Wildwood is a pocket city in Florida’s Sumter County.
Its location makes it accessible from all directions, but most don’t bat an eye at this small city.
Wildwood is an excellent alternative destination to the overcrowded tourist attractions in Tampa Bay and Orlando.
Likewise, Wildwood is an hour away from these two major Florida cities.
There are many less-known attractions in Wildwood that are worth checking out.
This small Florida city is home to dozens of shops, cafes, restaurants, antique collections, and galleries.
Here are the best things to do in Wildwood, FL:
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Wildwood is also the home of a magnificent wildlife management area.
The Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Area is famous for its 18 miles of multi-purpose trails and campgrounds.
It’s one of the most famous outdoor attractions in Sumter County.
Lake Panasoffkee is a nature lover’s haven because of the vast array of wildlife you’ll find.
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Nature and wildlife photographers will take many photos of the animal species in the preserve.
You’ll find many animals such as deer, hawks, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
For nature lovers, hiking in this vast wildlife management area leads to extensive marshes, wetlands, and forested areas.
Likewise, boating and picnicking are popular at the Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Area.
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This 130-acre lakeside park features miles of paved trails, boat ramps, picnic areas, and sports facilities.
It’s an excellent place to bring your loved ones for a weekend picnic in Wildwood.
Most importantly, you’ll see Lake Okahumpka’s natural beauty.
Many locals and visitors flock to Lake Okahumpka to relax and have outdoor fun.
Likewise, the frisbee golf course, horseshoe pits, and mountain biking are popular activities at the park.
Gilded Matilda’s is a charming place for those who have a special place for art in their heart.
It features a playful bohemian collection of local artworks, gardens, and home decors from local artists.
It’s a charming place to shop for unique finds and even souvenirs if you want to take a side trip from your Wildwood adventure.
You’ll enjoy browsing its displays featuring the artworks and products from 41 artists.
This one-of-a-kind shop in Wildwood also features jewelry, gourmet gifts, accessories, and Dixie Belle chalk paints.
Gilded Matilda’s offers many unique and appealing items you’ll bring home.
The Traditions Antique Mall is one of the biggest antique shops in Sumter County.
It features a vast collection of antiques and collectibles from locals and abroad.
This fabulous antique mall is a haven not just for antique collectors but also for those who want to add something new to their homes.
Traditions Antique Mall has over a hundred booths of charming antique collectibles ranging from artworks, jewelry, home decor, furniture, books, accessories, and more.
This antique mall in Wildwood is an excellent place to score a rare and gorgeous antique you won’t find anywhere else.
This charming local market features the best products from local farmers and artisans in Wildwood.
Visiting Brownwood Farmer’s Market offers you a rare chance to taste Wildwood’s local specialties from pastries, preserves, home-cooked dishes, and freshly-harvested fruits and veggies.
In addition, you can also buy other items like artworks, handicrafts, and home decors from locals.
Meet Wildwood’s locals during your visit, which gives you a more immersive experience in the city.
Another unique attraction in Wildwood is the Blue Moon Ranch.
Blue Moon Ranch is one of the top-notch places for horseback riding sessions.
This public horseback riding service also offers trail outfitting in Wildwood and provides a memorable experience for everyone.
In addition, they also offer horseback trail riding tours through Wildwood’s scenic waterways, including Lake Okahumpka.
Likewise, you’ll enjoy other activities at Blue Moon Ranch, such as its monthly horse shows and horseback riding competitions.
For those serious about learning or improving their horseback riding skills, Blue Moon Ranch has an indoor riding area for practice.
Overall, visiting Blue Moon Ranch is something you and your loved ones shouldn’t miss on your Wildwood trip.
For wholesome fun without going too far away, head to the Millennium Park & Community Center.
This community park in Wildwood features top-notch amenities, giving you and your loved ones an enjoyable time.
Unlike other parks in Wildwood, this one is for those who want to plunge into action and fun.
Millennium Park & Community Center features more than five acres of open space for football, frisbee, horseshoe pit, and other activities.
In addition, kids can have fun at its playground, while grownups can unwind at its picnic area.
Millennium Park & Community Center is an excellent place to sweat while relaxing and enjoying the fresh air.
Head to Wildwood’s Lake Deaton Park for another round of nature tripping and wildlife viewing.
This charming park offers visitors an excellent opportunity for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and top-notch relaxation.
