The Ocala center point is about the area of Ocala Amtrak Station and the area of Ocala Regional Medical Center.
Like much of north Florida, Ocala enjoys warm weather all year round. From November to March, you can expect highs in the 70s and lows in the upper 40s. From April to October, you'll generally find highs in the upper 80s or low 90s.
It's always a great time to visit Ocala, Florida, but you can experience this North Florida destination at its liveliest if you visit during one of its annual festivals. In mid-march, the Ocala Spring Carnival brings arts and crafts, local food, and live music to town. In early November, the Ocala Harvest Fest celebrates autumn with live music, food trucks, and a beer garden.
Ocala tends to be the rainiest from June to September. If you're planning to visit in the summer, bring an umbrella or a light rain jacket. Since Ocala can be affected by hurricanes and severe storms, keep an eye on the weather forecast if you're planning to visit during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Love getting great deals on accommodations? You'll appreciate these group rates and discounts on Ocala hotels.
AAA members can get discounts at the Comfort Inn Ocala Silver Springs. In addition to affordably priced rooms, you can look forward to the outdoor pool, the fitness center, and the complimentary breakfast. When you stay here, you'll appreciate essential in-room amenities like microwaves, mini fridges, coffee makers, and work desks. Thanks to its convenient downtown location, this hotel is minutes away from the Ocala Historic District and other popular attractions.
Senior travelers can save at the Equus Inn Ocala. This midrange hotel offers generous group discounts and has over 150 rooms, making it a great choice for groups. Whether you're traveling for work or for fun, you can enjoy amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. Want to share photos from your stay? Log in to the hotel's free Wi-Fi. Need to host a small event while you're in town? Reserve the hotel's meeting space, which can accommodate up to 45 people.
Government employees can get low rates at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham. Settle into your well-appointed guest room, and enjoy amenities like flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi. Upgrade to a room with a microwave and mini fridge, and keep your favorite drinks and snacks on hand. Work out in the fitness center, swim in the outdoor pool, and soak in the hot tub at the end of a jam-packed day. Sleep well on the signature Bright Morning Bed, and help yourself to the free Bright Side Breakfast in the morning.
Looking for accommodations that balance reasonable room rates with ample amenities? Check out the top-rated midrange hotels in Ocala.
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Silver Springs, and you'll have everything you need at your fingertips. This midrange hotel offers affordable room rates and guest rooms equipped with microwaves, mini fridges, 32-inch TVs, free movie channels, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Squeeze in a cardio session in the fitness center and cool down with a swim in the pool, or head to the business center to catch up on work. In the morning, wake up to the Holiday Inn Express' free Express Start Breakfast Bar, which includes omelets, sausage, cinnamon rolls, and more.
You'll love the comfortable rooms and North Florida hospitality at the Country Inn & Suites. This midrange hotel has 59 guest rooms with options for standard rooms and suites with upgrades like jetted tubs. No matter which room type you choose, you can take advantage of hotel features like a heated indoor pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a lending library. Fuel up for the day with DIY waffles and omelets at the free Be Our Guest breakfast bar, and treat yourself to free cookies in the afternoon. This Country Inn also offers free Wi-Fi and parking.
Whether you're here for the horses or you'd rather enjoy Ocala's historical and natural offerings, you'll find plenty to do and see here. Start your visit with a tour of the Ocala Historic District, located right in the center of town. First developed as a residential area in the late 19th century, this district now features a range of architectural styles dating from 1880 to 1930. Enjoy a quiet stroll through this charming area as you admire both the homes and the massive live oaks.
If you're in town for a horse show, you'll want to make the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion your next destination. Since 1945, this pavilion has been Ocala's home for everything from dressage events and rodeos to agricultural events and trade shows.
Next, make your way to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. Here, you can view nearly 300 sports cars and dragsters, including 90 racing cars and 50 vintage vehicles. Don't miss the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, a corner of the museum that pays homage to the sport's top performers.
If you want to immerse yourself in Ocala's natural beauty, head to Sholom Park, where you'll find native plants, wooded areas, a tranquil fountain, and plenty of birds to watch. For a bigger outdoor adventure, set your sights on Alexander Springs Recreation Area, which is located in the Ocala National Forest. In this massive forest, you can do everything from hiking the trails and canoeing the waterways to scuba diving and wildlife viewing to exploring the largest sand pine scrub forest in the world.
Ready to plan your trip to the Horse Capital of the World? Book the perfect hotel for your group and get ready for your visit to Ocala.
Below are reviews of the city of Ocala, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Many dining options. Close to nice, rural recreation areas.
City is pleasant and very different from the Florida coastal area.
Great church (Queen of Peace) and restaurant (Marcelina's)!
Beautiful city that sits high in elevation, people are very friendly.
