Lake Dora Reviews

I've lived just a stone's throw from this lake for 27 years now. Lake Dora is one of an interconnected chain of lakes and it is possible to actually get to the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville from this lake or one of the other connected lakes, although it would be quite a long and arduous journey. The lake itself is quite beautiful if you don't look too close. Years of agricultural runoff from farms downstream have given the water the consistency of pea soup. In spite of that birds and wildlife are abundant. I've seen bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, alligators and otters.

Lake Dora and the other lakes in the chain were once the site of one of the richest bass fishing tournaments in the country but that ended when one year the biggest bass caught was only about 2 pounds. Numerous efforts have been made over the years to make attempts to clean up these lakes without much in the way (to my eye anyway) of results.
For all those that think deregulating everything and doing away with the EPA is such a great idea, this is the result. Like I've said, they've been trying to clean it up for the 27 years I've lived here without much success. Once you spoil something it's hard to bring it back.

This lake is beautiful & we had a view right outside our window. They also provided chairs to sit and just absorb the atmosphere.

We visited here whilst staying in Orlando and are so pleased that we did. The town is lovely with a good variety of shops, antique , art , gifts, childrens toys etc . Also a good selection if restaurants and bars. And the lake is absolutely stunning ,great wildlife , a lighthouse and lovely views . Definitely worth a visit when in the neighbourhood.

In that we visited in August, walking in the 90+ heat up steep streets was offputting. We did a minimum of looking about for that reason,but did venture out to get some of the best ice cream I've had in a long time. Take the electric cart tour to really see historic Lake Dora; also take the two hour boat ride into the the swamps.

We spend a lot of time here with our small children. They love to walk around the lighthouse & the boardwalk exploring. We always take amazing sunset pictures here. It's a great place to visit to walk or just find a park bench & relax!

What a beautiful lake. Dora Canal is the best kept secret! You must explore this majestic waterway. Beautiful homes stretch the lake as far as the eye can see. Just a perfect getaway for the day. Or perhaps a weekend!

While visiting friends in The Villages, they suggested that we go to Lake Dora for the day. We took a boat ride that ws very interesting. We strolled through the town and had a late lunch in a cute cafe. It is definitely worth a visit when in central Florida.

The lakes are absolutely beautiful and get a 5. The town gets a 3. Definitely take the Premier boat cruise. The wildlife and peacful feeling are incredible. However, the overall town is a couple of hours, at best and you've seen it all. After that amount of time I began to feel trapped and couldn't wait to leave.

i really liked mount Dora, lots of little lakes all dotted around the area, nice friendly people, lovely old homes, definitely worth a visit.. great restaurants aswell..

I ended up in Mt Dora because I saw an WEDU program about interesting train trips. Had a few days off so drove there , took the train and stayed two nights.
I could not recommend this as an absolutely imprortant place to visit if you did not live within a few hours of driving. But I did so I took the trip. Loves Mt Dora and the shops etc there. Found everyone especially at the train/hotel and restaurant I used exactly the correct amount of friendly. Next time, I'll be driving there with my 3 grand children

We took a tour on Lake Dora on a Thursday afternoon. Perfect weather and not crowded. We understand the weekends can get quite busy.

We went for the day from Orlando and had a great time. Lots of fun shops and food places. Plan to spend the day.

A really great sunset and just a soothing g place to see... nestled in Mount Dora and a neat little walk from downtown

We love Mount Dora - But the lake has become filled with algae from fertilizer runoff and has an awful green tint all the time. It used to be a great place to fish, but unless they clean it up all the fish are going to die off!

Rented a little cottage a few blocks from downtown Mt Dora. Have spent several days wandering the shops, numerous parks, marina, and wonderful restaurants and cafes! Love Tony’s Chowder House. Would come back here in a heartbeat!

Beautiful lake to look over and see the sunset. I would highly recommend going to the pool bar at sunset and see an incredible sight!

We stayed at the lakeside inn and went on their dock in the morning and it was so calm and beautiful. I could have pulled up a chair and sat there the whole morning reading and sipping tea. Too bad we had to leave :(

The lake is beautiful. To cold for this time of year. The town is fabulous. Lots of restaurants and shops.

Must see Dora Canal is like going back in time when things were more simple, when noise was low. An abundance of wildlife. Absolutely gorgeous.

We boat to Mt. Dora every 1 to 2 weeks utilizing The Dora Canal into Lake Dora. Always a great trip across the beautiful lake. We watch the seaplanes taking off and landing and see the beautiful homes that adorn the lake. 2 weeks ago we took some friends to show them the lighthouse which I am told is the most inland working lighthouse in the USA. While we were approaching we came across a gator about 1000 yards from the lighthouse. He was out swimming around and we got some decent photos before he went under. Out in the middle of the lake, away from the shoreline makes for great swimming and rafting off of boats tied up. We love to boat on Lake Dora.There are charter boats to tour the lakes, seaplanes to see it from above and small craft that you can rent to be in your own boat. This us a great time of the year to be on Lake Dora.

My sis and brother in law, daughter and I took the boat out on the lake. It was cloudy but not raining. We went through the canals to Dead River. It was a lovely day with nature and family. No coffee shop or bar per se but a lovely place to dock one's boat and have a delicious lunch and a drink if so desired.

Beautiful place. So calm and peaceful. The water is vast and serene. The local homes and churches are amazing and the extremely friendly and boutique shops/owners are amazing... just be aware, the shops close around 1600hrs. A must see, off the beaten track.

we went over Labor day weekend and weather wasnt great but still beautiful. Seen alligator and some birds and was relaxing atmosphere.

Nice little town. However there are few reasonably priced restaurants. Have to go away from downtown to find them. Also this time of year all shops are closed by 6 PM. Two days there is plenty.

We were only there a few hours but plan to return for a weekend. There is a theater which reportedly has wonderful plays. Others told us of the enjoyable two hour boat ride and the town is full of interesting shops. It was 95 degrees when we were there so I would recommend going in the late fall or spring. That is when we plan to return.

My Husband and I love Mt. Dora as a whole. The quaint town, the people and the vibe are all great. However, had Mother's Day Train ride cancelled only 12 hours before hand. My special plans for Mom...ruined! Still waiting for refund! I guess you have to buy tickets day of to make sure train is actually running!

We visit for shopping about 4 times a year. Always take visiting friend. Grey at shopping and terrific restaurants. Suggest you review the mount Dora website to see the list of activities the town has.

This town is very charming and people are very nice, well educatted and service oriented. The streets are very neatly decorated and spotless. If you´re looking for a a quiet getaway, this is the place to go!

Such a charming lake and fun Christmas Boat Parade! We watched from the Lakeside Inn where we were staying - we did finally get a table on the veranda as the boats proceeded by. Your lake and boat parade saved the rather dysfunctional staff of that Inn.......hoping to find better lodging for next year!

Mt. Dora and Dora Lake is a picturesque place to visit. It has all the charms of a Berkshire village with lots of restaurants and shops to visit. Do no go away without taking a boat trip from the docks below the Lakeside inn to the Dora Canal.

The lake is loaded with wildlife & very few boats. From our boat we saw an eagle family, alligator and turtles sunning.

Very lovely town, has lots of little cafes and shops. It has a beautiful antique shop out on rt. 441. The flea market was ok inside. But outside was very disappointed of quality of items. We took a boat tour which was wonderful. I want to go again at Christmas time. I hear that the lights are beautiful.

Hands down the worst gift I have ever received was a weekend in Mt. Dora. Unless you are 65+ and want to shop at 3 places don't go. Horrible experience and a weekend I wish I could get back.

Shops for everyone! Bookstore, jewelry fine and costume , clothes, shoes, glassware, candy, ice cream, notions and even a very clean organized thrift store. Small friendly town with a small lighthouse built at the end of the park overlooking Lake Dora. If you are hungry there are no shortages of restaurants and the hardest part would be to choose which one.

Cute, eclectic and great fun for all. Typical of so many small tourist focused communities across America , expectations have been surpassed through superb local spirit. Feel it!

