Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida

Blueberry Hill Farm Enterprises

U-pick blueberry farm and agritourism attraction

Bourlay Historic Nature Park

88-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.

Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area

Over 750 acres of sandhill islands, wetlands, and lakeside beaches on Lake Weir. Four miles of hiking trails, boat ramps, swimming, and picnic pavilions — plus regular sightings of deer, turkeys, and bald eagles. Entry is $7 per vehicle.

Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens

Stunning botanical garden built in a reclaimed limestone quarry with waterfalls, bridges, tropical plants, and walking paths. A hidden gem.

Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area

Set on 24,243 acres, this scenic area boasts hiking trails, kayaking, a gun range & wildlife views.

Chinsegut Conservation Center

Churchhouse Hammock Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park

Boardwalk trail in the Crystal River Preserve featuring scenic marshes & native wildlife.

Clermont National

Upscale restaurant in Clermont offering elevated American cuisine in a refined setting. A special-occasion spot with a focus on quality ingredients and a polished dining experience.

Crooked River Preserve

63-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.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge & Visitor Center

An undeveloped winter haven for endangered manatees, with a picnic area, bay views & a gift shop.

Discovery Gardens

Free 3.5-acre botanical garden at the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Center featuring 28 themed garden areas with over 700 plant species showcasing Florida-native and Florida-friendly gardening.

Eco-Walk Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park

Entryway to the 7-mile trail system of a vast wildlife & nature conservation area along the coast.

Encore Crystal Isles

Riverside RV resort with casual cottages, plus an outdoor pool, a clubhouse & sports facilities.

Far Reach Ranch UPICK Farm

Family-owned U-pick farm and event space on the shores of Lake Dora offering seasonal strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry picking, plus craft jams, honey, and baked goods.

Flat Island Preserve

A 2,300-acre botanical preserve protecting the islands and wetlands of the Okahumpka Marsh, with over 5 miles of hiking trails through oak and magnolia hammocks, plus canoeing and camping by permit.

Float in the Forest at Lake Idamere

A 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 Sand Music Ranch

Florida Sand Music Ranch, is a camping and festival site.

Florida Scrub-Jay Trail

Free 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.

Frank Brown Park

Hot Cars & Cool Cats Car and Bike Show

Juniper Springs

A hidden gem inside Ocala National Forest, with a stone-lined swimming area fed by a 72-degree spring. The 7-mile Juniper Springs Run canoe trail winds through one of Florida's most scenic subtropical corridors.

King Spring

One of 28 natural springs in Kings Bay, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and a major destination for wintering manatees.

Kirby Family Farm

The Kirby Family Farm is a history, educational, and railroad museum offering various events and programs.

Lake Hiawatha Preserve

A 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.