This Small Florida Town Has The Best Downtown

Sunny Florida is among the most popular vacation destinations in the world, from the bustling beaches of Miami to the Gulf Coast community of Pensacola and beyond. Orlando is another famous city within the state, best known for its proximity to Disney World and other top-tier theme parks, and although many opt to stay in Orlando while visiting this busy part of central Florida, there are several other nearby towns that offer a quieter, friendlier, and perhaps more interesting experience.

One such place is Mount Dora, which sits less than an hour's drive north of Disney. Whether you're here to explore the nearby lakes, want to learn more about its historic downtown core, or simply need somewhere to spend the night during your vacation, read on to see what cool attractions this charming community has in store that you can check out today.

A Quick History of the Town

Mount Dora traces its origins to the late 1870s, when the area was settled around Lake Dora by homesteaders drawn to central Florida’s lush, rolling terrain and ample access to freshwater. Originally known as Royellou, a name formed from the names of one of the area's first settlers' three children: Roy, Ella, and Lou. It was later renamed Mount Dora in 1883, referencing the nearby lake and the elevated landscape that set it apart from much of the surrounding region.

The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s also transformed Mount Dora into a true regional hub, mainly for citrus shipping and tourism. Steamships on the Harris Chain of Lakes further connected the town to major cities like Jacksonville and the Atlantic coast, bringing both visitors and investors seeking mild winters, scenic lake views, and opportunities to make a living in this quickly growing corner of the country. A series of Devastating freezes in the 1890s crippled the citrus industry, however, forcing Mount Dora to diversify its economy.

Incorporated in 1910, the town gradually reinvented itself as a place that fostered the arts, with several festivals and other cultural attractions popping up as well. Current preservation of its historic downtown has kept Mount Dora’s early character intact while still supporting steady growth around the Orlando metro.

Best Things to See and Do in Downtown Mount Dora

Now that you have a grasp on how Mount Dora came to be, you may be wondering what exactly there is to do in its aforementioned historic core. From museums and old-timey landmarks to mouth-watering eateries, hotels, and other useful amenities, here are some of our top recommendations.

Mount Dora History Museum

Why not start off by getting some in-person knowledge of the area? Located in the aptly named Mount Doar Historic District, this museum is housed in a former jail/firehouse and touches on the building's past uses, on top of covering the lives of early residents/industries through a number of artifact displays and exhibits. You can also use it as a research center with its extensive archives, or even attend the occasional community event here.

Quite small and easy to complete in an hour or two, by the time you are finished, you will be ready to conveniently travel on foot to the rest of the locales we'll be mentioning! In fact, directly next door is the very unique Modernism Museum, also worth seeing. Note that the Mount Dora History Museum is generally open between 1 and 4 pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Grantham Pointe Lighthouse

Grantham Pointe Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks in downtown Mount Dora and a popular stop along the Lake Dora waterfront. Built in 1988, the white, 35-foot structure was designed as a decorative beacon rather than a functional lighthouse, but it has become a defining visual symbol of the town that boaters can easily recognize.

Located at Gilbert Park, it comes with unobstructed views across the lake as well as the greater Harris Chain of Lakes. Furthermore, the surrounding boardwalk and shoreline paths make the area ideal for evening strolls, photography, access to nearby shops, or sunset viewing, depending on when you come.

Van Gogh House

The Van Gogh House is a quirky roadside attraction that adds a playful twist to the town’s arts-focused identity. Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s famous paintings, namely Starry Night, the structure features the bold colors, oversized brushstroke-style accents, and exaggerated details that exemplify the famous former artist.

Though not a museum or historic residence, it's a highly popular photo stop for those exploring downtown Mount Dora's residential neighborhoods. It is also just steps away from the Mount Dora Dock, making it an easy first stop if you are arriving in town by boat.

Palm Island Park

Palm Island Park is a small but scenic waterfront park just a short walk south of downtown Mount Dora. Connected by a pedestrian bridge, the park is yet another local draw sitting along Lake Dora and boasts shade-covered paths, a mix of woods and open lawn space, and benches overlooking the water. It is a popular spot for picnics, casual walks, and watching boats move through the canal between Lake Dora and Lake Gertrude. The park also provides access to a public boat launch and fishing areas, making it an all-around great destination for visiting nature lovers and residents alike.

Food

You have a fairly large and varied selection of places to grab a meal here. Pisces Rising is perhaps the most popular joint, serving fresh seafood on a gorgeous patio near the lake, but if pub fare is more your style, The Frog and Monkey Restaurant & Pub is an old-timey local favorite around the corner.

If a drink is all you're after, Eden Abbey Brewing Community features an extensive list of beers and other refreshments, while Maw's Mountain Moonshine provides a fun distillery experience with an attached shop to pick up some of your own Florida-made spirits.

There are dozens of other options nearby, from BBQ to sushi, budget-friendly diners, and even a few fast-food spots, all mainly situated along Alexander and Donnelly streets.

Accomodations

Just like its restaurants, there are several accommodations in Mount Dora catering to multiple budget levels/needs. The Lakeside Inn lives up to its name while also sitting within walking distance to all the previously mentioned attractions.

Cloesby, the Mt Dora Historic Inn, offers a quieter stay, whereas spots like the Magnolia Inn Bed & Breakfast, Adora Inn, and The Heirloom Inn Mount Dora provide slightly more luxurious and sometimes bigger living spaces for anyone with larger groups.

Again, there are several other choices to spend the night in Mount Dora, from rental cottages to Airbnb's, and more in and around town. Regardless of where you choose to rest your head or what you do during the daytime, this small, often underrated town makes a great alternative to some of Florida's bigger cities.