Road trip from Sarasota to Ocala
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Outdoor Activities
Fun & Games
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Museums
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Outdoor Activities
Fun & Games
Nightlife
Shopping
Food & Drink
Museums
Nature & Parks
Concerts & Shows
Sights & Landmarks
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ITINERARY
2h 48m147 miles28 stops
1
Pineapple Rocks
Amazing crystals, fossils, jewelry, dinosaur teeth, shark teeth, rock and roll memorabilia and other cool stuff you've never seen before. We have a great stock of minerals and rocks WHOLESALE TO THE PUBLIC by the flat and by the pound. We make our own wire wrapped jewelry and can turn your treasures into wearable art. You can design and make your own jewelry with a Sterling silver pendant, shark tooth, crystal or ceramic pendant. We have a fantastic collection of Rock and Roll memorabilia and posters from the 1960s and 1970.
2
Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex
Conveniently located less than two miles from downtown Sarasota, Arlington Park was selected as one of the South Florida locations on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail. This city park offers residents and visitors a 50-meter lap pool, 25-yard instructional pool, outdoor and indoor basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, outdoor fitness gym, ½-mile walking trail, and dog park. This park is owned and operated by the City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District. Many recreational, as well as aquatic programs, are offered.
3
Village Bikes
4
Bobby Jones Golf Club
Nature Trails only at this time. 5.23.2020 Bobby Jones Golf Club is the only golf facility located within the city limits of beautiful Sarasota - a golfing mecca nestled on the Gulf of Mexico coast just one hour south of Tampa, Florida. The facility sits on 325 contiguous acres of virgin meadowland adjacent to Fruitville Road (State Road 780), the gateway to downtown Sarasota and its world famous beaches. This historic gem, initially designed by Donald Ross in 1926, has grown to include two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole executive course. A particularly unique feature of this complex is the absence of any building development on all but one golf hole.
5
Big Top Brewing Company
When we started Big Top Brewing Company, there were no craft breweries in the Sarasota area and we set out to fix that. We wanted to compliment Sarasota’s historical associations with The Ringling Circus, performing arts, great architecture, the best art and design schools and world renown tourism. The best way we could do that was to craft beer that our home town can be proud of. We plan to continue the tradition of the arts and help Sarasota add beer town to its identity. Come step under our big top and see for yourself. Big Top Brewing Company artistically crafts world class beers, inspired by our passion, integrity, and the history of our home town.
6
Gulf Gate Public Library
7
The Ale and the Witch
8
Museum of Fine Arts
From a legendary permanent collection, to compelling traveling exibitions, the MFA is ready to inspire with diverse and ever-changing opportunities to experience art. Discover over 4,500 years of civilization in thousands of objects ranging from antiquity to the present- the only comprehensive art collection of its kind on Florida's west coast.
9
Gizella Kopsick Arboretum
10
Bayshore Boulevard
Home of the world's longest sidewalk.
11
WestShore Plaza
12
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
13
Al Lopez Park
Two popular flat loops, .8 and 1.2-miles, through the woods.
14
University of South Florida Botanical Gardens, Tampa
15
Sholom Park
Sholom Park is a non-profit, privately owned, 44-acre botanical garden in Ocala, Florida. Opened to the public in 2004, the park features more than 2 miles of paved trails and more than 100 species of plants and trees. Sholom Park seeks to become a model of land stewardship and the preservation of open space for education and public enjoyment. Guests are invited to experience a true feeling of serenity, contentment, joy and inner peace.
16
Baseline Golf Course
This is a 19-hole, public golf course.
17
Ocala Drive-In
18
Bonkerz Comedy Club - Ocala
Bonkerz Comedy Club inside The Lodge brings in the funniest comedians from TV & the movies the first Friday and Saturday of each month at 8pm.
19
Baseline Road Trailhead
20
Infinite Ale Works
21
Marion Theatre
22
The Brick City Center for the Arts
Located in historic downtown Ocala, The Brick City Center for the Arts features the art of our area's most talented artist. The exhibits change every month and features a variety of medium including visual, pottery, wood, metal, paper, and more. Artful gifts can be found in The Brick's gift shop. A charming courtyard is adjacent to The Brick and makes a lovely place to sit and enjoy!
23
Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club
24
Oakbrook Labyrinth
25
Trilogy Golf Club at Ocala Preserve
Conceptualized by celebrated golf course designer Tripp Davis and PGA Tour star Tom Lehman, Trilogy® Golf Club at Ocala Preserve is where golf changes forever. Not only does the course include all the challenges of a traditionally-styled golf course, but its revolutionary routing provides maximum flexibility in terms of playability, challenge and time commitment.
