Ocala city centre is centred on Historic Downtown Ocala, where historic buildings, murals and public spaces give you a place to start exploring downtown. You can get around by car, SunTran or the free Downtown Ocala Trolley, and find practical details on parking and seasonal events below.
- Historic character: Some downtown buildings date to the 1800s, and self-guided historic tours are available.
- From the hotel: The centre is about a 5-minute drive or a 43-minute walk from Silver Princess, a two-star motel in Ocala.
- Public space: Citizens’ Circle is a downtown park with benches, public art and a splash pad.
- Transport: The Downtown Ocala Trolley is free and runs Wednesday–Saturday.
Getting Oriented in Ocala City Centre
Historic Downtown Ocala is the best starting point for getting your bearings in the city centre. The Ocala/Marion County tourism bureau describes the area as a place for self-guided historic tours, with murals and buildings dating back to the 1800s.
For local background, the Marion County Museum of History offers another way to connect a downtown visit with the area’s past. The museum is a separate stop, so check its details before making plans.
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau is at 109 W Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34475. Its listing welcomes walk-ins and includes accessibility, free Wi-Fi, parking and restrooms among the amenities. The bureau gives its phone number as (352) 438-2800, or 1-888-FL-OCALA.
Downtown Sights and Public Spaces
Downtown’s public spaces offer places to pause between historic streets and other stops. Citizens’ Circle sits at 151 SE Osceola Ave., at Fort King Street and Osceola Avenue, west of City Hall; its stated hours are sunrise to sunset.
The 1.09-acre park has benches, a picnic table, public art, a restroom, a splash pad, a stage and a water fountain. Tuscawilla Art Park provides another outdoor stop, with sculptures set in green space. One sculpture feature is an archway with 22 faces incorporated into its stone walls.
For more art and entertainment, the First Friday Art Walk takes place in Historic Downtown Ocala from October through May. It is free, with more than 30 art displays, live entertainment, free family art activities and extended shopping hours.
Food, Shops and Local Services
Historic Downtown is also where you can combine a walk among the murals and older buildings with shopping and the Art Walk’s extended shopping hours. The tourism bureau places the event in the downtown district, but individual shops and food businesses may keep different hours.
If your plans include a wider-ranging visit around the city, getting around Ocala by local transport can help you plan beyond the centre. For a downtown visit, check opening times with the businesses you have in mind before setting out.
Driving, Parking and Local Transport
Downtown Ocala has a parking garage, metered spaces and free parking, while SunTran and the trolley provide alternatives to driving. The City of Ocala says Downtown Parking Garage No. 2 has 402 spaces and entrances from SW Second Avenue and SW Third Avenue.
Meter rates are $1.25 per hour south of State Road 40 and $0.75 per hour north of State Road 40. Meters operate Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Free parking spaces are available downtown, including in the garage; follow posted signs.
Overnight parking is not permitted without an authorized permit, and trailers are prohibited in parking structures and lots. Drivers displaying a valid handicap permit or Disabled Veteran license plates are exempt from municipal meter or pay-station fees for up to 4 hours.
SunTran runs a scheduled fixed-route system six days per week, with seven routes in Marion County. The regular full cash fare is $1.50 and a monthly pass is $45. Routes operate 5:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays; the Downtown Transfer Station is the central stop for six routes.
The free Downtown Ocala Trolley operates Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. The city estimates a full route takes approximately 30 minutes, and describes the service as flag-down.
For the First Friday Art Walk, the city says free public parking is available throughout downtown, including the Downtown Parking Garage on SE Broadway Street and street spaces after 6:00 p.m.
Planning a Short Downtown Visit
For a compact visit, start with a self-guided look at Historic Downtown’s buildings and murals, then choose a public space or art stop. Citizens’ Circle and Tuscawilla Art Park add outdoor stops; if your visit falls from October through May, the First Friday Art Walk is another option.
The City of Ocala’s Discovery Center is at 701 NE Sanchez Ave. It is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday.
Admission is $8 for adults 18+ and children ages 3–17, $7 for seniors and veterans, and free for children age 2 and under and Discovery Center members. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour; admission includes first-floor animal exhibits, an interactive discovery hallway and a second-floor rotating exhibition space.
Before you go: Hours, fares, parking rules and event details can change, so check the City of Ocala’s official site before you go.
FAQs
What is Historic Downtown Ocala known for?
The district has self-guided historic tours, murals and buildings that date in part to the 1800s.
Is the Downtown Ocala Trolley free?
Yes. The trolley is free and operates Wednesday–Saturday, with daytime and evening service.
When does the First Friday Art Walk take place?
It takes place in Historic Downtown Ocala from October through May and is free to attend.
Where can you park in downtown Ocala?
Options include Downtown Parking Garage No. 2, metered spaces and free spaces. Check posted signs for current parking rules.