Mount Dora FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Mount Dora, Florida.
1. Lake Dora
SCENIC LAKEFRONT PARADISE
Lake Dora is a beautiful lakefront destination with parks where visitors can relax and watch activity on the water. Visitors can rent Cat Boats or other watercraft to experience the lake up close, or take guided tours for a more structured experience. The lake is especially beautiful during the Christmas holidays and offers opportunities to observe abundant wildlife in a peaceful setting.
2. Palm Island Park
NATURAL LAKESIDE PRESERVE
Palm Island Park is an 8-acre natural preservation area located at the end of Liberty Avenue on Lake Dora. The park features three picnic pavilions, walking trails, and a wooden boardwalk that winds through a wooded nature area boasting native trees and plants. Visitors can enjoy the fishing pier, barbecue areas, and sheltered picnic spots while experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Dora's shoreline.
3. Honeymoon Island State Park
PRISTINE WHITE BEACHES
Honeymoon Island State Park features four miles of some of the most unspoiled white sandy beaches in Florida, connected to the mainland by a scenic causeway. The park includes a designated pet beach area, making it a favorite destination for families with dogs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing in a natural setting that offers a perfect escape from nearby urban areas.
4. Gilbert Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKE ACCESS
Gilbert Park offers direct access to Lake Dora with boat ramps and docking facilities for water enthusiasts. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open spaces perfect for family gatherings near the water. Visitors appreciate the shaded areas and lake views while enjoying recreational activities in this conveniently located Mount Dora park.
5. Wooton Park
WATERFRONT RECREATION CENTER
Wooton Park is a vibrant waterfront park on Lake Dora featuring a splash pad, playground, and scenic walking paths along the shoreline. The park serves as a seaplane base and marina, offering unique opportunities to watch aircraft land on the water or rent boats for personal exploration. Visitors can enjoy the children's train, waterfront restaurants, and special events that frequently take place in this central gathering spot.
6. Canaveral National Seashore
UNDEVELOPED ATLANTIC COASTLINE
Canaveral National Seashore offers 24 miles of pristine, undeveloped Atlantic coastline with some of the most natural beaches in Florida. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in a protected environment that serves as an important habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. The seashore provides a rare glimpse of what Florida's coast looked like before development, with rolling dunes and natural beach vegetation framing expansive ocean views.
7. Alexander Springs
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING
Alexander Springs is a first-magnitude spring in the Ocala National Forest that releases 70 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily, maintaining a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. The spring features a large swimming area with a gradually sloping sandy bottom that makes it ideal for families and swimmers of all ages. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling to observe underwater life, canoeing or kayaking along the spring run, and hiking trails that surround this natural wonder.
8. Silver Glen Springs
POPULAR BOATING DESTINATION
Silver Glen Springs is a stunning natural spring in Ocala National Forest with crystal-clear waters flowing into Lake George. The spring is a popular destination for boaters who anchor in the spring run to swim and enjoy the refreshing 72-degree water. Visitors can observe abundant fish and wildlife, including manatees in winter months, while enjoying the recreational facilities and picnic areas surrounding this natural attraction.
9. New Smyrna Beach
DRIVING-FRIENDLY COASTAL STRETCH
New Smyrna Beach offers 17 miles of white sandy beaches where visitors can drive and park directly on the hard-packed sand in designated areas. The beach town is known for its excellent surfing conditions, earning it the nickname 'Surf Capital of the East Coast' with consistent waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, beachfront dining options, and numerous public access points that make this coastal destination a favorite for day trips from Central Florida.
10. Juniper Springs
HISTORIC NATURAL POOL
Juniper Springs is a picturesque natural spring and recreation area in the Ocala National Forest featuring a historic mill house and swimming area built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The crystal-clear, bubbling spring creates a natural swimming pool surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation and palms, offering a refreshing escape in a beautiful forest setting. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and exploring the nature trails, or embark on the challenging 7-mile Juniper Run canoe journey through pristine wilderness.