Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Citrus Tower
ClermontBuilt in 1956 and standing 226 feet tall, the Citrus Tower offers panoramic views of the rolling hills and hundreds of spring-fed lakes across eight counties. A classic piece of Old Florida roadside Americana that's still delivering the goods.
Clermont Historic Village Museum
ClermontSeven historic buildings from the late 1800s including a schoolhouse, train depot, and WWII Quonset Hut museum — all telling the story of South Lake County's pioneering families. Free admission (donations appreciated), open weekends 1-5pm.
Clermont Waterfront Park
ClermontLakefront park in downtown Clermont on Lake Minneola. Home to Pig on the Pond and other major community festivals.
Crooked River Preserve
Clermont63-acre nature preserve between Lake Louisa and the Palatlakaha River with a 1.7-mile loop through forested wetlands, sinkholes, and cypress-lined riverbank. Free, with canoe access and clean restrooms at the trailhead.
Florida Citrus Tower
ClermontIconic 226-foot observation tower built in 1956 to overlook miles of orange groves. The 360-degree deck offers views across eight counties, and the base houses a cafe, museum, and event space. Recently renovated and reopened in 2023.
Florida Scrub-Jay Trail
ClermontFree nature preserve in Clermont showcasing over 135 bird species including Florida's only endemic species, the Florida Scrub-Jay, plus beautiful gardens and easy hiking trails through sandhill and wetland habitats.
Lake Hiawatha Preserve
ClermontA 220-acre passive park on Lake Minneola featuring two dog parks, a playground, picnic pavilion, and the Champions Pointe Disc Golf Course, rated among the top 100 courses in the world.
Luxe Jet Ski & ATV Rentals Orlando
ClermontVeteran-owned jet ski rental company on the Clermont Chain of Lakes offering premium Sea-Doo rentals and guided Can-Am ATV tours through Florida state forest trails.
McKinney Park
ClermontPark featuring a playground, basketball courts, a softball field, a fitness trail & restrooms.
Mind Infinity
ClermontVirtual reality gaming facility near the Citrus Tower featuring immersive gaming rooms, professional racing simulators, and a multi-player battle arena, with beer and wine available.
Palatlakaha Recreation Park
ClermontCity of Clermont recreation park offering ball fields, playgrounds, and community gathering spaces near the Palatlakaha River corridor.
Palatlakaha River Park & Boat Ramp
Clermont23-acre park on the Palatlakaha River in Clermont with boat ramps to the Clermont Chain of Lakes, two fishing piers, a playground, and a mile-long nature trail through wetland and scrub habitat.
Presidents Hall of Fame
ClermontThis museum dedicated to U.S. Presidents & their families also has a miniature White House replica.
Showcase of Citrus
ClermontFlorida’s Fresh Air Attraction on US-27 in Clermont. Features citrus groves, monster truck rides, a gem mining sluice, u-pick fruit, and seasonal events including Easter egg hunts and a fall corn maze. A family favorite for visitors and locals.
Waterfront Park
ClermontLakefront park offering a fishing pier, a paved walking trail, a playground & seasonal swimming.