Ocala Night Life

When the sun goes down in Ocala

2009-07-08T06:41:00.000-07:00

When the sun goes down, Ocala gets its second wind. Neighborhood bars and pubs are popular, of course, but if your tastes run deeper, check out our other Ocala nightlife selections. Whatever your inclination, sit at the bar and relax with a cold beer, a glass of pinot noir, or a classic martini, and be sure to chat with whoever happens to be nearby, you may make a new friend or a valuable business contact. Our guide includes the hottest Ocala clubs and bars as well as the coziest hole-in-the-wall spots.

Attractions & Activities

2009-04-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

About Ocala Attractions & Activities

Ocala is home to an appealing variety of historic buildings, museums, and interesting sightseeing opportunities. Stroll through Ocala's sights on your own, or take a more organized approach to your Ocala sightseeing by checking on local tours. Take advantage of Ocala attractions and those in the surrounding area, both indoors and out. From a simple picnic or afternoon retreat to the park to a technical hike, a round of golf, or a more adventurous sport, there are plenty of Ocala activities to keep you busy.

Wild Waters Waterpark

2009-04-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Above and beyond typical aquatic parks, Wild Waters offers not only a wealth of cool-down attractions but a picturesque setting of stately oak and palm trees. A huge wave pool, a children's play lagoon, a shallow toddler area and several high-energy flumes and waterslides number among the top attractions. Other components include an arcade, food vendors, volleyball courts and changing areas with showers and lockers. Given its proximity to Silver Springs, the park offers special combination tickets that make both destinations particularly affordable.

Silver Springs

2009-04-20T13:49:00.002-07:00

One of the area's most productive freshwater springs, Silver Springs feeds the Silver River and has been a major tourist destination since the late 19th century. These days, the park offers plenty to do, and its glass-bottom boats grant a window into the clear waters and to their marine inhabitants. The park also offers a jungle cruise, live animal exhibits local wildlife, botanical gardens, a playground, petting zoo, Jeep safari and country music concerts. The 350-acre complex is certain to please, whether you appreciate natural beauty or man-made fun.

Ocala Speedway

2009-04-20T13:49:00.001-07:00

After the serenity of Ocal Forest and the horse farms have replenished your desire for quiet, head to this speedway for a blast of engine-revving and exhaust fumes. Activity at the low-banked, 3/8-mile asphalt track will feed your need for speed as you cheer the maneuvers of drivers vying for victory. Classes that typically race include street stock, super late model and V8 bomber, although you can also catch UPM Pro Modifieds and the Tuff Truck Series. Friday night events are planned to be especially family-friendly.

Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

2009-04-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

If you own classic cars, love hot rods, or just have an abiding admiration for them, this museum is a great find. The complex traces the history of drag racing, features all sorts of artifacts and memorabilia (including dealer's banners), and showcases a number of vintage vehicles. In fact, you can catch sight of President Dwight Eisenhower's own 1956 Chrysler Imperial! In addition, Don Garlits' own racing milestones and achievements are highlighted.

Appleton Museum of Art

2009-04-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

This elegant museum, clean-lined and swathed in travertine, was created in 1987 to house the holdings of Chicago businessman Arthur I. Appleton. In the years since, its purpose has grown, and its gallery space has increased to 34,000 square feet, but the museum's reputation remains strong. Collections feature both ancient and contemporary art, along with holdings representing Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and pre-Colombian America.

When the sun goes down in Ocala

2009-04-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

The Leopard Lounge

2009-04-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Leopard Lounge is Ocala's ONLY Upscale VIP Lounge. Set upstairs, inside Ocala's Largest nightclub, its a loft. It houses 7 tables for VIP Service. All bottle service available. They have a large variety of bottles. Contact their Vip Manager. He was a great help!

Rush Nightclub and Ultra Lounge

2009-04-20T13:38:00.002-07:00

The lights the sound and the sexy people. I felt i was on southbeach in the middle of ocala.... I had the best time...

JokeBoys Comedy Club

2009-04-20T13:38:00.001-07:00

They have great comics, a full bar and the price is reasonable. $12 a show. I have left laughing so hard my head hurt.

Downtown Billiards

2009-04-20T13:37:00.001-07:00

Great times and great people.

Coconut Jacks

2009-04-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

Coconut Jacks plays the best music ranging from the 70's, 80's and todays best!! Me and my friends go there every thursday for ladies night. Best part it's a non-smoking night club.

Tin Cup's Tavern

2009-04-20T13:35:00.002-07:00

Sometimes, you just want to kick back and relax to some good music, away from meat-market posturing and too-loud dance mixes. Tin Cup's in perfect synch with such an inclination, and they deliver it with great local bands. Music is reliably strong, and the less mainstream rock and country originals are a welcome departure from cover tunes and self-indulgent dreck. Audiences respond to the talent, and the atmosphere is completely conducive to comfortable listening and easy-going nights.

Ocala Wine Experience

2009-04-20T13:35:00.001-07:00

Owned by an English woman with an affinity for good wines, this cozy establishment has become an Ocala mainstay. A downtown location puts it in the thick of things, and guests drop in to buy vintages by the bottle or to lounge in the Bistro Room, which offers by-the-glass wines and light fare. In the courtyard, fine cigars can be savored, and on weekends, live music adds to the relaxed ambience. Prominently displayed in the wine bar is the owner's own brand of California-produced wines, the colorfully named Horse's Ass line.

Midnight Rodeo and Zanzabar

2009-04-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Curiously enough, these two clubs, one a country venue and the other a hip-hop haven, are neighbors in the same complex. They attract tons of attention from local club-goers, and on weekends, you'll likely have to brave a line of folks waiting to get in. Large dance floors and great music get lots of praise, and the social scene is a huge draw at both places. Special events at Midnight Rodeo include karaoke and line dancing lessons; at Zanzabar, weekly contests and ladies' night regularly pull patrons in.

Marion Theatre Improv Comedy

2009-04-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

If the work week's been stressful and your schedule is overrun with obligations, relieve the tension at these gut-busting shows. Rife with topical humor, they also rely on input from the audience, guaranteeing that no two events are ever the same. With plenty of non sequiturs and quick word associations, the improv performances will have you...

Bankshot Billiards

2009-04-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Whether you crave a round of eight-ball or just want to practice your stop shot and your English, this well-equipped place stands at the ready. Beneath high ceilings, 17 tables cater to folks of all skill levels. Pub food helps restore your energy, and a full bar keeps refreshments flowing. Plus, Bankshot's "Rhythm Room" supplies great music...

Charlie Horse Restaurant & Lounge

2009-04-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Most times, this casual place is filled with locals intent on finding some good burgers and steaks. However, the laid-back atmosphere gives way to more energetic behavior once 9pm rolls around. At that point, karaoke makes its way to the forefront, and patrons send out their best renditions of classics and current hits. A full bar ensures that...

New restaurant Pi located on Broadway in downtown Ocala

2009-04-10T06:43:00.001-07:00

Enjoy a mood of eclectic soothing music with an upstairs open deck to set the atmosphere for a phenomenal evening! The new restaurant Pi located on Broadway in downtown Ocala, Fl has been rated the top spot for entertainment and delicious food!

Need you information and comments

2009-03-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

I figured I'd start a simple blog so that I could get the opinions of others about what is going on in Ocala at night.