If you’re craving a family getaway that captures the real Florida, I recommend Lake County. I just returned from this beautiful area and found this destination to have everything our family wanted. Located just 40 miles west of Orlando, this gem is a haven of 350 freshwater lakes, scenic hills and charming small towns that invite you to slow down, explore and reconnect.
Smack dab in the middle of the state, Lake County runs across 1,100 square miles. We paddled through hidden waterways, cast our lines in the water and soaked up the sun on a quiet beach.
This trip was hosted, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Start in Clermont for Brews & Views
- Why Go:
- A great excursion for families to go to the top of the tower and you can see for miles in all directions. Cost – $11 for adults and $7 for children ages 3 – 12.
- Citrus Tower is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Your admission pass is good all day and includes the ride to the top on an elevator.
- Who It’s Best for: Families with children of all ages
- Best Things to Do: Ascend the historic Citrus Tower – once Florida’s tallest building for panoramic views of rolling hills and lakes, the Orlando skyline and the Orlando Eye.
- What’s Nearby: Clermont Historic Village with 18th-century buildings like a one-room schoolhouse and a WWII museum. Stroll Montrose Street, where you’ll find boutiques, cafes and art galleries
- Best Place to Eat: Check out Citrus Coffee on the lower level of the tower. I loved their mega-muffins, chock full of tasty ingredients and their full menu of iced and hot coffee drinks.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Your admission pass allows repeat entries to the tower and they’re open late. Return at night and watch the spectacular fireworks from
Enjoy Life at the Beach
Head to Lake Minneola beach and let the kids play in the shallow waters.
- Why Go: The beach has a wonderful shoreline for lots of sand and water play.
- Who It’s Best for: Families with young children
- Best Things to Do:
- Make waves at the Minneola Splash Park
- Go fishing
- Take a hike on the Minneola Trail
- Best Place to Eat: Head to Salt Shack on the Lake for tropical cocktails and fresh, locally-sourced seafood, including fish tacos, coconut shrimp baskets and oysters.
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For a peaceful escape into nature, head to Crooked River Preserve
- Why Go: Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this nature preserve.
- Who It’s Best for: Families with children of all ages
- Best Things to Do:
- Hike the easy, 1.7 mile loop trail
- Borrow a canoe for a ride down the river
- Watch for native wildlife
- Simply enjoy the quiet beauty of the river habitats
Go for a Ride Off Road!
- Why Go: Discover all kinds of thrilling adventure with their ATVs, 4-wheelers and Monster Trucks to tackle rugged off-road trails at Revolution Adventures
- Who It’s Best for: Families with teens and tweens
- Best Things to Do:
- Head into the water with an amphibious vehicle
- Try skeet shooting, archery, bass fishing or a pontoon boat ride
- Enjoy a picnic on the lake
Discover Charming Mount Dora: The “New England of the South”
Just a short drive away, Mount Dora charms visitors with its Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets and relaxed, lakeside vibe.
- Why Go: Great destination to dine and shop
- Who It’s Best for: Families with kids of all ages
- Best Things to Do:
- Go for a boatride
- Take a walk to see the Mount Dora lighthouse
- Check out their events calendar for the annual Arts & Crafts Festival, the Blueberry Festival and more.
- Where to Eat: Breakfast at Cody’s on 4th—think bagel sandwiches, fresh fruit, iced coffee
SheBuysTravel Tip: Try a signature “quiche of the day” at Cody’s.
Go for a Boat Ride
For a truly unique experience, hop on a high-powered catamaran with Cat Boat Adventures.
- Why Go: Discover a unique experience on the water
- Who It’s Best for: Families with teens and tweens
- Best Things to Do:
- Spend two exhilarating hours cruising Lake Dora with Cat Boat Adventures.
- Navigate the scenic Dora Canal, surrounded by ancient cypress trees and Florida wildlife like gators, herons and egrets.
- Discover this fun, educational and surprisingly easy way to cruise —even if you’ve never piloted a boat before.
Set Sail
Prefer a slower pace? Set sail with Rusty Anchor Tours.
- Why Go: Discover the beauty of the lake and spot all kinds of wildlife
- Who It’s Best for: Families with kids of all ages
- Best Things to Do:
- 30-minute cruises to 3-hour excursions, including the Dora Canal Tour, a Sunset Dinner Cruise with Rusty Anchor Tours
- Watch for wildlife, snap photos of the Mount Dora Lighthouse
- Popular sunset cruise departs at 7:30 p.m.
- Where to Eat: The Goblin Market features an outstanding menu with local favorites
SheBuysTravel Tip: Parking in Mount Dora can be challenging. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.
Make Your Own Memories in Lake County
In Lake County, life moves a little slower—and that’s the point. It’s a place where mornings begin with mist rising over the lake and evenings end with stories around a fire. Come for the natural beauty, stay for the small-town charm and return home with memories that feel refreshingly authentic.
How to Get There: Fly to Orlando and take a short drive to Lake County.
Ready to explore? Plan your trip at discoverlakefla.com
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