The Five Best Outdoor Adventures in Ocala, FL

From zip-lining across a lake relaxing in a park, Ocala has plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy during wintertime. With so many options, though, it can be hard to choose. So, we’ve done the work for you, narrowing it down to the five best outdoor adventures in this beautiful central-Florida city. 

1. The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park

Person swinging from zip line with a thumbs up
Photo by Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park.

First on our list of outdoor activities in Ocala is The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park. Offering adventures by air, land, and water, there’s no shortage of fun here. If you’re feeling bold, we suggest their Big Cliff Canyon tour, which gives visitors a world-famous 1,100-foot zip line across Lost Spring Lake. If you want something a bit tamer, you can enjoy their horseback, wine or chocolate tours, gem mining, or kayaking through a canyon. The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park has it all. 

2. Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides

People on horseback, riding down a trail
Photo by Florida Horseback Trail Riding.

Voted a 2020 Travelers’ Choice by TripAdvisor, Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides won’t disappoint. Visitors will get to experience a “Central Park feel” as they take a guided horseback tour through Cross Florida Greenway. You’ll enjoy a relaxing ride as you see Florida’s oak hammocks, pine forests, and green fields. The Greenway also has hiking, biking, paddling trails, boat ramps, fishing spots, campgrounds, a playground, and picnic shelters, making it a great, all-encompassing place for people of every age. 

3. Santos Trailhead and Campground

Dirt bike trail with trees
Photo by Florida State Parks.

Called a “mecca” for mountain biking, the Santos Trailhead and Campground has some of the best mountain biking throughout Florida, the southeastern U.S., and internationally. They have over 80 miles of bike trails for beginners, experts, and everyone in between. Santos Trailhead is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails nationwide, so you won’t want to miss this spot on your trip to Ocala. They also have a campground by the trail, with 23 sites available year-round for overnight trips. If the above activity entices you, you can access the Cross Florida Greenway from Santos Trailhead, making it easy to tackle two adventures in one day. 

4. Baseline Golf Course

Golf course with water and a fountain
Photo by Baseline Golf Course.

Since golf is a featured attraction of many of Cove’s RV Resorts and MH Communitiesit’s only appropriate that we added Baseline Golf Course to this list. With no tee time required, visitors can walk in and enjoy pristine golf conditions on a wonderfully landscaped course. This course is maintained all year long so that you can play throughout the winter months. 

5. Tuscawilla Park 

Park with water, fountain, trees, and a sculpture
Photo by Explore Ocala.

Last on our list of the best outdoor activities in Ocala is Tuscawilla Park. Located near the Historic Downtown Ocala, this park is the perfect way to spend a relaxing day. You can walk, jog, or bike around the beautifully calm Lake Tuscawilla. The park also features an arts center, science center, amphitheater, pavilions, playground, and the new Art Park with larger-than-life outdoor sculptures. 

Spend Your Winter With Us

Cove Communities would love to be your new home for the winter, so take a look at our Florida RV Resorts and MH Communities!