The first inhabitants of this area were the Timucuan Indians and they named it "Ocalli", a place of rich soil and crystal-clear rivers. Spanish moss hangs from the branches of oak trees along a network of pathways and freshwater streams. The largest pine forest in the world can be found here. It was used as the backdrop for the early Tarzan movies and the location is still popular with moviemakers.

A cruise in a glass-bottomed boat at Silver Springs is one of the key attractions in this area where the water is 99.8% pure. Visitors can sail down the Silver River and view a variety of marine species through the windows in the bottom of these boats. The boats were invented here in 1878.

Drag Racing legend Don Garlits opened The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala in 1984. The museum has an impressive collection of cars and memorabilia that traces the history of the sport from the 1940s to the present day. Also in the area, visitors will be delighted with the Appleton Museum of Art. Set in 44 acres of woodland, this regional landmark building is an impressive travertine marble structure housing many fascinating collections of art.