The Mount Dora center is around 6 miles east of The Big House and 7 miles northwest of Northwest Recreation Complex.
Mount Dora experiences hot, wet summers and short, cool winters. The temperature generally varies from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of the year, rarely going above 94 degrees or below 36 degrees. If you're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors during your vacation, you should visit Mount Dora from mid-March to mid-May or mid-October to late November.
The busiest times for tourism in Mount Dora are spring and summer. If you're visiting during peak season, you should be prepared to face limited accommodation options and higher hotel rates. However, you can keep your travel costs low by booking your flights and accommodation about one month in advance. Alternatively, you can plan your trip for October or November, when the weather is cooler and hotel prices are normal.
If you're a member of the armed forces or a government employee, you can get a discount at Comfort Inn & Suites Tavares North. Situated 4 miles west of Mount Dora in Tavares, this hotel is about 1 mile from Lake Dora, 2 miles from Wooton Park, and 4 miles from Eustis Historical Museum. It has 79 rooms that feature Wi-Fi with a surcharge, cable programming, refrigerators, microwaves, and hair dryers. You'll have access to amenities such as an outdoor pool, picnic area, business center, and conference space.
Farnsworth House Bed and Breakfast is another hotel that offers lower rates to government employees and military personnel. This hotel is less than a mile east of downtown Mount Dora, 1 mile from Mount Dora Lighthouse, 3 miles from Trimble Park, and 13 miles from Wekiwa Springs State Park. Its eight individually decorated rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, and hair dryers. On-site amenities include a terrace and garden.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced hotel that offers a comfortable stay, check out Quality Inn & Suites Mount Dora North. Located about 2 miles northwest of Mount Dora, this hotel is about 2 miles from Lake Dora, 3 miles from Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce, and 3 miles from Eustis Historical Museum. It has 89 rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite programming, flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers. You can take advantage of amenities such as an outdoor pool and laundry facilities.
Key West Resort Tavares – Mount Dora is another popular choice among value seekers. This three-star hotel is situated 5 miles west of Mount Dora in Tavares, less than 1 mile from the Lake County Museum of Art, 4 miles from ViaPort Florida, and 5 miles from Lake Harris. It features 65 rooms with free wired and wireless internet connection, cable programming, flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers. It also offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, a terrace, a garden, an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a business center.
Whether you're interested in history, art, or nature, you'll have plenty of things to do in Mount Dora. You can kick off your vacation by exploring the downtown area. Downtown Mount Dora features beautiful streets lined with palm trees, historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Some of the historic sites you should check out include the old railroad depot, the Queen Anne-style Donnelly House, and the Victorian-style Lakeside Inn which is the oldest continuously running hotel in Florida. Additionally, you can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines in over 20 restaurants, shop at boutique stores, and buy fresh local produce at the Village Market.
A vacation in Mount Dora won't be complete without attending its popular festivals. One of the most anticipated festivals is Renninger's Antique Extravaganza, which features over 1,500 dealers offering an extensive array of antique items. You can also view the works of hundreds of artists at Mount Dora Arts Festival or join over 1,000 cyclists for a few days of riding during the Mount Dora Bicycle Festival. If you're in town during the holidays, make sure you attend the Mount Dora Christmas Walk, where you can see millions of lights, a 40-foot-high musical Christmas tree, and many live performances.
Lake Dora is the crown jewel of Mount Dora. Measuring 6 miles long, this lake and its surrounding area offer a wide range of activities, including picnicking, nature walks, bird-watching, and boating. Make sure you visit Grantham Point Park, which is home to one of the few freshwater lighthouses in Florida. You can even join a narrative tour of Dora Canal, which is a highlight of the Harris Chain of Lakes. During the tour, you'll learn about the rich history of the area and possibly catch sight of bald eagles, ospreys, and other birds.
With so many attractions to visit around Mount Dora, you probably have to stay there for at least a few days to thoroughly explore the area. To ensure you'll have a pleasant vacation, you should do some research to find a hotel that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. If possible, try to stay at a hotel that's situated close to all the attractions you intend to visit.
Below are reviews of the city of Mount Dora, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
We were at a lacrosse tournament in Apopka and most of those hotels were more expensive and booked. Mount Dora is close and had restaurants near the hotel.