Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
1885 Brooksville Train Depot
BrooksvilleRestored 1885 cypress-and-cedar railroad depot now housing a museum with train artifacts, HO model railroad displays, and a 1925 LaFrance fire engine the kids can climb on. Built by the Florida Southern Railway and lovingly restored in 1992.
7 Mile Loop Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal RiverHiking & mountain biking on an unpaved loop trail amid tidal creeks, marshy flats & woodlands.
Aesops Park
Central FLCommunity park with playground, open space, and picnic areas. A family-friendly spot for outdoor recreation and community gatherings.
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.
Appleton Museum of Art
OcalaStunning travertine marble museum housing over 24,000 works spanning European, American, Asian, and African art. The reflecting pool out front is as photogenic as the galleries inside. Affiliated with the College of Central Florida.
AstronomyKart
The VillagesFamily-friendly go-kart attraction in Lady Lake offering racing fun for all ages. A solid pick for an afternoon of friendly competition near The Villages.
Barnstorm Theater
The VillagesCommunity and professional theater productions in an intimate setting. Features musicals, comedies, and drama throughout the season.
Baseline Road Trailhead
OcalaTrailhead providing access to the Santos mountain biking and hiking trail system. Parking, restrooms, and trail maps make this a convenient starting point for riders and hikers.
Baseline Trailhead Park
OcalaPark and trailhead along the Cross Florida Greenway with access to paved and unpaved trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. A gateway to some of Ocala's best outdoor recreation.
Blue Grotto Dive Resort
WillistonOpen-water diving facility with a deep spring basin, air fills, gear rental, and on-site camping. Popular for dive training and night dives.
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
DunnellonWaterfront park on the Rainbow River with kayak and paddleboard access, walking trails, and a 3-acre pond. Water temps stay a consistent 72 degrees year-round, and there's no entrance fee. Get there early on weekends — parking fills fast.
Bourlay Historic Nature Park
Leesburg88-acre nature park on the shores of Lake Griffin with 2.5 miles of trails through hardwoods and pine flatwoods, a kayak launch, exercise stations, and a century-old cracker house welcome center. Great for birding — look for ospreys and bald eagles.
Boyett's Grove & Citrus Attraction
BrooksvilleOld Florida citrus attraction and fruit stand since the 1960s, with fresh citrus, nature trails, a petting zoo, and mining activities.
Brick City Adventure Park
Ocala29-acre urban adventure park in the heart of Ocala with guided cave tours through White Cliff Cave, a low-ropes course, interpretive hikes, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions. Named after Ocala's historic 'Brick City' nickname.
Bud Mc Kethan Park
BrooksvilleSimple neighborhood park offering a kids' play structure & 3 lighted tennis courts.
Cannon Farms
DunnellonA u-pick farm and family destination in Dunnellon offering seasonal produce, flower picking, hayrides, a petting zoo, and special events throughout the year including Easter egg hunts and fall festivals.
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.
Cauley Lott Park
Mount DoraCommunity park on North Highland Street in Mount Dora with a playground, sports courts, and open space. A family-friendly recreation area serving the north side of town.
Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens
WillistonStunning botanical garden built in a reclaimed limestone quarry with waterfalls, bridges, tropical plants, and walking paths. A hidden gem.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
BrooksvilleSet on 24,243 acres, this scenic area boasts hiking trails, kayaking, a gun range & wildlife views.
Churchhouse Hammock Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal RiverBoardwalk trail in the Crystal River Preserve featuring scenic marshes & native wildlife.