along with enjoying your holidays in this scenic destination.
You can explore the trails that are available there for hikers of all levels. There are also lots of options for accommodation so you won’t have any difficulty finding one according to your needs and budget.
3. Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs Florida is a small oasis in the middle of North Central Florida.
The spring offers visitors some solace from busy city life, while at the same time providing tranquility to those who want peace and quiet.
It’s also quieter there, making it more peaceful too.
There are lots of trails for hikers of all levels available in Silver Glen Springs so don’t worry if you’ve never hiked before as there is plenty for you to explore!
There’s no shortage of things to do when visiting this scenic destination – whether that be swimming, spending time on the lake or river, discovering more about nature or just enjoying your vacation-time with friends and family members alike!
You can enjoy Silver Glens Spring by exploring the various trails that are available there for hikers of all levels, or you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery by taking a stroll through the oaks. You will also find lots of opportunities for fishing here too so don’t forget your rods!
4. Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs is one of the most popular destinations in Ocala Springs.
Along with Ocala springs, it’s also a part of Ocala National Forest, and there are plenty of attractions to explore that will keep you busy all day!
If you want some outdoor time during your vacation then Juniper Springs is just right for you!
It provides wide trails for hiking enthusiasts from beginner levels to advanced ones.
You can go on long hikes or short walks depending upon which trail best suits your needs and preferences.
This place is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to enjoy nature at its finest while indulging in some adventure too!
Their campground is a great place for family camping where you can enjoy various activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and more!
Juniper Springs also offers swimming opportunities along with boat launching facilities.
If you are looking forward to enjoying some water sports then this destination will be perfect if not just right for your vacation plans! Be sure to check out Juniper Creek Run Canoe & Kayak Rental while you’re there too! They provide canoe rentals for the whole family.
You’re sure to have fun paddling down the creek together in their own boats while exploring all of its natural beauty at the same time.
This activity is perfect for kids who want to learn more about Florida’s natural beauty.
It’s suitable for both beginners as well as advanced paddlers so don’t worry if it’s your first time!
You can enjoy other fun activities such as fishing, hiking or just spending some quality time with nature while exploring all of its beauty around this breathtaking place – what more could you ask for?
5. Alexander Springs
A popular attraction is Alexander Springs, which is a natural hot spring where you can bathe in the warm water and relax.
Canoeing at Alexander Springs
Rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy the scenic beauty of Ocala National Forest.
This area provides you with an opportunity to explore nature and have some adventures during your vacation.
It’s best if you visit Ocala Springs during the winter months, but it is worth visiting any time because its natural beauty never disappoints anyone.
These springs will provide you with tranquility from hectic city life.
6. Silver Springs State Park
The historic Silver Springs State Park is also located in Ocala Springs Florida which is a popular destination for tourists and that’s because of the amazing water park attractions it has to offer.
This place will offer you something new every time you visit.
This area provides an ideal location for family vacations since all members will find plenty of activities to indulge in during their stay.
Famous for the crystal clear water, how about trying out a glass-bottom boat tour?
7. Salt Springs
Salt Springs, Florida, located in Ocala Springs, will provide you with plenty of opportunities to explore the nature that surrounds this area on your visit.
You will get the opportunity to see many different types of plants along with tree species such as oaks, hickories, and pines.
Along with exploring all these trees, there are also lots of other attractions available, if you want a bit more than just nature!
If you find yourself looking for something new then one thing you should do is take a boat tour here since you’ll get some spectacular views!
It’s also a great place for water rentals!
You’ll find lots of different types of water sports that you can indulge in during your vacation and Salt Springs will offer the perfect opportunity to do just that!
You’ll find yourself spoiled with choices!
If you want some adventure then Ocala Springs provides plenty of opportunities because this area offers everything from kayaking adventures along with canoeing or renting these boats too!
The Ocala National Forest Campground also provides campsites where you can enjoy a peaceful vacation is an awesome place for camping.
It offers many campsites which will please everyone in the family!
Rentals can be a great way to explore the area if you can’t seem to decide where you should stay.
You’ll be able to find rentals here from condos, cabins, or even houses depending on what your preference may be.
You can also find camping sites available which make it perfect for those looking forward to some outdoor adventures during their vacation too!
This place is an oasis for nature lovers that provide perfect locations to visit all year round.
It has great opportunities available at affordable costs which makes it the ideal destination for families who are looking forward to some outdoor adventures during their vacation too!
This small-town oasis in the South will provide you with tranquility from hectic city life and make your stay worth remembering forever.
So what are you waiting for?
Pack up your bags and head over for a trip today, so that you don’t miss out on anything exciting!
