Things to Do — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Adventures, attractions, and experiences across the region
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Wildwood Heritage Trail
WildwoodA walking tour through Wildwood's historic downtown that traces the town's railroad heritage. Once a vital stop on the Seaboard Air Line Railway, Wildwood's compact downtown features restored buildings from the early 1900s, murals depicting local history, and the old depot area. The self-guided route covers about a mile and offers a glimpse of old Florida before the interstate era.