Lake Deaton Park is the perfect place for people yearning for a reprieve from a stressful week.
It has a peaceful ambiance; you’ll only hear the birds singing and the tree branches rustling.
Lake Deaton is the best place to go for unwinding.
You can sit down and enjoy the natural scenery from the park’s screen house, where guests can read books, have a picnic, or simply pass the time.
In addition, guests can also enjoy numerous activities, such as lawn games, bingo, card games, potlucks, and barbequing.
Take a detour from your Wildwood itinerary and head to the Baker House for a fascinating historical tour.
In the late 1800s, Senator David H. Baker owned the famous estate.
The home has a stark plantation-style architecture that is well-preserved up to today.
The house, now a famous historical landmark in Sumter County, features a two-story main house with porches on both levels.
At the same time, it has a separate kitchen house, with distinct stained glass window designs and wood carvings on its walls and staircase.
The house holds historical value in Sumter County as it holds dozens of artifacts.
It details not just the life of Senator Baker but also numerous famous personalities in Florida, especially during the American Civil War.
Currently, the Wildwood Area Historical Association manages the Baker House, allowing visitors to tour the entire property.
Visit the Wildwood Antique Mall to hunt for more rare antiques and collectibles.
It features vendors who offer a diverse and eccentric collection of antique items.
Find treasures from yesteryear in pristine condition.
You’ll undoubtedly spend hours wandering Wildwood Antique Mall’s 20,000-square-foot indoor shopping area.
The Wildwood RV Village is perfect for those who want to stay in a cozy and affordable spot while visiting the city.
This RV village not just offers its guests top-notch amenities but also numerous activities such as hiking, a mini-golf course, and holiday potlucks.
In addition, it’s near numerous restaurants and fast-food chains, so you won’t have to drive far to get food.
This local barbecue joint is a must-visit for those who want to indulge in delicious food and good company.
Oakwood is one of the most famous barbecue joints in Sumter County, especially in Wildwood.
They are known for their delectable barbecues, such as baby back ribs, smoked brisket, and other grilled meat.
After a tiring day touring Wildwood, treat yourself to a delicious meal at this famous restaurant.
Besides its barbecued meats, you can also order charbroiled burgers, grilled chicken, steaks, and side dishes.
This vast recreation center boasts a massive outdoor swimming pool, recreational facilities, and sports facilities for the entire family.
The Eisenhower Regional Pool & Recreation Center is the best place to bring your family some quality time.
It features top-notch amenities for a whole day of recreation and fun.
Cap off your Wildwood adventure with a day at the Eisenhower Regional Pool & Recreation Center.
Riverbanks Outdoor Store from New Port Richey, FL, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You don’t need to travel far to witness the majestic beauty of the Everglades.
Find a smaller version of this natural attraction at Flat Island Preserve.
It’s in Leesburg, Florida, 25 minutes from Wildwood.
This fantastic natural attraction features the same flora and fauna as the Everglades, making this place fascinating to explore.
Dr. Rexford Daubenmire and his wife Jean founded this natural attraction.
They were both botanists in Sumter County.
The Daubenmires decided to study the botanical biodiversity of Flat Island Preserve.
At the same time, it’s a natural attraction that many people visit for its beautiful natural sceneries featuring the Okahumpa Marsh.
Flat Island Preserve spans over 2,300 acres of lush forested areas, marshes, and wetlands featuring Florida’s fascinating flora and fauna.
Hiking and nature sightseeing are two of the most popular activities at Flat Island Preserve.
Florida might not be a well-known place for wine-making, but you’ll surely be surprised to find a great winery in Summerfield.
This winery is 19 minutes away from Wildwood.
Aside from good food and antique shopping, treat yourself to some excellent wine at Dragon Flower Winery.
This local winery is best known for its handcrafted wine, which you should try during your Wildwood adventure.
In addition, Dragon Flower Winery boasts a cozy and charming tasting room where you can pour a glass or buy a bottle of signature wine.
Try signature wines like the Zinfandel, Raspberry, Riesling, Carlos, Bourbon Barrel-aged Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, and Hibiscus.
People often pass by Wildwood while heading to Tampa and Orlando, not knowing it has hidden gems worth checking out.
Drop by this small charming city in the Sunshine State when you’re driving through the interstates or national highways.
For sure, Wildwood has something in store for everyone who visits there.
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