North Central Florida

Travel Guide

If you walk to the end of the path (about .5 miles) turn left and you'll pass over this bridge. Nice spot for a pic.
If you walk to the end of the path (about .5 miles) turn left and you'll pass over this bridge. Nice spot for a pic.
If you visit Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, FL, make sure you go on one of the famous glass bottom boat tours. We took one and were lucky enough to have our boat pass right over two friendly manatees. #florida #silversprings #manatee
One of the famous glass bottom boats in Silver Springs State Park (Ocala, FL) floats by on the crystal clear water of the Silver River. If you visit Silver Springs, you must take one of these boat rides. In addition to seeing the underwater springs, we also saw manatees, alligators, turtles, monkeys, and birds on our 90 minute tour. #silversprings #florida
You will not find many waterfalls in Florida. I discovered Falling Creek Falls early one morning near Lake City. Take a quick detour from I-10 to see a root-beer-colored cascade, which plummets more than 10 feet over a deep lip of limestone and flows away over limestone boulders at the bottom of a ravine. Falling Creek Falls was the site of the first settlement in this area, and a short boardwalk trail offers easy access to this scenic view.

Where to stay in North Central Florida

Ocala, FL

Historic Downtown

Though Historic Downtown may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reilly Arts Center and Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP.

Historic Downtown
Closeup of alligator back lying inside marsh swamp in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Gainesville, Florida in sunlight

University Heights

University Heights might not have many top sights, but Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Hippodrome State Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

University Heights
Gainesville, Florida, USA Skyline

Downtown Gainesville

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Downtown Gainesville and surrounding area, you can visit Thomas Center and Hippodrome State Theatre.

Downtown Gainesville
Downtown Square Pano

Historic District

Though Historic District may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reilly Arts Center and Paddock Mall.

Historic District
Fort King Historic Landmark - Ocala, Florida, USA

Fort King District

If you're spending some time in Fort King District, Silver Springs State Park and Fort King are top sights worth seeing.

Fort King District
Default Image

College Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in College Park and surrounding area, you can visit Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Stephen C. O'Connell Center.

College Park
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

4 out of 5
3726 Sw 40th Blvd Gainesville FL
The price is HK$758 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
HK$758
HK$852 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
Meds are good. Lodging was good. Wouldn't recommend eating in the restaurant

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL

3 out of 5
4015 Sw 43rd St Gainesville FL
The price is HK$694 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
HK$694
HK$781 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,722 reviews)
A very slow check in was the main complaint. Normally they find the reservation from Expedia and make the keys and we’re done. For some reason it took a lot of typing on the keyboard to get us checked in. Other than that, the room was nice, bed was pretty good though the springs or bed frame made ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville

Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville

3 out of 5
4000 Southwest 40th Blvd Gainesville FL
The price is HK$821 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
HK$821
HK$924 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,401 reviews)
Room was basic but clean. Beds were comfortable.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville
See all 2,693 properties in North Central Florida
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
stayAPT Suites Ocala

stayAPT Suites Ocala

3.5 out of 5
3509 W Silver Springs Blvd Ocala FL
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Ocala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions World Equestrian Center – Ocala ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (120 reviews)
Extremely accommodating, clean, spacious! Tiffany is an amazing host. She booked us 2 more stays for April!

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

stayAPT Suites Ocala
Landing Apartments Newberry

Landing Apartments Newberry

4 out of 5
120 SW 148th Drive Newberry FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Newberry. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Jonesville Tennis Center and Dudley Farm Historic ...
10/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
Spotless very clean

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Landing Apartments Newberry
Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table

Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table

Dunnellon FL
Stay at this holiday home in Dunnellon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Rainbow Springs State Park and Rainbow River are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (219 reviews)
This was the best home on Rainbow River. I celebrate every year for my birthday on the river and this by far is the best. A great HOST and more than enough of everything to enjoy!

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
See all properties in North Central Florida
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

A distant view of The University of Florida in the morning

University of Florida

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Florida during your trip to Gainesville. Stroll along the lakeside or attend a sporting event in the area.

University of Florida
Florida is known for their gorgeous springs. Rainbow Springs State Park is definitely one that is truly captivating. Read the full travel guide here: https://thewalkingmermaid.com/blog/rainbow-springs-state-park-florida

Rainbow Springs State Park

4/5(1 review)

You can take time to visit Rainbow Springs State Park during your travels to Dunnellon. Stroll along this family-friendly area's riverfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Rainbow Springs State Park
At the Gators home opener with 90,000 of my closest friends. A football game at Florida Field is an incredible experience. Energy not to be missed. This is probably one of the greatest stadiums in college football.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Catch an event at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during your trip to Gainesville. Stroll along the lakeside or attend a sporting event in the area.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Blue waters of the spring basin drop down to the rocky cavern entrance at Ginnie Ballroom, Ginnie Springs, Florida

Ginnie Spring

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ginnie Spring during your travels in High Springs. Amble around the area's parks or visit its shops.

Ginnie Spring
Wild Horse Foal Playing Running Paynes Prairie Micanopy FL

Florida Horse Park

Explore the great outdoors at Florida Horse Park, a lovely green space in Ocala. Discover the museums in this family-friendly area or seek out its horse riding.

Florida Horse Park
View of the Rainbow River at Rainbow Springs State Park near Dunnellon, Florida

Rainbow River

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Rainbow River during your travels in Dunnellon. Stroll along this family-friendly area's riverfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Rainbow River

Things to do

Double decker bus in Miami at night

Miami Big Bus Panoramic Night Tour

HK$253
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Miami Big Bus Panoramic Night Tour
Official Miami Millionaires Sightseeing Cruise

Miami Millionaires Sightseeing Cruise

HK$141
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Miami Millionaires Sightseeing Cruise
12 hours Day at Key West With Boat Tour and Snorkeling

Day trip to Paradise from Miami: Key West Tour with Snorkeling, Open bar

HK$215
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Day trip to Paradise from Miami: Key West Tour with Snorkeling, Open bar
Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami

Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami

HK$547
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami
The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise

The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise

HK$274
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise
Miami Boat Tour

Miami Boat Tour

HK$219
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Miami Boat Tour
See all activities in North Central Florida
Friendship Park featuring a city, a fountain and night scenes

Jacksonville

St. Augustine Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a family

St. Augustine

Early Winter Morning at Ginnie Springs on the Santa Fe River, Florida

Waldo

Manatee Springs is a great spot to see the Florida Springs wildlife, especially early in the morning when the park opens! Read more about Manatee Springs at www.gonewanderingweb.com #Wanderlust #Explore #Travel #NaturalSprings #Florida #StateParks #Camping

Chiefland

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