Quiet Ocala Retreat Minutes from Silver Springs State Park

Nestled in a quiet Ocala neighborhood, just minutes from Silver Springs State Park, the Silver River, and historic downtown Ocala, Sea Cow Cottage is a peaceful retreat with easy access to everything you need on Highway 200 (Exit 350).

The loft bedroom upstairs offers a cozy private space with a queen bed and its own full bath, while the downstairs living area includes a private bedroom with queen bed, another full bath and a sofa that unfolds into a king for extra guests. Enjoy large windows and a screened back door that open to the refreshing Ocala breeze, Wi-Fi and TVs in every room, and a fully stocked kitchen with everything you need to cook, make coffee, and grill.

Outside, relax in the hammock, gather by the chiminea, or enjoy dinner on the grill beneath the oaks. With books, games, and a calm, nature-inspired feel, Sea Cow Cottage blends the quiet charm of old Florida with all the comforts of home.

Best local attractions and places to visit:

Silver Springs State Park (8 miles away)

In the 1820s, the springs became a tourist attraction for adventurous visitors who poled their way along the narrow stream through overhanging cypress and Spanish moss. With the invention of the paddlewheel, Silver River and Springs became a distribution center for Central Florida. Plantations growing vegetables, tobacco and oranges sprang up along the banks as nearby Ocala grew. In the late 1870s, Phillip Morrell fixed a piece of glass in the bottom of a rowboat and a new enterprise began. Silver River's glass bottom boat tours have been world famous for more than 100 years.

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Center and Silver River State Park both opened to the public in 1987. For several years, however, the Silver River Museum and Education Center was the only developed area at the park. The continued relationship with the park and the Marion County School Board has given many local schoolchildren the opportunity to participate in environmental education programs at the center.

The entrance station, completed in 2000, was one of the first park buildings constructed at Silver River. Since that time, a campground, cabins, picnic area with playground, and a canoe and kayak launch have been added, providing additional recreational opportunities for park visitors.

On Oct. 1, 2013, the Florida Park Service acquired management of the headsprings area. At that time, the name of the entire park was changed to Silver Springs State Park from Silver River State Park, adding 231 acres and multiple new recreational opportunities, including the iconic glass bottom boats.



Historic Downtown Ocala (8.2 miles away):

Discover the history behind some of Ocala/Marion County's most famous horses by following along with the Walk of Champions plaques in Historic Downtown Ocala and make the experience interactive by downloading the Ocala Marion Travel Guide App.

24 bronze plaques are in two sidewalk blocks near the historic downtown Ocala square that each honors equine champions connected to Marion County. Known as the Horse Capital of the World®, Ocala/Marion County is home to incredible horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes. And we mean that—from thoroughbred champions to Welsh ponies and award-winning miniature horses.

The bronze plaques include the name of a famous horse, a brief highlight on the horses’ significance and the top awards achieved. The App dives deeper into the horses’ history. When users navigate to the Walk of Champions in the App, there is a map of downtown, with two different blocks of dots that represent the locations of the bronze plaques. Each dot opens up a story about a specific horse connected to the area, photos and information about the horses and additional awards.

Thoroughbred horses connected to the area are honored on the plaques on the sidewalk block of South Magnolia Ave, adjacent to Mark’s Prime Steakhouse. Champions of various breeds that are not thoroughbreds, can be found recognized on plaques on the sidewalk block of SE Broadway St adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn hotel.



World Equestrian Center (16.7 miles away):

Recognized as the largest equestrian complex in the United States, our Ocala, Florida venue hosts top-level competitions and welcomes horse shows, conventions, meetings and weddings across a variety of elegant, state-of-the-art spaces. Visitors enjoy a fully immersive experience with luxury accommodations, boutique shopping, diverse dining options and a full-service spa available on-property.

☀️ Summer & Spring Favorites Near Sea Cow Cottage

1. Glass-Bottom Kayaks at Silver Springs State Park

Glide over crystal-clear spring water in transparent kayaks and see turtles, fish, and underwater springs beneath you. A beautiful, shaded paddle that’s great for couples and families. (Note: swimming is not allowed here.)
📍 About 7 miles from the home


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2. Swim at Juniper or Alexander Springs

Natural freshwater swimming in 72° crystal-clear springs surrounded by pine forest. Perfect for cooling off on hot Florida days. Picnic tables and shallow areas make these great for kids too.
📍 Approximately 30–40 miles from the home


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3. Splash Pads, Pools & Water Fun in Ocala

Several community splash pads, pools, and family aquatic centers nearby make it easy to cool off without a long drive — perfect for younger kids and quick afternoon fun.
📍 Most within 5–10 miles of the home


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4. Family Horseback Riding Through Shaded Forest Trails

Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World. Enjoy guided trail rides through shaded backcountry — beginner-friendly and perfect for families or couples looking for something uniquely Florida.
📍 Multiple stables within about 10–15 miles


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5. Bike, Hike & Picnic in the Ocala National Forest

Miles of scenic trails for biking and hiking with plenty of shady areas, wildlife sightings, and sandy pine forests. Great for morning walks or sunset rides during spring and summer.
📍 Trail access about 5–10 miles from the home