The best things to do in Sumter County

Between adult-pool bliss and friendly games of bocce or shuffleboard, Pine Ridge Pool & Mail Station is where quick dips turn into catch-ups with neighbors. There’s a fishing pavilion and an assistance lift, so it’s equal parts laid-back hangout and genuinely welcoming community spot.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 13, 2026

Pine Hills Pool keeps it simple with an adult pool that’s ideal for an easy dip and neighborly catch-ups. It sits within the Pine Hills Recreation area, so it’s a convenient spot to soak up some Florida sun and see familiar faces without making a big production.

From the Wildwood newsletter, October 12, 2026

Moyer Family Pool & Recreation mixes chill pool time with year-round lawn and court games, plus billiards and exercise classes inside rooms decked out with old Florida citrus history. Locals love it for friendly pickleball, bocce, shuffleboard, and those Valencia and Clementine Rooms that make meetups feel extra sunny.

From the Wildwood newsletter, October 15, 2026

Okeechobee Executive Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-27 Level 4 track in The Village of Pine Ridge and one of the more difficult courses in The Villages. Three sets of tees stretch 805 to 1,439 yards and the finale forces a carry over a lake, equal parts nerve test and postcard.

From the Wildwood newsletter, October 18, 2026

Hawkes Bay Executive Golf Course starts you off easy then cranks up the challenge on the last four, where birdies get scarce. Expect undulating greens, big bunkers, and sneaky moguls that turn comfy lies into hill workouts, with yardages from 849 to 1336 keeping things friendly or feisty.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 9, 2026

Don’t let the early holes fool you, Pimlico Executive Golf Course is a par-29, 9-hole track that turns spicy fast, with two legit par 4s and a finish that rewards brains over brawn. Three tee sets keep it friendly or competitive, perfect for quick Villager rounds.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 29, 2026

With elevated tee shots on most holes and a quirky figure-eight layout that sends you across the same bridge twice, Bonita Pass Executive Golf Course is a fun 9-hole, par-27 tune-up. Start smart on the short opener, then pick your tees for friendly or feisty.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 28, 2026

Built in 2011, Southern Star Executive Golf Course is a Level 3 nine-holer that opens with two tee shots that must carry over water, so warm up the nerves. Then let the driver eat on the wide open par-4 fourth, with three tee sets spanning 1,085 to 1,682 yards keeping it friendly or feisty.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 29, 2026

Saddlebrook Executive Golf Course is a resident favorite for a reason, with rolling fairways threaded between 100-year-old oaks and a peaceful nature preserve. Three sets of tees keep it friendly for beginners and sneaky competitive for your crew, and the par-27 layout is perfect for a quick tune-up.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 8, 2026

Turtle Mound Executive Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-27 Level 1 track in the Village of Duval that’s friendly for newcomers yet fun for regulars. It’s short with generous greens and even a forced carry over water, so you’ll get challenge without the headache.

From the Wildwood newsletter, October 26, 2026

If your short game needs a little spice, Sandhill Executive Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-28 loop with rolling terrain, sneaky elevation changes, and bunkers that live up to the name. Three sets of tees keep it friendly for easy rounds yet interesting when you want to test the trusty wedge.

From the Wildwood newsletter, October 20, 2026

If you like risk-reward, Belmont Executive Golf Course is the “ultimate challenge” on the Executive Golf Trail, a nine-hole, par-28 track where flag-hunting leaves little room for error. Forward tees keep it friendly, but from the back it’s a Level 4 test framed by pastures and wildflowers.

From the The Villages newsletter, September 28, 2026

Redfish Run Executive Golf Course packs variety into nine holes (par 28) with three easy, three semi-challenging, and three very challenging. Expect a 400-plus-yard par 4 that’s arguably the longest among the executive courses, plus elevation changes, oak trees, and wildlife around the water basins keeping you honest.

From the The Villages newsletter, September 21, 2026

First Responders Recreation is a 19-acre tribute to our heroes with a speedy 18-hole putting course, loads of court and lawn games, and plenty of ways to stir up friendly rivalries. Grab a pal this week, try pickleball, croquet, or table shuffleboard, then unwind by the fire pit.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 19, 2026

Lopez Legacy Golf & Country Club is LPGA Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez’s first course design, a 27-hole layout on Marion County’s rolling terrain with live oaks and water to test you. Grab a buddy, pick a nine, and see if your short game is as good as you brag.

