Things To Do This Weekend in Lake County, FL
Lake County has the perfect weekend: antique shopping in Mount Dora, waterfront dining, kayaking the Harris Chain of Lakes, and year-round farmers markets — all within 30 miles of each other. Here's exactly how to spend this weekend.
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Last updated: March 2026
Looking for something to do in Lake County this weekend? Whether you're a local resident or driving over from Orlando, you're in the right place. Lake County's 1,400+ lakes, charming historic towns, and year-round outdoor scene make it one of Central Florida's most rewarding weekend destinations — and unlike the theme parks, it never feels rushed or overcrowded.
This guide covers the best weekend activities by category — outdoor adventures, food and dining, culture and markets, and family-friendly options — plus two ready-to-go itineraries for a Saturday or a full weekend.
Top Weekend Activities at a Glance
🛶
Kayak the Chain of Lakes
Rentals available at multiple marinas. Best: Lake Louisa State Park, Mount Dora marina.
🛍️
Antique Shopping
Renningers (1,500+ booths) and downtown Mount Dora boutiques. Sat & Sun only.
🍷
Lakeridge Winery
Free tours & tastings daily. Vineyard views over rolling Clermont hills.
🦅
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
11-mile free drive. 360+ bird species. Open Fri–Sun, sunrise to sunset.
🏖️
Hickory Point Beach
Best public swim beach in the county. Lake Harris, $5/vehicle. Bring a picnic.
🌅
Sunset at Pisces Rising
Waterfront deck on Lake Dora. Reserve ahead. The best sunset in the county.
✈️
Watch Seaplanes in Tavares
Tavares is Florida's Seaplane City. Watch planes take off from the downtown lakefront.
🥐
Yalaha Bakery
German pastries, rye bread & Black Forest cake. Arrive early — sells out by noon.
Saturday Plans — Two Options
OPTION A — MOUNT DORA DAY
The Classic Lake County Saturday
- 9 AM: Coffee + breakfast on 4th Ave, Mount Dora
- 10 AM–12 PM: Browse Renningers Antique Centre (20651 US-441) and downtown boutiques
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at Taco Dive Bar (410 N Donnelly St) — fish tacos on the patio
- 2 PM: Walk the Mount Dora lakefront path and dock area
- 3 PM: Browse the galleries and art studios along downtown streets
- 5:30 PM: Windsor Rose Tea Room for an afternoon tea experience (reservation required)
- 7 PM: Sunset dinner at Pisces Rising — deck seating, lake views, craft cocktails
OPTION B — OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SATURDAY
Trails, Lakes & Wineries
- 7:30 AM: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive — arrive at sunrise for the best birding
- 10 AM: Kayak launch from Lake Louisa State Park or Mount Dora marina
- 12:30 PM: Picnic at Hickory Point Recreation Area on Lake Harris
- 2 PM: Swim at Hickory Point's sandy beach
- 4 PM: Lakeridge Winery (19239 US-27 N, Clermont) — free tour and tasting
- 6 PM: Yalaha Bakery (if open late, or plan ahead) or dinner in Leesburg at Brick & Fire
Weekend Farmers Markets in Lake County
- Mount Dora Saturday Market — Lakefront area, 9 AM–2 PM Saturdays. Local produce, honey, baked goods, and handcrafted items. One of the best small-town markets in Central Florida.
- Clermont Green Market — Waterfront Park area, Saturday mornings. Fresh produce, local vendors, and a community feel.
- Tavares Waterfront Market — Occasional weekend markets on the lakefront. Check the city's calendar.
- Renningers Flea & Antique Market — Every Saturday and Sunday at 20651 US-441, Mount Dora. This is more flea market than farmers market but has local food vendors and fresh produce on weekends.
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Things To Do Sunday in Lake County
- Sunday morning at Renningers — The flea market side opens Sundays, often less crowded than Saturday
- Brunch at The Lakeside Inn — Lake Dora views, relaxed pacing, historic setting
- Cycling the South Lake Trail — Paved trail connecting Clermont, Minneola, and Groveland along Lake Minneola and the chain
- Lakeridge Winery opens at 10 AM Sunday — Free tours run throughout the day, no reservation needed
- Lake Griffin State Park — Sunday fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching near Leesburg
- Boat tour on the Harris Chain — Guided tours operate weekends; check local outfitters in Mount Dora and Tavares
Weekend Events by Season
Spring (March–May)
- Mount Dora Spring Festival season kicks off — check for art fairs and outdoor markets
- Great weather for outdoor activities: 70s–80s, low humidity
- Bird migration peaks: excellent birding at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Summer (June–August)
- Water activities are the main event: swimming, kayaking, boating
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common — plan outdoor activities in the morning
- Less crowded at most attractions except waterfront parks
Fall (September–November)
- Mount Dora Craft Fair in October — the biggest event of the year
- Temperatures drop to the comfortable 70s
- Halloween events pop up across the county
Winter (December–February)
- Peak season: best weather, most festivals, biggest crowds
- Mount Dora Art Festival in February draws 200,000+ visitors
- Christmas events throughout December across all cities
- Winter bird migration brings rare species to Lake Apopka
📱 Pro Tip: Subscribe to The Lake Life newsletter (free, every Thursday) and you'll get a curated list of this weekend's best events, local discoveries, and things happening across Lake County — delivered before the weekend starts.
More Ways to Explore Lake County
Looking for something specific? We've got dedicated guides for every type of Lake County experience:
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