About Ocala
The horse capital of the world
If you love horses, you’ll never want to leave beautiful and temperate Ocala, Florida. Located in the gorgeous north central region of the state, where our pastures and farms are dotted with huge ancient oaks and Spanish moss, this is Horsey Heaven for both human and equines.
Founded in 1846, Ocala was developed as a result of the Indian Wars in which Fort King played a strategic role. It has many historic homes, and the equine industry works closely with the Ocala Chamber of Commerce to promote business and cooperation throughout Marion County, and even fosters an Equine Alliance that specificially promotes the equine industry.
World Equestrian Center
Live Oak International
HITS Ocala
The first Thoroughbred horse farm in Florida was developed in 1943 by Carl G. Rose, who discovered our wonderful limestone-based pastures, and spread the good news. Today, Ocala is a major world Thoroughbred center, with over 1,200 horse farms, including over 800 Thoroughbred farms and training centers, totaling some 77,000 acres.
In addition to the horse addiction, Ocala and north central Florida boasts some of the most beautiful artesian springs and state parks in this part of the country. The nearby community of Silver Springs developed around a group of artesian springs on the Silver River. In the 19th century, this site became Florida’s first tourist destination. Today, well known for glass bottom boat tours, Silver Springs Park is owned by the state of Florida and was incorporated into the Florida State Parks system in 2013. Other nearby natural attractions include the Ocala National Forest, the Florida Trail, and Rainbow Springs State Park.
Need accommodations?
From AirBnBs to swanky hotels, campsites, or full-on RV communities, Ocala has it all! Other nearby communities are Williston, Gainesville, The Villages, Micanopy, Mount Dora, and we are just 75 minutes from Orlando and the Disney properties.