Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Leesburg, Florida

Once recognized for its watermelon production, this rapidly developing city is located between two significant freshwater bodies, namely Lake Harris and Lake Griffin.

Leesburg’s vibrant and culturally enriched downtown is just a short distance from the shores of Lake Harris. Located on the waterfront is one of my preferred parks globally. 

In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration established Venetian Gardens, a collection of charming islands interconnected by quaint bridges. 

Lake Harris is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes, the largest series of lakes in Florida. From this point, you can access nearly 80 square miles of freshwater, all interconnected by navigable waterways.

1. Harris Chain of Lakes

Source: MorrisonMedia / shutterstock

Lake Harris is one segment of the largest chain of lakes in Florida. From the waterfront at Venetian Gardens, the vast expanse of over 50,000 acres of freshwater awaiting exploration is truly astonishing.

Included in the chain are Lakes Dora, Beauclair, Carlton, Eustis, Apopka, Griffin, and Yale. All but one, Yale, are accessible via navigable waterways. Consequently, the possibilities for adventure are virtually limitless. 

For example, you might chart a course for the swimming area at Horseshoe Island on Lake Harris, cast a line for largemouth bass, or enjoy island-hopping while observing wildlife along the way.

2. Downtown Leesburg

Corresponding with the city’s significant growth since 2000, Leesburg’s downtown has flourished as a hub for shopping, dining, and socializing.

The area features striking street art, exquisite architecture, and an inviting streetscape, embellished with palm trees, small gardens, and a beautiful plaza in front of City Hall on Main Street.

Among the many historic buildings worth visiting are the Leesburg Opera House (1889) and the nearby Tropic Theatre, which opened as a B-movie house in 1932 and now hosts performing arts events.

As a shopping venue, downtown Leesburg boasts numerous antique shops, along with independent stores offering handmade gifts, collectibles, and homewares.

The dining scene impresses with a diverse array of options ranging from traditional pub fare to seafood, pizza, and steaks. A short stroll north will bring you to the picturesque Veterans Memorial Park on Fountain Lake, while the Venetian Gardens are just a couple of minutes to the south.

3. Venetian Gardens

Source: Earl’s Photos / shutterstock

Nestled by Lake Harris and in close proximity to downtown, Venetian Gardens may well be my preferred location in Leesburg. This inspiring embodiment of a Depression-era WPA project was developed in the 1930s.

The park features an intricate network of small islands connected by decorative footbridges. Visitors can easily spend hours exploring, enjoying breathtaking views, and observing the diverse birdlife and turtles.

While this park offers a tranquil experience, recreational amenities are available nearby. If visiting with younger children, the delightful Rogers Park Splash Pad is located to the west. 

To the east lies the Venetian Cove Marina, where pontoons can be rented for excursions on the Harris Chain of Lakes.

4. Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area

Source: Archaeopteryx Tours / shutterstock

Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Griffin, Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area is another beautiful protected space that offers a splendid outing from Leesburg. 

This site, a designated stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, spans more than 7,000 acres, serving as my top choice for wildlife observation in the area. 

Narrow levees crossed by trails provide distant views of the wetlands. During the driest period of the year, spanning from late February to May, visitors can also traverse the levees along a four-mile loop.

As with all wetland ecosystems, the birdlife varies with the seasons. For example, bobolinks gather here in spring, while migratory ducks and least bitterns visit in the fall and winter months.

No matter the season, one can expect to see wading birds such as herons, egrets, ibises, roseate spoonbills, and sandhill cranes.

5. Leesburg Heritage Museum

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

If you seek a respite from the lakes and waterways, the local history museum is an excellent choice.

This elegant building, constructed in 1922 for the Leesburg Woman’s Club, has served as headquarters for various businesses and organizations, including the library and Chamber of Commerce over time.

It is a remarkable place for newcomers to familiarize themselves with Leesburg’s history. The exhibits provide in-depth insights into the watermelon industry, which thrived until the 1950s and was commemorated with an annual festival. 

Visitors can also learn about Leesburg’s notable landmarks, such as the Magnolia Hotel (1906) and the Lake View Hotel (1884), where famous personalities like Annie Oakley would lodge during the winter months.

6. Leesburg Center for the Arts

Situated downtown, the Leesburg Center for the Arts was established in 2000 to enhance the quality of life in the city and Lake County. The center markets itself as a welcoming environment for art discovery, exploration, and experimentation.

Visitors can gain insight into the local art scene at the intimate gallery, which offers a consistent schedule of exhibitions throughout the year. During my visit, an engaging open show for textile and fabric art featured embroidery, weaving, cross-stitch, and quilts.

The center also operates a large gallery at Plaza Lincoln, located by the airport on US 441. As part of its dedication to community development, a wide array of programs are available, including skill-based classes, workshops, lectures, and open studios.

7. PEAR Park

This Lake County property located in southern Leesburg encompasses a significant wildlife conservation area, accompanied by a smaller section designated for active recreation.

The land has an intriguing history; it served as an experimental agricultural research station for the University of Florida for over 70 years starting in 1929.

