Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida

Backwater Fins

Waterfront restaurant at the end of Ozello Trail serving fresh seafood and cold drinks with stunning Gulf views.

Blue Run of Dunnellon Park

Waterfront 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.

Calypso

Caribbean-inspired restaurant at The Waterfront Inn on Lake Sumter Landing, serving island-flavored dishes and rum-infused cocktails with indoor-outdoor dining, live music, and lakeside breezes.

Castaways Bar & Grill

Casual waterfront bar and grill in Crystal River with cold drinks, pub food, and a laid-back outdoor vibe. A popular post-dive or post-kayak hangout.

Clermont Waterfront Park

Lakefront park in downtown Clermont on Lake Minneola. Home to Pig on the Pond and other major community festivals.

Cracker's Bar, Grill and Tiki

Familiar seafood choices served in a casual setting with a spacious waterfront bar & deck.

Crump's Landing

Laid-back waterfront restaurant offering familiar seafood dishes, plus burgers & fried chicken.

Dockside Ice Cream Shoppe

Ice cream shop near the Crystal River waterfront serving scoops, sundaes, and frozen treats.

Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill

Waterfront dining on Lake Weir featuring Chef Dave Del Rio's Florisiana cuisine — a fusion of Southern, Cajun, and Creole flavors. The views are stunning, the seafood is fresh, and the vibe has been drawing folks out here since 1924.

Elizabeth Evans Park

Small waterfront park on Lake Dora in downtown Mount Dora with benches and lake views. A quiet spot for a quick break or photo opportunity while exploring the shops.

Fish Camp on Lake Eustis

Waterfront farm-to-table dining on Lake Eustis with a menu built around local craft beers and Central Florida cuisine. The blackened grouper Reuben and hand-dipped coconut shrimp are signature dishes. The lake views don't hurt either.

Gator Cove

Waterfront bar and grill on the canal in Homosassa serving American fare including burgers, steaks, fish and chips, and gator tail, with outdoor seating and live entertainment.

Grantham Pointe (Light House)

Home of Mount Dora's iconic inland lighthouse on Lake Dora — one of the few freshwater lighthouses in the state. A picturesque waterfront walk with stunning views and a must-see photo spot.

Harry and The Natives

An over-water tiki hut serving American fare with a seafood slant. No reservations, first come first served -- which somehow makes snagging a table feel like a small victory. The waterfront setting alone is worth the trip.

Kelly's Half Shell Pub

Irish pub and seafood spot known for oysters, fresh catches, and a lively atmosphere. A Crystal River favorite for casual waterfront dining.

King's Bay Riverwalk

Waterfront walkway along Kings Bay in Crystal River connecting to the downtown area, offering scenic views and access to kayak launches and manatee viewing areas.

Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille

Lake Sumter Landing Boat Tour

Scenic boat tours departing from Lake Sumter Landing, offering a relaxing ride on the lake with views of The Villages waterfront. A fun way to see the area from the water.

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Waterfront town square on Lake Sumter with a New England coastal feel. Home to restaurants, boutiques, and nightly live entertainment.

Liberty Park

Liberty Park opened in 2002 as a city park and was renovated as part of the “Depot District” projects in 2019. Located on the shores of Lake Henderson and the Withlacoochee State Trail, this waterfront City park open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The park features a state-of-the-art playground, restroom facilities, dog waste stations, sidewalks, benches, floating gazebo, parking and lush landscaping.

Lighthouse Point Bar & Grill

Waterfront dining at Lake Sumter Landing with solid food, gorgeous views, and live music. The kind of place where lunch turns into an afternoon.

Manatee Campground Marina Pub

Waterfront pub at a campground and marina on the Homosassa River, offering drinks and casual fare in a laid-back outdoor setting.

Old Homosassa Heritage Park and Working Waterfront

Community waterfront park on the Homosassa River featuring picnic areas, a shrimp boat playground for kids, and commercial waterfront operations, with plans for walking trails and a history museum.

Paddletail Waterfront Adventures: Swimming with the Manatees

Crystal 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.