+ Off the beaten path + Cute beach which somehow does not…read morehave the standard alligator and snake warning signage. + Real bathrooms + Playgrounds + Boat launch - Not much to do or see - Ma Barker house very well hidden - Entry fee does not reduce odds of riff raff as it is honor system. - - - Loud pressure washing. I paid to be here, do this second shift.

LOVE this QUIET spot! U can Hike /Bike /swim/ grill /boat/fish! And best of all is there is ALOT of…read morewildlife too see! I go daily just to have some peaceful time . Not a big park to drive thru but lots of trails . Really nice clean place !

The most memorable park in Ocala! I have to admit I did not see it all so I will be going back…read moreshortly to see so much more. I was at peace just walking a bit sipping coffee and taking in the calm and beauty. There is much to see at Shalom Park it's very beautiful place to be. When I was there they were having a yoga class it was so nice to see. I walked around and spoke to some lovely people they mostly were enjoying some morning exercise. I'm sorry that I missed the zen garden but this just gives me an excuse to go back faster. It's obvious that many frequent this park for so many reasons you can easily see. It's lovely, peaceful, clean and you feel pretty safe comparatively. They have activities here from what I've read and the yoga class is proof of this but I think there is much more that I need to explore and check the calendar for to see and know for myself. There are 2 miles of trails, the zen garden, an area called the Labryrinth where you can take a physical, spiritual or meditative walk along its winding path. Stop along it's 24 points of reflection and create your own Labryinth experience. Labryinth's have one way in and one way out come in and form your own perspective enjoying this relaxed atmosphere. The Pergebo was magnificent as I felt so much happiness being there. It is part gazebo and part pergola, I didn't even know such a thing existed until now! It's covered in confederate jasmine and blossoms in the spring with tiny white fragrant flowers. This is located on the path at the end of the olive trees! I enjoyed the pond so much with all the beautiful fish and sounds of the falling water. You can feed the fish and see them all come at once jumping out at you. Gorgeous Koi such beautiful colors. Sit on a bench and relax if you'd like there are many all around the park for you to enjoy. They say the pavilion is often used for educational purposes and horticulture events and that there are often presentations that people can escape the sun or rain showers. The stage is where I had seen the yoga class taking place. They have weddings, live concerts, the parks sunset series and much more on the stage throughout the year. Mounted on the stage, The Peace Panels display quotes of peace by renowned authors, musicians, and political leaders! The olive tree promenade has 18 trees on each side 18 is the symbol of peace; the number 18 is the symbol of life,and many couples use this as their entry way for marriage. The formal gardens is an area where there is lot's of live large oak trees, colorful bushes and lot's of foliage all around in a nice quiet shaded atmosphere. People often gather here for a picnic, wedding or just to enjoy and relax and enjoy the environment. The bat house can hold 800 bats during the night. Bats are a natural way of achieving insect control in the park and each bat can consume 6-8,000 insect every night! There is so much more to see and encounter at Shalom Park I encourage you to visit and explore. The story of Shalom Park from their website: As with most great achievements, Sholom Park began as a vision, born in the hearts of Sidney and Ina Colen. Inspired by a visit to Boston Gardens, Sholom Park was created for a purpose; to provide a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed. The park was named after Sidney Colen's grandfather, Sholom, which is also the Hebrew word for peace. The park does not serve a political or religious agenda or belief system After years of conceptualizing the vision, a master plan for the park was developed in 1999 and the park concepts began to take shape. In 2001, horticulturist, Steve Curl was hired to oversee the final design and construction of Sholom Park as the vision came to life. On October 17, 2004, Sholom Park celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting along with hundreds of friends and supporters. Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM Address: 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481 Phone: 352) 854-3677 Email: info@sholompark.org Wheelchair accessible *** Bike racks available ***

