Leesburg is located on the Harris Chain of Lakes. But paddling and fishing are not the only reasons to visit: parks, local history, sports and dining offer other ways to explore the city. When choosing the focus of your trip, you can decide whether water activities, historical sites or downtown attractions should take center stage.

Parks and Waterfront

Bourlay Historic Nature Park covers 83 acres and lies on the southwest shore of Lake Griffin, within Leesburg city limits. At 65 acres, Venetian Gardens Park is smaller. The city is also located on the Harris Chain of Lakes. For orientation, this puts Bourlay Park’s specific waterfront location alongside Leesburg’s position on the chain of lakes—two different scales to consider for a stay focused on parks and water.

Fishing, Paddling and Sports

You can fish on Lake Harris without a boat from the public docks at Venetian Gardens. The Lake Harris Run is a beginner-friendly blueway with an access point at Singletary Park in Leesburg. These offer two distinct ways to enjoy the water: fishing from public docks or paddling along a blueway with a named access point. Which option better suits your stay depends primarily on the activity you’re looking for.

Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex has eight baseball/softball fields. Since facilities can change, check what is currently available when planning a specific sporting activity. H.O. Dabney Aquatic Center has a 25-yard competition pool and a pool with a shallow beach entry. Check the center’s current operating status before your visit.

Local History and Culture

Mote-Morris House was built in 1892 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 27, 1974. Its construction date and its listing on the register mark different milestones in the house’s history. The Leesburg Heritage Society and Historical Museum features exhibits on Leesburg’s history from 1857 to the present. Together, these offer two cultural perspectives: the history of a single house and a broader look at the city’s development.

Downtown, Dining and Events

Downtown Leesburg has upscale and casual restaurants, wine bars and breweries. This mix offers different dining and drinking options without limiting your stay to a particular type of restaurant. Individual businesses and offerings can change, so it’s worth checking the current selection when making specific plans.

During major city festivals, Leesburg’s Towne Square serves as the focal point. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates and program in advance. This will help you plan your visit around the event days.

Discover more destinations: Groveland, Silver Lake, Howey-In-The-Hills, Clermont, Lady Lake, Eustis, Sorrento, Fruitland Park

For the overarching travel guide: Lake.