Florida is a dream destination for many retirees, and one of the best ways to find your perfect fit is by exploring stay and play retirement communities Florida has to offer. These short-term, immersive packages allow you to sample life in a 55+ community before making a long-term commitment. You’ll have the chance to enjoy the amenities, meet current residents, and get a true feel for the local lifestyle. Whether your heart is set on coastal living, small-town charm, or being close to big-city attractions, Florida provides countless opportunities to “try before you buy.”
Why “Stay and Play” Works
Sampling a 55+ community before you commit is the best way to see if it feels like home. These programs allow you to:
- Experience the amenities first-hand.
- Meet potential neighbors and learn about social opportunities.
- Get a realistic sense of the location, pace, and lifestyle.
Here are some stay and play retirement communities in Florida for active adults looking to experience the retirement lifestyle firsthand.
Del Webb Naples – Ave Maria, FL
High $200ks – High $900ks
Del Webb Naples sits in the heart of the master-planned town of Ave Maria, where Mediterranean architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and charming piazzas create a picture-perfect setting. This active adult community blends small-town warmth with resort-style amenities, featuring sparkling pools, tennis courts, and the impressive Oasis Club. Whether your day involves playing pickleball, taking a fitness class, or strolling through town, Del Webb Naples offers an inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to imagine your future here.
Experience Del Webb Package
Overnight Pass
- Stay in a fully furnished home
- Explore the community in your own golf cart (if available)
Day Pass
- Lunch or dinner with a resident
- Participate in a class like art, bocce, or pickleball
- Meet residents
Stone Creek – Ocala, FL
Mid $200ks – Mid $800ks
Stone Creek combines the tranquility of Ocala’s horse country with the excitement of a bustling 55+ neighborhood. This gated Del Webb community is known for its lush landscaping, friendly atmosphere, and exceptional amenities. The Reunion Center clubhouse features a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, hobby rooms, and spaces for social events. Outdoors, residents enjoy tennis, bocce, pickleball, and scenic trails that meander through the community. Its location in Central Florida means you’re just a short drive from both coasts, giving you easy access to Gulf and Atlantic beaches, world-class theme parks, and countless dining options.
Experience Del Webb Package
Overnight Pass
- Stay in a fully furnished home
- Explore the community in your own golf cart (if available)
Day Pass
- Lunch or dinner with a resident
- Participate in a class like art, bocce, or pickleball
- Meet residents
Del Webb BayView – Parrish, FL
Mid $300ks – Low $800ks
Perfectly positioned between Tampa and Sarasota, Del Webb BayView offers the best of Florida’s Gulf Coast lifestyle. Here, you’ll find a social atmosphere where neighbors gather at the clubhouse for events, cool off in the resort-style pool, or head to nearby beaches for a day in the sun. This low-maintenance community features beautifully designed homes and plenty of walking and biking trails. Also, the location makes it easy to explore cultural attractions, top restaurants, and shopping in both Tampa and Sarasota.
Experience Del Webb Package
Overnight Pass
- Stay in a fully furnished home
- Explore the community in your own golf cart (if available)
Day Pass
- Lunch or dinner with a resident
- Participate in a class like art, bocce, or pickleball
- Meet residents
Del Webb Sunbridge – St. Cloud, FL
Mid $300ks – Low $1Ms
Del Webb Sunbridge offers a modern take on active adult living, with sleek home designs and an impressive list of amenities. Located just minutes from Orlando, the community’s 27,000-square-foot clubhouse includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, hobby rooms, and spaces for everything from book clubs to cooking classes. Outside, residents enjoy a resort-style pool, tennis and pickleball courts, as well as miles of walking trails. Residents are close enough to enjoy Orlando’s entertainment, shopping, and dining, but tucked away in a serene setting.
Experience Del Webb Package
Overnight Pass
- Stay in a fully furnished home
- Explore the community in your own golf cart (if available)
Day Pass
- Lunch or dinner with a resident
- Participate in a class like art, bocce, or pickleball
- Meet residents
Ocala Preserve – Ocala, FL
Mid $200ks – Mid $600ks
Set amid gently rolling hills and peaceful lakes, Ocala Preserve offers a nature-inspired escape with homes by Shea Homes and D.R. Horton. This community is built around a lifestyle of relaxation and recreation, featuring amenities such as a Tom Lehman-designed golf course, a full-service spa, and a clubhouse that serves as the heart of social life. Residents can take advantage of tennis courts, pools, biking trails, and numerous clubs and activities. Also, its location near I-75 makes day trips to Gainesville, Orlando, or Tampa an easy option, while still providing a peaceful home base.
