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 Ocala Downtown Square and Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP.

Historic Downtown
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University Heights

4/5(31 area reviews)

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
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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 Ocala Downtown Square and Reilly Arts Center.

Historic District
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Haile Plantation

If you're spending some time in Haile Plantation, Hampstead Park and Haile Village Playground are top sights worth seeing.

Haile Plantation
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 Appleton Museum of Art are top sights worth seeing.

Fort King District
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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 Thomas Center and Hippodrome State Theatre.

Duckpond
Hilton Ocala
Hilton Ocala
3.5 out of 5
3600 Sw 36th Ave, Ocala, FL
The price is AED 421 per night from Dec 22 to Dec 23
AED 421
AED 462 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ocala. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Overall wonderful!"

Reviewed on 18 November 2024

Hilton 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 284 per night from Dec 22 to Dec 23
AED 284
AED 314 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
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! (1,559 reviews)
"N/a"

Reviewed on 21 November 2024

hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Gainesville
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Gainesville
2.5 out of 5
3500 Southwest 42nd St, Gainesville, FL
The price is AED 241 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
AED 241
AED 271 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Good for the money."

Reviewed on 18 November 2024

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Gainesville
See all 2,208 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 Hampton Aquatic Fun Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
"Wonderful room layout, loved the courtyard to relax at night, and Heather was amazing!"

Reviewed on 26 October 2024

stayAPT Suites Ocala
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 Springs State Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (161 reviews)
Lovely getaway!
"Had so much fun with family at this beautiful home! You truly cannot beat the location, the river is so peaceful and absolutely stunning! There were plenty of towels which was nice because so many rentals do not have those. My only issue was there was not salt, pepper or foil which I know something ..."

Reviewed on 12 November 2024

Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
Beautiful 2 story house overlooking the water. Has arcade & Close to the springs
Beautiful 2 story house overlooking the water. Has arcade & Close to the springs
Live Oak
Stay at this vacation home in Live Oak. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Baker Park and First Federal Sportsplex are located ...
Weekend Getaway
"It was a great experience."

Reviewed on 3 October 2024

Beautiful 2 story house overlooking the water. Has arcade & Close to the springs
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
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
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)

Explore the great outdoors at Rainbow Springs State Park, a lovely green space in Dunnellon. Stroll along this family-friendly area's riverfront, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Rainbow Springs State Park
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
The Florida Museum of Natural History has an amazing osteological and fossil collection

Florida Museum of Natural History

4.5/5(171 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Florida Museum of Natural History during your trip to Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Florida Museum of Natural History