Introduction
Whether you’re a resident of Mount Dora, Florida or just passing through, there are plenty of things to do here. From shopping and dining to exploring the many lakes and parks that line our town, visitors are sure to find something that captures their interest. Whether you’re looking for family fun or want some time alone, there’s something here for everyone!
Palm Island Park
Located at the southernmost point of Lake Ida, Palm Island Park is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. A large playground, tennis courts, and a dog park are just some of the amenities offered by this well-maintained park.
In addition to its recreational facilities, Palm Island Park has plenty of things to see and do for nature lovers as well. The park boasts over 40 different species of trees including oak trees that were planted by early settlers in the area. A walking trail was also built around part of Lake Ida so you can enjoy viewing all these beautiful trees without having too much trouble getting from one side to another!
The best part? All this can be done while still having fun! There’s also a playground area where kids (and adults!) can enjoy themselves after spending time walking around looking at all these different types of plants growing on land owned by Mount Dora City.
Mount Dora Village Shops and Boutiques
Probably the best known feature of Mount Dora is the Mount Dora Village Shoppes and Boutiques. This is a collection of small shops, restaurants, and galleries in the center of town. It is the best place to shop for antiques, art, crafts, and other unique items. You can also find clothing stores like Banana Republic or Buckle that sell items such as shoes and accessories to add a little style to your wardrobe. Mount Dora Village Shoppes also has bookstores where you can find books on any topic you would like to read about. There are music stores featuring CDs with all kinds of genres available for purchase as well as antique jewelry stores that carry silver bracelets and watches for men or women who want something special from their trip!
Gilbert Park
Gilbert Park is a public park located in Mount Dora, Florida. The park features an open-air performance space, a children’s playground, and walking trails through the surrounding woods. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The park is named after the city’s founder, James H. Albertson. It was originally known as Albertson Park and was dedicated in 1925. The open-air performance space was constructed in 2008 and hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
Mount Dora Museum of Speed
The Mount Dora Museum of Speed is located in the Downtown Lake Dora area. The museum features a 7,000 square foot show room. American muscle cars and classics are on display! The museum opened after a man by the name of Bogard and his wife retired to the area from Jupiter, Florida. Other collections in the museum are numerous pedal cars, midget race cars, a 1940’s Texaco gas station, vintage signs, juke boxes, Coke machines, and other forms of Americana.
Lake Dora Scenic Boat Tours
If you’re looking for a fun way to see the lake and get a glimpse of homes beyond your reach, Lake Dora Scenic Boat Tours are the way to go. The two-hour tour includes the famous Dora Canal, which has been described as “The most beautiful mile of water in the world.” Knowledgeable captains and crew will guide you through the waters of the lake and share insider information about the area and its history. This boat tour is conveniently located near Mount Dora’s historic Lakeside Inn.
Renninger’s Antique Center & Farmer’s Flea Market
One of the best things to do in Mount Dora is visit the Renninger’s Antique Center and Farmer’s Flea Market. Make sure to check the schedule prior to your trip to Mount Dora since most of the hours teend to be concentrated toward the weekends as with and typical flea market.
Lakeside Inn
The Lakeside Inn is a Historic Hotel located in Mount Dora. Built in 1883, it is the oldest continually operating hotel in the state of Florida. The facility and grounds are beautifully maintained and the Lakeside Inn is situated at an absolutely breathtaking point overlooking Lake Dora. During our brief visit to Mount Dora, we enjoyed strolling the grounds of the Inn. There are a couple of restaurants which are located on the property, which are open to the public and definitely caught our attention, and we have ever intention of giving them a try during our next visit to the area!
Mount Dora Golf Club
Mount Dora Gold Club is billed as the longest 5,700 yards in Florida. This 70 par, 88 acre course features manicured greens framed with magnificent oak trees. It is truly a favorite for golfers all across the state.
Takeaway:
Now that you know the best things to do in Mount Dora, there’s no reason not to visit this charming town. The quaint village has plenty of culture and excitement for you and your family or friends. If you’re planning a trip or weekend getaway with friends, it’s nice to have some ideas on what you should see while in town. Make sure to check out some of these attractions when planning your trip!