Shea Homes Discovery Stay Program
- Three-day, two-night stay in a fully-equipped home with access to a golf cart or bicycles
- Private community tour of home models, clubs, and home sites
- Gift card (gift card redemption choices vary and are not available at all locations) to book activities such as golf, dining, or spa services (some exceptions)
- Full club access (available at completed, participating clubs)
- 10% discount on all retail purchases at the spa, sports shop, and marketplace at the community (some exceptions)
Note: Prices and check-in days vary by community. No arrival on Sunday at any community.
Indian River Colony Club – Melbourne, FL
High $200ks – Mid $500ks
Indian River Colony Club blends resort-style living with a unique sense of community built around camaraderie and shared interests. Known for its patriotic spirit, this gated neighborhood boasts a private 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a heated pool, and over 40 social clubs. The on-site country club serves as the gathering place for dinners, holiday celebrations, and casual get-togethers. Located just minutes from Space Coast beaches, residents enjoy both a relaxed lifestyle and quick access to fishing, boating, and cultural attractions.
Getaway Package
For $129 per person, the IRCC Real Estate Tour and Getaway package includes:
- Three days and two nights at a local hotel
- A round of golf or tennis
- Lunch, brunch, or dinner at the exclusive private country club (dress code enforced)
- Tour the available single-family homes, the amenities, and the lush community grounds
On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
Low $100ks – High $600ks
As one of the largest and most established active adult communities in Florida, On Top of the World offers something for everyone. With three golf courses, multiple fitness centers, swimming pools, and hobby studios, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active. Unique amenities like an RC airplane field, a woodworking shop, and a cultural center set this community apart. Its location in Ocala means you’re close to both natural beauty and urban conveniences, making it an appealing choice for retirees seeking variety and engagement.
World Tour
For $149 per person, the World Tour includes:
- Three days and two nights
- A representative will show you the recreational activities and amenities as well as the furnished model homes
- A first-hand look at the amenities and Circle Square Commons outside the community gates
- A community golf cart for you to experience the lifestyle on your own
Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club – Ormond Beach, FL
Mid $200ks – High $4Ms
Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club is a premier private community offering an upscale, coastal-inspired lifestyle. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the 45 holes of championship golf, while others can indulge in spa treatments, fitness classes, or fine dining at two exclusive clubhouses. With its location just minutes from Daytona Beach and an easy drive to Orlando, residents can enjoy a quiet home life with access to big-city amenities and coastal adventures. Elegant home designs, scenic views, and a strong sense of community make it a top choice for discerning buyers.
Discovery Tour
Gold Package – $699 + Tax & Fees Per Couple
- Three-day, two-night stay in a private club villa
- $100 credit towards dining, cabana bar, or pro shops merchandise
- Full access to members-only clubhouses, pro shops, cabana bar, pools, and fitness center
- Unlimited access to tennis, pickleball, and bocce courts
- 30-minute tennis or pickleball lesson with a professional instructor
- Private golf cart during your stay
- Participate in any group fitness classes
- Schedule a day spa treatment (additional fees apply)
- Personalized tour of the community
Diamond Package – $1,099 + Tax & Fees Per Couple
- Three-day, two-night stay in a private club villa
- Two rounds of golf per person on the members-only championship golf courses
- Unlimited access to the golf practice area and driving range with balls
- $100 credit towards dining, cabana bar, or pro shops merchandise
- Full access to members-only clubhouses, pro shops, cabana bar, pools, and fitness center
- Unlimited access to tennis, pickleball, and bocce courts
- 30-minute tennis or pickleball lesson with a professional instructor
- Private golf cart during your stay
- Participate in any group fitness classes
- Schedule a day spa treatment (additional fees apply)
- Personalized tour of the community
Regency at Waterset – Apollo Beach, FL
High $300ks – Low $800ks
Regency at Waterset combines stylish home designs with a welcoming atmosphere in a sought-after location just south of Tampa. Part of the larger Waterset master-planned community, it offers residents exclusive access to private amenities while also enjoying the shared parks, trails, and gathering spaces of the broader neighborhood. Whether you’re swimming laps, playing pickleball, or strolling along scenic walking paths, there’s always something to do. Its location near Tampa Bay means beaches, entertainment, and restaurants are all within easy reach.
Resident for a Day
- A welcome visit with a community specialist to get the inside scoop on the community
- An all-access pass to explore amenities like trails, pools, and sports courts at your own pace
- Explore model homes from seven award-winning builders to find the perfect fit
55places Can Help You Explore Your Options
From Gulf Coast gems to Central Florida hubs, these stay and play opportunities offer a no-pressure way to discover your perfect fit. By immersing yourself in the lifestyle for a few days, you’ll know whether a community truly matches your vision for retirement. With so many options across the state, your ideal Florida retirement adventure could be just one visit away. Contact 55places.com today to connect with a local real estate expert and explore stay and play retirement communities in Florida!
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