The Surrounding Area
Sunshine Village Resort is centrally located with easy access to the best places that Florida has to offer. In our immediate country setting, the surrounding nature and forests offer activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, and biking. Additionally, with access to I-75 within 15 minutes, guests and residents can explore many of Florida’s popular attractions, regional and local shopping, musical performance and art venues.
Nature & Adventure
While our resort is located on the edge of thousands of acres of quiet countryside to the south, we are strategically located an equal distance from the action and adventures of Orlando, Tampa, and Ocala; all approximately 1 hour away.
Numerous Smaller Cities
Additionally, guests can explore numerous smaller cities, each with a variety of unique cultures, festivals, entertainment, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more. Cities such as The Villages, Clermont, Bushnell, Dade City, Tavares, Mount Dora, Leesburg, and more.
How Far to the Beaches?
Since we are located in Central Florida, you can travel west 45 minutes to well-known Gulf Coast beaches and cities. Traveling east, take a daytrip and discover popular Atlantic coast beaches and cities like Daytona, Smyrna and Ormond.
Places to See!
If you’re an explorer, you’ll certainly stay busy uncovering all the interesting points of nature and local culture. The following list will get you started with many of our favorite places. Also, for additional places, pictures and descriptions, try out our interactive map.
Visit our curated list of videos that feature places you can see and experience near Sunshine Village. Most of these places are within 1-hour of our community.
Area Golf Courses:
You bet there is golfing nearby – THIS IS FLORIDA! Here are a few to choose from.
- Mission Inn’s El-Campeon’ – 24 miles – the historic and world class El Campione was designed and built in 1917 making it the South’s oldest and most historic golf course. The exceptional resort location offers a sports bar and full restaurant dining for lunch and dinner. It also offers a full daytime Spa.
- The Monarch at Royal Highlands – 19.1 miles
- Swiss Fairways Golf Course – 23.3 miles
Attractions:
- Chase Sanctuary – 6.3 miles – this place is awesome and full of pleasant surprises. See exotic animals and experience them like never before!
- Giraffe Ranch – 17.3 miles – Guests can see camels, Brazilian tapirs, and pygmy hippos, as well as view animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
- Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards – 18.4 miles – Sample fabulous wines or visit during one of their many events or for scheduled live musical entertainment.
- Walt Disney World – 28 miles – Spend a day or spend a WEEK! No matter your age, there’s childlike wonder to be had at every turn!
- Revolution Adventures Florida – 28 miles – offering 230 acres for a host of outdoor experiences; target archery, clay shooting, fishing tours, pontoon boat, jet ski and offroad vehicle rentals.
- Busch Gardens – 56 highway miles
- Sea World – 56 miles
- ZooTampa – 56.9 miles
Sporting and Recreational Activities:
For the healthy lifestyle enthusiast there are plenty of outdoor recreational venues in the area. Within 30 miles, there is canoeing/kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and more.
- Richloam Wildlife Management Area, 58,000 acres of nature & recreation – 7 miles – We are on the edge of pure country!
- Withlacoochee State Forest Main Entrance – 21 miles west
- Croom Motocycle Area – 15.9 miles – 2600 acres of pure heaven for off road enthusiasts. Plenty of rental vendors nearby.
- Lake Louisa State Park – 30 miles east – spend all day here or even grab a quick getaway in a 2 bedroom airconditioned cabin. There are plenty of tours available – horseback riding, hiking/exploration, segway tours, kayaking and more. (see available tours)
- Ocala National Forest – 43 miles north – although further than 30 miles, this is the second largest protected forest in the United States covering 607 square miles. Inside this area, there are popular experiences in nature, local culture and history such as A long-time favorite to discover
Historic Sites:
Central Florida is home to many historic places. Here are a few located nearby:
- Dade Battlefield Historic State Park – 8.9 miles – explore Florida’s history and beauty amongst magnificent ancient oaks and verdant pine flatwoods. Experience a battle reenactment, various events or participate in ongoing scheduled craft programs surrounding historical Florida.
- Florida National Cemetery – 10.9 miles – a meaningful and visually powerful destination. Established in 1988 on 500 acres, it has over 180,000 interments to date and approximately 6,500 burials per year!
- Richloam General Store – 11.9 miles – is a rustic, early 20th-century landmark situated within Withlacoochee State Forest. Built around 1922–1928 it is owned and operated by descendants. So much has been preserved – it’s like a time-capsule!
- Community of Royal – 24.8 miles
- Baker House – 23 miles –
Webster Westside Flea Market (aka: Swap O Rama):
1.2 miles from Sunshine Village
The Swap O Rama is the home of Food, Fun, and Fabulous Flea Finds with areas for indoor and outdoor dining and shopping. Over the last 50 years it has evolved into the second largest market of its kind in Florida. The market is known for great finds in rare and unique collectibles. and is shopped regularly by serious collectors, decorators and antique dealers.
It’s open every Monday from 7AM – 2PM. Learn more at the button below.
Live Entertainment, Dining & Shopping
The Villages in Sumter County is home to three distinct Village Town Squares each offering an array of unique shopping, dining, and nightly entertainment. Each town square has a specially themed atmosphere with movie theaters, shopping, great restaurants, and nightly live entertainment. The Villages is also home to the Sharon Morse Entertainment Center drawing performance celebrities to Sumter County.
Activities at these 3 awesome town centers are available 365 days per year!
- Brownwood Paddock Square – 20.5 miles – Immerse yourself in an early 19th century Florida cattle town theme. Explore restaurants, shopping, a movie theatre and ongoing live entertainment.
- Spanish Springs Town Square – 29.8 miles – Early Florida Spanish theme.
- Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center – 29.8 miles
- Lake Sumter Landing Town Center – 46.7 miles – all shopping, dining and entertainment is located along a beautiful lakefront.
Click to see The Villages Entertainment Calendar
Sunshine Village Resort Activities:
You can always stay home at the resort and enjoy our activities and amenities. We have a packed calendar of fun on resort location ALL YEAR LONG! To get a closer look, check out some of our calendars and newsletters below.
Helpful Hints: Click each map marker for a description of the destination along with where to go for more. You can also use the location menu to in the left panel of the map to find a location and click for more information.
- Click each map marker for a description of the destination along with where to go for more. You can also use the location menu to in the left panel of the map to find a location and click for more information.
- To increase or decrease the size of your map, you can use the scroll function on your mouse or the + – on the bottom right of the map.
- To reposition the map, simply click and hold to drag to position.
