Places to Visit in Leesburg - Leesburg Must-See Attractions
Things to Do in Leesburg
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
- fromper adultS$120
Eco Toursfromper adultS$92
Stand Up Paddleboardingfromper adultS$107
Private and Luxuryfromper adultS$147
Theme Park Tickets and Toursfromper adultS$53- fromper adultS$76
- fromper adultS$87
Photography Toursfromper adultS$107
Aquariumsfromper adultS$43
Comedy Showsfromper adultS$51
Nature & Wildlife Areas
State Parks
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Other Top Attractions around Leesburg
What travellers are saying
- MKH000Calgary, Canada258 contributionsNeat area, saw alligators, lots of birds, unique and beautiful area, places to sit and relax, no problem parking. Can walk around the area, joins a park area, many cute bridges, marshy grounds across bridges though so stay on the main path.Written 29 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mark NWildwood, FL67 contributionsVisited during their annual truck show tractor pull.
Thoroughly impressed by the quality and quantity of the collection. It was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
If you have a love of farming, machinery, or antique vehicles this is a must see.
We'll be back!Written 7 February 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lisa HLeesburg, FL15 contributionsEmeralda Marsh Area 3 is a birding paradise! On recent visits, we have been fortunate enough to capture images of Great Blue Herons, Anhingas, Bald Eagles, Grackles and Snowy Egrets.
We look forward to returning throughout the year to see even of these spectacular specimens.
All photos courtesy of Louise and Alan Chen :)Written 21 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Marnette SWebster, FL2,394 contributionsI read about the Flat Island Preserve in a local newspaper, described as a local place to train for long hikes in woods and trails. We live near Leesburg, FL and the idea of walking in a quiet preserve in the middle of a city was interesting to us. Off we went.
Located in Lake County off of Highway 27 in southwest Leesburg just north of Lake Denham, the preserve is maintained by the Lake County Water Authority which has preserved two wooded islands: Flat Island and Magnolia Island and the wetlands that surround them. The islands are known as Okahumpka Marsh which feeds the most important source of underground water in the state: the Floridian Aquifer.
The four-mile (total) Daubenmire Trail is named in honor of botanists Rexford and Jean who performed the first botanical surveys and developed plant lists for Flat Island. The preserve is accessed on an unpaved dirt and sand road. As others have mentioned, visiting is best avoided after a significant rainfall when the road would be difficult to drive on; however, it does show signs of being graded.
We were the only car in the parking lot mid-weekday morning. A cement block restroom building is at the trailhead; the clean restrooms have flush toilets with two stalls each. The group camping area is conveniently located adjacent to the parking lot and restroom building. Maps are available at the trailhead along with a sign-in/sign out sheet where a posted sign at the trailhead reminds visitors to both sign in and sign out. Only name, number in party and time in/out are requested.
As others have noted, the preserve is not advised for anyone with mobility or balance issues. Tree roots are abundant and often concealed by fallen leaves. Sturdy shoes are as must! Pets are not allowed. Water is not available. Canoes, paddles and flotation vests are available by making prior arrangements through the LCWA office. Primitive camping is available for groups and backpackers by permit only at two locations within the Preserve.
The trail we took is well marked with red blazes on the trees to provide direction. A service road cuts through the preserve; trails branch off to the north and south of the road clearly marked with markers A-F. The map is vital to maintain a sense of direction. We chose to follow the southern part of the trail system: markers A-E led us to the 440-foot long boardwalk and canoe landing area. Distances between the lettered markers are reasonable: .15 mi., .4 mi., 1.0 mi. and help when deciding how far you can walk. While spider webs were common, they were not annoying; we encountered very few mosquitoes mid-morning until we got to the canoe landing. There, we were rewarded with an alligator sunning itself on a log while giving us the side-eye. He had *not* been fed and exhibited no signs of aggression. On our return, we spotted a large Florida softshell turtle with its snorkel-like nose. We spent about a little more than an hour from start to finish and logged a little over 2 miles on an 86F morning with humidity at 44%. On our next visit, we will walk the northern section of the trail.
If you go: The preserve is open daily from sunrise until sunset; no charge to enter. Camping and canoeing are by permit only.
Not allowed: motorized vehicles, alcohol, pets and trapping devices, removal of plants, animals, archeological or cultural resources.
