Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Beacon Hill & Lake Harris Trail
LeesburgThe paved Lake Harris Trail connects Venetian Gardens to points north, running along the lakeshore with wide-open water views. The Beacon Hill neighborhood section features canopy oaks and some of Leesburg's oldest homes. At nearly 5 miles one-way, the trail is ideal for cycling or a longer walk. Sunsets over Lake Harris from the trail are consistently stunning.
Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens
WillistonStunning botanical garden built in a reclaimed limestone quarry with waterfalls, bridges, tropical plants, and walking paths. A hidden gem.
Dai Niem Xu Thien Vien
LeesburgA 21-acre Vietnamese Buddhist meditation center with statue gardens, lotus ponds, and shaded walking paths. Open daily 8 AM - 5 PM, free admission, all faiths welcome. Free Sunday morning meditation class at 9 AM.
Discovery Gardens
TavaresFree 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.
Fishing Pier
LeesburgPublic fishing pier on the waterfront in Leesburg, part of the Venetian Gardens park system, providing bank fishing and scenic lake views.
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.
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.
Rogers Park Splash Pad
LeesburgFree splash pad in Leesburg's Rogers Park at Venetian Gardens, providing water play for kids during warm weather months.
Sholom Park
OcalaA 44-acre public garden and park in the On Top of the World community in Ocala. Features walking paths, formal gardens, water features, and the popular Spring Strings outdoor concert series. Free admission.
Ski Beach Park
LeesburgBeach and swimming area within the Venetian Gardens park system in Leesburg, connecting through walking trails and islands along the lakefront.
Sydonie Mansion
Mount DoraHistoric 1883 mansion on Lake Dora designed in Mediterranean Revival style after Spain's Alhambra Castle, now a premier wedding and event venue with wrap-around porches and live oak gardens.
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.