Orlando And Tampa Are Way Too Crowded. Visit This Florida City For A Quieter Getaway

One of the challenges of planning a Florida vacation is there are so many great cities and attractions to visit. For example, Tampa and Orlando are two of the top tourist spots, getting around 28 million and 76 million visitors in 2025, respectively. However, with so many people flocking to these cities, they can seem too overcrowded and overpriced. Fortunately, there are other options when visiting Florida, particularly if you head to the north central part of the state. There, you'll find cities like Ocala.

Comparatively speaking, Ocala is small potatoes when measured against titans like Orlando, as the area only gets about 1.4 million visitors annually. But this also means you have more room to stretch your legs, and you don't have to worry about fighting for parking spots or affordable hotels. Plus, the city is located near some incredible natural areas, like the Ocala National Forest and the Florida state park offering beautiful natural springs, which happens to be next door.

But you don't even have to travel outside the city to experience scenic parks and green spaces, or tasty eats and a historic downtown. So, if you're ready to trade theme parks and packed beaches for a quieter side of Florida, let's see what Ocala has in store.

The best place to start exploring Ocala is its historic downtown district. Established in 1846, the city, named after the Timucuan village of Ocali, rapidly grew. The Civil War devastated much of Ocala, which was then ravaged by fire in 1883. As a result, many new buildings after the fire were made of brick, earning Ocala the nickname Brick City. Today, you can experience this history by wandering through downtown, starting at the Downtown Square.

The Ocala Main Street organization offers a list of specific sites you can visit throughout the city, including the gazebo in the square, fire bell, Marion Theater, and many more. Or if you prefer, you can take a guided walking tour to learn more about each piece and place in Ocala's history. Outside of downtown, one of the more notable historical sites is the Fort King National Landmark, which was originally built during Florida's Second Seminole War. You can even watch reenactments to get a better sense of what life was like back then.

In downtown Ocala, sample a wide variety of restaurants. Starting next to the downtown square, you can grab a cocktail and burger from 18 South Restaurant and Saloon. If you're in the mood for Southern cuisine, walk down Magnolia Ave to Ivy on the Square. This glitzy spot features favorites like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits, as well as more chic dishes like wagyu beef burgers. Or if you want a little more spice, Cantina Tex-Mex & Tequila Bar has you covered.

Since Ocala is in North Central Florida, the closest major travel hub is actually Orlando. So, you can fly into Orlando International Airport, one of the few airports in the U.S. that doesn't use TSA for security, and drive about 90 minutes north to reach the city. But while you're in Orlando, be sure to visit some of the most popular Florida tourist attractions. When you arrive in Ocala, there are quite a few hotel options, so you should find something within your budget. If you're hoping to stay closer to downtown, the Hilton Garden Inn is across from the square, making it super convenient. There are also numerous vacation rentals throughout the district as well.

Beyond exploring Ocala's history and dining scene, there is an abundance of outdoor recreation. Ocala is next door to Silver Springs State Park, where you can take glass-bottom boat tours and even spot remnants of old props from films that have been shot in the park. If you're more adventurous, head north to the Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park. As the name suggests, zip lining is the primary activity, which you can also do during sunset and at night. You can go horseback riding and kayaking to round out your adventure.

Speaking of horses, Ocala is home to the World Equestrian Center, which is the largest in the United States. If you're a horse lover and enthusiast, you can plan your trip around upcoming events where you can see all the best horses in action.