Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Bourlay Historic Nature Park
Leesburg88-acre nature park on the shores of Lake Griffin with 2.5 miles of trails through hardwoods and pine flatwoods, a kayak launch, exercise stations, and a century-old cracker house welcome center. Great for birding — look for ospreys and bald eagles.
Boyett's Grove & Citrus Attraction
Crystal RiverOld Florida citrus attraction and fruit stand since the 1960s, with fresh citrus, nature trails, a petting zoo, and mining activities.
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.
Eco-Walk Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal RiverEntryway to the 7-mile trail system of a vast wildlife & nature conservation area along the coast.
Float in the Forest at Lake Idamere
TavaresA unique outdoor art and nature experience on the shores of Lake Idamere, Float in the Forest combines floating sculpture installations with hiking trails through native Florida woodland. The site features rotating art pieces that float on the lake surface, a boardwalk through cypress wetlands, and curated nature paths. It's a one-of-a-kind attraction that blends art, ecology, and tranquility.
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.
Fort King National Historic Landmark
OcalaForty-acre National Historic Landmark preserving the site of a major Second Seminole War military post. A full-scale replica fort, interactive visitor center, heritage garden, and nature trails bring 1827 Florida frontier history to life.
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.
Palm Island Boardwalk
Mount DoraFree 8-acre nature preserve on Lake Dora with a 1/3-mile boardwalk winding through old-growth live oaks and ancient cypress, offering frequent sightings of alligators, turtles, and wading birds.
Palm Island Park
Mount DoraEight-acre nature preserve on Lake Dora with a winding boardwalk through old-growth oaks, cabbage palms, and cypress. Watch for wading birds, turtles, and gators along the water's edge. Free, open sunrise to sunset.
Tavares Nature Park
TavaresNature park in Tavares offering walking trails, green space, and outdoor recreation along Milwaukee Avenue.
Vietnamese American Buddhist Association
LeesburgAlso known as Dai Niem Xu Thien Vien (Satipatthana Meditation Center), this serene 21-acre Buddhist sanctuary features a Holy Garden with ten stations of Buddhas representing different stages of his life. Open to visitors of all faiths, the center offers Vipassana meditation practice, mindfulness retreats, and a peaceful escape surrounded by nature just off Highway 27 near Leesburg.
Wilderness Park
Crystal RiverNature preserve with picnic areas, over 60 mi. of forest trails & a river for canoeing & fishing.