Things to Do
Things to Do Near Coleman, Florida
Springs • Rivers • Parks • Trails • Golf • History • Family Fun • Wildlife • Shopping • Day Trips
Coleman is perfectly placed for exploring Central Florida — springs, state parks, town squares, golf, and wildlife all within about an hour (some day trips a bit farther). Use this guide to plan your stay at Dana’s Florida Getaways.
Florida Springs & Swimming Holes (30–90 min)
Crystal-clear water for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling — 72°F year-round.
Silver Springs State Park (~55 min)
Iconic glass-bottom boats, trails, paddling among lush scenery.
Official Site →Rainbow Springs State Park (~60 min)
Swim the headsprings, stroll gardens, or float the river in season.
Official Site →Alexander Springs (~60 min)
Wide spring basin for swimming/snorkeling in the Ocala National Forest.
USFS Info →Weeki Wachee Springs (~75–90 min)
Legendary mermaid shows and a stunning blue river for kayaking.
Official Site →Juniper Springs (~75–85 min)
Historic springhead, short trails, and a scenic spring run (permit rules apply).
Ocala Info →Rivers & Paddling (30–90 min)
Kayak, canoe, or SUP on calm, scenic waters.
Rainbow River (Tubing/Kayak) (~60 min)
Clear, gentle current for relaxed floats and paddles.
Find Rentals →Withlacoochee River (~35–50 min)
Shady, scenic paddle with wildlife and easy put-ins.
Find Rentals →Crystal River / Three Sisters (~60–75 min)
Blue springs and possible manatee sightings (seasonal rules apply).
NWR Info →Homosassa River (~60–70 min)
Relaxed river vibe with boat tours and waterfront eats.
Find Tours →Blue Spring State Park (~90 min)
Winter manatee refuge and scenic spring run paddling.
Official Site →Parks & Lakes (10–60 min)
Fishing, boating, hiking, and shady picnics.
Lake Panasoffkee (~10–20 min)
Popular for bass fishing, boating, and sunsets.
Water Mgmt Info →Lake Louisa State Park (~40–45 min)
Rolling hills, lakes, and miles of trails.
Official Site →Colt Creek State Park (~55–60 min)
Quiet lakes, wildlife, and oak hammock trails.
Official Site →Fort Cooper State Park (~35–45 min)
Lakeside walks, birding, and picnics.
Official Site →Lake Griffin State Park (~25–30 min)
Home to one of Florida’s largest live oaks; canoe/kayak launches.
Official Site →Trails & Biking (20–60 min)
Paved rail-trails, scenic walks, and MTB singletrack.
Withlacoochee State Trail (~25–35 min)
46-mile paved biking and walking path through scenic towns.
Official Site →Van Fleet State Trail (~40–45 min)
One of Florida’s flattest, quietest rail-trails through wetlands.
Official Site →Santos Trailhead (Ocala) (~50–55 min)
Top MTB destination with color-coded singletrack for all levels.
Greenway Info →Hancock Trail (Clermont) (~45–50 min)
Scenic, hilly paved trail with lake views; popular with cyclists.
Trail Info →Venetian Gardens (Leesburg) (~25–30 min)
Lakefront boardwalks, bridges, and scenic park strolls.
Trail Info →Golf & Leisure in The Villages (15–30 min)
Dozens of courses, ranges, and leisure activities.
Golf The Villages (~20–30 min)
Multiple public/semi-private courses, pro shops, and dining.
Official Site →Putting & Short Courses (~20–30 min)
Casual pitch-and-putt fun for all ages.
Find Options →Driving Ranges (~20–30 min)
Work on your swing before hitting the course.
Find Ranges →Town Squares Live Music (~20–30 min)
Nightly music, shops, and dining at three lively squares.
Events →History & Culture (20–60 min)
Museums, historic parks, and charming downtowns.
Dade Battlefield Historic SP (~25–30 min)
Visitor center, shaded trails, and annual reenactments.
Official Site →Don Garlits Museum (Ocala) (~45–50 min)
Huge collection of dragsters and classic cars.
Official Site →Old Courthouse Museum (Inverness) (~35–40 min)
Local history exhibits in a classic downtown landmark.
Official Site →Ocala Downtown & Art Walk (~45–50 min)
Galleries, restaurants, and monthly art walk events.
City Events →Leesburg Historical Museum (~25–30 min)
Small museum with local artifacts and stories.
Museum Info →Family Fun & Indoor (15–60 min)
Great for rainy days or evening entertainment.
Old Mill Playhouse (Brownwood) (~20–25 min)
Catch the latest movies near the lively square.
Showtimes →Bowling Alleys (~20–30 min)
Classic lanes and snack bars for family fun.
Find Lanes →Escape Rooms (~25–50 min)
Team up to solve clues and beat the clock.
Find Rooms →Indoor Trampoline Parks (Ocala) (~45–50 min)
High-energy fun for kids and teens.
Find Parks →Mini Golf & Game Centers (~20–40 min)
Casual fun with putt-putt and arcade games.
Find Courses →Wildlife & Nature Centers (45–90 min)
Manatees, birding, scenic drives, and nature exhibits.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife SP (~65–75 min)
Underwater manatee observatory and native wildlife exhibits.
Official Site →Crystal River NWR (~60–75 min)
Three Sisters boardwalk and seasonal manatee viewing.
NWR Info →Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (~60–70 min)
Slow scenic drive with excellent birding and gator sightings.
Drive Info →Ocala National Forest (~45–90 min)
Trails, springs, and scenic drives across a vast pine forest.
Forest Info →Shopping & Markets (15–40 min)
Town squares, antiques, and farmers markets.
Brownwood Paddock Square (~20–25 min)
Shops, eateries, market days, and nightly music.
Events & Map →Lake Sumter Landing (~25–30 min)
Lakefront square with boutiques and entertainment.
Events & Map →Spanish Springs (~30–35 min)
Old-world vibe with shops, cafés, and music.
Events & Map →Traditions Antique Mall (~15–20 min)
Large antique mall with rotating dealer booths.
Map & Hours →Inverness Antique Mall
Browse for unique furniture, décor, and collectibles.
Maps & Hours →Day Trips & Coastal (60–120 min)
Picturesque towns, Gulf views, festivals, and seafood.
Crystal River (~60–75 min)
Walk the springs boardwalk and enjoy waterfront seafood.
Visitor Info →Cedar Key (~110–120 min)
Charming Old-Florida island town with art, nature, and seafood.
Visitor Info →Mount Dora (~55–65 min)
Lakeside downtown with boutiques, cafés, and popular festivals.
Visitor Info →Clermont Chain of Lakes (~45–55 min)
Waterfront parks, SUP, biking, and hilly scenery.
Visitor Info →Tarpon Springs (~110–120 min)
Greek eats, sponge docks, and boat tours on the Gulf.
Visitor Info →.jpeg)
