Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Liberty Park
InvernessLiberty Park opened in 2002 as a city park and was renovated as part of the “Depot District” projects in 2019. Located on the shores of Lake Henderson and the Withlacoochee State Trail, this waterfront City park open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The park features a state-of-the-art playground, restroom facilities, dog waste stations, sidewalks, benches, floating gazebo, parking and lush landscaping.
Lighthouse Point Bar & Grill
The VillagesWaterfront dining at Lake Sumter Landing with solid food, gorgeous views, and live music. The kind of place where lunch turns into an afternoon.
Mahaffey Theater
Waterfront theater on Tampa Bay in downtown St. Pete. Jazz, classical, touring acts. 2,031 seats.
Manatee Campground Marina Pub
Crystal RiverWaterfront pub at a campground and marina on the Homosassa River, offering drinks and casual fare in a laid-back outdoor setting.
Monkey Isle City Park
LeesburgSmall island park in Leesburg offering a natural green space along the waterfront.
Old Homosassa Heritage Park and Working Waterfront
Crystal RiverCommunity waterfront park on the Homosassa River featuring picnic areas, a shrimp boat playground for kids, and commercial waterfront operations, with plans for walking trails and a history museum.
Paddletail Waterfront Adventures: Swimming with the Manatees
Crystal RiverCrystal River outfitter offering guided swim-with-manatees tours, kayak rentals, and eco-adventures, with expert guides and all gear included for 3-hour manatee encounters.
Peck's Old Port Cove
Crystal RiverOld Florida at its finest — waterfront deck, outdoor bar, and a menu loaded with fresh local seafood. The crab cakes are outstanding and the setting feels like a place that time forgot.
Pier 49 Marina Bar & Grill
The VillagesWaterfront dining with fresh seafood, casual bar bites, and sunset views. Located on Lake Sumter with outdoor deck seating.
Roger's Park at Venetian Gardens
LeesburgSplash pad, playground, and event pavilion within Venetian Gardens on the Leesburg waterfront, with scenic islands, walking trails, and free admission.
Salt Shack on the Lake
ClermontWaterfront restaurant on Lake Minneola offering island vibes, wild-caught seafood, and a sandy beach area perfect for families, with live music Thursday through Sunday.
Seagrass Waterfront
Crystal RiverRiverfront property offering casual condos with kitchens, plus a restaurant, tiki bar & boat ramp.
Shed
Crystal RiverLively waterfront tiki bar and grill on the Homosassa River serving seafood baskets, gator bites, and shrimp tacos, with a 'cook your catch' option for anglers and live music on weekends.
Ski Beach Bar and Grill
LeesburgWaterfront restaurant on Lake Harris in Leesburg offering American favorites and fresh seafood with stunning lake views, plus a Sunday brunch buffet.
Sunset Island at Eastport
The VillagesSerene island park on Central Lake at Eastport in The Villages with waterfront walking paths, picnic areas, and views of the outdoor entertainment stage across the water.
Tavares Seaplane Base & Marina
TavaresPublic marina and seaplane base on Lake Dora with boat slips, fuel dock, and launch ramps. The hub for waterfront access in America's Seaplane City.
The Anchor on Sunset Harbor
summerfieldLaid-back waterfront bar and grill on Sunset Harbor with burgers, wings, and crawfish boils. Live music, karaoke, and trivia nights — plus a back patio that's hard to beat on a warm evening.
The BayCare Sound
Purpose-built outdoor concert amphitheater at Coachman Park on the Clearwater waterfront. Managed by Ruth Eckerd Hall. 4,000+ capacity.
The Waterfront Inn
The VillagesWaterfront dining and lodging at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages. Known for festive holiday buffets and lake views.
Tipsy Tarpon
Crystal RiverCasual waterfront seafood spot on the Crystal River with open-air covered seating, a tin-roof tiki bar, live music, and menu favorites like redfish tacos and steamed shrimp.
Venetian Gardens Park
LeesburgA gorgeous 100-acre waterfront park on Lake Harris with arched pedestrian bridges, island walkways, and panoramic lake views. The splash pad, playgrounds, and paved trails make it a perfect family outing.
Wallace Brooks Park
InvernessHistoric waterfront park on Lake Henderson in Inverness with shuffleboard, walking paths, a scenic dock, and a boardwalk connecting to Liberty Park along the Withlacoochee Trail.
Waterfront Social
Crystal RiverIndoor/outdoor gathering spot on Kings Bay in Crystal River serving southern coastal dishes from scratch, with a tiki bar offering 180-degree bay views and sunset cocktails.