We live in SW FL and have some great sunsets but this is probably the most beautiful one I have seen.

We brought our family members to Lake Dora to walk the pier through the alligator habitat. It was so relaxing and so much fun. There is so much you can do around the lake without a boat, but you can rent one if you like.

We took a boat ride on the lake, and were treated to a boat speed race on the far side from Mt. Dora. Plus there were float planes landing and taking off. It's a large enough lake to have lots of activities, but small enough that it generally remains calm. I know The Rusty Anchor offers 1-hr boat rides around the lake, and the 2-hr trip goes through the Dora Canal. Both good.

Lake Dora was nice, but there was way too much garbage in the water. I know this isn't really the fault of the Lake Dora community, but if you choose to visit this lake, please respect the environment and put your garbage in the garbage can - not the lake.

Lake Dora is easily accessed by the Mount Dora marina, within a very short walk to downtown Mount Dora.
To have a really fun outing on the lake, go to Cat Boat Adventures!! You and a partner can skim along the lake on their catboats, small 2 seat pontoon boats with an outboard motor, that are easy to drive and soooo much fun ride around on. The people at Cat Boat Adventures teach you all you need to know. Lake Dora also has a short river leadnig to a neighboring lake which you will want to travel on, too, on your catboat. You won't regret that experience; just bring your sunscreen. The wind created by the speed of the boat and the canopy of old cypress trees make this a comfortably cool trip during any season. You will see plenty of naive birds and an occasional gator, but dont worry, this is a very safe adventure. You will have a lot of fun and wont regret it.

We went there for a meal by the side of this lake
Sunset coming up just too magical for words really the nature spoils us and surprised us

We didn't actually kayak on the lake. We kayaked the canal between two lakes. It was a beautiful paddle! My husband and son also fished from the bank. We would definitely visit again. The town of Mount Dora is charming. We were only there a weekend. I wish we had more time!

Came to see the 1907 Orange Blossom Cannonball Steam LOCOMOTIVE ...Beautiful lake, surrounded by beautiful homes.. a very unique little historic town. Looking forward to spending more time in this little gem, only 2 hours from home.

The lake is beautiful early in the morning, during the day and exceptionally beautiful during sunset. Take the boat tour you will be so glad you did. It was peaceful, you will go into a natural preserve and see lots of nature, plants, beautiful cypress trees with Spanish moss, birds of all kinds, turtles, alligators and much more. It was memorable.

Very small town with expensive stores. Variety of restaurants and easy parking. Good for a visit, especially if you like antiquing.

Wow, what a sunset. We sat down and saw the sun came down while it reflected over the lake's water. It was fantastic.

Our 2-hour hour pontoon boar excursion on Lake Dora and the canal gave a relaxing up-close and personal view of native birds, alligators and other wildlife. The guides were informative and entertaining. Premier Boat Tours is excellent.

Lake Dora was an extraordinary visit in that we arrived at the time of the festival enjoying the lake and surrounding area. Boating, birding and fishing were some of the activities going on. Adjacent to the lake was the picturesque City of Mount Dora, like stepping back in time this quaint city has a charm not seen too much anymore. This is worth a summer day trip!

Lake Dora is beautiful. I could see the lake from my hotel window.
If the weather was better we would have taken a boat ride.

What a great little hidden gem to bring family and friends to when visiting, or even just an afternoon or evening getaway. Nice, historic downtown with plenty of restaurants and shops and take advantage of the boat tours. The Sunday Farmers Market also has something for everyone. Some fun historical facts surrounding the lake and area and gator watchers won't be disappointed! Plenty of stuff for all ages. We did unfortunately learn this week though that the train will no longer be stopping in Mt. Dora due to the deteriorating train tracks. Didn't ask, but looked online and looks like they're figuring out the future, including a rail-trail option.

Rode from Mt. Dora to Tavares in Nov., 2017. Little traffic, there's a bike lane, ppl are used to bicycles there. It was out and back, but still scenic, flat, not too windy, and very enjoyable. Both towns are fun to explore.

Lake Dora did not disappoint. Watching the sunset from a small park near the lighthouse was peaceful and totally mesmerizing that evening.

This lake is full of cocodriles, you better watch out!
Nice views from different places.
We liked the town and houses around too, very nice to take pictures!
Pet friendly too!

Sit by the water for a smoothing, tranquil breather. Then have a bite too eat at a myriad of restaurants featuring a wide selection of cuisines. Visit the quaint shops--everyone here is friendly and courteous

Took a boat tour on lake which we really enjoyed. Thought of taking plane ride and we really should have.. Lake doesn't seem overrun with boaters - mostly pontoon boats with people going out for a day in the sun. Great sunsets - beautiful night skies.

The lake is beautiful . It is a great place to watch a sunset . The houses along the lake have lots of the natural vegetation for Florida . This Lake would be great for lots of water sports .

I love nature! Luckily for me, so does my husband. We recently took our canoe to Lake Dora Canal for some quiet time with nature. Before we loaded up, I asked my husband what he wanted to see, and he replied, "A Bald Eagle would be great." I wanted to see that, and also an alligator, a snake, and an owl. Canoeing allows you to sit closer to the water (which is sometimes pretty scary!), and also to glide across the water, making it easier to sneak up on nature. We were out on a Saturday, which is a busy time for the canal with Tours and personal boats motoring through the canal. Some of the boats had blaring music, and several of the boats left a gasoline smell behind, but we were able to spot lots of different birds, four alligators, a pit viper curled up on a Cypress knee to dry, and we heard an owl. Not to shabby a day at all!

Well, I hope not too many of you come out to the country, because we would no longer find what we seek: light traffic on two-lane roads, pretty rolling scenery, a central location from which to tour the Florida lakes country and the St. John's River, great restaurants and fun watering holes accessible on foot- everything I would want anywhere but without the stress of the cities on the coasts! We only started coming out this way this past January, but we have been coming back at least once a month.

There is parking but once parked, it's best to just walk slowly and take in all the shops and sights.

You have to see it to appreciate it. You won't be sorry. The festivals here are amazing. It's most beautiful at Christmas time. Quaint little New England feel town but without being cold.

Went to Cat Boat Tours with our grandkids and had an awesome time. Captin Todd was an outstanding guide. Made you feel comfortable for a first timer on a Cat Boat. Todd was very witty and had many laughs. We will do this again soon. Great way to see the canal too.

Thanks Captin Todd. 5 Stars

Nice relaxing weekend of fishing. Saw lots of birds and a few gators. If you are boating, be sure to take the Dora Canal over to Lake Eustis. We found the fishing better on Lake Dora, but still caught very few fish.

Visit Mt. Dora, It is small but very picturesque dining at the Lakeside Inn (built in the 1800s) sitting on the porch enjoying the suset with a mint julip.

Stay for the sunsets! Lake Dora is a beautiful lake in the Harris chain. Connected to Lake Eustis by the Dora Canal and also has access to Lake Beauclair. Estimated to have approximately 500 gators in this lake alone. Some of them are HUGE! (See pics) Many parks on this lake. Palm Island, Gilbert, and Sunset Parks in Mount Dora. In Tavares there’s Wooten, Summerall, and Tavares Nature Park. Boat tours and seaplane tours available. Mount Dora side has amazing sunsets.
Highly recommended!

walking trails and wildlife all around. all the little shops and restaurants on the square. not to mention the catboats and tour guides everywhere

Lovely little town with boutiques and other places to shop. Vast number of eating places to chose from. Fabulous sunset. Park and walk! Something for everyone!

This place is great for nice walks at night, and or during the day when it's nice and cool outside. This place for a a great place for walking and kayaking.

We were greeted and seated with distancing in mind and comfort. Out trip was fun and informative. I loved going through the canal and river after viewing spectacular wildlife and birds along the way and back. Fun time! Highly recommend. Reasonable rates, too.

Mt. Dora has a quaint village atmosphere with a fantastic mix of ethnic and traditional restaurants, unique shops and some of the friendliest people we've come across during our travels.

