7 days in Ocala, Crystal River & St. Augustine Itinerary

Ocala is a city located in Northern Florida. On the 24th (Sat), wander the wide-open spaces of Gypsy Gold Horse Farm, take in nature's colorful creations at Sholom Park, get a new perspective on nature at Florida Museum of Natural History, then admire the natural beauty at Butterfly Rainforest, and finally identify plant and animal life at University of Florida Bat House. On your second day here, whizz through the canopy at Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours, then get a new perspective on things with Silver Springs Kayaking LLC, and then see the interesting displays at Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Ocala trip itinerary planning website.

Orlando to Ocala is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Orlando in October since evenings lows in Ocala dip to 62°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) so you can drive to Crystal River.

The jewel of Florida's Nature Coast, Crystal River spreads around spring-fed Kings Bay, known for maintaining a constant 22 C (72 F) temperature all year long.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): explore the activities along Homosassa River, identify plant and animal life at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, then look for all kinds of wild species at Three Sisters Springs, and finally see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

For traveler tips, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Crystal River day trip planning tool.

Getting from Ocala to Crystal River by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus. October in Crystal River sees daily highs of 83°F and lows of 62°F at night. You will have some time to spend on the 27th (Tue) before leaving for St. Augustine.

St. Attractions like St. Augustine Beach and St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc. make great kid-friendly stops. You'll find plenty of places to visit near St. Augustine: Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (in Ponce Inlet), Daytona Beach (Beach at Daytona Beach & The Fishing Guy) and Ormond Beach (in Ormond Beach). There's much more to do: explore the historical opulence of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, examine the collection at Lightner Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and don't miss a visit to St. George Street.

For photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the St. Augustine road trip planning site.

You can drive from Crystal River to St. Augustine in 3 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 80°F in October, and nighttime lows around 67°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) so you can go by car back home.