Many visitors to Florida may flock to either Miami or Orlando. But have you heard of The Villages? Unbeknownst to many, this destination is only an hour’s drive from Orlando and offers some relaxing recreation. It just so happens to be one of the fastest-growing metro areas as well, so it’s beginning to lose its status as a best-kept secret. Book a stay in any of its Vrbos and top vacation rentals, and take your time while visiting the area. Stroll through the parks and beautiful town squares, or take some time to visit a museum or theater! Wondering what to do in The Villages? There are loads of activities here! Read on to check out the top things to do in The Villages, FL.
1. Stroll around Spanish Springs Town Square
Spanish Springs Town Square isn’t only a great spot to get some walking and shopping done - it also has a unique look and feels that’s different from many typical town squares. The Southwestern style might make you feel like you’re in a completely different state, but many of the local shops and stores are true to Florida. There is also a performing arts center and theater in the square that offers great shows, and the square itself hosts outdoor entertainment throughout the year.
After a long and tiring day, you need a comfortable place to sleep, which is why you should look into Airbnb vacation rentals available in the area.
Spanish Springs Town Square
Address: 1120 Main St, The Villages, FL 32159
Website: Spanish Springs Town Square
2. Shop around Lake Sumter Landing Market Square
If you don’t know what to do in the Villages, Florida, might as well go to Lake Sumter Landing Market Square. A perfect place for shopping and dining due to its delightful ambiance and one-of-a-kind design. The collection of restaurants and shops creates the feeling of being in a lakefront or seaside community due to their proximity to the water in both cases.
Lake Sumter Landing is very similar to Spanish Springs Town Square in that it provides free nightly entertainment throughout the entire year.
Lake Sumter Landing Market Square
Address: 1000 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 32162
Website: Lake Sumter Landing
3. See a show at Old Mill Playhouse
Viewing a movie at Old Mill Playhouse is one of the activities at The Villages that will make you feel like traveling back in time. This movie theater features an interesting architectural design and could be a more comfortable environment than a typical modern-day cinema. A night out with close friends or families, as well as a date can be made more enjoyable by going to one of these theaters to watch the most recent films. You’ll definitely have a fun and memorable experience.
Old Mill Playhouse
Address: 1000 Old Mill Run, The Villages, FL 32162
Website: Old Mill Playhouse
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4. Enjoy the serene Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve
Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve was opened recently in 2015, and it is now The Villages’ largest nature preserve out of the 11 available. It encompasses 624 acres (252 hectares) and most notably includes a gopher tortoise preserve.
It’s a great spot to see a wide variety of Floridian plant species, as more than one million have been installed before its opening. The preserve is a great place for some peace and quiet if you want a break from all of the nightly entertainment happening at The Villages.
Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve
Address: Moyer Loop, The Villages, FL 32163
5. Watch an indie film at Barnstorm Theater
Grab your popcorn and drinks and enjoy a movie date or night out with your loved ones at Barnstorm Theater. This one-of-a-kind cinema mostly shows indie films and some old-time favorites.
Take your family, friends, or significant other on a private premiere since the place can also be rented out for private events. They even offer an assistive moviegoing experience, with devices for those who are hearing and visually impaired. Make sure to drop by Barnstorm Theater when in The Villages, Florida.
Barnstorm Theater
Address: 2720 Brownwood Blvd, The Villages, FL 32163, United States
Website: Barnstorm Theater
6. Drink and dine at Gator's Dockside Brownwood
Have a grand time at Gator’s Dockside Brownwood. Serving great food and drinks, the place is a local favorite. With amazing food promos for lunches, drinks, and even kids’ meals, this place is a must-visit in The Villages.
They have happy hours, “Loyalty Lunches”, and kids’ night, where your child can enjoy a free meal for every paying adult. It gets even better since they also offer 75-cent wings. Every weekend, college football and NFL Sunday tickets and specials are available for sports enthusiasts. Gator’s Dockside is a fun place to dine for families, friends, and sports fans.
Gator's Dockside Brownwood
Address: 3698 Meggison Rd, The Villages, FL 32163, United States
Website: Gator’s Dockside Brownwoodd
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
7. Shop at Brownwood Paddock Square
If you’re ready for a night on the town, head to Brownwood Paddock Square. Compared to the Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter squares, this area takes on a theme reminiscent of an early 19th-century Florida cattle town, which The Villages might have well been back in the day.
The log cabin-style stage in the middle of its restaurants, shops, and theater houses even more nightly entertainment. Depending on the time of your visit, you might find a farmers’ market or a local event happening.
Brownwood Paddock Square
Address: 2705 Brownwood Blvd, The Villages, FL 32163
Website: Brownwood Paddock Square
8. Have a pint at World of Beer
World of Beer is a vibrant and welcoming gastropub located in Brownwood Paddock Square, The Villages. Whether you are a fan of craft beer or looking for delicious pub food, this is the place to be to have a memorable evening with the gang.
Crispy tater tots and mouth-watering pretzels are in high demand amongst the locals, as are the burgers off the grill and their high-quality beer - all served by exceptionally friendly and attentive staff. When you stop by The Villages, make sure you don’t miss World of Beer.