Very cute shops
Too many items overpriced
Most restaurants were closed on a Tuesday afternoon
A small container of gelato was $7.00, come one tourists are not that dumb are they?
so yes great place to look around but pricey

We took a trip on the sunset cruise around the lake which was wonderful,came back and had drinks at The Lakeside Inn overlooking the lake

Nice little shops selling unusual items, crafts, gifts etc. Some nice restaurants. Boat rides, parks. And keep an eye on their craft fairs which are really great, taking over the whole downtown. A nice place to spend a few hours and eat lunch.

We came to Mount Dora on a day trip the day of the Christmas parade and really enjoyed ourselves. Very diverse and friendly town. Really surprised us. It is just beautiful and everyone was so friendly. So many great shops and restaurants. Can't wait to go back.

Lake Dora is the feature for the victorian city of Mount Dora and the Sea Plane City of Tavares. There are several very small lakes and canals that run off of Lake Dora. The Dora Canal is about 3/4 mile long and is considered one of the most beautiful old Florida Canals in the state. This canal is the navigable link to Lake Eustis and the rest of the Harris Chain of Lakes, and Lake Griffin etc. This lake is great for skiing, Sea Planes, Kyaking, Fishing, Dragon Boat Racing and all other water sports. It seems like some sort of water event is conducted every weekend.

The town is small, but wonderful. It is full of history and tall tales worth hearing. The lake view are relaxing and amazing at sunset. I highly recommend seeing the sun set over the water here. The air smells clean and crisp.

Lovely town and a lovely lake. Plenty of things to do in and around town and everyone is extremely friendly.

Beautiful lake surrounding the Mount Dora community. Nice cruising around the lake in a pontoon boat with captain!

We had a very enjoyable day walking around Lake Dora. Worth the drive! Cute stores, very clean streets.

A lovely way to spend an hour...boat ride around Lake Dora and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and spectacular sunset.

I always love being on this lake. I feel like I have it to myself even on weekend. Also, I could tour the Dora Canal everyday. It's simply beautiful. Very dear to my heart.

Lots of tourists, trinket shops, and a few good restaurants. You can spend only so much time in Mount Dora, once you walked through the town 2-3 times you have seen it all. It nice, yes and I'm happy we went but also grateful we only booked a 2-night stay.

Mount Dora is a darling small town in central Florida. It’s full of local restaurants and shops for browsing or buying. Parking is tough but doable. I’d recommend arriving mid-morning because lunch is not to miss. Sunset is amazing.

This is a lovely, quaint, picturesque little town in the shores of Lake Dora. Lake Dora is part of the chain'o'lakes that will take you all the way Jacksonville. The town is known for it's art and antiques, restaurants and inns, and it's friendly locals. Whether you make it a stop, an overnight or a vacation you will love the ambiance. We did!

The boat ride was very enjoyable and relaxing. For those of us who live in FL, seeing a blue heron or an alligator are common. The boat ride was more enjoyable that seeing these species

Lovely town with a lovely waterfront. Very quaint and friendly feel to the town. Will definitley be returning.

Decided to go the this quaint little town to browse and have lunch at the Goblin Market. If you go to walk around town, try to stop at this restuarant for lunch or dinner

We recently went to Mt Dora specifically to have dinner, see the sunset over the lake and take a look at the unique house. All three we a fabulous. We had drinks at the patio bar at Pieces Rising and had a beautiful view of the sunset.

Beautiful to behold. Very relaxing to view. Watching the sunset is a happening not to be missed. All inspiring for the soul.

We went at sunset... straight down to the lakefront. See for yourself. No filter on photo.... there are seaplane on the lake, you can purchase tours, we didn't as we didn't have enough time. I would love to go back and do it

Lots to do in this beautiful area- pontoon boat ride through canals, train ride, seaplane ride. Many areas for walking and relaxing.

We are traveling to areas looking for a place to call home for snowbirding and we're pretty sure that we've found it in Mt Dora. It's such a quaint and unique town with amazing food, friendly residents and a GORGEOUS lake! counting down days until I can stare at the sunsets and boat from lake to lake :)

What a beautiful place to visit especially this time of year! I've witnessed some spectacular sunsets on Lake Dora that have left me speechless. This is a perfect place to sit and relax and enjoy the beauty, take pics, or take a walk. It's also located close to quaint shops, fabulous restaurants, and a charming downtown.

In addition to the cooler temperatures, this is a perfect time to visit Mount Dora as it is lit up in Christmas lights. It's one of the best displays I've seen; just magical!!

What a wonderful , pleasent place to visit . Everyone so friendly .if you want to get away from the Theame parks in FLORIDA this is a must place to visit.

You can’t go wrong with the beautiful views around the lake. Several walking 🚶 areas to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Fishing 🎣 and boating 🛶 are popular activities including picnicking.

Lake Dora is lovely. With many public docks, parks, and marinas, it offers something for everyone, but I’m
Especially fond of the sunsets from Grantham point - the Lighthouse on Lake Dora

Adjacent to the charming town of Mount Dora the Lake Dora and its waterfront park is idellyic! A great place for walking, relaxing or romanticizing as the sun sets.

A great place to visit for the boat trips, food and shopping in independent stores. The whole town has a great atmosphere and nice to get away from the madness of Orlando.

Would recommend this town for a day trip.

We love to go down by the lake in the evening. It is always well kept and the walking path is beautiful.

This trip was awesome. Brian our tour guide was great. He had a lot of information about Lake Dora, the canal
and the town. Driving the boats was fun, there safe, fast, easy to drive
We had a blast. Saw lots of wild life, beautiful houses on the lake front and so much more
Highly recommend this adventure.

We stayed in Tavares and extended our visit to Mt. Dora. The lake is the main attraction. There is so much to do. We enjoyed seeing the seaplanes in Tavares. The sunset was very nice.

This is the first time to Mount Dora for us. We stopped for the day and ate lunch nearby at the Copacabana and visited the many shops and so forth. Nice place to visit.

Place is great , the whole chain of lakes connects all the way to Jacksonville FL ( st Johns river )

We had 22 of us for a fun night on the lake for a sunset cruise. Enjoyed ourselves immensely. We saw a gator and a bald eagle and got to see the Christmas lights at the marina from the water. Beautiful evening. I would do it again.

We went on a 1-hour cruise at Rusty Anchor and really enjoyed it. We will go out on the 2-hour cruise on our next visit.

Lake Dora is a beautiful body of water with a lot of wildlife to see. We enjoyed sitting on benches and viewing it during the day and at sunset and we took a morning boat tour.

A fun, laid back, interesting place to visit. Many unique restaurants, crafts, and shopping places. Multitude of artist, music, and antique festivals throughout the year.

Walk the quaint old downtown, with several parks and points of interest. A couple of minutes away from the lake.

A stunning lake with several locations to watch a breathtaking sunset.

Every time I go to Lake loves to be more enchanted.

Love this lake area and Mt. Dora is a very lovely little town...a very calming, relaxing area....we will be back!

Mt Dora lake is big and very Beautiful!! i woul certainly recomend,if your in that direction,to see the lake and the homes that surround the lake.

A stunning place to visit, beautiful, peaceful and very relaxing ,A wonderful way to while away a few hours in peace and quiet

I am looking forward to returning when they have the antique festival weekends. Nice shops and food. The lake is beautiful and it is a great town to walk.

What a beautiful lake. It was so nice to sit and watch the birds, fish and boats. I could not believe how BIG the lake was. Close to parks and bed and breakfast.

A must see, take a cat boat tour through the canal and see beautiful cypress trees and wildlife. Lake Dora is amazing

I don't know how to rate a lake, but it was lovely at sunset. To meet 100 words, it was also beautiful in the early morning and afternoon. Seemed clean. Has gators.

There's been so much activity on the lake this past weekend. The vintage planes flew over the lake giving a thrill to all of us watching.We passed beautiful Tavares as we floated over to Mount Dora on our pontoon boat and then back to the Dora Canal.

The views of Lake Dora from the shores of Mount Dora are unlike any other in Florida. It's a serene yet populous town that is begging to be explored.