Wow! WoW! Wow! I think this park is profoundly under the radar and simply not well known enough…read more This isn't just some playground with a path. In fact, there is no playground equipment at all. What it does offer, though, is everything one could want in a natural setting. You can walk for a little while or lose yourself in it for much longer. The paths are easy, accessible, and thoughtfully laid out, with enough variation to keep things interesting from start to finish. It never feels repetitive, which is rare. The labyrinth was genuinely enjoyable, with multiple points of interest throughout. Subtle shifts in sound and visual texture keep you engaged, yet everything remains grounded in simple nature, shaped by the hands of men.. nothing artificial or forced, just an intentional design that draws you in. The crowning glory moment for me was the Zen garden. I cannot remember the last time I felt that level of calm and stillness. It has a way of centering you almost immediately. I would have stayed longer, but I needed a restroom, which unfortunately was closed at the time. This is a place I will return to without hesitation. My mother has yet to see it, and I already know she is going to love it.

Interesting island middle of nowhere. The only thing to get to island by swimming or boat. Swimming…read moreis really not recommended after you have landed in big monkey island. You may get attacked by the monkey. This island is at Homosassa springs area. The island build with light house, monkey house, monkey swing and more. You can see the island from the shore of the Florida Cracker restaurant.

We kayaked around this spot a few times, during our stay nearby. Here is some info that I looked…read moreup, as I was curious to know why and how the monkeys are there. https://www.homosassaflorida.com/monkey-island I am not sure how I feel about these monkeys being trapped on a very small island. They looked healthy enough, however the island is tiny and they surely must be bored. My daughter did spot that their "house" did have an air con unit.

My family and I love this park. This place is always extremely clean and very welcoming. They have…read morea pool that you can pay for a very inexpensive yearly membership or a one time day pass - they have disc golf, basketball courts, a splash pad, camping grounds, beautiful trails, baseball fields, and even more! Everything is really well kept and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend coming here for a really nice day. Kids, adults, and dogs will have so much fun and it's a very inexpensive place to enjoy nature and spend quality time with family and friends!

Lovely park, picnic areas, playground, tot splash pad, pool. We've visited several times.read more

Love the sugar mill Ruins Historic State Park, very cool old place, from the 1800's. Old Florida at…read moreits best. OuiOui. One of my favorite places to take photographs, in and around Monkey Island.. The history, unspoiled beauty of the park, moss draped old trees, lots of wildlife & a great place to chill on the weekends. Many places to launch your craft.. There is a local museum, local shops, and lots of great local foods, seafood restaurants, all on the water here, fun for the whole family. There are also some very cute hotels. Boating, fishing, camping, hiking, biking at the Sugar Mill is Super Sweet OuiOui. Parking is plentiful. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic park & Monkey Island is not to be missed if you enjoy old Florida vibes. A must visit when in the area. Added to moi lists of "most Zen Peaceful parks." Highest Recommendations.

Today we visited the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins in Homosassa Springs Florida built in the early 1800s…read more There is a large picnic shelter on site with grill but no restroom,but plenty of parking across the street. Several restaurants nearby also Nice little stop with plenty of signage depicting it's history. Free to enjoy!

Nice park in Inverness, near the police department, that has plenty of walking, riding and rowing…read moreactivities for you. Today, it was shuffleboard, and honest to the universe, Ive lived here most of my life and have NEVER seen anyone play this mythical shuffleboard until today! They were having a good time. I liked my walk benath the granddaddy oaks along the shore. A great place to ro come talke a walk, or ride the paths.

What a nice little park right down from the fun downtown district. Great place for the kids.read more

I hike, kayak and fish there there quite often as I only live a few blocks away. Never crowded and…read moresome great hiking trails. I recommend having a GPS as there isn't cell signal and you can get turned around.

I for one love daytona Beach I lived in Orlando for a while after moving from ohio then back to…read moreOhio but my first time in daytona beach is where I did my honeymoon I stayed at one of the hotels at the beach I have to say I fully enjoyed every moment of being in daytona they have great restaurants alot of gift shops I don't know what it is about daytina but I would rather come to daytona then any other city in Florida if you haven't been you should visit daytona Beach.

Head on over to the tiki bar hideaway on cedar key...they have entertainment at night, no cover…read morecharge and who doesn't enjoy a great sunset on the Gulf of Mexico!