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Mount Dora Day Trip Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & See in Florida's Charming Lakeside Town
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items Just 45 minutes from Orlando, Mount Dora is Central Florida's most charming small town - antique shops, lakefront sunsets, and cozy cafes. Here's exactly how I'd spend a perfect day trip there.
Map
You can lose an entire morning treasure hunting here - hundreds of antique dealers plus a weekend flea market. Come early and wear comfy shoes.
Renninger's Flea Market & Antique Center
A free boardwalk stroll through cypress trees right on Lake Dora. Keep an eye out for herons, ospreys, and the occasional gator sunning itself.
Palm Island Park
Home of Florida's only freshwater lighthouse - tiny, adorable, and the best sunset spot in town. Bring a camera for golden hour over Lake Dora.
Grantham Pointe (Light House)
The green heart of downtown, right across from the shops. Grab an ice cream, find a bench, and enjoy some of the best people-watching in Lake County.
Donnelly Park
Florida's oldest continuously operating hotel, dating back to 1883. Even if you're not staying, have a drink in a rocking chair on the veranda overlooking the lake.
Lakeside Inn
Their Dora Canal cruise is pure old Florida - ancient cypress, gators, and eagles. Book the sunset run if you can, it's absolutely worth it.
Premier Boat Tours
Hidden down a little alley with book-lined dining rooms and a killer she-crab soup. Easily the most romantic dinner spot in Mount Dora - reservations recommended.
The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge
Fresh seafood with a deck view over Lake Dora - time your dinner with sunset and thank me later. The lobster mac is a favorite.
Pisces Rising Restaurant - Fresh. Local. Distinctive.
Climb the stairs for espresso and dessert with a balcony view over Donnelly Street. Perfect mid-afternoon recharge between antique shops.
One Flight Up Cafe
Cuban sandwiches and cafecito in a colorful converted 1920s house. The courtyard is a lovely lunch spot before more shop-hopping.
Copacabana Cuban Café
Mount Dora is super dog-friendly and this famous dog bakery is proof - fresh-baked treats your pup will lose their mind over. A must if you bring your four-legged friend.
Piglet's Pantry-Dog Bakery
Beloved indie bookstore and game shop right downtown. Great for browsing between cafes - they always have a staff pick I end up buying.
Barrel of Books and Games
Housed in the old 1923 fire station and jail, this little museum packs in a surprising amount of local history. Cheap admission and the volunteers tell great stories.
Mount Dora History Museum
Toss this in the car for lakefront lounging at Palm Island or sunset at the lighthouse - sand and grass shake right off. We keep one in the trunk permanently.
Sand Free Beach Blanket
Florida sun is no joke, even on a strolling-and-shopping day. This is the sunscreen we actually use - smells like vacation and doesn't feel greasy.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion 8oz