10 TOP Things to Do in North Central Florida (2026 Activity 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 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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What to do in North Central Florida

Popular places to visit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My boyfriend Joe went for an early morning swim in the springs. We were camping in the park for the weekend. I took this from the jumping platform.

Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

You can take time to visit Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park during your travels to High Springs. Discover the area's restaurants or seek out the kayaking spots.

World Equestrian Center – Ocala

Learn about the events happening at World Equestrian Center – Ocala during your trip to Ocala. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Shands at the University of Florida

Though Shands at the University of Florida might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Gainesville while you are here.

Areas of North Central Florida

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.

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.

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.