Day Trips When You Are in Ocala

Day Trips

If you are looking for some fun “Day Trips in Florida” when you are in the vicinity on your day off, here are some great options!

Our first favorite is Tampa Bay Downs

….it offers the best of BOTH worlds….a great golf practice facility…AND…amazing thoroughbred racing…Each year, more than 35,000 visitors to The Downs Golf Practice Facility enjoy a vast array of amenities, starting with 45 all-Bermuda grass-hitting stations and a covered range area.

The sprawling complex

… which opened in 2003, also features two full-size chipping greens and a 5,000-square-foot putting green. Rated among the top 50 standalone ranges in the United States by Golf Range Magazine over the last nine years, we LOVED all of the targets the practice facility offered!

Right after

… you hit a few “practice balls” and walk about 100 yards to an afternoon of world-class Thoroughbred racing. Furthermore, check out the high-stakes action in The Silks Poker Room! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are available throughout the facility, and families can enjoy the laid-back ambiance in the picnic area between races. That is why there is truly something for everyone at Tampa Bay Downs, the premier multi-entertainment destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast!

Check out Tampa Bay Downs here! → Day Trips in Florida

Play Where the Pro Plays

If you are looking for an afternoon of playing like a PGA pro, try Copperhead at Innsibrook. This was my Valentine’s Day present! Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is home to the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. Obviously, there is an official 72-hole event held in March, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting area charities through the Championship’s Birdies for Tampa Bay Charities program. Above all, this event has generated over $41 million for charities. Primarily in the Tampa Bay Area.

More than 2,000 volunteers

… will contribute their time and efforts during tournament week. In addition with community-minded sponsors, and the support of tens of thousands of golf fans. The tournament has consistently raised substantial sums both through its Birdies for Tampa Bay Charities program and other targeted donations to groups like Tampa General Hospital, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County, The First Tee, the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, Birdies for the Brave and others.

 

So, if you want to play like the pros, make sure you visit Copperhead during your Florida stay!

 

Try this Dog Park

If you are looking for a non-golf venue, try Honeymoon Island which has the best dog beach there ever was - freedom to roam, a white sandy beachfront, gentle lapping waves and crystalline water means happy pooches and owners alike.

In addition to having their beach

… on the southern tip of the island, dogs are also allowed on the nature trail. Pets must be on a 6-foot handheld leash at all times while in these areas. Our dog Jester, LOVED it! We will be back to this Florida State Park for sure!

 

 

Top Golf

And finally, if you are looking for the funniest night of golf, try Top Golf In Tampa! No golfing ability? No problem! Topgolf is a game that anyone can play (and win). Score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. In addition, the closer you get your ball to the center or ‘bullseye’ and the further the distance, the more points are earned.

I played with the boys tonight

… and won! It doesn’t matter if you can’t hit it long, just be a little bit accurate. Furthermore, the food and drinks are amazing. Think of a bar with computerized golf! Without a doubt, it’s SO much better than BOWLING (but along the same lines because you can still be terrible and have a GREAT time!) Fun and games don’t stop there; you can even indulge in delicious food and drinks brought to you while you play. What could be better?

Top Golf Tampa →