AN OVERLOOKED American destination has been named one of the best places to travel in the world.
Ocala National Forest is often passed over by vacationers looking to visit nearby theme parks and beaches – but it’s been praised as a great spot to explore some of Florida’s wild nature.
Florida’s Ocala National Forest offers glimpses of wildlife and rare plants (stock image)[/caption]
Snorkelers swim at Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Altoona, Florida, near the Ocala National Forest[/caption]
Ocala National Forest entrance sign, which is located about an hour’s drive outside of Orlando[/caption]
The Southern oasis is known as one of the state’s last wild places as a home to wildlife including rare animals and exotic plants.
National Geographic included the forest in its “Best of the World 2025” list of places to travel.
“Most visitors to Central Florida are drawn to the area’s theme parks and beaches—but tucked between them is a green oasis,” the listing described.
Ocala National Forest is located about 50 miles north of Orlando, Florida.
Its convenient spot puts it about an hour’s drive away from Walt Disney World Resort.
Plus, the forest is also about an hour’s drive away from Daytona Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches known for its white sand.
Even though Ocala is nestled between family-favorite theme parks and popular beaches, the national forest attracts visitors from all around the world.
The dense greenery covers about 607 square miles of north central Florida.
Ocala is known for its wildlife as it’s home to migratory birds, black bears, and manatees alike.
“From migratory birds and playful manatees to delicate freshwater springs and some of the world’s rarest plants, the Ocala is a haven where people (and animals) escape to one of Florida’s remaining wild places,” the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service said on their site.
The forest has more than 600 lakes and rivers where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and boating.
The USDA even recommended swimming on the 387,000 acres.
“Magnificent springs form the basis for swimming holes in the Ocala National Forest, the water a constant temperature year-round and crystal-clear, excellent for snorkeling to see fish and other freshwater marine life,” the USDA said.
Plus, visitors can water ski – but the USDA warned to watch out for some creepy creatures.
National Geographic’s Best of the World list
National Geographic has shared a list of 25 places around the world that travelers should see.
The list includes:
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Ocala National Forest, Florida
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Guadalajara, Mexio
- Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy
- Los Angeles, California
- Greenland
- Kanazawa, Japan
- Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia
- Brasov, Romania
- Cerrado, Brazil
- Northland, New Zealand
- Senegal
- Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
- Barbados
- Suru Valley, India
- Boise, Idaho
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Murray River, Australia
- Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
- Cork, Ireland
- Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Tunisia
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
“Waterskiing is a popular activity on Central Florida’s lakes, including several in the Ocala National Forest,” the agency said.
“Skiers should observe all safety rules and be aware that any and all lakes and rivers in Florida are home to alligators.”
The National Forest Foundation has also expanded opportunities for travelers to explore the forest with new and improved trails and fishing piers.
The organization has also worked to preserve the forest’s ecosystem by removing invasive species and planting seeds of longleaf pines.
While Ocala is the only national forest to make it on Nat Geo’s list, it’s not the only American spot to be praised as a great vacation spot.
The network encouraged travelers to visit Los Angeles, California, to check out the city’s new art scene called Destination Crenshaw.
In a surprising turn, the list also advised checking out Boise, Idaho, to celebrate Basque people, who are descendants of French and Spanish sheepherders.
Travelers can visit Ocala National Forest and also fit in a trip to Disney World and Daytona Beach with some hour-long drives (stock image)[/caption]
National Geographic advised travelers to visit Ocala National Forest (stock image)[/caption]
