Planning a precious mother-daughter getaway to Ocala, Florida

Luxury family travel is more popular than ever with today’s high-net-worth families continuing to seek unique destinations and amenities. These families want more than your average vacation itinerary, looking to add educational experiences, ecological expeditions, adventurous outings and more to their trip plans. 

Research shared by the Adventure Travel Trade Association indicates that the adventure travel category alone is an over $683 billion market with the fastest growing types related to family-friendly travel activities. 

These adventure focused trips, sometimes referred to as “experiential” travel, are trending globally as they help families spend quality time in beautiful locations while entertaining family members of all ages and tastes. It is no longer just a stay at a luxury resort in the mountains, now it’s a concierge curated itinerary packed with mountain climbing, zip lining, kayaking, bird watching, shopping, spa treatments and elegant cuisine. With such uniquely tailored itineraries it is no wonder high-net-worth families continue to prioritize travel.

Family trips create those core memories children (and parents) can cherish for a lifetime. The experiences that create the stories that come up at the dinner table for years to come. And although traveling with the whole family is great for logging those quality time hours, there is something extra special about planning a trip with just one of your kids customized directly to that child’s needs and interests. 

Even as a travel writer planning that perfect adventure packed 3-day trip for a very girly, animal loving preschooler is a bit of a challenge. She likes to stay active, but does not always like to be outdoors. She loves to spend time with animals, but prefers zoos and tours above farms and nature hikes. Like a true princess it can’t be too hot, or too cold, it must be just right. And there must be pancakes, hamburgers and chocolate treats for this particular picky eater. Ocala, Florida was recommended and it checked all of the boxes. 

Whether your daughter is 4, 14 or 24, try this precious mother-daughter itinerary for your next family getaway.

Walk, shop and grab lunch in historic Downtown Ocala. 

With its postcard-worthy, Americana vibe the historic city streets of downtown and midtown Ocala offer a relaxed atmosphere full of local boutiques, small businesses, restaurants, bars and breweries. 

The “Brick City” was first settled in the 1840s and then rebuilt in 1883 after a fire destroyed the town center. Another period of revitalization occurred in the 1930s and 40s causing the quaint town to have an eclectic mix of architectural styles. A replica of the original 1888 bandstand gazebo sits in the Downtown Ocala Historic Square surrounded by oak trees and public art providing the perfect spot for a mother-daughter photo moment.

After strolling downtown and soaking up the sites, adventure loving mother-daughter duos should try lunch at the Depot on Magnolia. This converted historic steampunk train depot in the heart of Old Town features traditional American fare served with a side of whimsical train history. Sweet treat fans should also make sure to leave room after lunch for a stop at Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop where both kids and adults can find all their favorite candy brands. 

Rest and play at the family-friendly World Equestrian Center. 

Mother-daughter duos do not need to be members of the equestrian community to appreciate this equestrian paradise. The World Equestrian Center is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and offers a variety of state-of-the-art facilities for equestrian events, in addition to deluxe stabling, a veterinary clinic and more that attracts some of the top riders in the world. Far more than just a great place to experience an equestrian event, the complex also welcomes sporting events, canine and animal shows, meetings, trade shows and large conferences as well as private events and weddings.

The World Equestrian center is making waves in central Florida becoming well known for its luxurious lodging options, shopping and a surprising amount of restaurants, cafes and bars that accommodate different budgets and preferences. Visitors can book an opulent stay at The Equestrian Hotel or stay at the stylish and pet-friendly Riding Academy Hotel. Each hotel showcases its own unique interior design concepts all perfectly themed for animal enthusiasts. Mom and daughter can easily make an activity of walking the public spaces of the hotel and looking at the many fanciful design features and pieces of artwork around the property. 

Guests of the hotel properties are able to rent a golf cart and explore the expansive grounds visiting the Grand Arena viewing area, shops and various dining options like Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe, Emma’s Patisserie and the Yellow Pony Pub & Garden.