Very convenient.
All needed stores and restaurants with Door Dash delivery were close by.
Near Silver Springs and the beautiful horse farms!
Love Ocala...it's a great place!
It was nice.
Close to beaches and springs.
Love this place! We are actually buying a home here.
I have horses. 2 of them have been in training here for 3 years. I moved here because of that and during the 2 years of visiting my horses in training and the last year of construction on my own farm, I stayed there every month. I only stayed this time because the power was out at my farm and I work from home. I needed internet and air conditioning.
Mexican restaurant was fabulous and the town in general was friendly.
Many activities to do in downtown area.
Ease of access to shops, restaurants and gas stations.
Clean, comfortable, looks new, friendly staff. Beautiful wedding venues
All good!
The hotel was clean and beds comfortable. We did not go into the city of Ocala, we stayed near to the hotel as there were plenty of restaurants and a Mall within a half of a mile.
Ocala is a good stop for us from home to Disney World.
We visited Silver Springs for a glass bottom boat ride...was very fun and inexpensive!
I enjoyed the Ocala/Belleview area!
Food selection and the mall!
Great place with much to do!
I like Ocala it has a nice safe vibe.
The various springs are nice to visit. Dog and kid friendly.
The World Equestrian Center was the most beautiful facility I have ever seen!
Room was expensive but worth it!
Hotel was clean and staff was friendly and helpful.
I liked the firework stands and the trees.
Near the hospital that did my heart cath.
Very close to Astor.
Loved the FAST swimming pool for swimmers. The downtown was very quaint with Christmas lights!
Visited the art show on Friday evenings. The brick gallery was wonderful.
We attended the Firemen Memorial and it was very organized.
The antique stores, the tree lined steets. We love the restaurant Ivy on the Square in downtown Ocala!
The antique stores, the tree lined steets. We love the restaurant Ivy on the Square in downtown Ocala!
Lots of restaurant options and ease of access.
This hotel is very nice.
I love Ocala! It's a clean city with lots to do!
A beautiful area with wonderful welcoming people.
Near restaurants in good location.
The view was really nice. The area was very clean and somewhere I would want my kids to grow up in. The food at the various restaurants was good as well. We also enjoyed the batting cages and various parks that we were able to entertain the players and kids.
Love the people and the history of Ocala!
We found a lot of activities for our group very close to Ocala!
The pool was amazing and we loved the town and the springs.
Lots of places to eat, good variety for my kids.
The location of the hotel is in a very central and accomodating location for shopping for everything that a person could want or need.
Town Square restaurants, the World Equestrian Center, local theater and symphony.
World Equestrian Center.
It's a very nice and cozy place!
Ocala has many entertainment venues and Silver Springs is always great!
My horses live in Ocala for the winters. Ocala is outstanding for horse people. WEC is world-class!
Clean hotel with friendly staff.
The staff was friendly and welcoming. Hotel was very clean. My daughter lives there the trees and weather was great.
Ocala is beautiful horse country!
Good Vietnamese food!
The hotel is close to Top Of The World and the World Equestrian Center.
The staff was excellent! The room was clean, and the beds are very comfortable. Access to manatees, World Equestrian Center, shopping and restaurants
Horse Parks
The city of Ocala is community oriented and full of opportunities to have an enjoyable stay. The Equus Inn is modern and clean with friendly staff, very nice breakfast, and coffee/tea available all of the time. Very nice!
Very clean room and great customer service!
The hotel is off of Route 200 which offers easy access to many stores, restaurants. The city of Ocala was nice. I enjoyed our stay here.
Ocala was absolutely beautiful!
Atmosphere, restaurants and scenery!
Nice people, clean place.
We were there for a wedding so we didn't spend much time in town. Beautiful property and a fun night life downtown.
Staff was pleasant.
Ate at an Italian restaurant that was excellent!
Close to I-75.
Centrally located. We go there for Silver Springs Park and Rainbow River State Park.
Nice venue for a wedding.
Pretty town center. Great restaurant- Mark's Prime.
Ocala is a beautiful, friendly place. Plenty of things to do and see. Restaurants are everywhere, all different types.
It's not like a big city. It's green, and beautiful. The people are friendly and helpful.
Ocala is beautiful.
Downtown Ocala has an Art Fest in the Park on the first Friday of each month. Also, some very good restaurants off the beaten path.
Nice area.
Centralized stores and activities for kids on 200
Ocala offers great weather this time of year with plenty of golf courses to play. Our group played seven different courses and ate at six different restaurants, all great!
Was there for a softball tournament for my granddaughter so we did not get to see very much of Ocala .. However, Ocala with it's love of oak trees and great landscaping is a beautiful city.
I love central Florida and the "hub" Ocala. Took day trips in every direction coast to coast.