Things to see and do in Mount Dora, Florida

Mount Dora, Florida: Small Town Charm with Serious Personality

Tucked into the rolling hills of central Florida, Mount Dora is a town that punches above its weight. With just over 16,000 residents, it has the relaxed feel of a sleepy lakeside community—but there’s more going on here than meets the eye.

We have visited Mount Dora numerous times.  There are some very good restaurants in the area.

Mount Dora sits on the shores of Lake Dora, one of the Harris Chain of Lakes, and that water access shapes the town’s character. Boat tours, seaplane rides, fishing, and sunset cruises are all part of the experience. If you’re not on the water, you’re probably watching it from one of the many outdoor patios, walking trails, or lakefront parks. The views are peaceful, the breeze is constant, and the sunsets don’t disappoint.

But Mount Dora isn’t just pretty. It’s got personality. The downtown area is walkable, filled with independent shops, galleries, antique stores, and cafes. You won’t find big box chains here—Mount Dora takes pride in its independent streak. Expect to stumble on things like a shop that only sells handmade Christmas ornaments, or a bookstore that doubles as a coffee bar with open mic nights.

One of Mount Dora’s biggest draws is its festival calendar. This small town knows how to throw an event. The Mount Dora Arts Festival, held every February, brings in hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors. There’s also the massive Mount Dora Craft Fair in the fall, a classic car show, a blueberry festival, a seafood fest, and even a Scottish Highland Games event. The energy during these weekends is electric—streets packed, music playing, people everywhere.

The town’s architecture adds to the charm. You’ll see early 20th-century homes, quaint inns, and the iconic Lakeside Inn, which has been welcoming guests since 1883. This is old Florida—before the theme parks took over—and it’s been carefully preserved.

That said, Mount Dora isn’t stuck in the past. It’s grown more diverse and creative over the years. New restaurants, craft breweries, and art spaces have moved in. A younger crowd is discovering it as a place to live or escape to for the weekend. There's even a modern edge—check out Mount Dora’s Renninger’s Vintage Market for retro finds, or grab a house-roasted espresso at Serendipity Coffee on Donnelly Street.

Mount Dora’s appeal is that it doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need a beach or a skyline. It offers something quieter and more grounded: a mix of natural beauty, human-scale living, and a little eccentricity.

Whether you're here for a festival, a fishing trip, or just a slow weekend with no plans, Mount Dora gives you space to breathe. It’s Florida, but not the Florida most people think of. And that’s exactly why it sticks with you.

Thinking of visiting? Viator offers numerous tours in Florida.  Click here for details. vi.me/0yyUX

For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com 

The Lakeside Inn at Mount Dora

Walking and biking trail along the shoreline of Lake Dora

The pier on Lake Dora

Vintage car in Mount Dora

Arts and craft festival at Mount Dora

Craft brewery in Mount Dora