This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ocala/Marion County VCB for SponsoredTweets. All opinions are 100% mine.
Get outside of the regular Florida attractions, by checking out all the adventures you can have in this Central Florida County. Ocala/Marion County has a lot to offer. Check out six awesome adventures you can have in the Ocala Marion County area!
Lately, I have been working on getting outside my comfort zone and trying new things. Some of my favorite new adventures have been going kayaking for the first time and zip lining. My boys and husband love exciting and thrilling adventures. Me? I like to play it safe, but they are pushing me out of my comfort zone. And it’s a good thing! Trying new things opens up so many doors and new life experiences.
That leads us to Ocala/Marion County in Florida. We’ve been to Florida numerous times, but mainly to Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. I’ve put it on our travel bucket list to explore other parts of Florida Travel. In this six-part series, I am going to share why Ocala/Marion is a small town vacation destination to check out, and why it’s time to explore other Florida getaway areas.
I have not been to the Ocala/Marion County area, but I have been exploring their website and reading up on all of the fun things to do!
For example, did you know they are known for all of their outdoor activities? So for the novice and life-long adventurer, they have something for everyone!
From crystal clear springs to good old-fashioned swimming holes, Ocala/Marion County Activities offers quite a few ways to say cool in Florida’s hot sun and heat. Some of their springs like Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, and Salt Springs are some of the top springs to visit in the Ocala/Marion County areas.
Other adventures you can have:
Go kayaking/canoeing/tubing. As I mentioned before I went for the first a few weeks ago and loved it. I was so nervous at first, but my guide was full of patience and knowledge. I am adding kayaking throughout the 600 lakes and springs to my bucket list of things to do while vacationing here. The boys have gone canoeing before, not kayaking. I can’t wait to introduce them to a new adventure! They do have options where you can rent or bring your own piece of equipment. There is also an option to go tubing down Rainbow River.
Ziplining. I went ziplining for the first time a few years ago and loved it. Initially, I was scared silly, but as I continued to finish each course, I gained confidence and started to enjoy it. In Ocala/Marion County, you will find courses that will take you over treetops and lime rock canyon ridges. Could you imagine going ziplining over water and getting panoramic views? Oh my, sign me up!
Racing. Racing around at crazy speeds is one way to pump up the adrenaline and step out of your comfort zone. You will find a variety of businesses that offer this type of service for a rental fee. So, if you don’t have your own racing vehicle, there are quite a few companies who offer off-road adventures.
Horseback riding. I’ve gone horseback riding as a little girl, and just recently again. It was a lot of fun and a beautiful experience. Ocala/Marion County offers horseback riding adventures for visitors. You can go on riding trails or ride through open fields. They have tours for newbies and experienced riders.
Horse Farm Tours. In addition to a horseback riding adventure, you can take a tour at one of the 600 pristine thoroughbred farms. Did you know Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World? I didn’t know this, but how cool would it be to tour an area many champion horses once called home.
Boat Tours. From a singing boat tour to a riding on a glass bottom boat tour of Silver Spring State Park, there’s something for every type of adventurist!
Other adventures worth checking out:
- Going hunting
- Birdwatching
- Fishing
- Biking
- Golf
- Snorkeling
Florida has many beautiful State Parks, and you will find a few in the Ocala/Marion County area. Many of them offer options to camp, as well as exploring all the parks have to offer. Looking at pictures of the Rainbow Springs State Park, it looks beautiful, and I’m putting this park on my bucket list. Ocala Marion County offers quite a few adventures. Located in Central Florida with easy access to many of the major airports, it’s worth the drive to see all they have to offer!
Learn more about Ocala Mario County by visiting their website, plus get information on how to plan your next vacation (including Ocala/Marion County Lodging) to this beautiful County!
StacieinAtlanta says
That is so cool! I’d love to spend a solid week down there with the family. There’s so much more to Florida than theme parks.
kage2015 says
We have never been and it is some distance away. We do enjoy all those outdoor activities you did. Looks like a fun place to visit.
Roger Willis says
I used to love horseback riding. Watching birds sounds really cool. My biggest draw-back to Florida is the heat and humidity haha!
Marcie W. says
I have yet to explore this area of Florida, but there seems to be plenty of fun to be had. I would be interested in going kayaking, since up until now, I have only done so while in the Caribbean Sea.
jennifervanhuss says
Good for you!! Stepping outside your comfort zone can be difficult! You have a great list of places to visit!
Mandee says
What fun! It looks like a beautiful place to vacation with the family! I’ve never been to Florida, but have always wanted to travel there someday!
Amber says
I’d like to do any of these things. Ziplining is at the top of my list. I’m afraid of heights, but I know I’d love it. I’d also be down for a boat tour.
fashionbeyondforty says
Ocala/Marion looks like fun – almost swampy looking which I love. I have been to Florida many times but like you not to these areas. I have been to Miami, and Orlando mostly.
Dogvills says
This sounds so fun. We’ve never been to Florida. Hopefully, we could visit next year.
Melissa Dixon says
Such beautiful sights to see! I would love to see this in person, so pretty!
Carol Cassara says
When you’re out looking for some good and exciting outdoor adventure, there’s no doubt that this is the place to be! I love that there’s so much to look forward to when it comes to the different activities that you can do outdoors!
Heather says
We love to be outdoors so this looks like the perfect destination for my family. There’s so much fun to be had on both the land and the water.
up run for life says
I love the outdoors but my husband only cares for a few things. I have always wanted to go ziplining but now that I had back surgery, I am kinda scared to try it. Maybe one day. 🙂
Mary Edwards says
We love Ocala. We travel their often. We’ve been to SIlver springs park and it’s great. We also go to Marion county to go scalloping every year. Now that is super fun. And tasty
Louisa Moje says
Looks like an amazing outdoor adventure. I always try to visit the usual tourist places and some hidden/non-tourist places. Something to consider when next I make it down to Florida.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
Ocala/Marion County sounds like a great place for an adventure. I love Ziplining! It’s so exciting.
Marielle Altenor says
To think I lived in Florida for all these years and never been to Ocala Marion County before! I’d love to go kayaking!
AnnMarie John says
I regret not exploring much of Florida whenever we’re there! Just look at how lovely these places are! It’s perfect for my family since we love going on outdoor adventures!
Eileen says
This would be a nice place to visit. I love that it is not crowded! Being able to spend a nice, quiet vacation close to nature would be awesome!