From the Ocala newsletter, August 5, 2026

Palmer Legends Country Club delivers upscale dining with USDA Prime steaks, the freshest seafood, and a polished selection of fine wines and spirits. Swing by for lunch to find scratch-made soups, crisp salads, and gourmet sandwiches, all with the kind of warm hospitality Villagers love.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 25, 2026

Perfect when you want a relaxed nine without leaving The Villages, Sarasota Executive Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-3 layout with large greens, forgiving approaches, three tee options, and a driving range right next door, so you can loosen up then go chase those birdies.

From the The Villages newsletter, September 12, 2026

From free nightly music on the Squares to Broadway-quality shows, comedians, concerts and even polo, The Villages Entertainment keeps your dance card full 365 days a year. Grab tickets online or at the box office, then meet friends and make a night of it.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 24, 2026

Intimate theater staging performances, plays and musicals by local artists.

When your couch queue looks tired, Epic Theatres Old Mill Playhouse keeps it fresh with a steady mix of new releases, a few under-the-radar gems, and occasional special events. Grab advance tickets online, then treat yourself to that big-screen reset we all need midweek.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 23, 2026

An 18-hole putting playground in Sawgrass Grove, Clifton Cove Putting Course is an easy yes when you want real practice without a full round. All abilities welcome, bring your own putter or grab one from neighboring Ezell Recreation, then see who sinks the trickiest reads.

From the The Villages newsletter, September 2, 2026

Waterside golf facility offering a putting green, practice bunkers, lessons & more.

Tucked under live oaks with prairie views, Sweet Gum Executive Golf Course is a par-28, 9-hole loop that plays friendly or feisty depending on your tees. Ideal for sharpening wedges this week, it’s short on yardage and long on shot-making fun for Villagers.

From the The Villages newsletter, August 25, 2026

Wildwood Vineyard and Events blends a laid back wine bar vibe with a scenic vineyard and an event lineup that swings from immersive movie-and-seven-course dinners to live music nights, seasonal bashes, and more, plus specialty beers and ciders for the non-wine folks.

From the The Villages newsletter, September 3, 2026

Bonifay Golf Course packs 27 holes by Clifton, Ezell and Clifton with rolling terrain, elevation changes, and five tee sets from 4,763 to 7,090 yards. The memorable one is Destin #5, a par 3 playing 95 to 207 yards almost all carry over water... bring extra balls.

From the The Villages newsletter, September 14, 2026

If you’re itching for a hometown challenge, Hacienda Hills Golf & Country Club brings 27 holes across the Lakes, Oaks, and Palms nines, with bunkers everywhere and water on fourteen. It’s playable for all skill levels, with mirrored holes Chi Chi Rodriguez once called favorites, and rates that won’t sting.

From the The Villages newsletter, October 4, 2026

Glide through big oaks and Lake Miona scenery on the easier of the lakeside sister tracks, Heron Executive Golf Course serves up a relaxed par-28 loop with a surprise par four and that quirky horseshoe green, perfect for a breezy tune-up round or photo-worthy stroll.

From the The Villages newsletter, August 30, 2026

Part community clubhouse, part living tribute, Eisenhower Regional Pool & Recreation Center wraps resident-donated military memorabilia around a full slate of fun. Drop in this week for pickleball, table shuffleboard, and the sports pool, then linger to soak up stories from neighbors who served. Check it out.

From the The Villages newsletter, September 20, 2026

One of The Villages’ original tracks, Chula Vista Executive Golf Course is a quick nine that’s welcoming for new golfers yet sneaky challenging. Expect a water carry, smaller greens, and a few bunkers that reward precise approaches, plus three tee sets to play it your way.

From the The Villages newsletter, September 17, 2026

With 27 holes, rolling fairways, generous landing areas, sneaky undulating greens, and a few dramatic elevation changes, Havana Golf & Country Club keeps every round interesting.

From the The Villages newsletter, August 31, 2026

Golf-style courses featuring holes without crazy obstacles and with manicured grass.