Ocala Visitors Bureau

The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau is the county's official tourism office. This guide covers where its Visitor Center is, when it is open and what it offers visitors and event planners.

Plan Your VisitMeeting Planning
The Ocala/Marion County Visitor Center is at 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34475. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; call (352) 438-2800 or 1-888-FL-OCALA.

About the Ocala/Marion County VCB

The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) promotes Marion County to leisure travelers, meeting planners, sports event organizers and tour operators. It runs the Visitor Center at 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd. in downtown Ocala, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, where visitors can pick up a vacation guide. Its website is OcalaMarion.com, and its phone numbers are (352) 438-2800 and 1-888-FL-OCALA. Only In Ocala is an independent publication and is not affiliated with the VCB.

Tourism supports more than 8,600 jobs and nearly $1 billion in local economic impact in Marion County, and more than 1.4 million visitors spend an estimated $664 million a year, helping offset more than $453 in household taxes, according to the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau's tourism research (Oct. 2024–Sept. 2025). During National Travel and Tourism Week in May 2026, the VCB also launched its first online store, Shop.OcalaMarion.com.

Visitor Center

109 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34475. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Vacation Guide

The VCB offers a free vacation guide and an email newsletter through OcalaMarion.com, and the guide is available at the Visitor Center.

Phone

(352) 438-2800 or toll-free 1-888-FL-OCALA.

Visitor Resources

Access comprehensive planning tools and information to make the most of your Marion County experience.

Visitor Guides & Maps
Comprehensive printed guides and digital maps covering attractions, dining, shopping, events, and accommodations throughout Marion County.
Attraction Information
Detailed information on natural springs, equestrian facilities, cultural venues, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Event Calendar
Up-to-date listings of festivals, concerts, theater productions, sports events, and cultural activities happening in Marion County.
Local Expertise
Personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff familiar with neighborhoods, dining, entertainment, and hidden gems throughout Marion County.

Meetings, Sports Events and Group Travel

Besides serving leisure visitors, the bureau markets Ocala/Marion County to meeting planners, sports event organizers and tour operators.

Meetings and Events

The bureau's meetings page describes venues in the county that host audiences ranging from 400 to more than 4,000 guests.

Event Funding

The VCB offers funding programs for events held in Ocala/Marion County, based on the size and length of the event and the number of hotel room nights it generates.

Sports and Tour Groups

The bureau's website has separate sections for sports event organizers and for tour operators planning group trips to the county.

Planning an Event in Marion County?

Meeting and event planners can find venue information and funding details on the bureau's Meetings & Events page or call the Visitor Center at (352) 438-2800.

Call (352) 438-2800

Things to Know Before You Visit

Weather & Best Times
Marion County enjoys mild winters and warm summers. October through April offers comfortable temperatures. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June through September.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is recommended for exploring Marion County. Ocala is centrally located and easily accessible from major Florida highways. Downtown has walkable areas with parking available.
Where to Stay
Marion County offers accommodations ranging from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget-friendly options. Downtown Ocala, I-75 corridors, and Silver Springs areas have variety of hotels serving different preferences and budgets.
Peak Season Planning
Winter months (December-February) and spring breaks see higher visitor volume. Advance reservations recommended for accommodations and popular attractions during peak periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does the Ocala Visitors Bureau provide?
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) is the county tourism office. It publishes a free vacation guide and an email newsletter, runs the Visitor Center in downtown Ocala, and markets the county to meeting planners, sports event organizers and tour operators. It also offers event funding programs based on the size and length of an event and the hotel room nights it generates.
How can I plan a group visit or convention in Ocala?
The VCB website has a Meetings & Events section with venue information for groups of about 400 to more than 4,000 guests, details on its event funding programs, and a section for tour operators. Planners can call the Visitor Center at (352) 438-2800 or 1-888-FL-OCALA.
Where is the Ocala Visitors Bureau located?
The Ocala/Marion County Visitor Center is at 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34475, in downtown Ocala. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the VCB, and visitors can stop in to pick up a vacation guide. The phone number is (352) 438-2800, or toll-free 1-888-FL-OCALA.
What should I know before visiting Ocala?
Ocala features a temperate Florida climate year-round. Best visiting months are October through April when temperatures are mild. Pack sunscreen and stay hydrated. The city offers diverse attractions including natural springs, equestrian facilities, cultural venues, dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation. Advance planning is recommended for peak season visits.
Can the Visitors Bureau help with hotel and restaurant recommendations?
The VCB website and its vacation guide list places to stay and eat across Marion County, and Visitor Center staff can answer questions during business hours. For Only In Ocala listings, see the hotels and restaurants guides linked on this page.
Does Ocala have facilities for large conferences and events?
Yes. The VCB describes meeting venues in Marion County that can host audiences ranging from 400 to more than 4,000 guests, and it offers event funding programs tied to event size, length and hotel room nights.

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Ready to Plan Your Marion County Experience?

The Visitor Center is at 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the VCB.

Call (352) 438-2800Visit OcalaMarion.com