Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Alexander Springs
OcalaA family-friendly spring in the Ocala National Forest with a large, gradually sloping pool of crystal-clear 72-degree turquoise water. Great for swimming and snorkeling.
American Pro Diving Center-Swim With Manatees
Crystal RiverCrystal River's premier manatee swimming outfitter with 18+ years of guided eco-tours. Swim alongside gentle giants in their natural habitat — gear included, family-friendly, and National Geographic recognized. Tours at 8:30am, 11:30am, and 2pm.
Bluebird Springs Park
Crystal RiverNatural spring-fed park with swimming, picnic areas, and a serene wooded setting. A hidden gem for a cool dip on a hot Florida day.
Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area
The VillagesOver 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.
Chaplin A. Dinkins III Memorial Park
DunnellonRiverfront park at the convergence of the Withlacoochee and Rainbow rivers in Dunnellon, commonly known as City Beach, with swimming, a playground, picnic area, and fishing access ($2 day-use fee).
Dunnellon city Beach
DunnellonSwimming beach on the crystal-clear Rainbow River in Dunnellon, also known as Chaplin A. Dinkins Park, with a playground, fishing area, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Gardenia Park Recreation Complex
LeesburgMunicipal recreation complex in Fruitland Park with a swimming pool, racquetball court, skatepark, volleyball court, playground, walking trail, and a renovated community center available for event rentals.
Juniper Springs
OcalaA 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.
Kiwanis Beach at Albright Park
The VillagesPublic beach and recreation area on Lake Weir with swimming, picnic pavilions, and a playground. One of the best lakefront spots in the area for a family day out.
Lake Louisa State Park
ClermontHiking, swimming, kayaking, camping, and guided eco-tours across 4,300 acres of pristine Florida landscape. Lake Louisa proves that Central Florida isn't all flat -- the rolling terrain here is genuinely surprising and beautiful.
Ocala National Forest
OcalaNearly 400,000 acres of sand pine scrub, prairies, and springs make this the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S. Home to world-class swimming holes at Alexander, Juniper, and Salt Springs.
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.
Rainbow Springs State Park
DunnellonFlorida's fourth-largest spring feeds the Rainbow River with 72-degree water so clear you can see your shadow on the sandy bottom. Perfect for tubing, kayaking, and swimming in a pristine natural setting.
River Adventure Tours
Crystal RiverLocated at the headsprings of the Homosassa River, River Adventure Tours offers airboat tours, kayak rentals, manatee swimming experiences, and fishing guides all from one convenient location. Their diverse tour menu makes it easy to spend a full day on the water, whether you want high-speed thrills on an airboat or a peaceful paddle among the manatees.
Ski Beach Park
LeesburgBeach and swimming area within the Venetian Gardens park system in Leesburg, connecting through walking trails and islands along the lakefront.
Thousand Trails Three Flags
WildwoodGrassy RV park featuring a swimming pool, shuffleboard court & game room with pool tables.
Three Sisters Springs
Crystal RiverOne of Florida's most stunning natural springs, where crystal-clear water reveals every detail of the sandy bottom. A must-visit for swimming, snorkeling, and winter manatee encounters.
Three Sisters Springs Visitors Center for Swimming with Manatees
Crystal RiverPreserved area of springs & natural habitat for manatees with a boardwalk & trolleys for viewing.
Waterfront Park
ClermontLakefront park offering a fishing pier, a paved walking trail, a playground & seasonal swimming.
West Beach Park
ClermontLakefront park in Clermont on Lake Minneola Drive offering beach access, swimming, and water recreation.