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

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
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
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 Hippodrome State Theatre and Thomas Center.

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
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
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
Equus Inn Ocala

Equus Inn Ocala

2.5 out of 5
3434 Sw College Rd Ocala FL
The price is HK$625 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
HK$625
HK$697 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ocala. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,902 reviews)
Nice room- decent breakfast-good room overlooking the pool and cool firepit area. nice gal handling breakfast services. Everyone else we ran into staff wise was not very friendly. I’d get the property 4 stars and employees a 2 star

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Equus Inn Ocala
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

4 out of 5
3726 Sw 40th Blvd Gainesville FL
The price is HK$635 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
HK$635
HK$715 total
29 Mar - 30 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! (1,001 reviews)
The room, bedding, ac/heat, bar restaurant

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
Days Inn by Wyndham Ocala North

Days Inn by Wyndham Ocala North

2 out of 5
3811 NW Blitchton Road Ocala FL
The price is HK$603 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
HK$603
HK$672 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ocala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions World Equestrian Center – Ocala and I-75 Super Flea ...
8/10 Very Good! (508 reviews)
Very clean room. Night attendant was very helpful and friendly. No complaints or issues

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham Ocala North
See all 2,683 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! (117 reviews)
Quiet room with blockout blinds, plenty of space, good cooking facilities with a full size fridge and a coffee machine, it was a great place to base for a couple of weeks. Highly recommend.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

stayAPT Suites Ocala
Postcard Cabins Gilchrest Spring, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Gilchrest Spring, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
1699 NE Co Rd 337 High Springs FL
Stay at this cabin in High Springs. Enjoy free parking, patios and climate control. Popular attractions Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and Poe ...
10/10 Exceptional! (180 reviews)
Cabins by Gilchrist is the kind of place that reminds you why getaways are so important. Everything about our stay was amazing. From the cozy, beautifully kept cabin to the peaceful, scenic surroundings that instantly make you feel relaxed and recharged. The cabin was spotless, comfortable, and thoughtfully ...

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Postcard Cabins Gilchrest Spring, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Landing Apartments Newberry

Landing Apartments Newberry

4 out of 5
120 NW 148th Terrace 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
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
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
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
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$225
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
94% 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$214
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Day trip to Paradise from Miami: Key West Tour with Snorkeling, Open bar
The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise

The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise

HK$273
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
Bimini Bahamas Day Cruise!!

Bahamas Day Cruise with Hotel Pickup

HK$1,864
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Bahamas Day Cruise with Hotel Pickup
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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