A renowned travel publication recently highlighted the city of Ocala for its “superlatives” and “fair share of cool things,” including Silver Springs State Park, the Ocala National Forest, and the World Equestrian Center.
Travel + Leisure recently profiled Ocala in an article that praised the city as “Home to the Largest Spring in the US” and the “Horse Capital of the World.”
“You don’t hear about Central Florida very often, and when you do, chances are it has something to do with Walt Disney World. But just over an hour north of the famed resort complex is the mid-sized city of Ocala, a destination bursting with superlatives,” reads the article from Travel + Leisure.
The magazine calls Ocala a “water wonderland,” citing over 600 lakes in the area that make for great swimming, laking, and other activities, as well as the opportunity to see manatees, ride glass-bottom boats, or kayak through the Silver River.
In addition to the attractions, the magazine cites the city’s equestrian center, which is the largest in the nation, and the city’s history of producing championship horses, including six Kentucky Derby winners.
“A 2023 study by the American Horse Council Foundation found that the surrounding county is home to 75,000 horses and ponies, more than any other single county or parish in the U.S.,” reads the article.
The Ocala National Forest and the many hiking and biking trails in the area were also mentioned by the magazine.
Founded in 1937 as U.S. Camera and Travel, the magazine transitioned to Travel + Leisure in 1971. Based in New York City, the monthly magazine claims to have 4.8 million readers. It is published by Dotdash Meredith, which also owns People and several other publications.