Guides β€Ί Florida β€Ί Ocala, Florida
City guide

Ocala, Florida

Ocala is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Florida, United States. Located in North Central Florida.

Type CityPopulation 63,591Metro Area Population 442,660

Why go

  • City in Florida, United States.
  • Served by Ocala International Airport - Jim Taylor Field (OCF).

History

Ocala is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Florida, United States. Located in North Central Florida. The population was 63,591 as of the 2020 census, and was estimated at 71,753 in 2025, making it the 42nd-most populated city in Florida. It is the principal city of the Ocala metropolitan area, which had a population of 442,660 in 2025.

Airports

Ocala International Airport - Jim Taylor Field (OCF) 5 mi to the centre
Ocala, FL, US β€” Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board β€” bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
George T Lewis Airport (CDK) 55 mi to the centre
Cedar Key, FL, US β€” Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board β€” bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Crystal River Airport 34 mi to the centre
Crystal River, FL, US
Outdoor
Flying Dutchman Ranch Airport 3.9 mi to the centre
Ocala, FL, US
Outdoor
Shady International Airport 6.4 mi to the centre
Ocala, FL, US
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping β†’
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map Β© OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather β€” check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Ocala International Airport - Jim Taylor Field (OCF); 26 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Ocala, Florida. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

Public transit Β· Schedules & GTFS data
Public transit Β· Schedules & GTFS data

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach

Tours & experiences