Comprising more than a dozen planned retirement communities and neighborhoods and three unique downtown squares, The Villages is designed to cater to every whim of recreation and entertainment, all within a short drive of Florida’s dual coastlines. The Villages’ history goes back to the 1960s, when the area’s land tracts were sold via mail order. Officially named The Villages in 1992, the community has grown in leaps and bounds. It now spans 32 square miles and is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the state. Featuring bungalows, patio villas, and custom homes, The Villages’ offerings have grown with the development. The area is home to 50 golf courses and boasts more than 2,700 social clubs; its world-famous polo club draws 30,000 spectators each year.

Typical for central Florida weather, The Villages experiences long, oppressively hot summers and short, cool winters. Due to the humidity, it’s wet pretty much year-round, and cloud cover can come and go quickly depending on the winds. Temperatures average in the high 80s and low 90s Fahrenheit in the summertime, waver between the 70s and 80s during the shoulder seasons, and very seldom drop below 40 degrees in winter. While sunshine is abundant year-round, the best time to book one of the area’s vacation rentals is for late spring or early summer, before things get too sticky. Alternatively, early fall is pleasant.

Lake Sumter Landing

One of The Villages’ three main squares, Lake Sumter Landing has the feel of a small waterfront town. Featuring a long, old-fashioned boardwalk that circles the lake; a picturesque lighthouse; and a movie theater, it’s one of The Villages’ entertainment hubs. If you’re visiting over the holidays, don’t miss the golf cart Christmas parade.

Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve

Located at the southern edge of The Villages, this natural preserve is home to gopher tortoises, alligators, herons, cranes, and other regional wildlife, as well as an impressive variety of native marshland plants. Enjoy the short nature walk, and bring binoculars to check out the fauna from the observation deck.

Lake Griffin State Park

Home to one of the state’s largest live oak trees, this 620-acre park connects Lake Griffin to the Harris Chain of Lakes. It’s the perfect spot to see wildlife like osprey and river otters while canoeing, kayaking, or hiking along the scenic nature trail.