Great town with plenty to do! Worth a day trip or weekend visit. Plenty of restaurants to choose from and of course, antiquing and shopping!

I visited the area around mid morning and so I missed the sunset. Nevertheless, the lake was huge and peaceful.

Lovely lake setting for a city that does tourists well EXCEPT for parking on busy days. They're passing a city ordinance to limit shopkeepers from parking downtown which may alleviate that problem. Try the FREE golf cart tours, call and they pick you up and take you around on a tour if they are not busy. Tip the drive well, they can tell you the history of the city and buildings on a pleasant ride. Dogs welcome in restaurants and even the free golf cart tours! Lots of shopping and benches for husbands.

We took a ride through the Dora Canal and out onto the lake and it is just fabulous. On the far side of the lake is a wildlife sanctuary where we saw a HUGE Alligator sunning itself.

I never visit my friends without coming to Mt Dora for a shopping and eating excursion. They have wonderful little shops and eateries all around the town. Was there on a Saturday, and very busy. We usually visit during the week and that is so much more enjoyable!

Historic Downtown is a must see while in Mount Dora. Quaint little shops, VERY unique. Lakeside Inn seemed to be the lodging of choice. Everyone is very friendly. Would like to go back again soon.

Spent a full day at Mount Dora going in and out of shops. Lots of different gift items sold here you don't see in the mall. Great place to Christmas shop especially at the kitchen gadget store. The town is very clean and has the beauty of a small old town from the past. Give it a try you won't go wrong. We stayed for dinner and took in the Christmas lights at the square and train depot.

I have been here 4 different times and the second time i was able to film an alligator as i walked along the park area.I have also taken pictures of the amazing birds.We love to walk along the pier and love the sunsets.We have met the most fascinating people and am planning another venture in August.Their are several eating places but we usually choose the Italian Restruant with the view and sit outside.

Mount Dora and Lake Dora is such a wonderful spot to enjoy, it is perfect to get away from the snow and winter in the northeast without all the congestion of other florida locations.

We had never heard and even less been to Mount Dora, Florida. However when some friends recommended it to us as a great place to look for vintage furniture and antiques, we decided to couple a trip to Disney with a short extension to Mount Dora. What a beautiful surprise! A small beautiful town by Lake Dora from the late 19th century and early 20th. Full of beautiful shops and great local resaturants. Well worth the visit!

This lake offers all types of recreation and fishing. I also saw a building on the lake that would be great for parties or weddings. There are lots of beautiful homes to see. It also has Dora Canal off it which is great for an eco adventure and places to live. It is one of the chain of lakes and plenty big to do boating.

We visited several parks on the lake, and did some boating on it. We thought that it was beautiful. Saw some alligators too!

Great lake to explore - via by boat, kayak or observing from the edge. The lake has canals to get to the chain of lakes. Rent a pontoon boat and ride around to explore the area.

Nice the sunset beautiful and the plane view etc a romantic place to visit. Dog friendly nice town. And the police the best

Took a lovely sunset cruise on the lake, gorgeous sunset, beautiful lakeside homes and a wonderful captain .

Quaint town in central Florida that should not be missed.
Wonderful B&B's, restaurants, shops and bars. All on a beautiful like.

Love this town of Mount Dora. Such a picturesque town. Fun shops in the heart of downtown and views of the lake are amazing.

What a spectacular was to wrap up a day of shopping and visiting with a friend! At the end of the day we strolled down to the lakeside and found a seat in a couple of Adirondack chairs next to the lake. What unfolded before me was just breathtaking it was so peaceful and so beautiful as I watched the sun slowly descend onto the face of the lake creating a most amazing show!

Sitting by the lake after breakfast, during the midday sun or just before sunset is the most tranquil setting for relaxing while taking in the view which is added to by the static or passing nature of Ospreys fishing, Bald Eagles, Anhinga's, Herons ,Egrets and of course the Alligators and these are all on your doorstep and should you venture out on one of the two lake cruises one which takes you up the canal...which at one time barges hauled the goods up to the St Johns river you cannot fail to enjoy the local attractions, only slight drawback was the occasional speedboat that sped to close to the boating dock which I am not a big fan of but the above pros outweigh the cons enjoy !

Lake Dora
Florida

My kind of place in a paradisiac-quaint little town....

I was raised in a farm ambiance. Among horses, cows, chickens, preserved nature and wildlife-still at its best times- in our family Ranch, located nearby San Pedro Town, southeastern part of our paradisiac DR Island.
Those not forgotten days were like enjoying heavens on earth !
Many years has passed, but I'm still holding a very soft spot in my heart on places were you can appreciate nature as is was created-at its best- like here, in and around the quaint and beautiful little town of Mount Dora.
Mount Dora is located a short drive from our dear second Home in North Orlando. Is a place that we (my wife and myself) know by heart. A place that we visited many-many times over the years; its "Renninger's Antiques Market", its many cute and unusual multiple stores and restaurants located in the streets of its unspoiled beautiful-small downtown.
Among those restaurants we love "Goblin Market" which is one of our longtime favorites in the area. Recently opened "1921 by Norman Van Aken"...another great place for discerning Foodies
As part of our Sunday's driving around we love to drive on "Lakeshore Dr"...as we did last month, before discovering "1921".
While we were driving heading toward Tavares we had kind of a "deja vu"; it was like driving by lake Leman in Switzerland, between Montreux and Lausanne, but here, at lake Dora, regardless the non-existence backdrop of the high Alpes Mountains...admiring its colorful sunsets is like either been in havens or at Musee d'Orsay admiring its impressionist paintings, but this one was painted by God !
Like we always do; we stop by the very eastern edge of Lake Dora, before heading to our dinner, to peacefully enjoy that great sunset...
A sunset kept and recreated for ever in our cel Pics...as you can see if reading this review !
Go there and enjoy this quaint town, its friendly people, is great little store findings, its lake views and sail tours or its unpretentious great restaurants...
....or just its SUNSETS BY THE LAKE !

While attending the Florida Storytelling Festival which was iverlooking this lovely lake, my husband took one of the two hour nature boat trips on this lake. He was so delighted with the captain and the commentary on this tour. They actually went into canals off of the lake that lead to Jacksonville. They were used for transportation of people and goods a hundred years ago. He saw wildlife, birds and plants that were well described to the passengers by the guide on the boat. He returned and recommended that I too take the boat ride on Lake Dora

Getting into our pontoon, and cruising down the Dora Canal and entering Lake Dora is a pleasure for my wife and our friends. The views of the islands, The Tavares docks and as we approached the city of MT. Dora, all of this was so calming.

If you are ever near this quaint artsy town, it is worth the stop and walk through. It is my favorite place in Florida. Always something for everyone. Food, shops, and drinks. A step back into Americana.

We toured the lake, both on the east side and again on the north side, saying next to the shore line when the road permitted. Many parks, beautiful places to walk, and scenery for the camera. Each trip took about1/2 a day. Well worth the time.

We love this little Lake town. It has something for everyone, including the aesthetics. The architecture, shops, restaurants and bars, places to stay, things to do, the Art, and the Art festival, make Mt. Dora a must place to visit and stay.

We walked out onto the dock, really nice. We noticed that you can get boat rides around the lake which will we do on another visit.

We were in the area to visit relatives but scheduled a weekend in order to visit Mount Dora. Everything about it was appealing. We spent time admiring the architecture. Browsed through the many shops. Enjoyed the restaurant fair and wound up relaxing at the lakeside park. Great weekend getaway.

Take the 2 hour sunset cruise through the Dora Canal. You can bring your own refreshments. Very informative. Old Florida at its best.

We live in Mount Dora which is on Lake Dora. Lots to do and see. Great fishing, dining, and shopping in the towns and communities that dot the lake. Enjoyable for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks.

Neat little town lotta shops walk to the town spend it least one day lake trainride boat rides, airplane rides a nice little place to visit for a day or two

what a scenic town this really is! The lake is amazingly beautiful! cute shops to browse through and just hit the farmers market on the weekends.pet friendly too!