If you want to lose yourself in Old Florida and the natural world, and escape the noise and distractions of city life, Flat Island Preserve is your destination.Written 2 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ericad263Wall Township, NJ71 contributionsWhat a great shopping adventure. Found a great coach bag. The hanging lighted fireflies are so fun to watch at night. Every time JD and I are in town for the monthly car show, we stop in to look for new additions. Staff is so inviting and friendly. Heat sensitive? bring a fan if you plan on going upstairs in the hot summer months....whew It's worth the look, but bring a fan.. lolWritten 8 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RandiFayeCLongwood, FL992 contributionsGreat walk/hike. Out and back. Starts with a full sun beautiful stretch through magnificent wild flowers - phlox, passion fruit, and many more. Then the trail becomes shady and cooler. Easy trail, runs parallel to a housing development at the end. Had a decent pizza lunch at the restaurant across the street - Rodello'sWritten 9 May 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- don666Seattle, WA160 contributionsGreat library for a small town. It was a wonderful Friends shop with cheap used books. Don't miss the statue of Annie Oakley at the rear of the building, along with the historical plaque that explains Annie's connection to Leesburg.Written 17 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gary HOntario, Canada52 contributionsBoulay park is pretty much in the center of Leesburg and is not even known by many. It is on donated land from the Bourlay family where their family house is still in use. The park is fully wooded, but maybe not original forest. Trails cris-cross the property for leisurely walks or rigorous hiking. There is a small jetty extending into lake Harris with a good view. The narrow entrance road is actually for vehicles even though it looks only for pedestrians or bicycles.Written 10 April 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jim pFort Myers, FL93 contributionsCamped at shelter site. Primitive site, no water or electric. You hike in a mile. This site is not directly on the river, but Wekiva River is close. We hiked in with way too much stuff. Ranger Paul,was super nice and gave us a ride back to the parking lot the next day. Saw bear, deer and raccoon tracks. They also have scrub jays, which are very rare. Cool thing about them is they like people and will fly on your head if you stay still. Definitely go back.Written 30 December 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FLHarlockTavares, FL4,942 contributionsGreat little trail to walk the dog. Lots of wildlife and natural beauty. You can even do some people watching here on Haynes Creek as a parade of boats go by. Nice little getaway especially in the fall. Never know what you’ll see here. Today’s special appearance was a baby gator! Definitely recommended.Written 21 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 'lainafromNYLeesburg, FL48 contributionsOutstanding community theatre right here in Leesburg. Had the pleasure of seeing the Mystery of Edwin Drood — laughs, music, great acting for a night of total fun.
They have on line ticketing so there is no excuse to miss a performance.Written 1 December 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Marnette SWebster, FL2,394 contributionsWe live near Leesburg, Florida and have passed the Vietnamese American Buddhist Association Meditation Center on Route 27 numerous times on our way to the Florida Turnpike. We always wondered what lay behind the salmon-pink walls which did not appear be closed to the public. We had been told it was a 'retreat center', noticed a foreign language at the entrance and always commented that we should venture in one day.
We did. And entered the 21-acre shady “Holy Garden“ with 10 stations of Buddha's in poses representing different stages in his life and those from "Buddha time." A double-sided map of the Holly Garden and Meditation Center Island is available to guide visitors and explain the meaning behind each statue which came from Viet Nam. Benches are scattered throughout the park to rest and reflect. I have been to Thailand so the Center had a familiar look.
Punna, a resident monk dressed in a burgundy-colored robe, welcomed us and explained that plans for the site were started in 2014 and construction of the main site began in 2017. The non-profit organization was formed for the purposes of providing Vipassana meditation for the Vietnamese and international community. Development of the actual Meditation Center Island is ongoing with single/double cabins, modular units, and yogi quarters to accommodate those who come for various retreats including yogi, meditation and mindfulness training. While there is not a large Vietnamese population in the immediate area, most 10-day retreat members come from the Orlando area and from around the country.
Retreats are tentatively scheduled for May, August and November 2024. In addition to meditation retreats, yogis can register with the Center to practice meditation year-round by downloading the registration form and emailing it.
Visitors from all faiths are welcomed to visit the Center. Ample parking is available. We were invited to attend the 9:00-10:00 a.m. Sunday morning meditation class and for breakfast following. The Center is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m-5:00 p.m.
If you are interested not only in learning more about Buddha but want to experience a peaceful, park-like setting among lotus ponds, visit the Vietnamese American Buddhist Association in Leesburg, FL.Written 4 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
