From North to South, and everywhere in between, the different and diverse sections of Ocala offer something for everyone. The Southeastern portion is especially diverse, offering an assortment of Ocala Horse Farms, agricultural properties, quiet neighborhoods, outdoor activities, and so much more. Convenient and private, this area is perfect for a variety of lifestyles, from the avid fisherman to the active equestrian. Here are 5 reasons why Southeastern Ocala is a particularly great place to Fall in Love with Where You Live!
1. The Florida Horse Park
With 500 acres of equestrian facilities and year-round events, the Florida Horse Park is the place for equine enthusiasts in Marion County. It offers access to trails on the Florida Greenway, cross-country riding, several dressage arenas, and nearly 500 stalls. The Florida Horse Park has had some major improvements since 2018, including 160 new stalls, a new water hazard designed by Course Designer/Builder Jay Hambly, new PA system, and much more. A multi-purpose facility, this premier venue’s offerings are unique and diverse!
Whether competing or spectating is your thing, the Park hosts several events throughout the year including Western Dressage, the Young Event Horse Series, the new Grandview Invitational Draft Show (pictured above), and multiple educational events. With its nearly endless resources for equestrians, the Florida Horse Park helps make Southeastern Ocala the perfect home for horse lovers. Beyond just hosting events for equestrians, the Florida Horse Park has a diverse offering of events for the non-equestrian as well– Hot-Air Balloon Festivals, cattle shows, classic car exhibitions, and more!
2. The Florida Cross Greenway
A truly unique nature experience, the Florida Cross Greenway began its life as a massive public works project, the Cross Florida Barge Canal. The ambitious project to dig a canal across the entire state was abandoned and eventually reimagined as a beautiful network of trails and campsites stretching from the east coast of Florida to the west. 300 miles of trails to be exact, perfect for hiking, biking, riding, and even kayaking. Several miles of those trails lie in Southeastern Ocala, with access points at the Florida Horse Park, Santos Trailhead, and the Turning Hawk neighborhood. If you love the outdoors, living close to the Greenway is essential.
3. Santos Trailhead
A mecca of mountain biking in the Ocala area, Santos Trailhead boasts over 80 miles of bike trails for all levels of experience, as well as hiking and equestrian trails. It also provides access to the Greenway, and includes part of the Florida National Scenic Trail which extends to Dunnellon and the Ocala National Forest. Mountain bikers definitely won’t want to miss Santos’ annual Fat Tire Festival: beginning the first weekend in March, it features three days of demo rides, skill clinics, trail rides, plus the largest collection of bicycle vendors in the region.
4. The Villages
You don’t have to be a member of this famously luxurious active adult community to enjoy its many advantages. The Villages features almost endless options for shopping and dining, including a Wolfgang Puck restaurant coming next year. There is live entertainment in each of its three town squares every night from 5 til 9, and each town square boasts its own movie theatre. Famous entertainment acts often visit the Villages, and in the past the community has hosted such legendary names as Chubby Checker, Willie Nelson, and the Beach Boys.
5. Lake Weir
Tucked away amid rolling hills and fragrant orange groves, Lake Weir occupies 5,700 acres south of Ocala proper. It’s the pefect place to spend a day on the water fishing, boating, swimming, and enjoying our plentiful sunshine. Carney Island on the west side of the lake offers a boat launch and hiking, and Eaton’s Beach is the perfect place for a lakeside lunch where you can also rent boats, kayaks, and beach cabanas. Fishermen will enjoy the opportunity to catch several species of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black crappie. You may even be able to spot alligators basking in the sun if you’re patient. If you love the water, Southeastern Ocala may be the perfect place for you!
Take a look at properties we have listed in the area
Tucked away amid rolling hills and fragrant orange groves, Lake Weir occupies 5,700 acres south of Ocala proper. It’s the pefect place to spend a day on the water fishing, boating, swimming, and enjoying our plentiful sunshine. Carney Island on the west side of the lake offers a boat launch and hiking, and Eaton’s Beach is the perfect place for a lakeside lunch where you can also rent boats, kayaks, and beach cabanas. Southeastern Ocala is definitely the place to be for those who love the water!
If you’re ready to discover the South Eastern portion of Ocala, contact us today to get in touch with one of our local experts!
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