Exit I-75 Here: Discover Ocala/Marion County, Florida's Horse Capital and Adventure Hub
Unlike hard-to-reach destinations, Ocala/Marion County in Florida welcomes travelers with open arms. Featuring six convenient exits off I-75—a key artery in the Sunshine State—this region boasts diverse attractions at every stop, ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway packed with options.
Home to outdoor parks, sporting events, zip-line thrills, rich history, shopping, and more horses than anywhere else in the U.S., it's a peaceful escape from crowded beaches, theme parks, and traffic—perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Explore the reasons to exit the highway and craft your perfect itinerary in Ocala/Marion County.
Exit 368: Charming Introductions
The quaint town of McIntosh, with a population of about 500, embodies Old Florida charm under shaded oaks and amid antique shops. It's a serene spot for nostalgia, but in October, it buzzes with the free McIntosh 1890s Festival, drawing tens of thousands for live music, food, drinks, antiques, arts, and crafts from nearly 300 vendors.
Agriculture thrives in Central Florida, and The Orange Shop, open since 1936, is a local favorite. They grow, pick, hand-pack, and sell citrus like Citra navel oranges, temples, honey tangerines, Valencia oranges, tangerine tangos, and ruby red grapefruit. Available daily from Oct. 15 to June 1.
For a hands-on experience, visit U-pick berry farms in spring and summer. Pick blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and flowers from April to July at spots like Wet Hammock Farm.
Don't miss Crones Cradle Conserve Foundation, a 756-acre sustainable farm offering over 50 vegetables, 25 herbs, and a dozen fruits. Enjoy workshops, garden tours, greenhouses, and homemade honey from their country store—a perfect souvenir.
Exit 358: Adrenaline Adventures
Amid Florida's flat landscape, Ocala/Marion County features a unique reclaimed limestone quarry turned 94-acre park with rocky cliffs, blue lakes, and pine forests. Thrill-seekers love the Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, including a 1,100-foot zip across Lost Spring Lake.
Bubba Raceway Park—once known as Ocala Speedway and others—has operated as Florida's oldest continuously running short track since 1952. Check schedules for September-October races and January events (subject to updates). Free general parking; kids 11 and under free with a paid adult grandstand ticket.
For hands-on action, rev up at Hardrock Off Road Park on 100 acres. Bring 4x4s, dirt bikes, or quads for rock gardens, steep climbs, 70+ acres of trails, wooded paths, elevated tracks, pee-wee areas, and speed tracks.
Exit 354: Premier Spectator Sports
Dubbed the Horse Capital of the World with over 600 thoroughbred farms and America's most horses, Ocala/Marion County offers easy access. Drive through rolling hills and pastures to spot champions grazing. In March, visit Live Oak Stud for public Live Oak International equestrian events. From December 1 to March 27, catch HITS Ocala Winter Circuit at Post Time Farm.
Post-WWII Southeastern Livestock Pavilion hosts horse shows, rodeos, and more. The annual Ocala Shrine Rodeo (early September) features bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down roping.
Exit 352: Natural and Cultural Gems
Head east or west for unmissable sights. Eastward, Ocala National Forest—southernmost in the continental U.S. and first east of the Mississippi—offers 600+ lakes (like bass-rich Lake George), three first-magnitude springs for year-round 72°F swimming/snorkeling/diving, and stargazing at Big Scrub.
Nearby, 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park provides camping, kayaking the Silver River, and Florida's original glass-bottom boat tours (since 1870). Explore 40-acre Fort King National Historic Landmark with a full-scale fort replica, Heritage Garden, and artifacts like Andrew Jackson's cufflink.
In downtown Ocala's Historic District, stroll oak-shaded streets with pre-1910 Queen Anne homes. Enjoy Saturday markets, First Friday Art Walks (Sept.-May), and Fine Arts for Ocala (late October) at the Historic Downtown Square.
Adjacent Tuscawilla Park houses the Reilly Arts Center for Ocala Symphony concerts (700 seats) and a 3-acre Art Park with sculptures.
Westward, Rainbow Springs State Park (1,459 acres) offers canoe/kayak rentals under cypress trees, a 2.5-mile trail with waterfalls, and birdwatching on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Experience luxury at the World Equestrian Center (WEC), America's largest. Public events include horse shows, dog championships, and sports. Explore five restaurants, ice cream, pastries, toys, and more—even non-horse lovers will love it.
Exit 350: Comforts and Convenience
The most central exit offers abundant lodging, dining, shopping (Market Street at Heath Brook west, Paddock Mall east), and access to downtown Ocala or Belleview. A new pastoral gateway sign welcomes southern visitors.
Nearby west, Ross Prairie State Forest (3,000+ acres) invites hiking, birding, horseback riding, and trails linking to Cross Florida Greenway.
Exit 341: Iconic Trails and History
The 90-mile Cross Florida Greenway (Marjorie Harris Carr) spans from St. Johns River to the Gulf, with hiking, biking, paddling, equestrian trails, and the 500-acre Florida Horse Park.
"Big Daddy" Don Garlits' Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing (45+ years) displays 90 race cars and 50 antiques across two buildings.