What a lovely two hours we spent aboard the cruise across Lake Dora and up the Dora Canal. The wildlife is amazing and as "baby alligator" swam around the action, we saw a mama alligator catch and chomp down on a huge turtle - not something I and our fellow passengers had ever seen before. Until our cruise, I had no idea these lakes were so big! What an afternoon full of memories. Well worth the admission charge for the explorer cruise.

Mount Dora is a beautiful hidden gem, not far from the hustle and bustle of central Orlando.
Lake Dora is a wonderful place to visit and I highly recommend driving along the W Old US Hwy 441 through Mount Dora then down Lakeshore Drive.

This Lake offers so much opportunity to enjoy from picnicking, boating, kayaking, cat boating, flying via a sea plane and fishing. The view is stunning!

Take a tour of Mt Dora and Lake Dora. lots and lots of fun, with so many places to shop and great places to eat

nice shade/ loved the boardwalk near by
nice paved areas near a quiet residential area
view of the lighthouse

Surprised and delighted by this little out-of-the-way town ! Lots of great restaurants and little boutiques - charming !

Wonderful restaurants,shopping a great walking town. People are friendly seem very content. If you are lucky enough to be there during Christmas it’s special.

I believe that this town and the hotels handle this weekend poorly. For two years now they tell you can't have a room at their development. And many hotels do this one year prior. This will eventually backfire. It is bad business for the hotels and the area. A huge turn off by many,as I'm told.

The perfect location for photographic sunsets! Craigcat rides, nature walks, viewing wildlife and a great park for the kids.

We visited Mount Dora based on an article in Southern Living Magazine, and were glad we did. This is a quaint, friendly, old Florida town that has plenty to offer. It is right on Lake Dora and everything is within short walking distance. Numerous shops and great restaurants make this a worthwhile destination. At night, the town comes alive with plentiful live music and happy people. We will definitely be returning here soon.

This is a great place to view the sunset. You can see it from the pier. No large crowds or rowdy people. Very peaceful.

Beautiful lake to watch the sunset!! Offer tours of canals and sunset tours as well. Nice boat dock to walk along and sitting area at end of dock.

This huge inland lake features quaint waterside homes and docks but also mega mansions in SW or modern design. You can take tours of this lake . Not only is Mount Dora a lake town but others just as delightful if you circumnavigate the lake by car.

Great sunsets on this lovely huge lake. The area around Mt. Dora has a great park that is walking distance from downtown. The boardwalk partially goes over the lake where you can often times see alligators in the shallows.

The Lake is beautiful during the day...........but the sunset was third only to Hawaii and Key West. Did not want to stop watching. Do not miss walking down to Gilbert Park and walking out to the Lighthouse on the Lake. Did not get to take a boat tour as recommended but will next time so to really get to the entire lake.

Took a day from Fort Myers to Mt Dora and had a wonderful time. The lake and Lakeview Inn is beautiful; the shops are full of fun stuff and lots of food, coffee shops, bars, outside eats and people watching. Will definitely go back. I hear that around Christmas time it amazing.

This little town is a hidden gem. The restaurants are delicious, the shopping fun, and the citizens friendly. The downtown street has lovely gift shops and the quality of its stores is remarkable. Many art studios are on the street also. We went on a great boat trip that I would recommend. We saw four alligators and about seven eagles while touring the banks of Lake Dora. Take time to visit this town.

Took a repeat 2-hour boat trip with Capt. Jack and First Mate Nate of Premiere Boats through Lake Dora and the Dora Canal, seeing majestic bald eagles, and many swamp creatures that they were able to point out to our less experienced eyes. Some pre-recorded material described some of the history of the area and this was supplemented by the crews' banter and discussion of the wildlife we were to view. It was a thoroughly enjoyable cruise which gave us greater insight into the history of the area and appreciation for the flora and fauna of a great waterway. Highly recommend!

I love Downtown Mount Dora. It reminds me of a Key West/ Bourbon Street vibe. You can park and walk anywhere, including to Lake Dora. The pier was quiet and so relaxing. You can take a cruise on the lake as well.

Lovely lake with nice boardwalk to do a morning or evening stroll. Marina was all lit up for the Christmas season and was amazing. Great boat launch for anyone interested.

Lake Dora is pretty big - over a square mile of water. Tour boats from the public pier give visitors a chance to see the surrounding area around the lake. It's also a nice spot to just sit and enjoy the tranquility of the lake itself, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic in the nearby downtown area. Note: finding a parking place in downtown Mt Dora can be challenging, especially on weekends.

This is very beautiful lake. About 4000+ acres, this is one has boat cruises that takes you through Dora Canal that connects to other lakes. Must visit.

Lakes are nice and it certainly is a lake. Not above average or below average. It's a lake. Maybe I need a more exciting vantage point next time.

Take a stroll down to the lake...it's close to downtown and restaurants! There are benches along the way to take it all in.

We spent the day in Mount Dora. While there we walked along some of the shoreline and took the boat tour. It was a beautiful combination of homes, many different types of architecture, and scenery. Lake Dora was a very pleasurable way to spend an afternoon.

Grew up in Lake County and have lived just East of town for more than 30 years. This place is a true gem with lots of opportunities depending on your mobility and the amount of time you wish to spend. This town does offer a little elevation change, making it a great place to stroll along oak-lined streets and along the beautiful lakefront. This place has everything to offer from a wide variety of quaint shops to restaurants that should easily serve any interest or palate. The sunsets at Grantham Park along Lake Dora are the best. Just be aware that mosquitoes and "blind mosquitoes" (more commonly known aquatic midges) can be a pain during certain times of the year. So whether or not you spend an hour or a few days, you most likely want be disappointed. Things to be aware of are the weekend events that can overwhelm an peaceful experience if that is what you came for. Also be cognizant that parking is not what it should be and a little frustrating during busier times.

What a great town. Lots of shops and restaurants. Beautiful lake and lovely buildings. Very crowed for the holiday celebration. Fun place

A very nice, quiet area with a lighthouse. Near the boat marina and fishing areas. We were waiting to go to the Premier Sunset cruise and had some extra time, so drove over and sat for awhile.

A nice park to walk around in, located near a cozy downtown area with a resort feel. A good view of the water, with plenty of small boats to rent.

Mount Dora is a very romantic getaway with lakeside charms. Small town comfort, romantic views and dining, adorable shop and lasting memories.

This little village is beautiful anytime of year, but a Christmas time it comes alive as a fairytale village . Lights everywhere !

Lake Dora is a beautiful area with plenty of attractions. There are numerous water trips, a wonderful old train tour, vintage hotels, a really nice nature trail, and lots of interesting unique shops and restaurants in the town of Mt. Dora. Definitely worth a trip!

We boarded the vessel on this cold winter day.We passed The Yacht Club of Mt Dora setting our goals to travel through the Dora Canal. Passing many varied homes, anything from shacks to multi-million dollar homes... along the shore of Lake Dora we spotted an "eagle" perched at the top of a tree, birds fishing, an alligator sunning. traveling through the narrow Dora Canal the Cypress trees had Spanish moss hanging from the trees.
Floated through Tavares and saw a seaplane land on water and taxi up what looked like a boat ramp.
We saw the City of Eustis.
Then we headed back through the Dora Canal and back to Mt Dora!

It's an annual event for us. This year we went during the craft fair. A bit of a disappointment. Quite a few vendors, but very little that was unique. We'll probably go back to our usual non-event weekend.

This is a huge lake with amazing views especially at sunset. We have been to dinner at several restaurants and watched the sail boats racing or watched the sunset. Beautiful.

The Harris Chain lakes are seven interconnected lakes in Central Florida. With over 50,000 acres of water, they are among the largest lakes in the state. The lakes are lined with waterfront homes ranging from five hundred thousand dollar single family homes to multiple million dollar estates. The Harris Chain is known for excellent fishing and water sports. Waterfront Harris Chain cities are Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares and Leesburg.

