Lake County Travel Guide

Discover the best cultural attractions, natural wonders, outdoor adventures, food and drink scenes, and transportation options of Lake County. Find out what to do, where to go, and what to buy in Lake County with this travel guide.


Introduction to Lake County

Located in scenic Central Florida, Lake County boasts an abundance of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. This guide will lead you through Lake County’s best destinations and help you to plan your trip itinerary.

List of Places to Visit in Lake County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mount Dora History Museum: Learn about the history of Mount Dora and Lake County through rotating exhibits and educational programming.
  • Lake County Historical Museum: Explore the cultural and natural history of Lake County at this museum in Tavares.
  • Clermont Historic Village: Visit the historic village to see restored homes, gardens, and a railroad museum that tells the story of the citrus industry in Lake County.

Natural Attractions of Lake County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Eustis: Rent a boat or take a guided tour of Lake Eustis, one of the largest lakes in Lake County, and enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape.
  • Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive: Drive through this restored wetland habitat for a chance to see alligators, birds, armadillos, and other wildlife in their natural environment.
  • The Green Mountain Scenic Byway: Drive through scenic hills and charming rural towns, including Clermont, Montverde, and Ferndale, on this 25-mile route.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lake County

  • South Lake Trail: This paved trail runs from Clermont to Winter Garden, offering scenic views of Lake Minneola and the surrounding hills.
  • West Orange Trail: Another paved trail that runs through Lake County, this 22-mile route takes you through historic towns, over scenic bridges, and past natural wonders like the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
  • Wekiva Trail: This paved trail runs along the Wekiva River, offering scenic views of the river and the surrounding wilderness.

Best Things to Do in Lake County: Activities and Tours

  • Tavares Seaplane Base and Marina: Take a seaplane tour of Lake County’s beautiful lakes and rivers.
  • Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards: Take a tour of the vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting at Lake County’s largest winery.
  • Apopka Wildlife Airboat Tour: Glide through the wetlands on an airboat tour and see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lake County

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Mount Dora History Museum and take a guided tour of Lake Eustis.
Day 2 Take a hike or bike ride along the South Lake Trail and enjoy the scenic views over Lake Minneola.
Day 3 Explore the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and go birdwatching or take a photo safari.
Day 4 Visit the Clermont Historic Village and learn about the history of citrus farming in Lake County.
Day 5 Take a seaplane tour of the lakes and rivers of Lake County from Tavares.
Day 6 Take a tour of Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting.
Day 7 Spend the day on an airboat tour of the wetlands and see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife up close.

Food and Drink Scene of Lake County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gator tail: Try this unique and traditional Florida dish at one of Lake County’s many seafood restaurants.
  • Florida orange juice: There’s nothing like freshly squeezed Florida orange juice, which is available at roadside stands and farmers’ markets.
  • Key lime pie: This delicious dessert originated in nearby Key West, and is a staple at many Lake County restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Blueberry wine: Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards produces a delicious blueberry wine that’s made from locally grown blueberries.
  • Florida craft beer: Lake County has several craft breweries, including Wop’s Hops Brewing Company in Sanford and Wolf Branch Brewing in Eustis.
  • Citrus-based cocktails: Many bars and restaurants in Lake County serve cocktails made from fresh Florida citrus, such as orange, grapefruit, and lime.

Where to Stay in Lake County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mission Inn Resort & Club: This elegant resort in Howey-in-the-Hills features rooms with lake views and access to a championship golf course.
  • Magnolia Inn Bed & Breakfast: Stay at this historic inn in Mount Dora for a comfortable and unique bed and breakfast experience.
  • Campsites and RV parks: Lake County has several campsites and RV parks, including Lake Louisa State Park, which offers camping facilities in a scenic natural setting.

What to Buy in Lake County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Citrus fruits: Bring home fresh oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits that are grown in the region and sold at farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
  • Citrus marmalade: Many local shops sell marmalade made with locally grown citrus fruits.
  • Native American art: Lake County has a rich history of Native American culture, and there are several galleries and shops that sell Native American art and crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Lake County

Lake County has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Native American, Spanish, and African American communities. The county is known for its citrus farming and has a strong outdoors and sports culture.

Best Time to Visit Lake County

The best time to visit Lake County is in the spring, when the weather is mild and there are numerous outdoor festivals and events. Fall is also a great time to visit, when the harvest season is in full swing and there are plenty of activities centered around the fall season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lake County

Do:

  • Visit the Lake County Historical Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area.
  • Try the local citrus fruits, wines, and beers.
  • Explore the natural wonders of the area by hiking, biking, or boating.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the safety warnings when swimming in the lakes and rivers.
  • Leave any trash or refuse behind when visiting natural areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lake County

Lake County is generally safe for tourists. However, visitors should be aware of the potential for sunburn, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses during the summer months.

Health in Lake County

There are several hospitals and medical clinics located throughout the county, including Florida Hospital Waterman, Leesburg Regional Medical Center, and South Lake Hospital.

Getting to Lake County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lake County

The nearest airports to Lake County are Orlando International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, and Daytona Beach International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Lake County

Greyhound Bus Lines has a terminal in Leesburg, which serves as a hub for buses going to and from Lake County.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Lake County by car or train. The Amtrak station in nearby Tavares offers service to several major cities in Florida.

How to Get Around in Lake County

There are several rental car agencies in Lake County, and visitors can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to get around the local area. The LakeXpress bus system offers public transportation throughout the county, with stops in major cities and tourist destinations.

Where to Go Next from Lake County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Orlando: Lake County is located less than an hour’s drive from Orlando, home to the Disney theme parks, Universal Studios, and other major attractions.
  • Ocala National Forest: This vast wilderness area is located just north of Lake County and offers outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.
  • Clearwater Beach: Located on the west coast of Florida, Clearwater Beach is known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters, and is a popular destination for beach-goers.

Conclusion

Lake County offers visitors a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural attractions, making it a great destination for adventure-seekers and history buffs alike. Plan your trip to Lake County today and experience all that this charming Florida county has to offer.

Venetian Gardens in Leesburg Venetian Gardens in Leesburg


    Clermont
    Eustis
    Leesburg