Find the best things to do in Mount Dora that make this small town worth visiting!
Mount Dora is a charming town in Central Florida, just a 30 minute drive from Orlando and the theme parks. The city dates back to the 1800’s and was named “Mt. Dora” because it sits on a 184-foot high plateau, one of the higher “mountains” in Florida (seriously).
Since the town is situated along the large and tranquil Lake Dora, the sunsets here over the water are breathtaking. Mount Dora has been ranked one of the friendliest small towns in Florida, and one of the best romantic escapes for couples. Even though it is considered a small town, there are so many things to do in Mount Dora for the whole family!
12 of the Best Things to Do in Downtown Mount Dora
Mount Dora has a charming downtown area that is great to walk around and explore on foot. You could easily spend a relaxing day wandering around and taking it all in.
We have put together a list of the best things to do in Mount Dora so you won’t miss out on anything. From great restaurants and bars to eclectic shops and historic Victorian buildings, check out the unique character of this town in one fun-filled weekend!
1. Eat at the Delectable Restaurants
You know I have to start with the food! There are over 20 restaurants in a 3 block area downtown Mt Dora, with all kinds and varieties of food to choose from. And the best part is there are no chain restaurants allowed downtown, so every place is locally-owned and one of a kind.
2. Try a Craft Beer
Wolf Branch Brewing shares space with the Mount Dora Marketplace in the heart of downtown. This serves as a great spot to stop in and try their craft brews, seltzers, and ciders. You can bring food in from the Marketplace too, so the kids can snack while the adults sip.
Serendipity Brews is another unique spot that serves specialty coffee drinks along with over 14 craft beers and ciders on tap. So grab whatever tickles your fancy that day and head out to see the rest of Mount a-Dora-ble!
3. Grab To-Go Mimosa
Sip-and-stroll your way up and down the streets and alleys of downtown Mount Dora with a to-go mimosa. Located next to Wolf Branch Brewing, Bubbles & Juice is a fun indoor/outdoor shop that serves kid- and adult-friendly bubbly beverages. This is such a treat, especially on a warm afternoon!
4. Check out the Street Art
Mount Dora is a very artsy town. From street art made by local artists to multiple arts and craft fairs, the art scene here is vibrant. There is a plethora of boutique art shops and galleries to peruse, much like the historic downtown Sanford, Florida.
5. Walk Past the Starry Night House
Speaking of art, this house takes “street art” to a whole new level. If you are a Van Gogh fan, you’ll be able to spot the Starry Night house right away. Located just outside of downtown Mount Dora, this house has quite the history!
The paintings on this house first began on the plain masonry wall surrounding the home, but the city complained that the walls of a home have to match the house. So the family decided to paint their entire house to match. It is a work of art for sure! You can’t go inside as it is a private residence, but it is definitely worth walking by.
6. See a Real-Life Gingerbread House
The Donnelly House is a Victorian Queen Ann-style home that looks exactly like a gingerbread house. Now a Mason’s lodge, it was originally built in 1893 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is in front of Donnelly Park, right across from the City Hall.
Note: There is another house built in this same “steamboat gothic” style called the Gingerbread House in historic downtown Savannah, Georgia that is worth visiting as well!
7. Shop 'til You Drop
Downtown Mount Dora’s streets are lined with colorful buildings housing unique shops, ranging from beautifully curated antique stores to art galleries and boutiques featuring local artisans. Shoppers can choose from a plethora of clothing stores, home décor shops, dog bakeries, local boutiques, art galleries and more.
The famous Renninger’s Antique Center, located just outside of the downtown area, is a popular spot for finding vintage treasures. Known for being one of the largest flea markets on the East Coast and the largest antique center in Florida, Renningers is continually ranked as one of the 10 “Best in the USA” year after year.
The town also has a bustling farmer’s market, offering visitors fresh produce and goods from local farmers and artisans. Over 50 vendors join the market every Sunday! Shopping downtown is definitely one of the best things to do in Mount Dora.
Don’t miss out on all the amazing discoveries you can stumble upon by strolling down the charming brick streets and exploring the quaint alleyways in between. Who knows? You might just find some treasures you never knew you needed.
8. Stay for a Festival
Mount Dora has over 30 festivals each year, this small town sure loves to celebrate! There are art strolls, wine walks, craft fairs, antique shows, seafood and craft beer festivals… when you are planning your visit, try to time it with one of the big events.
For the holidays the town of Mt. Dora goes all out. The entire downtown is dripping in lights of every color during Light Up Mount Dora, there is live music along every street, and City Hall shines bright in the middle of town. They even have fresh snow blowing in some of the alleys! This is by far our favorite time to visit.
9. Get on the Water at Lake Dora
The best way to see Lake Dora is to get out on the water. Take a 2 hour Premier Boat Tour on a pontoon boat to catch glimpses of Old Florida. You’ll see tons of wildlife like alligators, dolphins, and all kinds of birds as you travel through the Harris Chain of Lakes. Or, go out for the one-hour tour right at sunset for gorgeous views of the sun reflecting off the water. Don’t you just love Florida?
10. Visit the Mount Dora Lighthouse
Did you know Mount Dora has a lighthouse? Yeah, we didn’t either until we drove by it! Lighthouse Park has a 35-foot lighthouse, not great for guiding ships to port but still serves as a great viewing spot and fabulous photo opportunity.
The park offers plenty of parking, a public boat launch, and a boardwalk. This is also a great fishing spot. Lake Dora is within the Harris Chain of Lakes, known as the Bass Capital of the World!
11. Walk Along the Mount Dora Trail
The Mount Dora Trail offers a picturesque escape into nature right from downtown. This scenic pathway is filled with lush foliage and towering trees, along with glimpses of Lake Dora and the occasional bird or deer. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or cycling, the trail offers well-maintained paths and a gentle breeze from the lake.
12. Stop for an Amazing Sunset
Because downtown Mount Dora hugs the large Lake Dora, the sunsets here are magical. There are several great viewing spots for the nightly ritual of watching the sun fade below the horizon. One such spot is at the docks just down the hill from Pisces Rising. However one can argue that the view from the beach at Lakeside Inn is the best place to watch a sunset in town.
Unique Places to Stay in Mt. Dora
Inns and B&B's
The Lakeside Inn is the oldest Victorian-era hotel still operating in Florida. There are 90 rooms, a dining room and tavern, a lakefront swimming pool, and 2 larger docks heading out onto Lake Dora. Sit on the sprawling front lawn in one of several Adirondack chairs spread out along the lakefront and feel the weight of the world melt away.
Of course with all of the Victorian style buildings around, there are a ton of quaint bed and breakfasts to choose from as well. We have stayed at the Adora Inn and it was a great experience, within walking distance to all of the best things to do downtown. Also the Magnolia Inn Bed & Breakfast, built in 1926, was rated the “best breakfast in the southeast”. Sounds amazing!
Camping near Mount Dora
Camping at Trimble Park is another option for a place to stay when you are visiting Mount Dora. It is a small, quiet park also on the Harris Chain of Lakes, and is only a 10 minute drive to downtown. We brought our camper and had a spacious site right on the water. It was heaven!
I hope we have inspired to check out the best things to do in Mount Dora! This adorable town is the perfect location for a quick but relaxing weekend away, where you can eat, shop, and see the “real Florida”.
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Happy travels!
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