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📝 1. Overview
Where rolling horse pastures meet ancient forests and turquoise springs—Ocala & its forest towns offer quiet nature, hidden adventures, and down-to-earth charm.
🌟 2. Highlights
🟢 Ocala National Forest – Over 600 lakes and springs, endless trails and wildlife 🌳🦌
🟢 Silver Springs State Park – Home of the famous glass-bottom boat tours 🚤🌿
🟢 Juniper Springs – Gorgeous natural spring with old-school swimming and canoeing 💦🏕️
🟢 Fort McCoy & Salt Springs – Laid-back forest towns with RV spots and campgrounds 🏕️🌲
🟢 Ocala Downtown Square – Cozy boutiques, craft food, and art in historic surroundings 🛍️🎨
🟢 Horse Farms of Marion County – World-class equestrian country with scenic drives 🐎🏞️
🟢 Silver Glen Springs – Spring-fed lagoon perfect for snorkeling and manatee spotting 🐠💧
💡 3. Tips
🎫 Spring areas (Silver Glen, Juniper) can reach full capacity—go early and on weekdays.
☀️ Forest humidity is high—bring plenty of water and insect repellent.
📱 Use “Recreation.gov” to reserve forest campsites and check spring conditions.
🧒 Great for families: shallow swimming spots and educational visitor centers.
🅿️ Most spring sites have small lots—arrive before 10 AM in peak seasons.
🎟️ 4. Tickets & Info
| Attraction | Price (Adult) | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Springs State Park | $8/vehicle | 8:00 AM – sunset |
| Glass-Bottom Boat Tour | $13–25 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Juniper Springs Recreation Area | $8/person | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Silver Glen Springs | $12/person | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
✳️ Federal spring sites often require Ocala National Forest Day Pass—buy online or on-site.
🍽️ 5. Nearby Eats – Local Favorites
🥩 Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (Ocala) – Southern-Creole flavors in a historic setting 🍤
🍕 Blue Highway Pizzeria (Micanopy) – Thin crust pies with local ingredients 🍕
☕ Symmetry Coffee (Ocala) – Stylish, chill café perfect for forest-town mornings ☕🌿
🚗 6. Access
📍 From Orlando Intl Airport (MCO): ~1 hr 45 min by car
📍 From Gainesville: ~1 hr by car
🚌 Car recommended—springs and towns are widely spread out
🅿️ Parking is usually easy in towns and trailheads; bring cash for rural areas
🎁 7. Vibes & Add-ons
– Ideal for road trips, spring-hopping, and rustic nature lovers
– Popular with RV travelers and horse-riding enthusiasts
– Pair with a visit to nearby Micanopy (Florida’s oldest inland town)
– Stay overnight to catch starry skies and quiet mornings
🏨 8. Recommended Hotels
The Equestrian Hotel 🏨🐎
– Luxury stay in the heart of World Equestrian Center, upscale dining & views
– 💰 Price: $$$$
– 📍 8510 NW 17th Ln, Ocala, FL 34482
Shamrock Cove Inn 🏨🌼
– Quaint downtown boutique inn with whimsical decor and walkable location
– 💰 Price: $$
– 📍 215 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
Juniper Springs Campground Cabins 🏨🔥
– Rustic forest cabins near spring trails and canoe launch
– 💰 Price: $–$$
– 📍 26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
🌐 9. Contact / Info
📍 Ocala/Marion County Visitors Bureau: (352-438-2800)
📍 Ocala National Forest Info Line: (352-625-2520)
📍 Silver Springs State Park Office: (352-236-7148)
🌐 Source: 3clicknavi.com
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