Explore Mount Dora, Florida
Quaint streets. Boutique shopping. Stunning parks. Delicious eats. Charming bed and breakfasts. What’s not to love about Mount Dora? This popular getaway is tucked on the shores of Lake Dora, just 35 minutes northwest of Orlando. Read on to see what all the fuss is about and if Mount Dora is the right choice for your next trip.
Charming Downtown Atmosphere
Take a stroll through the cobblestone paved streets and sidewalks of Mount Dora and fill your senses with countless shoppes, galleries, cafes and restaurants just waiting to be explored. The area is bustling with activity seven days a week, but weekends can be more crowded. Avoid the crowds and visit on a weekday if possible.
Navigable Inland Lighthouse
More than just a beautiful photo spot, the Mount Dora Lighthouse at Grantham Point Park is also Florida’s only registered inland navigational aid. Boaters and kayakers alike can use this lighthouse to safely find their way into the Port of Mount Dora. The lighthouse park is also an amazing place to watch the sunset, either with Fido or your favorite human.
Festival City!
Known as the Festival City, Mount Dora hosts more than 30 annual festivals a year. Though some have recently been postponed, others remain, including the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival. Check the event calendar to see what festivals, markets and more will take place during your visit.
Explore Nature
Though only 9.2 square miles, Mount Dora has a surprisingly large number of parks. In addition to Grantham Point Park where the Mount Dora Lighthouse is located, there are several others. Palm Island Park is nearby and features an elevated boardwalk through nature that is shaded by grand oak trees at several points along the way. Trimble Park overlooks Lakes Carlton and Beauclair and features a children’s playground, nature trail, picnic area and hidden finds throughout the park as well as an abundance of wildlife like turtles, several bird varieties and more. Located in downtown Mount Dora, Donnelly Park is the location of the annual holiday tree lighting event. The park is used for many events, and it also has pickle ball courts and benches for those enjoying a stroll through the facility. Finally, the Mount Dora Trail is a mountain bike trail with a single track main loop that is nearly 2 miles long.
Savor the Flavors
Mount Dora has some incredible options when it comes to good eats and enticing drinks. There are several delicious restaurant options, including Pisces Rising, which is touted not only for its range of dishes and flavors but also for its waterfront views of Lake Dora. The Goblin Market is another favorite, and this special place features intimate dining rooms lined with books as well as a separate bar and lounge area. 1921 Mount Dora mixes the best of Florida cuisine with modern art as its dining room features select pieces on loan from the Mount Dora Modernism Museum. If you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan options, look no further than Shiva Indian Restaurant.
There are some great casual options as well. Claire’s Creperie serves up fresh sweet and savory crepes, and PizzAmoré has mouth-watering pizzas in a picturesque environment. Mount Dora Pizza and Subs is another local favorite.
For drinks, check out Mount Dora Brewing or Wolf Branch Brewery for local brews and customer go-tos.
Get Some Rest
When it comes time to doze off, there is no shortage of options for you to get the best possible night’s sleep. For something with an amazing view before bed or when you wake up, book your stay at the Lakeside Inn, which is nestled on the shores of Lake Dora not far from the Mount Dora Lighthouse. Several bed and breakfasts are also in the area, including Heron Cay Bed and Breakfast Inn, Magnolia Inn Bed and Breakfast and the Mount Dora Historic Inn. Choose either for a unique experience that will make you feel right at home. The Mount Dora area also offers a range of trusted Holiday Inn, Hilton and Marriott branded properties to suit a broad range of tastes as well as vacation rentals from sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.
When you’re ready to explore Mount Dora and the Real Florida, it’s here for you.
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