Off The Beaten Path: Ocala, Florida

Arrive in Ocala. With miles of horse farms and sprawling business areas, Ocala boasts lodging options for every taste and budget. Historic Downtown Ocala is home to bustling nightlife, restaurants, and shops, all within walking distance of hotels by Hilton and IHG. If a relaxing country stay is more your speed, just eight miles east of downtown is the world renowned Equestrian Hotel, nestled on the grounds of Ocala's cornerstone destination, The World Equestrian Center.

World Equestrian Center

Start your journey at the internationally recognized World Equestrian Center, a sprawling 378-acre property in the heart of Ocala's equestrian zone. The property boasts seven different dining options, from pizza to tacos, to elevated culinary experiences featuring sustainable, local seafood, steaks and craft cocktails at Stirrups and The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden. You might even see one of Ocala's up-and-coming musical acts playing while enjoying your dinner.

What's a vacation without a little retail therapy?! The WEC features high-end boutique shopping for both horse enthusiasts and luxury lovers. From children's toys, home decor, and local labels to designer goods from Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and Chloe, there is truly something for everyone.

Looking to be pampered and rejuvenated? Calluna Spa is a full-service 7,000 square-foot wellness mecca on the grounds of the WEC. Enjoy body wraps, facials, salon services, and massages in a state-of-the-art setting that boasts clientele from all regions of Florida, as well as a few celebrities.

Finally, no visit to the World Equestrian Center would be complete without horses! With five climate-controlled indoor spaces and fifteen outdoor rings, you're sure to see these beautiful animals in action. Take in show jumping, dressage, field trials and high-stakes grand-prix events sponsored by corporate partners like Yeti and Coca-Cola. Dog lovers may want to keep an eye on the event calendar, as the WEC also plays host to several canine sporting events throughout the year.

Silver Springs State Park

Escape from reality and transport yourself to a tropical paradise in the heart of Central Florida with a visit to Ocala's crown jewel, Silver Springs State Park. When you arrive, you will immediately be greeted by lush greenery, native flora and an assortment of colorful flowers. As part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Silver Springs is home to an array of diverse feathered friends, including songbirds, woodpeckers, quail, wild turkeys, ducks and cranes. The park features four walking and hiking trails where you can view these incredible animals up close and personal, as well as horseback riding and mountain biking options.

Once you've immersed yourself in the beauty of Silver Springs State Park on land, it's time to hit the water for one of the park's world famous Glass Bottom Boat rides. Choose either a 30-minute or 90-minute (recommended) outing, where one of the park's knowledgeable and engaging captains will be your guide through facts about the water and its place in Hollywood history. See locations used for iconic classic films like "Rebel Without A Cause", "Creature From The Black Lagoon", "Tarzan", even 007's "Moonraker."

Make sure to have your camera at the ready, because the highlight of any boat tour at Silver Springs Park is the wildlife. Experience once-in-a-lifetime, up close and personal sightings of adorable endangered manatees, gentle alligators, sunbathing turtles, even monkeys!

The park also options for kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing on site.

After returning to land, take a journey into Florida's past at the Silver River Museum. This small yet mighty museum offers exhibits and educational sites dedicated to the state's unique geology, paleontology, natural history and more. Visitors can also learn about local history in the Marion County wing.

Finally, unwind and review the amazing photos you've taken while enjoying a light meal or a cool ice cream at the Springside Restaurant. This cozy spot offers light and healthy options, perfect for capping off a day in the gorgeous wilds of Silver Springs State Park.

Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch

Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch is located 35 minutes west of Ocala in rural Dunnellon. This quaint animal sanctuary, founded in 2006 by two New York City transplants, is home to a menagerie of wonderful critters that visitors can interact with. Each resident of the ranch has their own unique story and personality, which you can learn all about during one of the ranch's personal guided tours.

Choose from a variety of activities and experiences based on preference, party size (couples, families and larger groups are all welcome!), interest, and length. Enjoy petting and feeding goats, llamas, alpacas, exotic deer, even a tortoise and a camel! Meet, feed and pet the internet's favorite (and soon to be yours) animal - the sloth, or take a stroll around the peaceful ranch grounds while walking the critter of your choice.

Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch also holds special events, like goat yoga, llama yoga, sloth paint parties, llama lunch, twilight s'mores parties with llamas and alpacas and family days. Be sure to check out their events calendar to see if one of these fun events is happening when you visit.

The ranch supports ethical animal tourism, with all of its residents rescued or adopted by the proprietors. Beautiful Creatures is USDA licensed and a professional member of the Zoological Association of America.

There are plenty of options for additional activities and recreation within Ocala:

• Ocala National Forest

• Appleton Museum of Art at UCF

• Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tours

• Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

• Canyons Zip Lining Tours

Once a month, Downtown Ocala welcomes the Oddities Market, a family friendly collection of vendors, food trucks, and of course, oddities! See some of the weirdest and wildest collectibles and artwork under the stars.

For dates, please visit: Oddities Market