What a change from busy crowded Orlando.
Beautiful spot, lovely historic area.
Friendly people and a lovely place to walk or just sit and take in the beauty.

We took a Mount Dora lake and canal cruise with Premier boat tours. The crew was awesome, the pontoon boat was comfortable and we saw so much natural beauty. I recommend doing this when visiting Mount Dora.

2/19/21: We decided to walk down to the pier after we had lunch and the view is spectacular. We chatted with the lady at the boat tours and talked about the baby alligator near by.

My wife & I live about a mile & a half from downtown Mt. Dora. We go down for dinner or dessert about once a week. We really love to see the Sun Set over Lake Dora; beautiful! We have take the cruise of the lake and through the Dora Canal; very beautiful as well as informative; close up to Florida nature. We take visitors from up north; they love it. The boat cruise is great for all ages.

Like some of its neighboring lakes, Dora is scenic. It has certain advantages including having two lovely towns (Mount Dora and Tavares) on its shores, plus a canal that connects to Lake Eustis, guided boat tours, and seaplane rides.

Our first trip here and just loved. Lake beautiful. Love all the shops and Christmas lights everywhere. Always wanted to come here and at the last minute we were coming this way for something close by. So glad we came really enjoyed it.

We enjoyed this beautiful lake from the dock and porch of the Lakeview Inn. The sunset is beautiful and the historic town of Mount Dora is adorable!

Mount Dora is such a beautiful area, and Lake Dora is definitely a part of that charm! We love, as a family, to visit downtown. We also enjoy riding on a boat on Lake Dora!

Well worth our drive up from Boca Raton to visit this lake, and other attractions in town. Lots of wildlife here. Peaceful.setting. A respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Cute town with a large lake. zscenic. great boat ramp. The city water supply made the Quality Inn stink like a skunk lived in it. so bad I used a whole bottle of fabreeze in it
first dsy. Water out of faucets reeked. Had to lower toilet lid an and close bathroom to hold stink at bay. My body reeked after a shower
How can tjey use that water for drinking and bathing?

Beautiful and peaceful place. Beautiful houses surrounded by a lot of greens. The views are espectacular.

Lake Dora is one of the main reasons to come to Mount Dora. We enjoyed a two hour boat tour with Rusty Anchor and several walks around Palm Island. We were lucky enough to see an alligator yesterday and an amazing sunset the day before. There is always abundant wildlife to be found where ever you look.

Boat trip on the river was amazing. The captain was very funny and humourus. Was taken into where the birds of prey are, and there saw turtles and Aligators.

Lake Dora is a very large and picturesque lake. Consider signing up for a tour of the lake via one of the many tour boat companies or try the Cat Boats which are available for rental with a guide.

Tremendously friendly, lots of small shops, a festival every month. Lots of tourists without the touristy feel.

Stop by the Chamber of Commercial for a city map. Follow it to the boardwalk along the lake. The scenery if beautiful and you might even see wildlife along the way. This town is a treasure. Not to be missed if you are in central Florida.

Strolling the streets of this old downtown is a wonderful way to while away a summer afternoon. Quaint shops and some very good restaurants. Catch the art and craft show in the fall it's the biggest and best around. Stay in one of the many bed and breakfasts. The town is a bit out of the way, but a nice drive off I4.

This lake borders the small town of Mt. Dora. It is surrounded on two sides by a park and is in constant use. The sunsets over the rather large span of water are breath taking and the small lighthouse is a favorite photo spot. To top this fabulous place off, there is a resident alligator who Suns her/himself daily along side the shore. So neat!

Taking off on a seaplane for 35 minutes and seeing how many lakes exist in one given area gave us a perspective we'd never had had by land. What a majestic place this is in our backyard. Gorgeous!

One should always spend time with nature... you have lot to learn ... witness... and enjoy.

We were all seated under an oldest Oak tree and enjoying the lake Dora... the tiny ripples traveling to the shore ... cool breeze... beautiful sky line getting reflected on the lake ... an alligator at a distance swimming and resting under the jetty / Dock

The highlight was a sea eagle from No where came down and dived in to water and picked up a fish and flew away... Two cranes patiently waiting on the shores and biding their time and indeed picked up their food too...

Wonderfully relaxing ...

This is a very beautiful setting. There are many places on the east shore to set up shop for a wonderful sunset dinner. Don’t miss it!

My husband and I have been comping to this secret hide away for a few years Bass fishing on the lake is always good take the time and take in the views and sunsets .its a super little place just take a trip and see ! Enjoy !

Serene, usually quiet, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Abundant birdlife. Occasional alligator floating along shore. The Dora Canal is like a movie set. Many parks on shores. One of many lakes in the chain. Will visit often, and highly recommend.

We did a side trip from Orlando and brought family from L.A. and Boston, and they all adore this cute town. It's a breath of fresh air after navigating traffic and lines in Orlando and theme parks. The Van Gogh house, the pier and the unique shops are fun to walk around. We discovered a fabulous pizza place - pizzAmore - not far from the downtown. See review -
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34461-d1178159-r687024499-PizzAmore-Mount_Dora_Lake_County_Florida.html

What a beautiful lake. We rented a pontoon boat and had a lovely day. If you plan on staying a while, the down town waterfront area has great shops and is very dog friendly

Our resort suggested we visit Mount Dora which turned out to be an excellent suggestion. About 40 minutes outside of Orlando this quaint artsy town has a fantastic selection of shops and dining locations. We enjoyed lunch, shopping, hiking and the evening sunset. Add this to your list of places to stop is you want to get out of Orlando.

Great sunset views from Mount Dora or Tavares over the lake. Home to an active seaplane base, boat tours and waterfront restaurants.

Lake Dora is full of wildlife, from bald eagles nesting to alligators resting on the banks, it is a very interesting place to take a boat trip across and through the canals

This is a very unique town on the Lake. Lots of cute shops and restaurants. The only problem is parking. Parking lots are kind of far from the shops.

There are several locations where you can watch spectacular sunsets and enjoy cocktails. Lakeside Inn and Pisces the best.

This lake and the connecting canals are a marvel of Mother Nature herself!! Be sure to take the Lake Doral:Dora canal tour..it was the highlight of our trip!! We used Premier Boat Tours and were so impressed with the captain (John) and crew mate (Deborah) that shared their stories and local knowledge of the area, its history, flora and fauna. Bald eagles, herons, anhingas, turtles and alligators are all common sightings during their tours. Another recommendation is to be sure to be at the edge of the lake for the sunset and make sure that you have your camera. The beauty of the sun settling behind the lake is absolutely breathtaking. Also, if photography is your thing, be sure to head down to the shoreline early in the morning as a variety of birds take a flight over the water. Lake Dora and the town of Mount Dora are a must for everyone's bucket list.

Lake Dora is one of the lakes in the Harris Chain. The city of Mount Dora is on the eastern end of the lake where a great little lighthouse guides boaters into the boat ramps and adjacent marina. There are also docks downtown, tour boats, and many places to watch a great sunset including the Lakeside Inn.

As a native Floridian , i had never been to Mt. Dora . It's a little warm in the summer so well go back when it cools off !

Just a few blocks from all the action of the art fair we walked down towards the lake for beautiful vistas. If it wasn't raining we would have taken a boat tour

Lake Dora as viewed from the harbor at Mount Dora is beautiful, but as a fisherman I was disappointed to receive no bites whatever in three days of trying.

When the sun starts to set, locals and photographers drop what they're doing to enjoy the beautiful sunsets on Lake Dora.

The lake was beautiful especially watching the rain come in with torrential downpour and wind gusts of about 45 to 50 mph during the intense but short storm that drenched us .Since it was warm out it was actually a beautiful and comfortable soaking . But what made it a 5 instead of a 4 is the park there with wonderful trails and a very long raised boardwalk through the jungle vegitation with some beautiful birds, one alligator and beautiful foliage and towering oak trees.

My wife and I were staying in Mt. Dora for our anniversary weekend. We decided to do the "Catboat" tour of Lake Dora and the Dora Canal (separate review) and really enjoyed it. It is a nice lake and very relaxing.