26
Ocala Civic Theatre
Ocala Civic Theatre has been uplifting, inspiring, and entertaining our community for more than 70 years. Founded in 1950, OCT is one of the largest community theatres in the state and serves 65,000 local residents each season. We are able to present professional-quality live performances thanks to the talents and dedication of our volunteers, staff, and guest designers. In addition, OCT’s Education & Enrichment programs reach more than 1,000 learners of all ages year-round through skill-building and performance classes. Celebrating 70 Years of OCT History! Our story began on March 3, 1950 at the first organizational meeting of The Marion Players, a group of young people who decided Ocala needed a “little theatre.” They had a wide variety of theatrical talents and experience, and they all shared a deep desire to provide the highest quality entertainment for local audiences.
27
Young's Paso Fino Ranch
28
Haile Farmers Market
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:Pineapple Rocks
Sarasota, Florida·
5.0
(9) review
Amazing crystals, fossils, jewelry, dinosaur teeth, shark teeth, rock and roll memorabilia and other cool stuff you've never seen before. We have a great stock of minerals and rocks WHOLESALE TO THE PUBLIC by the flat and by the pound. We make our own wire wrapped jewelry and can turn your treasures into wearable art. You can design and make your own jewelry with a Sterling silver pendant, shark tooth, crystal or ceramic pendant. We have a fantastic collection of Rock and Roll memorabilia and posters from the 1960s and 1970.
2
Start:Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex
Sarasota, Florida·
4.5
(9) review
Conveniently located less than two miles from downtown Sarasota, Arlington Park was selected as one of the South Florida locations on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail. This city park offers residents and visitors a 50-meter lap pool, 25-yard instructional pool, outdoor and indoor basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, outdoor fitness gym, ½-mile walking trail, and dog park. This park is owned and operated by the City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District. Many recreational, as well as aquatic programs, are offered.
3
Start:Village Bikes
Sarasota, Florida·
4.0
(9) review
3898 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239-6830
4
Start:Bobby Jones Golf Club
Sarasota, Florida·
3.0
(97) review
Nature Trails only at this time. 5.23.2020 Bobby Jones Golf Club is the only golf facility located within the city limits of beautiful Sarasota - a golfing mecca nestled on the Gulf of Mexico coast just one hour south of Tampa, Florida. The facility sits on 325 contiguous acres of virgin meadowland adjacent to Fruitville Road (State Road 780), the gateway to downtown Sarasota and its world famous beaches. This historic gem, initially designed by Donald Ross in 1926, has grown to include two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole executive course. A particularly unique feature of this complex is the absence of any building development on all but one golf hole.
5
Start:Big Top Brewing Company
Sarasota, Florida·
4.5
(91) review
When we started Big Top Brewing Company, there were no craft breweries in the Sarasota area and we set out to fix that. We wanted to compliment Sarasota’s historical associations with The Ringling Circus, performing arts, great architecture, the best art and design schools and world renown tourism. The best way we could do that was to craft beer that our home town can be proud of. We plan to continue the tradition of the arts and help Sarasota add beer town to its identity. Come step under our big top and see for yourself. Big Top Brewing Company artistically crafts world class beers, inspired by our passion, integrity, and the history of our home town.
6
Start:Gulf Gate Public Library
Sarasota, Florida·
5.0
(92) review
7112 Curtiss Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231-8013
7
Start:The Ale and the Witch
St. Petersburg, Florida·
4.0
(91) review
111 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3434
8
Start:Museum of Fine Arts
St. Petersburg, Florida·
4.5
(964) review
From a legendary permanent collection, to compelling traveling exibitions, the MFA is ready to inspire with diverse and ever-changing opportunities to experience art. Discover over 4,500 years of civilization in thousands of objects ranging from antiquity to the present- the only comprehensive art collection of its kind on Florida's west coast.
9
Start:Gizella Kopsick Arboretum
St. Petersburg, Florida·
4.5
(97) review
901 N Shore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-2052
10
Start:Bayshore Boulevard
Tampa, Florida·
4.5
(972) review
Home of the world's longest sidewalk.
11
Start:WestShore Plaza
Tampa, Florida·
4.0
(99) review
250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609-1918
12
Start:Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Tampa, Florida·
3.5
(96) review
1630 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
13
Start:Al Lopez Park
Tampa, Florida·
4.0
(97) review
Two popular flat loops, .8 and 1.2-miles, through the woods.