Remnants from that period still exist, including the Orvel J. Walter Heritage Grape Arbor. Across the park, visitors can traverse more than six miles of trails through diverse habitats such as freshwater marshes, scrub, pine flatwoods, and longleaf pine sandhill.

Interpretive kiosks and pavilions provide information on the park’s ecology, complemented by several overlooks ideal for wildlife watching.

8. Pat Thomas Stadium

Since its establishment in 1937, Pat Thomas Stadium has served as the home for numerous teams. Located by the lake on the eastern side of Venetian Gardens, this facility currently hosts Florida Collegiate Summer League games, serving as the home field for the Leesburg Lightning, which was founded in 2003.

The stadium previously acted as the hub for several minor and major league spring training camps, including the Philadelphia Phillies for more than two decades until 1968.

Attending a Leesburg Lightning game is an enjoyable experience from the first week of June, with playoffs taking place in the final week of July. During my visit, the Lightning celebrated their third FCSL championship.

9. Leesburg Art Festival

Celebrating artists from Florida and the southeastern United States, the Leesburg Art Festival has been an annual event for nearly 50 years.

This two-day festival occurs downtown on the first weekend in March, with countless vendors lining Main Street showcasing an array of handmade jewelry, paintings, clothing, pottery, prints, photography, sculptures, and street art.

What truly impressed me was the lively atmosphere, with dancers collaborating with musicians and numerous artists actively creating throughout the event. 

Families can also participate, with artmaking stations offering tie-dye, pottery wheels, chalk art, and much more.

10. Melon Patch Theatre

Leesburg has enjoyed a flourishing community theater group since 1951. Over the past 70+ years, the Melon Patch Players have staged more than 400 productions. 

Talent from across Central Florida collaborates to present professional-quality musicals, comedies, and dramas. The group’s permanent venue is an auditorium located on the site of Leesburg’s first high school, installed as a donation in 1955.

Audiences can enjoy five performances each season, and cast members gain invaluable experience both on stage and backstage. 

In addition to the regular season, special events occur throughout the year, including an annual haunted house during Halloween.

11. Haynes Creek Preserve

Near the west shore of Lake Eustis lies a serene park containing a river island within Haynes Creek. At the heart of the 36-acre Haynes Creek Preserve is Blount’s Island.

Finding the entrance can be a challenge, as it resembles a residential driveway when I visited.

However, once on the trail, the visitor experiences a rarely seen area of wilderness, adorned with splendid live oaks and a wealth of wildlife sightings. I observed several alligators on my brief walk, alongside a splendid great egret.

12. Bourlay Historic Nature Park

Source: Danielle Parker / Facebook

Bordering Lake Griffin, Bourlay Historic Nature Park is an ideal destination for those interested in local heritage.

The park’s entrance features an old Cracker-style house, a traditional type of frontier home built throughout the 19th century in Florida. This structure was relocated to the park and now serves as an informal visitor center.

The building’s relocation is significant because Bourlay Historic Nature Park encompasses land first settled in the mid-19th century by Leesburg’s initial homesteader, Thomas Robertson.

From this spot, one can embark on nearly 90 acres of wooded trails, culminating in a scenic fishing pier that extends out onto the lake. A key piece of advice is to apply insect repellent upon exiting the vehicle.

13. Howey Mansion

Source: Shanejayhayes / Wikimedia

One of the most prestigious residences in the area is a 20-room Mediterranean Revival mansion, completed in 1927.

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Harris, the historic Howey Mansion was acquired by the current owners in 2017, who have been restoring the property, making it an exquisite venue for weddings. 

To gain a glimpse of this beautiful site, one can register for a guided tour. My historical tour lasted slightly over one hour. 

In addition to exploring the lakefront grounds and restoration progress, I learned about William John Howey (1876-1938), a prominent citrus developer in Florida, as well as the founder and mayor of the neighboring town of Howey-In-The-Hills.

14. Flat Island Preserve

Source: B A Bowen Photography / Flickr

One of the most memorable hikes I’ve undertaken in Leesburg occurred at Flat Island Preserve, extending out from the north shore of Lake Denham. 

This body of water is located just west of Lake Harris. The island is accessible via a narrow isthmus and features a looping trail that encompasses hardwood swamps, marshes, and upland hardwood hammocks.

The path is lined with beautiful saw palmettos, with long strands of Spanish moss cascading from the live oaks above. 

The well-marked trail, which includes a charming section of boardwalk, is the result of more than 1,000 volunteer hours from the Florida Trail Association.

15. AMC Lake Square 12

Traveling east along US 441, Lake Square Mall appeared to be experiencing better days. The location has a relatively high vacancy rate, though popular retailers such as Belk, PetSmart, and Bath & Body Works can still be found here.

In my view, the primary reason to visit is the modern AMC multiplex, which offers all the latest amenities, including comfortable recliners and stadium seating. Indeed, remaining awake during a film in these seats can be a challenge.

This location features a MacGuffin’s Bar, allowing patrons to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while watching a movie. Lastly, be aware of the specials, one of which featured a 30% discount on matinees at the time of my visit.