Manatee sightings are common between November and March whenthe creatures are luredto the area by the warm spring water.
The national forest also hasplenty of hiking trails.
In addition to being a water wonderland, Ocala is a horse community.
Credit:scampj/Getty Images
It has a long legacy of producing champion Ocala horses, including six Kentucky Derby winners and52 national champions.
The city also has the largest equestrian complex in the U.S., theWorld Equestrian Center.
From a different kind of saddle, mountain bikers can take on theSantos Mountain Bike Trailssouth of the city.
Courtesy of Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau
Santos has over 80 miles of single-track for beginner to expert-level riders.
Ocalas nearest commercial airport is in Gainesville, which is around 50 minutes away by car.
However, flying into Orland is often the most cost-effective choice.
Andrew Ryback/Courtesy of The World Equestrian Center
From Orlando International Airport, Ocala is a 1.5-hour drive.
