Life In Ocala

The 81,610 square-foot museum is both classical and contemporary, with clean lines and stately Italian travertine marble. The original building surrounds an idyllic interior courtyard and fountain.

The Appleton is the focal point of the Appleton Cultural Center, a complex east of downtown Ocala on Silver Springs Blvd./State Road 40, which includes the Ocala Civic Theatre, and is one of six College of Central Florida campuses.

With twenty-two historical stops from the Ocala Fire Bell through the Mt. Zion AME Church, you will learn about the town, get some exercise, and enjoy all the new projects in the works.

Downtown Ocala is also home to theatres, museums, and find out more about where the artist of the famous Coppertone baby ad lived!

Fort King is a narrative that speaks of a complicated history as relates to the occupation of the State of Florida and beyond. It is the story of a young country struggling to thrive and of native inhabitants trying to survive.

At the Fort King National Historic Landmark, history comes to life through our events and programs, heritage garden, and more. We invite you to come to explore the Fort, walk the trail, and dive into Ocala’s history! 

A travel destination in its own right, the Ocala features more than 600 lakes and rivers where visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, canoeing, and boating.

From migratory birds and playful manatees to delicate freshwater springs and some of the world’s rarest plants, the Ocala is a haven for people (and animals) to escape to one of Florida’s remaining wild places. Here, opportunities abound for all to bask in the wonders of Mother Nature 365 days a year. 

Although the modern era has seen the land shaped by both enterprising developers and the loving hands of local volunteers, the draw of the beautifully serene park endures. When swimmers take their first dip in the sapphire-blue waters of Rainbow Springs, they become characters in a story that stretches back over 10,000 years, when humans first visited this place.

Ornamental gardens built waterfalls and sloping hills are visible reminders of the springs’ more recent past when the land was home to a mining operation and a privately owned tourist attraction.

Take a walk through lush, mossy hammocks and then cool off in the springs — it’s a time-honored tradition.

Explore one of America’s largest and best loved springs from the park’s world famous Glass Bottom Boats!

The 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park encompasses not only the springs, but the entire 5-mile Silver River and surrounding sandhill forest. Wander among the historic structures and serene gardens surrounding the main spring, reminders of the park’s past history as a major tourist attraction. Visit the Silver River Museum. Paddle the river. Hike. Camp.

There’s plenty to do at Silver Springs State Park. 

The park also offers two restaurants and a gift shop. You can even host private functions at the park, including weddings, company events and school outings.