North Central Florida, FL

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville

Where to stay in North Central Florida

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Historic Downtown

While there might not be top attractions in Historic Downtown, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP and Paddock Mall.

Historic Downtown
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University Heights

4/5(31 area reviews)

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

University Heights
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Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit Paddock Mall and Silver Springs State Park.

Historic District
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

Fort King District

3/5(20 area reviews)

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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Haile Plantation

If you're spending some time in Haile Plantation, Haile Village Center and Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club are top sights worth seeing.

Haile Plantation
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Duckpond

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

Duckpond
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 AED 256 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
AED 256
AED 285 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ocala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions I-75 Super Flea Market and Hampton ...
7.8/10 Good! (195 reviews)
"Hi, I stayed in the renovated part of the hotel, and it's great. I'm here on a business trip and plan to return."

Reviewed on 20 March 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Ocala North
Equus Inn Ocala
Equus Inn Ocala
2.5 out of 5
3434 Sw College Rd, Ocala, FL
The price is AED 446 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
AED 446
AED 498 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (1,429 reviews)
i love horses
"This was my favorite room ever ! The shower was so beautiful . The room was so spacious and even had a couch in it. I love the horse mural."

Reviewed on 18 March 2025

Equus Inn Ocala
hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
2.5 out of 5
3905 Sw 43rd St, Gainesville, FL
The price is AED 312 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
AED 312
AED 351 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,566 reviews)
"Great!!"

Reviewed on 19 March 2025

hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
See all 2,288 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 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ocala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bowlero West Ocala and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (45 reviews)
"Hotel was great and very clean. Quiet a few fast food restaurants within walking distance."

Reviewed on 21 February 2025

stayAPT Suites Ocala
Barsala At The Vanguard Apartments
Barsala At The Vanguard Apartments
120 NW 148th Terrace, Newberry, FL
Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Dudley Farm Historic State Park and Meadowbrook Golf Club are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Rxcellent unit in new property. Beautiful dwelling!"

Reviewed on 17 March 2025

Barsala At The Vanguard Apartments
Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
Dunnellon
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Dunnellon. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Rainbow River and Rainbow ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
So great
"This was such an amazing trip! Our whole family enjoyed it so much! Thank you for the best memories!It was clean, organized and the location could not have been better!"

Reviewed on 3 March 2025

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

University of Florida

University of Florida

4.5/5(833 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around University of Florida, a top college in 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

4.5/5(159 reviews)

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

4.5/5(272 reviews)

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
Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park

4.5/5(156 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Silver Springs State Park, a popular green space in Ocala. Discover the area's live music, or seek out its horseback riding.

Silver Springs State Park
#SpringFun Spring is the best time to grab the paddleboards and head outside in Florida! Weather is still cool and crisp in the morning and warms up nicely during the day, providing the perfect time to cool-off jump into the constant 72 degree water. The photo here is a small creek along the Rainbow River with clear blue water and a nice sandy bottom. We love finding little places like this on the larger rivers so we can hop-off and explore. It also gets you away from the crowds and opens up the possibility of finding more pieces of paradise. We like to launch from K.P. Hold

Rainbow River

4.5/5(16 reviews)

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
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

4.5/5(153 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a lovely green space in Gainesville. Wander the college campus and lakeside in the area.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park