14
Start:University of South Florida Botanical Gardens, Tampa
Tampa, Florida·
3.5
(98) review
4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620-5150
15
Start:Sholom Park
Ocala, Florida·
5.0
(630) review
Sholom Park is a non-profit, privately owned, 44-acre botanical garden in Ocala, Florida. Opened to the public in 2004, the park features more than 2 miles of paved trails and more than 100 species of plants and trees. Sholom Park seeks to become a model of land stewardship and the preservation of open space for education and public enjoyment. Guests are invited to experience a true feeling of serenity, contentment, joy and inner peace.
16
Start:Baseline Golf Course
Ocala, Florida·
4.5
(76) review
This is a 19-hole, public golf course.
17
Start:Ocala Drive-In
Ocala, Florida·
4.5
(63) review
4850 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34480-9105
18
Start:Bonkerz Comedy Club - Ocala
Ocala, Florida·
4.5
(7) review
Bonkerz Comedy Club inside The Lodge brings in the funniest comedians from TV & the movies the first Friday and Saturday of each month at 8pm.
19
Start:Baseline Road Trailhead
Ocala, Florida·
5.0
(8) review
4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34480
20
Start:Infinite Ale Works
Ocala, Florida·
4.5
(63) review
304 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471-1158
21
Start:Marion Theatre
Ocala, Florida·
4.5
(90) review
50 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471-1153
22
Start:The Brick City Center for the Arts
Ocala, Florida·
4.5
(7) review
Located in historic downtown Ocala, The Brick City Center for the Arts features the art of our area's most talented artist. The exhibits change every month and features a variety of medium including visual, pottery, wood, metal, paper, and more. Artful gifts can be found in The Brick's gift shop. A charming courtyard is adjacent to The Brick and makes a lovely place to sit and enjoy!
23
Start:Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club
Ocala, Florida·
4.5
(9) review
5174 NW 26th St, Ocala, FL 34482-3250
24
Start:Oakbrook Labyrinth
Ocala, Florida·
2.5
(7) review
Oakbrook Life Enrichment Center 1009 N.E. 28th Ave., Ocala, FL
25
Start:Trilogy Golf Club at Ocala Preserve
Ocala, Florida·
4.0
(7) review
Conceptualized by celebrated golf course designer Tripp Davis and PGA Tour star Tom Lehman, Trilogy® Golf Club at Ocala Preserve is where golf changes forever. Not only does the course include all the challenges of a traditionally-styled golf course, but its revolutionary routing provides maximum flexibility in terms of playability, challenge and time commitment.
26
Start:Ocala Civic Theatre
Ocala, Florida·
4.5
(81) review
Ocala Civic Theatre has been uplifting, inspiring, and entertaining our community for more than 70 years. Founded in 1950, OCT is one of the largest community theatres in the state and serves 65,000 local residents each season. We are able to present professional-quality live performances thanks to the talents and dedication of our volunteers, staff, and guest designers. In addition, OCT’s Education & Enrichment programs reach more than 1,000 learners of all ages year-round through skill-building and performance classes. Celebrating 70 Years of OCT History! Our story began on March 3, 1950 at the first organizational meeting of The Marion Players, a group of young people who decided Ocala needed a “little theatre.” They had a wide variety of theatrical talents and experience, and they all shared a deep desire to provide the highest quality entertainment for local audiences.
27
Start:Young's Paso Fino Ranch
Ocala, Florida·
4.0
(9) review
7950 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482-1112
28
Start:Haile Farmers Market
Gainesville, Florida·
5.0
(7) review
5213 SW 91st Ter, Gainesville, FL 32608-7125
CHECKLIST
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Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Sarasota and Ocala?
The distance is 147 miles
What's the travel time between Sarasota and Ocala?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 2h 48m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Sarasota and Ocala?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Ocala?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Ocala
What’s the weather like in Ocala?
The weather in Ocala is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Ocala in January
Weather in Ocala in February
Weather in Ocala in March
Weather in Ocala in April
Weather in Ocala in May
Weather in Ocala in June
Weather in Ocala in July
Weather in Ocala in August
Weather in Ocala in September
Weather in Ocala in October
Weather in Ocala in November
Weather in Ocala in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Ocala?
Plan your dream Ocala trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Sarasota?
We have a lot of great trip options for Sarasota! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you