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.

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Where to stay in North Central Florida

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
Ocala, FL

Historic Downtown

While there might not be top attractions in Historic Downtown, you can explore the larger area and discover places 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

While University Heights isn't home to many top sights, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Hippodrome State Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

University Heights
Downtown Square Pano

Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit 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
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College Park

While College Park isn't home to many top sights, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Stephen C. O'Connell Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

College Park
Equus Inn Ocala

Equus Inn Ocala

2.5 out of 5
3434 Sw College Rd Ocala FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $116 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
CA $116
CA $130 total
Mar 2 - Mar 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ocala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,870 reviews)
Room was clean could walk on floor without getting dirty feet. Bed comfy. Like the mic and refrigerator.

Reviewed on Feb 18, 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 CA $127 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
CA $127
CA $143 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
The staff when we arrived was very welcoming. The facility was modern, with nice lighting, and clean.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 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 CA $101 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
CA $101
CA $113 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ocala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions World Equestrian Center – Ocala and I-75 Super Flea ...
7.8/10 Good! (493 reviews)
Yesss

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham Ocala North
See all 2,675 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Ocala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions World Equestrian Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (110 reviews)
Very accommodating. Perfect stay for if you want home cooked meal while on road .

Reviewed on Jan 30, 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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (176 reviews)
An amazing experience. They thought of the little things. Boxes of s’mores by the fire.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Jonesville Tennis Center and Dudley Farm Historic ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
Spotless very clean

Reviewed on Feb 16, 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

Explore the campus 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

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 horseback 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

115' Largest in Fort Lauderdale! AC/Sun/Shade Big Clean Comfortable!

VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!! Best of Fort Lauderdale over 30 years!!!

CA $44
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!! Best of Fort Lauderdale over 30 years!!!
Fort Lauderdale: 90 Minute Sightseeing Cruise Las Olas New River

Fort Lauderdale: 90-minute Celebrity Homes Sunset Cruise + Free Drink

CA $47
per adult
Fort Lauderdale: 90-minute Celebrity Homes Sunset Cruise + Free Drink
All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise

All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise

CA $109
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise
See all activities in North Central Florida

Cities near North Central Florida

Friendship Park which includes night scenes, skyline and a city

Jacksonville

Kayakers on the Silver River at Silver Springs State Park, Florida

Silver Springs

East Palatka featuring a park

East Palatka

Never experienced something so amazing like this before..It felt like partying in a natural pool ❤️

High Springs

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