The Villages vacation rentals

Enjoy The Villages in vacation home rentals

First-time visitors to The Villages will soon notice that there’s something different about this central Florida community. Friendly, laid-back, sun-drenched, fun-loving—so far, typical Florida. But The Villages’ special appeal lies with its unique status as one of the state’s best-known retirement communities. Created through the vision of one man, The Villages has grown from a private real estate development into a thriving neighborhood of homes, stores, restaurants, social spaces, and recreational facilities. The Villages vacation rentals offer visitors the rare chance to experience the silver lining of life’s golden years in true Florida style.

Tourist attractions near The Villages vacation homes

If you're traveling with the grandchildren, why not plan a special treat that they’ll treasure for years to come? The candy-colored turrets of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom are barely an hour away via Florida’s famous Turnpike. Nearby, the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium offers an interactive exploration of the world’s oceans—the 360-degree views from the underwater tunnel are a special highlight. A pleasant 60-mile drive east of your vacation rental in The Villages takes you to Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where your little ones can feed giraffes, make friends with rhinos, and pet pygmy goats.

Things to do near vacation homes in The Villages

When it comes to mastering a new hobby, there’s no shortage of opportunities on offer. Many people choose The Villages vacation rentals specifically to sample the famous golf courses, which range from easygoing 9-hole executive standard to challenging 18-hole championship level, and were designed by some of the sport’s top architects. Swimming pools and fitness trails are among the other recreational amenities, while the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center is a showcase for international music and comedy stars. The Villages’ lively town squares are popular shopping destinations and meeting places, with social events and entertainment filling the long Florida evenings.

Day trips from the Villages vacation homes

The Villages vacation rentals are close to the best historic sites in Orlando. You can take a day trip to places like the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, a historic museum with an extensive Tiffany collection and special exhibits, and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, a museum with artifacts from the shipwreck and recreations of the ship’s rooms. Another unique attraction is SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology, a natural history museum with animal skeletons dating back to prehistoric times.

Climate during your stay in The Villages vacation rentals

Central Florida’s benevolent climate smiles on all visitors to The Villages vacation rentals, no matter the season. Mild winters and sizzling summers lend themselves to healthy outdoor living, so choose a property with a patio and barbecue to enhance your alfresco dining experience. The freshwater expanses of nearby Lake County help to keep the humid subtropical summer temperatures in check. November through March are ideal months to head south for some gentle winter sunshine and skip the high winds and rainstorms of midsummer.

The Villages’ natural connections

Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area fringes the eastern extremities of The Villages within Lake Griffin State Park. This unspoiled wetland is protected as a National Natural Landmark and forms part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Dedicated bird-watchers may be lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of the endangered Florida scrub jay, while sightings of woodpeckers, kites, and spoonbills are more common. The state park is famous for its ancient oak trees and its swamps provide welcoming refuges for alligators and otters. Nature trails, kayak rentals, and picnic areas are all part of the service. The park is open year-round from 8 am until sundown.

Transportation options to and around The Villages

Fly into Orlando Intl. Airport (MCO), the closest airport, located 54.3 mi (87.4 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could also fly into Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.), which is 13.8 mi (22.2 km) away.