Even if your family's summer travel plans don't include a trip to Rio de Janeiro, you can still feel like a part of the excitement of the games during Ocala/Marion County's Road to Gold Summer Road Trip. Vacation gold is within your reach this season with outdoor activities the whole family will love, including swimming, cycling, horseback riding, golf, canoeing and much more. Whether you're traveling to challenge yourself and your loved ones to get active, or just looking for the perfect destination to get back in touch with the great outdoors, Ocala/Marion County delivers a summer travel experience like no-other. To help you plan your summer road trip, Ocala/Marion County is offering Vacation Gold, Silver, and Bronze experiences, as well as a trip planner to help make sure you're able to do more of what you love.

EQUINE

As riders saddle-up for the 2016 Summer Games at the National Equestrian Center in Deodora, Brazil, a similar event is taking place at Ocala's Florida Horse Park. On August 14, national, regional and local riders will compete in a dressage, jumper and three-phase school show. Enjoy this local event as a bystander or take on your own horseback adventure along hundreds of miles of picturesque riding trails or lessons at one of Ocala/Marion County's many farms and stables. Cactus Jack's offers a variety of opportunities to get on the saddle, including lessons and guided trail rides, while BG Trail Rides at the Florida Horse Park focuses exclusively on guided trail rides. For a full list of equestrian activities throughout the region, be sure to check the County's website. Traveler Tip: Spot Karen and David O'Connor, three-day eventing Olympic medalists, who live and ride in the area.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

For those looking for thrills on two wheels, Ocala/Marion County is also home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. The Santos Mountain Bike Trails have received the prestigious designation of a bronze-level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, one of only six designated Ride Centers in the nation. Riders of all skill levels can find a fun challenge through the 80 miles of unpaved Santos trails, with color-coded difficulty levels ranging from easy to extreme.

GOLF

For the first time since 1904, golf returns to the Summer Games and Ocala/Marion County has no shortage of championship golf courses to bring the thrill of this event to your next vacation. With private, semi-private and public courses throughout the County, you won't have to look far to find rolling fairways to suit your skill level and preferences.

CANOE/SWIM

When you're ready to cool off from the endless summer fun, take the whole family down to the Ocala National Forest, where you and your loved ones can enjoy an invigorating dip in the tree-lined, turquoise waters of Juniper Springs. A summer gold moment you won't want to miss is an opportunity to canoe or kayak down the seven mile long Juniper Springs Run, ranked as one of the best runs in the nation.

On the search for quality family time during the summer, Ocala/Marion County has everything you need to plan an unforgettable vacation to bring you and those around you closer together. Start planning your summer road trip with the help of Ocala/Marion County's Vacation Gold, Silver and Bronze itineraries and bring the excitement and healthy competition of the Summer Games to your next adventure.

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About: Outdoor adventures abound. Ocala/Marion County offers countless opportunities to connect with nature and relax in a classic Florida destination. Home to the Ocala National Forest, the second largest national forest in the state, as well as historic Silver Springs. This unique destination is ideal for both leisure and business travelers who seek authentic outdoor experiences. Known as the Horse Capital of the World™ with more than 700 horse farms, the County boasts a legacy of breeding and training world champion thoroughbreds. Centrally located less than two hours from Orlando, Daytona Beach and Tampa, Ocala/Marion County is a must-stop when visiting Central Florida. For more information on Ocala/Marion County, visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter, or call toll-free 1.888.FL.OCALA.