Leesburg is an all-in-one travel destination for nature, city, and culture lovers.
Going by the name “Lakefront City,” this city in Lake County is a central business district and travel destination.
With its historic downtown area, Leesburg is also prone to annual, monthly, and weekly festivals that everyone can join.
One of Leesburg’s more unique secrets is its low hurricane and flood score, making it one of the safest places to stay during natural disasters.
Beyond its tourism and community, did you know that Leesburg is the oldest in Lake County?
Its first settler, Evander McIver Lee, made the city one of the most sought-after citrus-producing places in the world.
Since the city’s birth in 1857, Leesburg has evolved into a city of culture and celebration.
If you’re interested in a budget-friendly trip to central Florida, check out this list of the free things to do in Leesburg, Florida.
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Located off East Dixie Avenue, Venetian Gardens Park is one public park you shouldn’t miss while exploring Leesburg with your family.
Spanning 64 acres, this beautiful park landscape offers you an open view of seven near-shore islands and a mesmerizing, lush garden.
Connecting these islands are wooden boardwalks and bridges and paved trails for lazy strolls and hikes.
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The site also has picnic areas, barbecue grills, and pavilions.
For your little one’s enjoyment, a play area is readily open.
Venetian Gardens Park is the best place for family gatherings, bonding sessions, and the like.
Add this site to your itinerary!
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The upland habitats in Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve Park are one of Leesburg’s best outdoor gems.
Once an agricultural research center for a university, this center has become a 314-acre open-to-the-public park.
Within this site, find yourself surrounded by specialized, diverse habitats, including one for bluebirds and butterflies.
The place is also full of gopher tortoises, so keep an eye out for them.
There’s also a heritage memorial grove within the park to honor loved ones through tree planting.
You can find Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve Park on University Avenue, west of Highway 27.
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The Flat Island Preserve adds flavor to the city’s usual nature sites.
This botanical preserve, which protects the Okahumpa Marsh, is a product of the efforts of the Florida Trail Association and many volunteers.
With its trails that extend more than five miles, you have more than enough space to study the native plants and flowers growing all over the site.
Whether you’re only a beginner at an experienced hiker, you will find these trails enjoyable.
Flat Island Preserve is free for everyone to explore, but if you’d like to canoe or camp, you may have to pay a deposit.
This preserve is on Owens Road.
Do you have a few research tasks to complete while in Leesburg?
Or do you want to expand your knowledge of Leesburg’s past and culture?
Then, come by Leesburg Public Library for your reading and research break.
With a collection of over 141,000 volumes, you can confidently find what you are looking for.
If you’re bringing your little one, they may enjoy the children’s programs hosted by Leesburg Public Library.
You can find this library on East Main Street.
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Do you have room in your trip to take a step back into the past of Leesburg?
Then, you’ll find Mote-Morris House well worth your time.
Built in 1892, this home showcases all the best features of late Victorian architecture.
Preserved for public viewing, most of the furnishings and exterior placements have not undergone significant changes since its establishment.
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Its accompanying botanical garden is also worth viewing.
This historic home conducts free public tours every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, so free your schedule for that!
Explore one of Leesburg’s oldest homes on West Magnolia Street.
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Combining history and hiking, Bourlay Historic Nature Park is the gateway to your serene nature exploration while in Leesburg.
This 88-acre park comes with six loop trails for your hiking needs.
Within these trails, you are in for a treat with the pine flatwoods and hardwoods, along with possible wildlife sightings.
Bring your binoculars in case a stray woodpecker or a songbird appears on your path.
A picturesque view of Lake Griffin awaits you at the end of one of its trails, the Waterfront Landing Trail.
This park also has a pollinator butterfly garden on North Canal Street that you should check out while you’re there.
Add Bourlay Historic Nature Park to your list of sites to visit!
Are you a fan of baseball?
Pat Thomas Stadium on Ball Park Road should supply your baseball fix!
Seating 1,500 people, this stadium takes you on a nostalgic dive into your baseball journey.
Most of all, this stadium offers free admission for Leesburg Lightning home games.
So, you aren’t only appreciating the beauty of the stadium, but you also get to enjoy a game or two.
Enjoy your corn dog and hamburger for a few games at the Pat Thomas Stadium!
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A trip to Leesburg is never complete without joining one of its most famous annual festivals, Leesburg Bikefest.
This three-day celebration occurs every April, just in time to welcome spring.
