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

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
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
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 Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP 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

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
The price is P4,883 per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
P4,883
P5,445 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,858 reviews)
Nice hotel very clean easy access off the interstate rooms were nice shower was very nice with stone floor loved the horse theme in the room

Reviewed on Feb 15, 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 P5,376 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
P5,376
P6,048 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
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)
Super nice staff!

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida

Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida

3 out of 5
1514 Southwest 14th Street Gainesville FL
The price is P10,970 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P10,970
P12,341 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,288 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
See all 2,685 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! (109 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! (174 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! (48 reviews)
The property was great and the communication with property manager was right on time and very accommodating. It was a great stay with a pet and had a nice little doggie park on property, however, just like all dog parks, the pet owners do not pick up after their pets as they should. We were not able ...

Reviewed on Jan 21, 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

Official Miami Millionaires Sightseeing Cruise

Miami Millionaires Sightseeing Cruise

P1,064
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Miami Millionaires Sightseeing Cruise
Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami

Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami

P4,137
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami
Miami 5 in 1 City Tour - 5 sites, 4 Hop on Hop off Stops

Miami City Tours – 5 Sites, 4 Stops, One Tour – 3.5 Hours of Fun

P1,418
per adult
Miami City Tours – 5 Sites, 4 Stops, One Tour – 3.5 Hours of Fun
The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise

The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise

P2,069
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise
Double decker bus in Miami at night

Miami Big Bus Panoramic Night Tour

P1,915
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Miami Big Bus Panoramic Night Tour
Miami Boat Tour

Miami Boat Tour

P1,655
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Miami Boat Tour
See all activities in North Central Florida
I love day trips away from Orlando - Ravine Gardens has some beautiful trails.

Palatka

East Palatka featuring a park

East Palatka

Gainesville featuring interior views

Gainesville

Pier reaching far into the St. Johns River on a clear, bright morning in Florida

Green Cove Springs

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