Forget the Tourist Traps — Head West
Here's something most Orlando visitors (and even residents) don't realize: one of the best weekend getaways in Central Florida is hiding in plain sight, just 45 minutes down the road. No overpriced tickets. No parking garages. No crowds.
Lake County, Florida feels like a completely different world. Instead of flat sprawl, you get rolling hills. Instead of chain restaurants, you get waterfront spots where the owner knows your name. Instead of traffic, you get two-lane roads that wind past vineyards, through canopy oaks, and alongside more than 1,000 named lakes.
Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or just a chance to slow down and breathe, Lake County delivers. Here's how to plan the perfect getaway — from someone who lives here and still hasn't gotten tired of it.
Mount Dora: The Small Town That Steals Everyone's Heart
If you only visit one town in Lake County, make it Mount Dora. People call it the New England of the South, and honestly, that's not hype. It's a walkable downtown full of antique shops, independent boutiques, and galleries — all set against the backdrop of Lake Dora.
Start your morning on Donnelly Street, the main drag through town. Pop into the antique malls, browse the local bookshops, and grab a coffee at one of the cafes. After that, walk down to Grantham Point Park to see the iconic lighthouse — it's tiny, but it's become one of the most photographed spots in Central Florida for good reason.
For lunch or dinner, you've got real options here. Mount Dora's restaurant scene punches way above its weight for a town this size. And if you want the full experience, book a night at the Lakeside Inn — it's been welcoming guests since 1883, making it one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Florida.
We put together a full guide to things to do in Mount Dora if you want the complete rundown.
Tavares & the Seaplane Experience
About 10 minutes from Mount Dora, you'll find Tavares — officially known as America's Seaplane City. Yes, you can actually take a seaplane ride here, and yes, it's as cool as it sounds.
The scenic flights take you over the Harris Chain of Lakes, a connected system of lakes that stretches for miles. From the air, you finally understand why they call this Lake County — there's water everywhere, dotted with cypress trees and surrounded by green.
Back on the ground, Tavares has a pleasant waterfront area with restaurants, a splash pad for kids, and a seaplane museum. It's the kind of place where you can spend a lazy afternoon watching float planes take off and land right from your table at dinner.
The Harris Chain is also one of the best bass fishing destinations in Florida, so if you're into boating or fishing, Tavares puts you right in the middle of the action. Check out our guide to things to do in Tavares for more ideas.
Wine Country: Lakeridge Winery
Most people don't associate Florida with wine country, but Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards near Clermont might change your mind. It's Florida's largest premium winery, and the setting alone is worth the drive — rolling green hills covered in grapevines, which is not exactly what you picture when you think of Central Florida.
The best part? Tours and tastings are free. You'll walk through the production facility, learn about the muscadine and hybrid grapes that thrive in Florida's climate, and sample a flight of wines. The gift shop is dangerous if you like sweet wines — fair warning.
Lakeridge also hosts festivals throughout the year, from grape stomps to jazz nights. It's a great anchor for a day trip to the Clermont area, which has its own waterfront charm along the chain of lakes.
Nature & Outdoor Adventures
If you need a weekend where you actually unplug, Lake County's natural areas will do the trick. This isn't manicured theme-park landscaping — it's wild, real Florida.
- Flat Island Preserve — A 2,600-acre preserve in Leesburg with miles of trails through pine flatwoods and wetlands. It's one of the best-kept secrets in Central Florida for hiking and birdwatching.
- Lake Griffin State Park — Ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, canal kayaking through marshes full of birds, and shaded campsites right on the lake. This place feels like old Florida at its finest.
- South Lake Trail — A paved cycling and walking trail that runs through the Clermont hills. The elevation changes are a welcome surprise for anyone used to Florida being pancake-flat.
- Dead River Kayak Trail — A peaceful paddling route near Tavares that winds through cypress swamps. You'll likely spot gators, herons, and maybe even an otter if the timing's right.
For more outdoor ideas across the area, check out our full guide to things to do in Lake County and our roundup of hidden gems in Lake County.
A Full Weekend Itinerary
Want the whole thing planned out for you? Here's a two-day weekend getaway that hits the highlights without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Mount Dora + Tavares Waterfront
- Morning: Drive to Mount Dora. Coffee and pastries downtown, then stroll Donnelly Street and the antique shops.
- Late Morning: Walk to Grantham Point Park for the lighthouse view and lakefront photo ops.
- Lunch: Pick one of Mount Dora's downtown restaurants — you can't really go wrong.
- Afternoon: Drive 10 minutes to Tavares. Take a seaplane ride over the Harris Chain or explore the waterfront.
- Dinner: Waterfront dining in Tavares as the sun sets over the lake.
- Evening: Check into the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, or settle into your vacation rental.
Day 2: Lakeridge Winery + Clermont + Nature
- Morning: Sleep in, then head to Lakeridge Winery for a tour and tasting (they open at 10).
- Late Morning: Drive into Clermont and explore the waterfront area along Lake Minneola.
- Lunch: Grab a bite in downtown Clermont.
- Afternoon: Head to Flat Island Preserve for a couple hours of trail walking, or rent kayaks at Lake Griffin State Park.
- Late Afternoon: Wrap up with a drive back through the rolling hills, stopping for any roadside stand that catches your eye.
That's two full days with no theme parks, no crowds, and no stress. Just the kind of weekend Central Florida was made for.
Where to Stay
Lake County has options for every style of traveler:
- Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora — The historic choice. Built in 1883, it sits right on Lake Dora with a pool, restaurant, and old Florida character you can't fake. Perfect for a romantic weekend.
- Vacation Rentals on the Lakes — Search for lakefront rentals in Mount Dora, Tavares, or Eustis. Waking up to a lake view with your morning coffee is the whole point of being here.
- Camping at Lake Griffin State Park — If you'd rather sleep under the oaks, the state park has well-maintained campsites with water and electric hookups. Fall asleep to the sounds of the lake.
No matter where you stay, you'll be close to everything. Lake County's towns are all within about 20 minutes of each other, so you can base yourself anywhere and day-trip the rest.