If you're ever in Mt. Dora at sundown, do yourself a favor and walk down to the public docks and take in the sunset. They also offer boat tours that leave from the public docks.

This is a perfect place to dine and watch the beautiful sunset. Unfortunately, my visit was early in the afternoon. I was lucky to see the alligators and storks fishing for the evening meals. The breeze and sunshine makes it an ideal place to visit.

I always enjoy my day trips to Mt. Dora. Lovely Main Street with a variety of shops owned by the locals. The second floor restaurant with balcony seating caters to dogs. Small town ambience.

We only got to see Lake Dora for a short time but it was well worth it. The lake is lovely with pretty scenery around it and some lovely buildings.

We enjoyed a nice and comfortable boat tour on the lake Dora with a wonderful cruise through the Dora Canal.

A nice escape from commercial Florida, beautiful architecture from 1890’s, fun craft shows, more affordable then most and excellent quality. Nice shopping and restaurants. Highlight of the trip was sunset cruise from Lakeside Inn, several American Eagle sightings, great tour.

Lake Dora is a small lake in the middle of Mt. Dora. The town has grown up surrounding the lake. They do fish in the lake, but the fertilizer from the yards says don't eat what you catch.

This lake is a beautiful one to take a boat tour on. There is lots of floral and wildlife to view. It is well worth the time.

We were surprised to find such a beautiful lake in the center of a state known for its ocean beaches. We boated and walked the shores and dined overlooking the lake. A nice, peaceful escape from the usual tourist hustle bustle.

We walked around the lake during our stay. It's beautiful and serene. You can take a boat ride or enjoy walking around the inns that are around the lake.

Loved the little shops, even though they were a very pricey. Great view of the lake especially at sunset.

Charming, friendly town. Visit their Chamber of Commerce for a ton of info. Always something going on in Mount Dora - get their calendar fro events. The Goblin Market for lunch/dinner is amazing, wonderful, romantic outdoor patio. Allyson A for bakery is fantastic! The Lighthouse Park for sunset is perfect.

Dora Queen Steamboat ride
The boat was lovely for an artificial steamboat.. The paddle wheel was a fau paddlewheel and didn't do a darn thing.
The boat was nice, but not a 'real" steamboat. The staff were cordial and well groomed. Don't bring your camera; there is nothing to photograph!!
It was a 2 hr ride on lake Dora................ an hour longer than it needed to be!

My friend booked a canal boat ride at Mt Dora. We had plenty of time to visit the shops and get some gelato before getting on the boat. I had no idea the freshwater lakes were so large and we had a lovely tour across the lake and through the canal.

Highly recommended. Even though visited for one day it was an excellent experience.
Picturesque small town with nice restaurants and places to visit.
Water sports available.

Picturesque cute village on freshwater lake

Check out the starry night house on old 441 on the lake shore just as you leave town

Recommend you tour the Dora canal between lake Dora and lake eustis

A must visit place for you and your family and friends! Whether you are boating, walking or enjoying an amazing sunset... you won’t be able to forget it! There’s a boardwalk and a light house point for awesome views and photo moments to remember!
Get a drink at Lake side inn lake front bar and sit alongside the lake at sunset in one of the chairs for a while and then just watch the color of the skyline change beautifully.

What a beautiful lake and many spots to stop and enjoy the lake's beauty. The park at the end of Liberty St. is most enjoyable and a great place to enjoy the lake.

A special treat for those who love the little walk around town with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and cafes. Of special interest was the Lakeside Inn, circa 1883 which a beautiful dining room and surrounding grounds. Premier Boat Tours gives you a nice feel for the lake and surrounding wildlife.

We stayed in Mount Dora for Christmas and walked all through the parks and around the lake. There's lot of boat ramps and boat tours. There's also a nature walk with lots of birds and alligators to seen with beautiful live oak trees for shade.

Lake Dora is really a beautiful place to visit. There are parks around it where you can sit and watch the activity on the lake or rent a Cat Boat or other type of boat in order to see Lake Dora up close. If driving your own boat is not your thing you can take a tour of Lake Dora. It is especially beautiful during the Christmas holidays. Visit Mt Dora for the day, have something to eat, shop and then go down to the lake which is accessible in- town and spend some time just watching all the wild life.

Lovely town , lovely lake ,lovely people ,shops and restaurants it's ideal at any time of the year x

Nice views and easy to access. Whether you are walking the shore to see the birds or taking a break from having climbed all 2208 inches of Mt Dora, the lake and lighthouse are easy to access and enjoyable to see and visit.

If you are big fan of sunset cruise then Sunset Cruise Orlando fl is famous in the world. Large of people want to see that. If you are going there then Rustyanchoremountdora is best company for that. They will give you all facilities that you want. I have also best experience with them...

It's a special place just like the welcoming sign said. We stroll the streets walk into the antique and artists stores. Met great local people so kind and genuine. Ate delicious food and enjoy the lake views.
Took an scenic drive and contemplate the Victorian arquitectura. I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Went to dinner with family at Norman's 1921 restaurant. We brought our grandkids to visit the evening Christmas lights in the downtown area. This year they've done the best job lighting up the central town square park and connecting streets. They have a large Christmas tree near the railroad station. Mt Dora is like one of the many little towns from northwest Michigan; (Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Traverse City). My mother lives in Mt Dora, we love this town. It's a family friendly town, with a romantic setting. They alway have fun things and activities going on throughout the year. They have art, boat and seasonal festivals, with a nice playground area next to the lakefront. There's shopping, restaurants, music and bars. They also have an old Lakeside Inn hotel close to there old train station where you can pick up a ride on the Orange Blossem Express. It takes you to a couples miles to another small lakeside downtown, Travares. Please check out Mt Dora it's a real diamond for Central Florida.

The lake brings a beauty and tranquility to the Mount Dora shoreline. There are small boats that will take you for a ride and you can also get seaplane rides if you are so inclined. Down by the Lakeside Inn there is a dock where you can pick up some rides. The water isn't clear, but it isn't in most Florida lakes

Beautiful old town. Well worth the drive from Orlando.
Great walks around the lake and town.
Lots of wildlife to see on the lake walk.
Also a nice boat tour on the lake.

This is a favorite place for a boat ride or just a walk or time with the kids at the play ground. Beautiful sunsets. The new renovations have increased handicap accessibility at the boardwalk, boat ramps, playground, and park.

There are so many destinations by water....great place for boating. Many boat launches to choose from. There are also at least 5 lakes (maybe more) that are connected via canals from one lake to the next. Fun to explore. Make sure to take a cruise through the Lake Dora Canal. Very nice!

After walking around the town and took a walk down to the lake. I was near the pier and lawn bowling area. It was well kept and peaceful.

I love sitting by the lake at the Light House reading a book or sketching, so tranquil and peaceful.

Beautiful area. Old Florida ! Folks don't appreciate it anymore. It's an bootleg town pretty cool too

Booked Dora Canal eco-tour and sea plane over Harris Chain of Lakes (including a stop of lunch at Tavares’ Waterfront) through Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures - highly recommended for all ages, a great way to be in nature, see lots of wildlife from the boat and perspective of the lakes and surrounding area from the air (could even see alligators). Hope to do it again next time we are in Florida.

Shopping around, great Cuban Restaurant 👌, we have a beautiful day! Be back soon to complete the as much as possible. Beautiful Town 😍.

We had an amazing trip to Mount Dora! We will definitely be back. Everyone was so welcoming from the shops to the restaurants. Shout out to the Goblin Market Restaurant and a special shout out to Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant where Melinda made us feel like family!

Spent two nights and three days with a girlfriend at this lovely old Florida town. We parked the car at the inn when we arrived and never moved it. The town is small enough to walk to the restaurants and shops. Good shops and restaurants on a beautiful lake.

Neat Florida history and will be history for me. Somebody must be sleeping cause one vender at the junk barn, I mean antique barn sells Nazi paraphernalia and one sells tools from the last decade the rest looks like a yard sell of broken junk. In town lots of original artwork in many mediums. I’m still confused as to what they think, i think hokey town that gelt like Statford wives meet crackerville. WEIRD

Great place to shop. Many gift stores and specialty stores. Food, drink and sights. Railroad the old way.Views and sunsets!!!

