Clermont: The Gem of South Lake County
If you've ever driven along US 27 and noticed the landscape suddenly get... hilly, you've found Clermont. Tucked into the rolling terrain of South Lake County, Clermont sits on a chain of sparkling lakes and offers something you don't expect in Central Florida: elevation. That geography shapes everything here, from the cycling culture to the vineyard views to the way the sunset hits Lake Minneola on a Thursday evening.
Clermont has grown a lot in the last decade, but it's held onto its character. There's a real downtown taking shape, a winery that's been welcoming visitors for decades, and enough trails, parks, and waterfront spots to fill a weekend without ever touching a theme park. Whether you're a longtime local or planning your first visit, here's what you should know.
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
Lakeridge Winery is one of those places that surprises people who didn't realize Florida had a wine scene. Located right on US 27, it's the largest premium winery in the state, and it's been making wine from muscadine and hybrid grapes since 1989. The free guided tours walk you through the production process, and you'll get to sample several varieties at the end. The Sunblush, a sweet blush wine, is a crowd favorite.
Beyond the tastings, Lakeridge hosts some of the best festivals in the area. Their annual Harvest Grape Stomp in late summer draws thousands, and the Wine & Seafood Festival is a great excuse for a Saturday afternoon. The grounds are beautiful, with shaded picnic areas and vineyard views that feel more like North Georgia than Central Florida. It's free to visit, and you'll almost certainly leave with a bottle or two.
Clermont Waterfront Park & Lake Minneola
If there's a heart of Clermont, it's Waterfront Park. Sitting right on the south shore of Lake Minneola, this park has become the community gathering spot. There's a splash pad that keeps kids cool from March through November, a modern playground, a fishing dock, and a paved walking trail that follows the waterfront. On any given evening, you'll find families, joggers, and people just sitting on the dock watching the water.
Lake Minneola itself is one of the prettier lakes in the county. It's part of the Clermont Chain of Lakes, which connects Minneola to Lake Minnehaha, Lake Louisa, and the Palatlakaha River. If you have a kayak or paddleboard, you can launch right from the park and explore. The sunsets from here are genuinely stunning, especially in the cooler months when the sky puts on a show.
Cycling Capital: South Lake Trail & West Orange Trail
Clermont has earned a reputation as one of the best cycling destinations in Florida, and it's easy to see why. The South Lake Trail runs right through town, connecting to the West Orange Trail for a combined route of nearly 40 miles of paved, car-free riding. The terrain rolls through hills, past lakes, and alongside shaded stretches that make even a summer ride manageable.
The hills are the real draw. Sugarloaf Mountain, just south of town, is one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, and serious cyclists come from all over the state to train on these roads. The National Training Center, which has hosted Olympic triathletes and professional cycling teams, is based here for exactly that reason. But you don't have to be an elite athlete to enjoy it. The paved trails are perfect for casual riders, and several local shops offer bike rentals if you didn't bring your own.
- South Lake Trail – runs from Clermont to Minneola, mostly flat and family-friendly
- West Orange Trail – connects at Killarney Station and goes east through Winter Garden and Apopka
- Sugarloaf Mountain – a challenging road climb popular with road cyclists (about 312 feet elevation)
- Bike rentals – available at several shops near the trail heads
Lake Hiawatha Preserve
For a quieter outdoor experience, Lake Hiawatha Preserve is one of the best-kept secrets in South Lake County. This 120-acre nature preserve offers several miles of hiking trails, elevated boardwalks through wetland areas, and panoramic views from its observation platforms. The preserve sits on some of that classic Clermont topography, so the trails have actual ups and downs, which is a welcome change from the typical Florida flatland hike.
It's a great spot for birding, especially in the morning. You'll see herons, egrets, hawks, and the occasional bald eagle. The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, making it a solid choice for families with kids or anyone who wants a nature walk without a major commitment. Best of all, it's free and rarely crowded. If you're looking for hidden gems in Lake County, this one belongs on the list.
Clermont Performing Arts Center (CPAC)
The Clermont Performing Arts Center, known locally as CPAC, has become a genuine cultural hub for South Lake County. The venue hosts a steady calendar of live music, theater, comedy shows, and community events throughout the year. It's a mid-size space with good acoustics and a surprisingly intimate feel, so there's really not a bad seat in the house.
Recent seasons have featured tribute bands, Broadway-style productions, holiday concerts, and local talent showcases. It's the kind of place that gives a growing town its cultural identity, and it's worth checking their schedule whenever you're planning a visit. Date night in Clermont usually starts with dinner on Montrose Street and ends at CPAC.
Clermont Historic Village
Just off US 27, the Clermont Historic Village is a small but worthwhile stop, especially if you're interested in what this area looked like before the growth boom. The village is a collection of restored historic buildings, including the original 1922 Kern House, a train depot, and a 1920s-era schoolhouse. Inside, you'll find exhibits on the citrus industry, early settlers, and the agricultural roots of the community.
It's not a full-day destination, but it pairs well with a visit to Lakeridge Winery (they're practically neighbors on US 27). The volunteers who run the place are passionate about local history and happy to share stories. For a broader look at what makes this part of Florida special, check out our full guide to things to do in Lake County.
Downtown Clermont & Montrose Street
Downtown Clermont has come a long way. Montrose Street is the main artery, and it's lined with a growing mix of locally owned restaurants, craft breweries, coffee shops, and boutiques. Crooked Can Brewing Company, based nearby in Winter Garden, helped kick off the craft beer movement in this part of the county, and Clermont has followed suit with its own spots worth exploring.
For dining, you'll find everything from wood-fired pizza to Southern comfort food to upscale farm-to-table fare. The restaurant scene is still evolving, which means new spots pop up regularly. It's a walkable stretch, especially on a cool evening, and it's where you'll feel the energy of a town that's growing into itself without losing its roots.
The Chain of Lakes
Clermont's geography is defined by water. The Clermont Chain of Lakes includes Lake Minneola, Lake Minnehaha, Lake Louisa, Lake Hiawatha, and several others connected by the Palatlakaha River. Together, they offer some of the best freshwater recreation in Central Florida.
Lake Louisa, the largest in the chain, is the centerpiece of Lake Louisa State Park, which offers swimming, kayaking, camping, and miles of trails through pine flatwoods and scrub habitat. Lake Minnehaha is a favorite for bass fishing. And the Palatlakaha River, which connects several of these lakes, is a peaceful paddle through old Florida landscape with cypress trees and wildlife around every bend.
If you're planning a weekend getaway in Central Florida, the Clermont chain of lakes is one of the most underrated options within an hour of Orlando.