Mount Dora FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mount Dora, Florida.
1. Renninger's Vintage Antique Center & Farmer's Flea Market
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
Renninger's Vintage Antique Center & Farmer's Flea Market sprawls across 117 acres of scenic, rolling land in the heart of Central Florida. Visitors can hunt for treasures amid spreading oak trees with Spanish moss gently waving from their branches, creating a uniquely atmospheric shopping experience. This popular attraction combines antique shopping with a vibrant farmer's market, making it a must-visit destination for collectors and casual browsers alike.
2. Sydonie Mansion
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Sydonie Mansion offers visitors a meticulously restored historic mansion tour adorned with international art and rich architectural details. Each room tells a different story through its cultural anecdotes and preserved historical elements, providing a glimpse into Florida's elegant past. The mansion stands as a testament to the area's architectural heritage and provides a fascinating educational experience for history enthusiasts.
3. Lake Dora
SCENIC WATERFRONT BEAUTY
Lake Dora provides a stunning natural backdrop for various recreational activities in Mount Dora, including popular boat tours that showcase the area's beauty. The serene waters reflect Florida's blue skies and are lined with cypress trees, creating picture-perfect vistas for photographers and nature lovers. Visitors can experience the lake through guided eco-tours or self-guided paddling adventures, making it a central attraction for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area.
4. Donnelly House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
The Donnelly House stands as one of Mount Dora's most recognized historic sites, showcasing stunning Victorian architecture and local heritage. Guided tours are led by passionate docents who provide informative and engaging insights into the home's significance to the region. The house represents an important piece of Mount Dora's past and offers visitors a chance to step back in time while exploring its carefully preserved rooms and details.
5. Mount Dora Village Market
LOCAL FLAVORS AND CRAFTS
Mount Dora Village Market brings together local vendors, artisans, and food producers in a vibrant community marketplace. Visitors can browse handcrafted items, sample regional delicacies, and interact directly with the creators, fostering a genuine connection to local culture. The market embodies the creative spirit of Mount Dora while providing a relaxed shopping environment for both tourists and residents.
6. Dora Canal
NATURAL WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Dora Canal offers a magical waterway experience often described as the most beautiful mile of water in Florida. Visitors can explore this picturesque canal via kayak, paddleboard, or guided boat tour while gliding beneath a canopy of ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate spotting native birds, turtles, and occasionally alligators in this pristine natural setting that connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis.
7. The Modernism Museum
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
The Modernism Museum immerses visitors in fascinating exhibits, including special features like the world of David Bowie. This unique cultural institution showcases contemporary design, art, and creative expression in thoughtfully curated spaces. The museum offers an unexpected artistic experience in the heart of small-town Florida, making it a refreshing destination for culture enthusiasts.
8. Magic Tea Market
EXOTIC TEA EXPERIENCE
Magic Tea Market delights visitors with refreshing boba teas and an array of exotic tea varieties in the heart of Mount Dora. This charming shop offers a welcome respite for shoppers and tourists looking to recharge while exploring the downtown area. The market combines traditional tea culture with modern flavors, creating a unique beverage destination that appeals to both tea connoisseurs and casual sippers.
9. Lakeside Inn
HISTORIC WATERFRONT LODGING
Lakeside Inn stands as Florida's oldest continuously operating hotel, offering a glimpse into old Florida charm with its yellow clapboard exterior and sweeping verandas. Visitors can enjoy the inn's lakefront setting while relaxing in rocking chairs that overlook the sparkling waters of Lake Dora. Whether staying overnight or simply exploring the historic property, guests experience a nostalgic journey through time at this centerpiece of Mount Dora's hospitality heritage.
10. Mount Dora Lighthouse
INLAND NAUTICAL LANDMARK
The Mount Dora Lighthouse stands uniquely as one of the few inland lighthouses in Florida, providing a charming nautical landmark on Lake Dora's shores. Visitors can capture perfect photos of this 35-foot lighthouse that has become an iconic symbol of the city since its construction in 1988. The lighthouse and surrounding Grantham Point Park offer beautiful sunset views and a peaceful setting for appreciating the lake's natural beauty.
11. Wolf Branch Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Wolf Branch Brewing serves as a primary attraction for both locals and visitors seeking craft beer experiences in Mount Dora. The brewery offers a selection of handcrafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the town's blend of tradition and contemporary culture. Beer enthusiasts can sample flights of unique brews while engaging with knowledgeable staff about the brewing process and ingredients that make each offering special.
12. Mount Dora Community Building
CULTURAL EVENTS HUB
The Mount Dora Community Building serves as a central venue for cultural events, performances, and community gatherings in the heart of the city. This historic structure combines architectural charm with modern amenities to host everything from concerts to art exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors should check the event calendar when planning their trip to experience the local culture and entertainment offerings that regularly enliven this beloved community space.
13. Mount Dora Golf Club
HISTORIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Mount Dora Golf Club offers golf enthusiasts a chance to play on one of Central Florida's historic courses surrounded by rolling hills and mature trees. The course provides a challenging yet accessible experience for players of all skill levels, with well-maintained greens and beautiful landscaping throughout. Golfers can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and small-town charm that extends from the community to this beloved sporting venue.
14. Golden Triangle
TRI-CITY EXPLORATION AREA
The Golden Triangle encompasses the charming interconnected communities of Mount Dora, Tavares, and Eustis in Lake County, offering visitors triple the exploration opportunities. Each town within the triangle presents its own unique character, attractions, and waterfront experiences along the chain of lakes. Travelers can easily navigate between these communities to experience the full flavor of Lake County's small-town charm and natural beauty.
15. Tavares Paddle and Brew Adventure
WATERWAYS AND CRAFT BEER
The Paddle and Brew Adventure in Tavares combines kayaking on the scenic Dora Canal with a refreshing beer flight tasting afterward. Adventure seekers can first explore the natural beauty of the waterway, observing wildlife and lush scenery at a leisurely pace. This popular excursion perfectly blends outdoor recreation with craft beverage appreciation for a complete Central Florida experience near Mount Dora.