Have a mother-daughter spa day at the Calluna Spa. 

Whether you and your daughter are staying on the World Equestrian Center property or at a nearby hotel or rental, the Calluna Spa is the perfect addition to your getaway itinerary. Found on the second floor of The Equestrian Hotel this full-service spa is open 7 days a week and offers a variety of services from massages to facials to nail and hair services. 

Spa duos will be treated to luxurious robes and slippers, offered teas and other beverages and welcomed to rest and recharge in the spa’s chic lounge and changing rooms.

Older daughters with their mothers can book a full day package like the Midnight Trail Ride that includes a massage with lavender infused oil, collagen facial, signature pedicure, blowout and celebrated with a glass of champagne. Those with younger daughters might enjoy booking nail services like the Steamed Lavender Milk Manicure & Pedicure.

Bond over afternoon tea in the Paris Room at Stirrups Restaurant.

Pack your tea hats and elegant afternoon attire as mother-daughter duos will not want to skip the Afternoon Tea in the Paris Room at Stirrups Restaurant. Located on the first floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Stirrups Restaurant is another incredible dining location found within The World Equestrian Center complex. The fine-dining restaurant welcomes guests as well as community members to experience a British influenced afternoon tea service in their stunning black and gold gilded private dining room overlooking the Grand Arena grounds.

Mom and daughter will marvel at the tea and menu selection starting with a glass of champagne then followed by a personal pot of tea and tiers of savory and sweet treats. The impressive staff can effortlessly accommodate dietary restrictions and children’s preferences, as well as offer decaffeinated and non-alcoholic alternatives to menu items so guests will never have to sit out a course. 

This special itinerary item will require planning your getaway to fall on the last weekend of the month. Advanced reservations are required for afternoon tea.

Marvel at the natural beauty of central Florida with a glass bottom boat tour of Silver Springs State Park.

Whether your daughter is 4 or 40, the over 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park makes a beautiful day-trip for those staying in Ocala. Located in the nearby town of Silver Springs, the park encompasses numerous natural springs, the entire 5-mile Silver River and surrounding Sandhill Forest that’s home to many animals including manatees, river fish, birds, reptiles and even a community of monkeys.

Mother-daughter duos can hike the park’s trails, stop by The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, rent kayaks to explore the waterways or book 30 or 90-minute glass bottom boat guided tours to get up close and personal with the springs, wildlife and even some old movie props. 

This adventure offers a bit of a twist for history fans. Not only has Silver Springs been welcoming tourists since 1820, and offering glass bottom boat tours since the 1870s, but Silver Springs is also well known for its connection to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Hollywood discovered Silver Springs in the late 1930s and over the years, scenes from at least 20 movies were filmed at the park. Notable movies you and your daughter might recognize include Creature from the Black Lagoon, Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean, Distant Drums starring Gary Cooper, the James Bond movie Moonraker and multiple Tarzan films. The park was temporarily owned by ABC Paramount in hopes of becoming a competitor to big names like Disney, SeaWorld and later, Universal Studios but after years of ecological concerns about the park the Florida Park Service regained the property in 2013 revitalizing the landscape. Thankfully, the park service still preserves bits of its old Hollywood legacy.

Other adventures to consider

These suggestions are just an example of some of the activities to build into your Ocala, Florida itinerary. Other experiences to consider include horseback riding and trail experiences, seeing a show at The Marion Theater, stopping by historic sites like Fort King National Historic Landmark or enjoying the plethora of natural springs, water sports and river tubing. 

With a truly unique mix of experiences to try, this central Florida secret gem should be added to your family’s travel bucket list. The perfect blend of rest and excitement, consider visiting Ocala for your next getaway.  

Anna Marie Imbordino

Anna Marie Imbordino is a travel writer from Charleston, SC, USA. Her love of history and the arts keeps her traveling, looking to experience not just the places, but the people who create stories.