Things to Do — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Adventures, attractions, and experiences 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.
Brownwood Paddock Square
The VillagesA rustic-themed town square in The Villages modeled after a 1890s cattle town, with nightly live entertainment, unique shops, and some of the best dining in the area. A laid-back alternative to Spanish Springs.
Cactus Jack's Trail Rides
OcalaExperience guided horseback riding tours through Florida's scenic trails with well-trained horses suitable for all skill levels.
Crystal River Clear Kayak Tours
Crystal RiverPaddle transparent kayaks over Crystal River's impossibly clear springs, watching fish and manatees glide beneath your feet. The see-through hull makes every paddle stroke a window into Florida's underwater world.
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Bushnell80-acre state park preserving the site of the 1835 Seminole ambush that started the Second Seminole War. A small museum with artifacts, an award-winning film, and an annual January battle reenactment that draws thousands. Peaceful walking trails through pine flatwoods and live oak hammock.
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.
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
OcalaChronicles the history of drag racing with about 90 racing cars in the Drag Race building and 50 vehicles in the Antique Car building. Opened in 1984.
Downtown Leesburg Historic District
LeesburgLeesburg's walkable downtown centered on Main Street features a mix of local shops, cafes, and buildings dating to the early 1900s. The Mote-Morris House museum anchors the historic district, and the area hosts regular First Friday events with live music and open galleries. The downtown has seen steady revitalization, with new restaurants and boutiques joining longtime favorites.
Dunnellon Historic Village
DunnellonA small, walkable riverfront town at the confluence of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers. Browse local shops, grab lunch at a riverside cafe, and soak in the Old Florida charm of this former phosphate mining boomtown.
Fort Cooper State Park
InvernessA peaceful 710-acre park centered around Lake Holathlikaha, with five miles of trails through hardwood hammocks and longleaf pine flatwoods. One of Citrus County's best-kept secrets for birding and nature walks.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Crystal RiverHome to rescued Florida wildlife including manatees, black bears, and the famous hippo Lu. The underwater Fish Bowl Observatory lets you watch manatees and fish from below the surface.
Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures
TavaresTake off from America's Seaplane City on a scenic flight over Central Florida's stunning lake country. From quick scenic hops to fly-in lunch excursions, this is a bucket-list Florida experience.
Lake Dora Boat Tours
Mount DoraCruise the interconnected Harris Chain of Lakes on a guided boat tour departing from Mount Dora's historic lakefront. Sunset cruises offer golden-hour views of one of Florida's most scenic inland lake systems.
Lake Okahumpka Park & Trail
Wildwood130-acre park with pet stations & picnic shelters, plus a paved trail, disc-golf course & boat ramp.
Mount Dora Historic District
Mount DoraStroll through one of Florida's most charming small towns, packed with antique shops, art galleries, indie boutiques, and lakeside cafes. The hilly streets and New England-style architecture feel like a different Florida entirely.
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.
Rainbow River Kayaking
DunnellonPaddle 6.5 miles of spring-fed river through a lush subtropical corridor. The Rainbow River's exceptional clarity makes it feel like floating over an aquarium teeming with fish, turtles, and native birds.
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.
Rainbow Springs State Park Tubing
DunnellonSeasonal tubing launch at Rainbow Springs State Park where visitors rent tubes and float 1.5 hours down the crystal-clear Rainbow River, one of Florida's first-magnitude springs.
Silver Springs State Park
OcalaFlorida's original tourist attraction, featuring the world's largest artesian spring formation. Glass-bottom boat tours reveal an underwater world of fish, turtles, and ancient fossils in impossibly clear water.
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.
Tsala Apopka Lake Chain
InvernessA vast interconnected chain of lakes, pools, and marshes covering over 19,000 acres, Tsala Apopka is one of Florida's most unique waterways. The system is divided into three pools — Floral City, Inverness, and Hernando — connected by channels and the Withlacoochee River. Kayaking and canoeing through the cypress-lined channels feels like paddling through old Florida wilderness. The chain is also outstanding for bass fishing and birdwatching.
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.
Webster Westside Flea Market
BushnellOne of the largest and oldest open-air flea markets in Florida, operating every Monday since 1937. Hundreds of vendors spread across 40 acres selling produce, antiques, tools, clothing, plants, and just about everything else. A Central Florida institution. Free admission and parking.