Ocala to West Palm Beach bus

Ocala is where the Florida of theme parks and Gulf of Mexico beaches gives way to the other Florida where traditional southern charm continues to make itself known. Located in the north of the state, just shy of the Florida panhandle, Ocala was established in 1849.

Formerly rich in plantations and citrus fruit orchards, today Ocala is a gateway to Florida's natural landscapes, such as the Rainbow Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest.

One of the state's largest areas of protected forest, the Ocala National Forest spans a mesmerizing 600 square miles of unspoiled woodland crossed by almost innumerable rivers, footpaths, mountain biking tracks, and horse trails. Learn how to bring your bike on the bus or train with you to save money on renting one there.

But that's not to say central Ocala is free of attractions. The Ocala Historic District contains a blend of residential and non-residential buildings worth exploring. For example, The Appleton Museum of Art has a collection stretching from pre-Columbian tribal objects to the latest in modernism.

If all this has you checking out tickets to Ocala, you'll be happy to hear the city is well served by both bus and train routes. You can catch a bus to anywhere from Tallahassee to Houston, while trains connect the area to places like Winter Haven and Baltimore.

Unlike its sister Palm Beach, which has long been associated with the ultra-lux lifestyle, West Palm Beach offers a treasure trove of away-from-the-shore entertainments and cultural activities. West Palm Beach houses some of the most vibrant art communities in the state, so art lovers should not miss the chance to visit the local Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or the Norton Museum of Art. The city’s vicinity to nature allows travelers to get up close and personal with wildlife at venues such as McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, the Lion Country Safari, or Okeeheelee Park.

For food aficionados, West Palm Beach is an affordable destination that can stand toe-to-toe against Palm Beach’s restaurant scene. The principal dishes in the area revolve mostly around seafood, especially groupers and shrimps. Restaurants worth trying out include Tin Fish or Bimini Twist.

West Palm Beach station, a historic destination in the city, is served by Amtrak as well as various bus carriers. There are daily long-distance trains and buses running through this station, offering access to cities as far as New York. The main airport in the city is the Palm Beach International Airport, which is located just west of the city.