Orlando is a cool city and all, but it’s nice to escape the crowds and be welcomed with open arms by name.
You know, not just another face in the crowd of the thousands of visitors to Disney World each day.
Anybody who has visited the South knows what I mean. Chit-chat that begins with “how ya doin’?” and ends with “have a blessed day!”.
No offense to the rest of the U.S., but there’s no comparison to southern hospitality.
More often than not, smaller destinations are the best places to discover the South’s warm embrace, not action-packed bigger cities where middle fingers fly high in gridlock traffic.
Orlando is the second most popular destination in Florida and surely has nice, welcoming people. How could it not be when it’s home to the ‘The Happiest Place On Earth’?
But roughly an hour and a half away is a different vibe. This inland city, where down-home charm meets stunning nature, will have you saying, “Who needs beaches anyway?!”
Yes, Florida Is A Blast Without The Beach Or Disney World
Say goodbye to Florida’s Caribbean-esque beaches, and say hello to Central Florida’s alternative turquoise waters.
Ocala offers a broad range of natural wonders, but you’ll instantly be magnetized to the region’s eye-popping natural springs.
Reminiscent of Mexico’s famous cenotes, it’s amazing how Ocala isn’t discussed more as an awesome getaway.
Overshadowed by the allure of Orlando, Ocala is just as fun and family-friendly, but you can avoid the sounds of screaming children on Space Mountain. No guarantees on your flight, however.
Florida may be known for alligator sightings, but did you know there are monkeys?
Skip Animal Kingdom and witness the imported Rhesus macaques running wild in Silver Springs State Park, your best bet for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Ocala.
Tip: for the best likelihood of macaque sightings, rent a kayak and explore the 6-mile stretch of Silver River and Ocklawaha River
Swim, Hike, Or Hop On A Boat: Ocala’s Natural Wonders Await
Ocala’s seemingly boundless nature will have you forgetting about the paradisal beaches of Destin, Clearwater, and even Miami’s world-renowned nightlife scene.
If we’re being honest, some may be skeptical about going deep into Florida’s natural settings with horror stories leaking out from the Everglades – you know, 18-foot pythons and an estimated 1.5 million alligators in the entire state!
Ocala is not the Everglades, where nature’s most intimidating species run rampant.
Yes, it’s impossible to keep gators away, but you’ll feel much safer here, perhaps more than anywhere else in Florida.
The spring’s crystal-clear visibility should alleviate all fears for enjoying the area, a far cry from Florida’s notorious swamplands.
Silver Springs is not alone either. Southern Living recommends these 4 springs as well:
- Paradise Springs
- Silver Glen Springs
- Salt Springs
- Rainbow Springs
Best of all, the waters tend to remain around 72 degrees.
Tourists can swim, kayak, or even hop aboard a glass-bottom boat for those wary of Florida’s critters. Prices start at $14 for a boat tour and go up to $85 for canoe rentals.
Zip-lining is also a thrilling option for the more adventurous, but many prefer to keep it simple and enjoy a relaxing swim or hike through beautiful forestry in the Ocala National Forest.
Tip: it’s advised to be extra cautious swimming at dusk or dawn when alligator sightings are more prominent
Giddy UpThrough Historic, Charming Ocala
If you have heard of Ocala, you probably find yourself glued to your tv for the ‘most exciting 2 minutes in sports’.
Ocala is dubbed the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, believe it or not, with cool hotels like The Equestrian, holding an impressive 4.8 stars on Google with nearly 700 reviews.
Whether you’re into the equestrian industry or not, it’s a lovely place to stay. If there’s a place not to skip, it’s Ocala’s historic downtown district.
Here is where you’ll be treated with the utmost southern hospitality, like a neigh-bor, if you will.
Intermixed with down-home charm and modern attractions, downtown is best explored on foot.
You can mingle with friendly locals at trendy bars like The Lodge, peruse local boutiques, or take a deep-dive into history with sites like Fort King, a key military outpost during these the Seminole Wars.
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