Excited for Nightlife? Discover the Best Things to Do in Ocala at Night!

Looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your evenings in Ocala? Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor activities, hitting up a bar or club, or taking it easy with a movie at the theater, Ocala has something for everyone.

So grab your calendar and get ready to plan an unforgettable evening in this vibrant Florida city.

One of the best things to do in Ocala at night is to explore the downtown square and historic district. The area boasts a variety of exciting attractions, from live music and art events to beautiful gardens and sculptures scattered around. Take a stroll down Silver Springs Boulevard, one of the main streets in downtown Ocala, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for something more laid back, consider stargazing at the Florida Trail. The Florida Trail stretches 1,300 miles from Pensacola Beach to Big Cypress and is a mecca for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The trail is known for its stunning views of the night sky, and there are plenty of spots along the way to set up camp and enjoy the stars.

Exploring Ocala’s Nightlife

Bars and Clubs

Ocala has a variety of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with a DJ and dancing, check out The Beach Club or Paddock Mall. For a more laid-back vibe, visit The Black Sheep on Broadway Street, which has a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of craft beer.

A Dinner & Drinks at Mojo Grill & Blues Bar

Located right across from Regal Hollywood 16, Mojo Grill & Blues Bar features some of the best barbecue in town and great drinks to wash it all down with. The restaurant’s vintage atmosphere with brick walls and vibrant background music transports you back in the past. You won’t be able to miss their large outdoor patio where you can have a few drinks under the twinkling lights while listening to some great blues tunes. Mojo also offers plenty of delicious food options, from American classics like burgers & fries, all the way to Mediterranean-inspired small plates. On top of that, they host regular live events where you can experience some of the best musical talents in town. So, next time you are in Ocala, be sure to stop by Mojo Grill and Blues Bar.

Live Music Venues

Ocala has a thriving music scene, with many venues offering live performances throughout the week. The Orange Blossom Opry is a popular spot for country music fans, while The Reilly Arts Center hosts a variety of musical acts, from jazz to classical. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, check out Pi on Broadway, which has live music on the weekends and a great selection of wine and beer.

A Show at The Orange Blossom Opry

For a night filled with live music, head to The Orange Blossom Opry. This venue has been voted the Most Outstanding Country Music Show of 2018 and is well-deserving of its reputation. With an expanded 1100-seat venue and great value family tickets, you can be sure of a fun evening when you visit. The Orange Blossom Opry satisfies all musical tastes with its lively mix of country, gospel, bluegrass, rock n’ roll, and comedy act performances. A night at the Orange Blossom Opry promises toe-tapping entertainment for everyone.

Night Tours

For a unique way to experience Ocala at night, consider taking a night tour. The Ocala Ghost Walks offer a spooky tour of the city’s historic district, while the Ocala Carriage and Tours take you on a romantic ride through the city’s beautiful downtown area. If you’re interested in learning about Ocala’s history, check out the Twilight Walking Tour, which takes you on a journey through the city’s past.

Culinary Experiences in Ocala

If you’re a foodie, Ocala has a lot to offer to satisfy your taste buds. From late-night dining to wine and dine experiences, you will find everything here.

Late Night Dining

If you’re looking for a late-night bite, Ocala has got you covered. Whether you’re craving a burger or pizza, you will find something to satisfy your hunger. Check out these places for some delicious late-night dining options:

• Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille: This restaurant is open until 10 pm on weekdays and 11 pm on weekends. They serve a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp and grits and jambalaya.
• Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse: This restaurant is open until 11 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends. They serve Brazilian-style steak and other meat dishes.
• Broadway Pizza: This pizza place is open until 11 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends. They serve a variety of pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes.

Wine and Dine

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Ocala has some great options for you. Here are some of the best places to wine and dine in Ocala:

• La Cuisine: This French restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner. They serve classic French dishes like escargot and coq au vin. Don’t forget to try their extensive wine list.
• Mark’s Prime Steakhouse: This steakhouse is perfect for meat lovers. They serve high-quality steaks and other meat dishes. Don’t forget to try their signature cocktails.
• Katya Vineyards: If you’re a wine lover, this is the place for you. They offer wine tastings and tours, as well as a restaurant that serves small plates to pair with your wine.

