Top Rated Attractions in Ocala

The Sholom Park, located on South West 80th Avenue, is a beautiful local park. Opened in 2004, this park is a nature lovers' paradise. There are various trails for walking enthusiasts. It also features an area called the "Enchanted Forest" that has a plethora of different trees and a scenic pond.

Established in 1997, Gypsy Gold is a horse farm, located on Southwest 8th Avenue. Owned and operated by Dennis Thompson, this farm is home to a variety of stallions and mares. You can take a guided tour of the farm and pick up some interesting souvenirs from their gift shop.

Located in the heart of Silver River State Park, with a commanding view of the Silver River, the Silver River Museum is a beautiful historical museum and also a Environmental Education Center. With a primary mission of giving out the history of the Marion County Public School, the museum also offers it's visitors the importance of cultural and natural history of the Marion County and also the importance of preserving and protecting the cultural and natural resources. The museum is not accessible to the public during the weekdays as it is used for school purposes, the museum is open to it's visitors on weekends and volunteered by the locals.

Located northwest of Orlando in the city of Ocala just off of I-75, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is both a drag-racing and classic car museum well worth the drive. Step inside the massive building packed full of nearly every vehicle driven by Don Garlit (including the Top Fuel Swamp Rats), several of his trophies, authentic race banners from various races, endless pictures, car parts, car memorabilia and artifacts, and several other exhibits . Visitors can learn all about the history of this racer known as "Big Daddy" or "King of the Dragsters", and there is also a gift shop on site.

This serene park, replete with Spanish moss, wooded areas, walking paths and a lovely lake at its heart, is one of the best ways to spend a relaxed day in Ocala. Curl up with a book at one of the quiet nooks in the park, gaze at the scenery from a park bench, or grab a photo-op with the ducks in the pond. The park also has a playground and a basketball court for those who want to engage in a bit of activity. The Discovery Center, located within the park is also a fun stop for families with kids.

Though Appleton Museum of Art was established in 1982 by Arthur I. Appleton, it only opened its doors in 1987 after three years of construction. The original plan was to exhibit the impressive private collection of its founder but now it has a repertoire of European artwork from the 17th through the 19th Centuries, 18th and 19th-century American visual art, Contemporary works, Asian, African, Islamic and Pre-Columbian antiquities and objet d'art. Housed in a two-floor Italian travertine limestone building, it spans across 81,610 square feet (7581.82 square meters). It consists of five galleries for permanent exhibitions, classrooms, an art library, workshop, an auditorium, conference rooms and a courtyard cafe. It also offers educational programs for different age groups. Art enthusiasts can also avail of their Trips 'N' Tours to various museums and historic throughout the state and more.