There’s a variety of entertainment for everyone, mostly involving bikes; everyone can also have fun with the free activities at many stores.
Watch bike shows, games, stunts, and demo rides from venues all over downtown Leesburg.
If bikes aren’t your thing, check out the tattoo expos.
Local bands come together to play live music, too.
Don’t miss Leesburg Bikefest!
Every March, Leesburg celebrates art and creativity in the streets.
Join the Leesburg Arts Fuse Festival in downtown Leesburg.
This two-day festival spotlights local artists through live art demonstrations, pop-up shops, and interactive art stations.
Enjoy free live music and performances from solo artists and bands!
Public art is also a staple for this festival, so expect eye-catching artwork, including sculptures and murals, as you stroll Main Street.
Don’t hesitate to join the festivities at the Leesburg Arts Fuse Festival!
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Singletary Park is a prime example of the city’s breathtaking outdoor opportunities.
This park, situated on South 14th Street, offers free parking and a 2-lane boat ramp.
Notable for its serene ambiance, this place is ideal for relaxation and meditation.
Stay until dusk by the pier and watch the sunset turn the skyline orange at Singletary Park.
The pier is also a great date spot.
Leesburg does not cut corners when it comes to holiday festivities, as proven by the Leesburg Christmas Stroll.
This annual event, in late November, includes a traditional Christmas lights display and decorations, especially the lighting of the 24-foot tree at the center of the square.
Meet stilt walkers, jugglers, and other impressive performers while strolling the streets.
Jazz bands are also ready to fill the night air with soothing music and blues.
Santa Claus will even make an appearance, so bring your little one to whispertheir wishes into the Big Saint Nick’s ears himself.
Drop by historic downtown Leesburg on Main Street to see the winter wonderland promise of the city coming true at Leesburg Christmas Stroll!
Are you looking for other free things to do while in nearby Leesburg?
Read on to find out more attractions to visit nearby.
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Regarding community connectedness, Spanish Springs Town Square helps you get a taste of what Florida’s culture is all about.
This landmark in the Villages, Florida, is more than a landmark; it’s also a celebration of Spanish culture and a tribute to its Spanish heritage.
With its open-air, Spanish-filled atmosphere, you can find entertainment among the shops and buildings throughout the district.
However, what makes this square even more remarkable is its free live entertainment every night.
Sing and dance with loved ones and strangers at the plaza’s center.
Otherwise, use the site as a gathering spot for friends within the area!
Spanish Springs Town Square is on Main Street, which won’t take you more than 30 minutes if you travel from Leesburg.
Check out the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve.
As the largest in the Villages, this preserve opened its doors to the public in 2015 as a wildlife refuge.
With over 15 miles of walking trails and an overall 930 acres of property, this tourist attraction is the home of many amphibians, reptiles, and other wild creatures.
Climb the 400-foot observation deck and spot a few birds and waterfowl in the air.
View the 1.6 million native flowers up close and personal while strolling along Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve, on Moyer Loop, Wildwood, Florida, 14 minutes from Leesburg.
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If you’re in Central Florida, you don’t want to miss the promise of nature at Trout Lake Nature Center.
What was once a vision in 1985 became a reality when the center opened three years later.
In the succeeding years, this center became the home for many public programs while serving as a peaceful oasis for travelers in the city of Eustis.
Standing on 230 acres of dense forest and a multifaceted museum, Trout Lake Nature Center brings your nature exploration to the next level with interpretive markers and a complex trail network.
Cross the boardwalk for a breath of fresh air.
This nature preserve may be the nature escapade you are looking for.
Trout Lake Nature Center is on East Country Road 44, Eustis, Florida, 23 minutes from Leesburg.
The 130-acre Lake Okahumpka Park offers the ultimate outdoor recreation for the whole family.
Located on East Florida Highway 44 in Wildwood, this park has a two-lane boat ramp and a scenic lake view.
If you’ve got the time, explore everything that nature has to offer through the mountain bike trail.
Bring your energy out as you play with your loved ones at the sports courts and the golf course.
To get to Lake Okahumpka Park, you only need to drive for more or less 13 minutes from Leesburg to Wildwood.
Leesburg’s free recreational choices are only a few among the long list of what makes this city a perfect travel destination.
From festivals to nature reserves and parks, this city has a bit of fun prepared for everyone!
Save this list of free things to do in Leesburg, Florida, to help you make the most of your budget-friendly trip.
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