If I had turned around to do a 360 from the view in front of me of the incredibly peaceful Lake Ola…read more(beach) and taken a picture, you would have been able to see a gorgeous Victorian mansion that just so happened to be sitting directly on Lake Ola Beach. I thought better of taking a picture to protect the privacy of the residents of this fabulous-looking Victorian home, complete with wraparound porch and the Victorian look inspired by lacy, delicate, scalloped trim. I have always had a penchant for this type of architectural ornamentation. I found myself wondering if the inside is as ornate, then quickly turned my attention back to this peaceful lake. Besides Lake Ola Drive being a beautiful alternate route not only dotted with stately mansions, there are other good things you will see along the way on this drive: Farm Stands: There are several, and a couple of them were large enough to have a great selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as some landscaping plants and both potted and loose flowers. I didn't have time on this particular Sunday, but next time I'll be stopping to see what interests me. Lemon Groves: The lemons are big and are at their prime this time of year and are ready to be picked and enjoyed. The biggest harvest comes at this time in Florida. If you're ever in the area of Tangerine, Florida, and traversing on State Route 441 near Orange Blossom Trail, take the turnoff to Lake Ola Drive to see this beautiful area. I spent about ten minutes on Lake Ola Drive, then pressed forward to my destination. On another visit, I'll plan accordingly to stop at a few of the farm stands. *****FIVE FABULOUS STARS!!!!!*****

Mount Dora Boat Center is perfect for renting a boat and going exploring the Harris Chain of Lakes…read more They offer friendly, fast service with clean and modern boat choices. Rates are fair and you will have an amazing day viewing wildlife and cruising the canal!

Mount Dora has a lovely marina where you can rent boats and more. Their shop is small but offers…read moreall the essentials as well as a restroom. We enjoyed doing the CatBoat Adventure Tour that left from the marina.

BEAUTIFUL park, nice long boardwalk trail with many other groomed trails. Lots of little creatures…read morearound. I was pleasantly surprised it was so nice!!

Loved this Mount Dora gem. We came here at the end of March…read more It's more of a board walk than a park, but there is a small green area with gazebos, picnic tables and bbqs before entering the board walk. Besides the nature walk through the board walk where we saw LOTS of wildlife (woodpeckers, baby alligators, turtles, ospreys and more) and beautiful cypress trees, you can also rent kayaks. This place is dog friendly. There are even baggies for people to pick up after their pets. I recommend wearing closed shoes if you want to walk the full trail. The board walk ends in a dirt path which loops around, but is not ideal terrain for sandals. However, walking to the end of the boardwalk and back again is just as fun (that's what we did ;) ) The park hours are sunrise to sunset but the board walk opens at 7:30am. Honestly this is a must see.

Beautiful area to walk in Eustis! My friends and I did a day trip here and loved the scenery and…read morethe slight changes in elevation you don't always find on Florida trails. The trails we chose were well shaded and we loved following the stream. Lake Albert is more of a pond (at least when we were here), but still enjoyed walking around it. We were here a bit later in the afternoon, so didn't venture too far, but loved the areas of trails we did walk and definitely want to return! The trails are easy to follow and not very difficult. You might encounter some tree roots here and there, but nothing too difficult or strenuous. Great place to get some exercise in and just enjoy nature.

Mount Dora isn't a huge lake but it's big enough to warrant a lighthouse and it's apparently the…read moreonly lighthouse in the entire state of Florida that remains an inland aid to navigation. It's adorable, located on a small spit of land at the Port of Mount Dora next to the boat launches. The lighthouse was completed in 1988 and stands 35 feet tall. It is built from brick. There is free parking here and a few benches where you can sit by the water and watch the kayakers or jet skiiers. [Review 1029 of 2024 - 1905 in Florida - 22057 overall]

Nice spot to sit down for a while once you get around the Mt. Dora area…read more Good amount of seating, but I'd say to stay away on really hot days. The lighthouse is waayyyyy smaller than you would think it is. But still a cool area to check out.

I share but like a great fishing place - I fear it will overused! But I have to say this is hidden…read moregem of a place - quiet and well maintained by the city of Mount Dora- only one of the many things that makes Mount Dora great. Quiet and natural!

Nice, safe walking trail around Lake Gertrude. Scenic view of the lake and the beautiful houses…read more Dog friendly, with poop bag dispensers and trash cans. There is also a public canoe/kayak launch spot.

When visiting my boyfriend's mom and step dad in Eustis, we took their boat up to Lake Dora via the…read morecanal from Lake Eustis to have lunch. We took a stroll around this park, and enjoyed the beautiful Florida sun and winter weather. Love the benches and the gazebo as you can take a moment to relax. Definitely return when visiting!

This a unique park- airplanes and wildlife co-exist ..... worth a visit just to see. Planes, tunes…read moreand BBQ this past March was the most recent special event here!

Lake Jem Park and Boat Ramp has it all. A playground, basketball court, boat ramp, nature viewing,…read morefishing, restrooms, grills, pavilion and canoe/kayak launch. There is a short hiking area with a boardwalk. The playground is large and is shaded by massive old Live Oaks. There are different areas of play for every age group and lots of green space. You can picnic in several areas of the park. Trash cans are available.

Located not far from the Mount Dora Lighthouse, this medium-sized park has a shelter area with…read morepicnic tables, playground facilities with climbing features including one shaped like a pirate ship, a walking trail, public restrooms and even barbecue grills. The playground was getting a pretty good workout for a weekday afternoon. A reasonably sized parking lot where I left the van for a walk around the park. Gilbert Park is named for the person who donated the land, Earl Gilbert. [Review 1030 of 2024 - 1906 in Florida - 22058 overall]

One of many in the string of parks along the lake near downtown Mount Dora this cute spot has the…read more bronze alligator statue.