Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
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.
Bluebird Springs Park
homosassaNatural spring-fed park with swimming, picnic areas, and a serene wooded setting. A hidden gem for a cool dip on a hot Florida day.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance
homosassaAn up close experience with Florida's vibrant wildlife
Homosassa Springs State Park Adventures
homosassaAdventure outfitter near Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park offering guided tours and outdoor experiences along the Homosassa River.
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.
Hunter Springs Park
Crystal RiverCity-run park on Kings Bay billed as the most accessible spring in Crystal River, with a roped freshwater swim area, kayak launch, and a boardwalk where manatees pass by in colder months.
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.
Scott Springs Park
OcalaCommunity park in Ocala with a natural spring-fed pool area, picnic pavilions, walking trails, and a playground. A local favorite for family outings and afternoon picnics.
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.
Silver Springs State Park, Campground and Museum Entrance
OcalaThe campground entrance to Silver Springs State Park, providing access to the Silver River Museum, hiking trails, and campground facilities. A quieter entry point away from the glass-bottom boat crowds.
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.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Newt Perry opened this Hernando County roadside attraction in 1947, training swimmers to perform underwater ballet in a first-magnitude spring; Florida took it over as a state park in 2008.