Designated as a U.S. Historic District in 1984, the Ocala Historic Downtown Square is the district's center. The walkable center encompasses restaurants, shops, and boutiques with outdoor live music and many historic things to see.
Ocala has no problem keeping you close to nature with its preserved scenic natural areas, including the Ocala National Forest. Water plays are the forest's top activities, attracting many tourists from different parts of the world.
In 1827, soldiers and wagons flocked to the site now known as Fort King. It was constructed as a barrier during the tensions between the Seminole people and the new settlers who fled to Florida for refuge. Later in the 1830s, the fort became a military base and was named after Col. William King, the commander of the state's Fourth Infantry.
With over 250 species of plants and trees, Sholom Park is another gem in town that deserves a spot on your Ocala travel itinerary. The 44-acre park's botanical garden features a garden walk, a pond, a rose garden, and a prairie area, among other things.
If you're into mountain biking, the best spot in Ocala is Santos Trails, which features more than 80 miles of single-track trails. Its many wooden features and a Vortex freeride area makes your cycling journey more fun and exciting.