A Lake County weekend means waterfront mornings, charming antique towns, fresh Florida seafood, and more lakes than you can count. Here's exactly how to spend a perfect 2-day weekend in Central Florida's best-kept secret.
If you've only experienced Lake County as a blur on I-4 between Orlando and Tampa, you've been missing out. This county — named for its 1,400+ lakes — is one of Central Florida's most rewarding weekend getaways. Victorian downtown Mount Dora, the seaplane-dotted waters of Tavares, rolling vineyard hills in Clermont, and some of the best birding in the state all sit within a 30-mile radius.
This guide gives you a practical, enjoyable 2-day weekend itinerary plus everything you need to plan: where to stay, what to eat, what events to catch, and which hidden gems make Lake County special.
Start at Windsor Rose English Tea Room (142 W 4th Ave) for a proper British breakfast or afternoon tea set — yes, they serve it at 9 AM on weekends. Alternatively, grab coffee at one of the small cafés along 4th Avenue before the antique shops open.
Mount Dora's Donnelly Street and the surrounding blocks are home to dozens of antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Renningers Antique Centre (20651 US-441) is the big one — over 1,500 booths across multiple buildings. Give yourself 2 hours minimum if you're a serious browser.
For a quick, affordable lunch: Taco Dive Bar (410 N Donnelly St) has excellent fish tacos and outdoor seating. For a more leisurely sit-down: The Goblin Market (331 Dora Drawbridge Rd) for creative American fare.
Walk the Mount Dora lakefront path along Lake Dora. For something more immersive, rent a pontoon boat or join a guided boat tour on the Harris Chain of Lakes. Several outfitters operate from the Mount Dora marina at the end of 4th Avenue.
The Lakeside Inn (100 N Alexander St) is the ultimate Mount Dora experience — Florida's oldest operating hotel, right on Lake Dora. Historic rooms, manicured grounds, and a beautiful lake view. Book well in advance for weekends.
Pisces Rising (239 W 4th Ave) is the sunset dinner. Get there 30 minutes before sunset for a deck table overlooking Lake Dora. The pan-seared grouper and craft cocktails are exceptional. This is the meal that makes Lake County weekenders become regulars.
The Lakeside Inn's dining room serves a lovely breakfast overlooking Lake Dora. Linger over coffee — it's a Sunday morning, after all.
Drive 30 minutes south to Lakeridge Winery (19239 US-27 N, Clermont) — Florida's largest winery and one of the state's most scenic spots. Free guided tours of the winery run every 30 minutes. Taste 4–5 Florida wines, then browse the vineyard shop. The outdoor terrace with rolling hill views is perfect for a mid-morning glass.
Head to Tavares Pavilion on the Lake (200 Smithson Ave) for lunch on the water. Watch seaplanes take off and land on Lake Dora while you eat. Tavares is Florida's official Seaplane City — it's the only city in Florida with a FAA-licensed seaplane base in its downtown.
On your way back, stop at Lake Louisa State Park (7305 US-27, Clermont) for an easy nature walk along the Chain of Lakes. Or, if springs are calling, Blue Spring State Park is about 45 minutes east near Orange City.
A 15-minute detour off US-27 takes you to Yalaha Bakery (8210 CR-48, Yalaha) — a legendary German bakery run out of a converted barn. Fresh rye bread, Black Forest cake, strudel. They sell out by mid-afternoon so don't wait too long.
See our full Lake County things to do guide for a complete breakdown of every activity, attraction, and experience the county has to offer.
The Lake Life newsletter drops every Thursday with local events, dining tips, and weekend plans curated for Lake County.
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