Outdoor Night Activities

The city offers a variety of options that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while having fun. Here are some of the best outdoor night activities to try:

Stargazing

Ocala is known for its clear skies, which makes it a great place for stargazing. You can head to the Ocala Astronomy Club, which hosts regular stargazing events throughout the year. They have telescopes available for use, and members of the club are happy to answer any questions you might have about astronomy. Alternatively, you can head to the Ocala National Forest, which is a designated dark sky area. Bring a blanket and some snacks, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Take a Stroll Along Silver Springs Boulevard

If you’re looking for a relaxing evening activity, take a stroll along Silver Springs Boulevard, one of the most vibrant streets in downtown Ocala. This stretch of road is the heart of the town, with quaint cafes and stores lining either side. At night, the street is lit up with bright lights and is full of people strolling along its sidewalks. Visitors often comment on how friendly the shop owners are along Silver Springs Boulevard, and locals appreciate the close proximity of all their favorite places for shopping, dining, and entertainment joints. So, if you’re planning a trip to Ocala, make sure to take a leisurely stroll along this picture-perfect street downtown.

Night Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity in Ocala, but have you ever tried it at night? The city has several trails that are open after dark, including the Santos Trailhead and the Cross Florida Greenway. You’ll need a good flashlight or headlamp, but the experience of hiking under the stars is worth it. Just make sure to stay on the designated trails and be aware of your surroundings.

Cultural Experiences

If you’re interested in exploring the cultural side of Ocala at night, there are a few options that won’t disappoint.

Art Galleries

Ocala is home to several art galleries that showcase local and regional artists. Brick City Center for the Arts is a popular destination for art enthusiasts, featuring a rotating collection of exhibits and events throughout the year. You can also check out the Appleton Museum of Art, which houses a permanent collection of over 18,000 objects spanning thousands of years of human history. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions and special events.

Theatre Performances

If you’re looking for a night of entertainment, Ocala has several theatre options to choose from. The Ocala Civic Theatre is a community theater that produces a variety of shows throughout the year, from classic plays to musicals. The Reilly Arts Center is another great option, featuring a mix of local and national acts in a beautifully restored historic venue. Finally, the Insomniac Theatre Company is a newer addition to the Ocala theatre scene, producing edgy and thought-provoking shows in a more intimate setting.

A Movie at Regal Hollywood 16

If a Hollywood flick is what you’re after, there’s no better place to visit than the Regal Hollywood 16 in Ocala. From its plush seating and wide selection of concessions to its ever-expanding list of new releases and special events, a visit to this theater is sure to please even the most discerning filmgoers. But that’s not all – they also offer an array of services like IMAX screens, reserved seating, and birthday fun packages. In short, if it has something to do with movies in greater Ocala, chances are Regal Hollywood 16 can help you out.

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

If you’re a fan of drag racing, then the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida is living proof that the future can look backwards – and sideways. This museum celebrates all elements of horsepower-powered motor racing, from its two pavilions filled with dragsters to an interactive ‘Drivers’ Clubhouse’ where you can experience life as a racer. The museum showcases over 50 years of drag racing history with an array of vintage race cars, memorabilia, and artifacts. As a testament to Don Garlits himself, this museum gives people the chance to try and feel the power of drag racing on a whole different level. Race fans around the world have already experienced this unique attraction – will you be next? There’s also an on-site restaurant and gift shop that’s open every day from 9 am to 4 pm.

Unusual Nighttime Activities

Here are two unusual nighttime activities to check out:

Ghost Tours

If you’re a fan of the paranormal, you won’t want to miss the ghost tours in Ocala. These tours take you to some of the city’s most haunted locations and provide you with a spine-tingling experience you won’t soon forget. Some of the most popular ghost tours include the Ocala Ghost Walks and the Ocala Paranormal Investigation Tour.

During these tours, you’ll learn about the history of the locations you visit and the ghosts that are said to haunt them. You’ll also have the opportunity to use paranormal investigation equipment to try and capture evidence of the supernatural. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, these ghost tours are sure to be a memorable experience.

Escape Rooms

Another fun and unusual nighttime activity to try in Ocala is an escape room. These interactive games challenge you and your friends to solve puzzles and clues in order to escape from a locked room before time runs out. Some of the most popular escape rooms in Ocala include Escape Artist Ocala and Mastermind Escape Games.

Escape rooms are a great way to test your problem-solving skills and work together as a team. They’re also a lot of fun and can be a great bonding experience with friends or family. If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to spend an evening in Ocala, an escape room is definitely worth checking out.

The Rock’n Roll Skate Center

Get your skate on at this indoor roller rink located right in downtown Ocala. With lots of room to spin around plus plenty of music blasting through the speakers all night long, it’s easy to see why this spot has been around since 1975. They offer both public skating sessions as well as private birthday parties if that interests you too.