World of Beer
Address: 2751 W Torch Lake Dr, The Villages, FL 32163, United States
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
9. Enjoy a picnic with a lake view at Schwartz Park
Looking for the perfect picnic spot while in The Villages? Schwartz Park has just what you need. Vibrant green grass, gorgeous trees, picturesque houses in the backdrop, and a serene lake make an ideal spot to settle down for an afternoon. Several wooden decks with gazebo roofs dot the shores, each with ample seating for family picnics or private contemplation. Take advantage of this stunning lakeside park in The Villages to spend some quality time with your friends and family.
After a fun-filled day, you’ll need a restful night’s sleep, for which you can book a stay and select from a variety of accommodations in the area. However, if you plan to stay longer there are long-term rentals you can check out as well.
Schwartz Park
Address: Aloha Way & Debra Dr, Florida 32159
10. Jog at Lake Miona Fitness Trail
Need a place to jog or work up a sweat while in The Villages? Lake Miona offers stunning views that you can take in as you walk or jog. Green grass, serene trees, and flowers dot the path around the picturesque lake, and there are comfortable benches to rest on. There is even outdoor fitness equipment that anyone can use.
Whether you’re looking to get in shape or just want to enjoy the views on a contemplative stroll, check out Lake Miona Fitness Trail during your stay in The Villages.
Lake Miona Fitness Trail
Address: Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, FL 32162, United States
11. Visit Hope Lutheran Church
Hope Lutheran Church is an impressive house of worship located on Avenida Los Angelos in The Villages. This church is one of the centers of community life in town, especially around the holidays. Outside of church services, Hope Lutheran Church hosts a plethora of classes, and some spaces inside are also used as banquet halls.
They run a number of local events and activities, much to the delight of the locals. Whether you want to attend service or just want to look inside, this gorgeous church is worth a visit.
Hope Lutheran Church
Address: 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL 32162, United States
Website: Hope Lutheran Church
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 4:30pm; Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat: 4pm - 5pm, 6pm - 7pm; Sun: 8am - 9am, 9:45am - 10:45am, 11:30am - 12:30pm
12. Spend a day at Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center
Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center is only one of several recreation centers in The Villages, but it’s one of the biggest. At the center, you can choose to swim, indulge in some arts and crafts, play a variety of indoor and outdoor sports, dance, and eat dinner in the restaurant lounge, or plan to attend one of the interest group meetings that occur often at the center.
Admission and hours for the centers can vary, but The Villages’ entertainment schedule is available on their website.
Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center
Address: 3560 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages, FL 32162
Nearby options
13. Walk around Lake Griffin State Park
Lake Griffin State Park offers 620 acres (250 hectares) of nature and space for wildlife; a great way to spend a day. Whether you’d like to be more active or not, the park offers hiking, fishing, and a playground for kids. There are also picnic areas, great spots to view wildlife, and even an amphitheater for various events. Lake Griffin itself is an impressive 9,400 acres (3,804 hectares), and visitors are able to rent canoes and kayaks to go out on the lake.
If one day isn’t enough for you, the park has 40 campsites available with water and electricity, as well as showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities. This park isn’t something to skip over, as it also is home to the second-largest oak tree in the state of Florida!
You can find it at the end of the park’s nature trail, where it has become a special landmark within the park. Its age is estimated to be 400 years old.
Lake Griffin State Park
Address: 3089 U.S. Highway 441-27, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Website: Lake Griffin State Park
14. Learn about old-time farming at Paquette’s Historical Farmall Tractor Museum
Whether you’re a farmer yourself or simply have a taste for some American farming history, Paquette’s Historical Farmall Tractor Museum is a great spot to visit. The museum preserves international harvester equipment, including Farmall tractors. The museum is located on a beautiful farm near The Villages and offers a Florida scene different from sandy beaches.
The museum is open from 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is a suggested donation of 15 USD per person and is on par with some of the best The Villages activities for large groups, or families. Persons of 10 or more are able to enter the museum at a rate of 10 USD per person, and children under the age of 10 are free. If you’re lucky, you might also catch their upcoming events in The Villages, Florida, which include tractor shows and other fun events.
Paquette’s Historical Farmall Tractor Museum
Address: 615 S Whitney Road, Leesburg, FL 34748
Website: Paquette’s Historical Farmall Tractor Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
15. Splurge on unique gifts at The Rustic Rose
If souvenirs are what you need, look no further than The Rustic Rose. This quirky gift shop has a cornucopia of intricate trinkets, statues, carvings, and stunning artworks. Garden decorations, candles, mantelpiece adornments, and even mesmerizing jewelry can be found here. Although some of these items come at a steep price, you can rest easy knowing that you are getting premium craftsmanship. With so much to choose from, you are sure to find something unique to bring back for your loved ones.
The Rustic Rose
Address: 3646 Kiessel Rd, Wildwood, FL 34785, United States
Website: The Rustic Rose
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Relax and unwind both day and night
The Villages encompass a unique Florida vacation where you can get all the sun and relaxation you need while never stepping foot on a beach. The town will also ensure you’re never bored, with so much to do both day and night. You could also try the best day trips from The Villages to make your vacation even more exciting!
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