Lake Dora is bigger than you think! You can't see the end of the lake. You sit on the public dock with overheads and benches that is very safe and secure.
Or if you an even more tranquil setting go to the LAKESIDE INN, which faces the lake and sit on their veranda. Enjoy an inexpensive beer or wine, plus expensive wines while watching the sunset over huge Lake Dora. Stay for a fine meal. The INN has great live jazz in the pub from 7-10 on Friday nights.

We went on the Rusty Anchor Canal Tour. This was my fourth time!! The views are beautiful and the crew were very helpful and informative!! I always make sure to have a day shopping and dinner when I come down!

Just there yesterday. Man, the people. Just like the pre-COVID days. And, everyone was masked. Very respectful.

Don't leave Mount Dora without visiting the Lake, just a short walk from the shops and restaurants. Recommend the Rusty Anchor Canal boat trip.

The lake and surrounding area is quite nice. It has one of the 3 fresh water lighthouses in Florida.

Public bathroom at Gilbert park across the street. Could use more parking spaces.

Lots of birds and squirrels, there is also a huge chair for photos and a live web cam.

The town is a great town with a beautiful view of the lake. Lots of shops and from what I understand lots of activities during the year.

Enjoyed a weekend with 7 friends at a Heron Cay B&B in Mt Dora. They have views of the lake & as we enjoyed the town of Mt Dora, we took every chance we could to enjoy locations around the lake. We enjoyed amazing sunsets from 2 different vantage points on the lake. Glad we found the Elizabeth Evans park on the lake as it offered views of the lighthouse as well as the local train pulling into the station AND a horse drawn carriage with newlyweds on board, coming to get sunset pictures of themselves on their special day. A beautiful & relaxing area. There are lake tours by boat & even seaplane. We did not have time on this trip, but will certainly consider those next time.

Beautiful sunsets and a variety of living and beaches on the lake. The town is quaint and has a marvelous Old Town.

Lake Dora is beautiful and peaceful. Definitely worth walking around to see or taking a drive along Lakeshore Drive. Boat tours are also available.

This Lake and old fashioned town, situated less than an hours drive from the biz of the theme parks and international drive,provides a delightful change from the hassle and expense of the theme parks. Simply wander around the main street shops, the many parks or take an exploratory guided cruise of the lake ,canal and river to get a glimpse of the real Florida.

Just a quaint little place that you must visit while in Mount Dora grab some lunch and sit by the lake.

Beautiful little town to visit. Their are a lot of little boutique shops to visit. Plenty to due on a weekend.

Lake Dora is one of the few inland waterways that has a lighthouse.... Small to be sure but a wonderful picture taking moment. The lighthouse is part of a nicely shaded park and docking space for guest boaters. From the park and many parts of Downtown Mount Dora (just a few blocks from the park) you can enjoy gorgeous sunsets over the lake. (with or without a glass of wine in your hand.) There are several docksides where you can take boat cruises across the lake and thru the Dora canal.

The scenery here is beautiful and the atmospehere is chill. This is a great place to relax and watch the wildlife. We saw many birds, gators, and fish. My husband caught a few bass while we were here and he was a happy man. There are boat rentals and sunset tours if you are into that sort of thing.

We took a Seaplane ride over Lake Dora and the surrounding lakes and also explored the area around the lighthouse. The lake seems healthy with abundant wildlife.

We enjoyed gazing at Mount Dora from the shore and dock which is easily accessible to all just a short stroll from the main town area.

Stayed at Lakeside Inn and wonderful view of lake.
Nice facility. Great lakeside/poolside bar
Great location enjoyed our visit.

What a beautiful place to watch the sunset. It is very calming and relaxing along with the sun setting over the lake. What more could you ask for.

It was raining the day we visited so we didn't get to the parks I had wanted to see but the town is adorable. Some of the walking was up and down hills but a slow pace allows you to do it all. Plenty of shops and restaurants. I can't wait to go back on a clear day!

Visited Mt. Dora for first time with family and really enjoyed walking the downtown area which is not large enough to tire the children out. Great Cuban restaurants available, wish we would have tried them. Need to visit the Lake on next visit !

Capping off a nice evening by the lake. Near boat launch. Birds and gators. Quaint with plenty of benches to sit, relax and enjoy the view.

I am an amateur photographer, so I really enjoyed my time on the lake! Gators and native birds and plants were fun to see!

During my visit, I noticed boats to do tours of Lake Dora. Nice restaurants and cozy town with shops. A definite place to visit.

Captain Todd was the bomb! Super sweet, funny, and knowledgeable. Keeping it short and sweet, for sure a trip highlight.

A beautiful lake in the center of Florida on the banks of the beautiful town of Mt. Dora. Walk on the public dock to see outstanding sunsets. Maybe see a baby alligator peeking out of the reeds?

Try a short cruise around Lake Dora during the early evening when you have Magnificent Sunsets, and pass the Eagles Nest, where if you are fortunate you can see the two young Eagles and their Mother. Then proceed to the Lakeside Inn for Drinks and Dinner just by the Pier.

I really wouldn’t know what other little town to compare it to. It certainly has its own flavor. We enjoyed walking around town, especially the town docks from which the boat excursions depart from.

Mt. Dora is one of the nicer spots in Florida. Take the time to visit one of the many parks near the lake.

Loved the Lakeside Inn, the views from there were outstanding !!
The entire town is so welcoming , lots of shops lots of restaurants, I did well considering I have to eat gluten free. We definitely would go back again, that is how much we enjoyed our relaxing vacation here .

Lake Dora is the perfect place to meditate or walk in the morning. A perfectly serene setting steps away from shops and eateries. If you are in for some more adventure you can take a boat, train,or air tour.

After staying in Orlando for a few days, We decided to visit Mt Dora and we really liked the small town. Nice little Coffee Shops, Resturants and Ice Cream place. We parked the car and decided to stroll though the Town. The lake itself is Beautiful and the Rain kind of put a quick stop to our Trip. Next Time I will take the Boat Tour and enjoy more of the city.

Lake Dora was quite lovely today with lots of people out in boats. Strolling through the main park was absolutely beautiful. Don’t miss this part of Mount Dora. A great stroll after a good meal downtown. Got some great pictures but it wouldn’t let me post for some reason. 😢 The lunch picture came up but not rest.

We enjoyed our walk, a perfect time to see the sunset. Quiet, Interesting, plenty of choices to sit. I highly recommend.

Believe it or not we went there when it was cold and blowing a gale. It was chilly...yes chilly in Florida. Lovely boardwalk starting from a park and winding its way along the lakes edge and through the wetlands. Would be nice on a warm day.

We live in bustling, brazen Miami, so a weekend in this charming country town is an antidote to the stress of the big city. Surprisingly lots to do and experience for a fun weekend.

We took the Premier Boat Tour of Lake Mt. Dora, and were very happy with the tour, The guides were very knowledgeable as far as what was going on on in and around the lake. We saw a Bald Eagle's nest, some snakes, and of course many of the bird species that make their home around the lake. Also a pair of Bald Eagles that seemed to be a mated pair. All in all a very informative trip.

A wonderful 2 hr boat ride on Lake Dora and the canals. The trip was beautiful and very educational, especially the Dora Canal.

Been here a few times now and still LOVE! this lake and all the attractions surrounding it, there are boat rides, walks or drive around the perimeter and it is just so relaxing, visit the park for a picnic, or take your own boat and there is a slip next to the mini lighthouse, the pullman train runs beside one side and if you drive around to the other there are the most pretty houses overlooking the lake and when its time for a refreshment or something to eat there is the town of Mount Dora which is like going back in time and full of all types of eateries and so many little shops too! maybe not for the youngsters, oh apart from the segway tours maybe?

Nice nature walks and hiking paths. Was clean and beautiful, lots of natural landscapes and animals.