Some places earn their reputation one quiet footstep at a time — and that’s exactly what has happened at this remarkable 44-acre botanical garden tucked into the heart of Ocala, Florida. Sholom Park has been named No. 2 on the “Most Peaceful Tourist Spots in America” list by vacation property management company Casago, and once you set foot on its grounds, it’s easy to understand why. The park is named after Sholom, the grandfather of local developer Sidney Colen — and Sholom, or Shalom, means “peace” in Hebrew.
Sholom Park’s mission is to perpetuate Sidney and Ina Colen’s vision of a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed. This non-profit, privately owned botanical garden opened to the public in 2004 and features more than 2 miles of paved trails and more than 100 species of plants and trees. Whether you’re a local looking for a regular escape or a traveler passing through Central Florida, this is the kind of place that quietly earns a permanent spot on your must-revisit list.
What Makes Sholom Park So Special
The park features a formal garden walk, rose garden, prairie area, olive trees, azaleas, a labyrinth, and a pond with koi. Each of these distinct areas carries its own mood and character, making a single visit feel like a journey through multiple worlds. You could spend an hour exploring and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
The park’s artistic design incorporates quotes, poems, and themed gardens like the Japanese Garden, creating a truly unique atmosphere. These thoughtful touches elevate Sholom Park beyond a simple nature walk — there’s a sense of intentionality woven into every corner, as though the landscape itself is trying to tell you something worth slowing down to hear.
The park features stately pavilions, landscaped gardens, and a peaceful pond surrounded by meticulously maintained green spaces, while visitors can explore the 2-mile paved trails that wind through the park’s natural beauty while enjoying opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes open — turtles, fish, and koi can all be spotted in and around the pond.
Visitors enjoy activities such as yoga sessions, walking trails with tranquil themes, and moments for meditation throughout the park. It’s the kind of place that accommodates whatever pace you bring to it — whether you’re power-walking the full trail loop or simply sitting quietly and letting the surroundings do the work.
Areas can be rented for weddings and events, making Sholom Park a genuinely beautiful backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments. The combination of sculpted gardens, open green spaces, and serene water features creates an effortlessly photogenic setting that requires very little embellishment.
Atmosphere & Décor
Located in Ocala, FL, Sholom Park is a 44-acre botanical garden offering a serene and picturesque escape from city life. The grounds feel carefully curated without ever feeling stiff or overly formal — it’s manicured beauty with a natural, breathing quality to it. The park is perfectly manicured with walking trails through well-labeled flower beds, and there are many sitting areas and wide-open spaces throughout.
Sholom Park is described as a spiritual sanctuary where visitors can find peace and tranquility in the midst of beautiful nature. The atmosphere is genuinely hushed — the kind of quiet that feels earned rather than enforced. Shaded walk areas make it especially welcoming during the warmer summer months, giving you a cool, canopied retreat even on the hottest Florida afternoons.
The park does not serve any political or religious agenda or belief system — it’s an inclusive, open space designed for anyone seeking a moment of reflection or connection with nature. Sholom Park seeks to become a model of land stewardship and the preservation of open space for education and public enjoyment. That philosophy shines through in every well-tended path and thoughtfully placed bench.
Other Considerations
Is there an admission fee? The park is excellent, well maintained — and completely free to visit. For a botanical garden of this caliber, that’s genuinely remarkable and makes it one of the best no-cost outings in all of Central Florida.
When is Sholom Park open? The park is open seven days a week, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Morning visits are particularly rewarding, when the light filters softly through the trees and the trails are at their quietest.
Is there parking available? The park features well-maintained restrooms and ample parking for everyone. Getting in and out is refreshingly easy, with no parking fees to worry about.
Is it accessible for all visitors? Sholom Park is handicap-accessible, and its paved trails make it easy to navigate for visitors of all mobility levels. There are also 41 benches throughout the park for visitors to use, so you’re never far from a comfortable place to rest and take it all in.
Can I bring my dog? While the park is otherwise welcoming to all, dogs are not permitted on the grounds. This can be a disappointment for pet owners, especially since many other botanical gardens in Florida do allow leashed pets. It’s worth planning accordingly before you arrive.
Are there any rules I should know about? The park maintains a strong commitment to its peaceful atmosphere. Bicycles are not permitted on the trails, and the park reserves the right to ask visitors to leave if they are disrupting the tranquility of the grounds. It’s a gentle but firm reminder that the experience here is defined by its calm — so come ready to embrace it.
Sholom Park
📍 7110 SW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34481
Website: https://www.sholompark.org
