If you ever make it out to Tavares Nature Park, take a left just past the entrance and follow the trail to a rather rickety boardwalk that will lead to a scenic view of Lake Dora. Very cool!
Tavares Nature Park
Lake Dora
Mount Dora Wildlife
If you take a short stroll from bustling downtown Mount Dora, you can immerse yourself in wildlife at Palm Island Park and adjacent Grantham Pointe, both of which overlook scenic Lake Dora. I wandered around both spots yesterday right after an afternoon storm and had the place to myself. Enjoy your hike!
Port of Mount Dora
Yes, there really is a Port of Mount Dora and it’s usually bustling with activity! It features an iconic red and white striped lighthouse that’s said to be one of only three inland lighthouses in Florida. Take a nice stroll and enjoy scenic views of Lake Dora and Palm Island Park. Oh yeah, the Port of Mount Dora sign features a great quote attributed to Mark Twain. Check it out!
Kalua Beach Bar
Overlooking scenic Lake Dora, the Kalua Beach Bar in Tavares is the ideal spot to grab a bite to eat, enjoy an ice-cold beer and listen to some live music. It’s definitely the place to be on a lazy Saturday afternoon! We enjoyed the fried pickles, cheeseburger wrap and grilled chicken sandwich. We’ll definitely be back!
Hike #3: Palm Island Park
Hike #3, 52 Hike Challenge: Palm Island Park, Mount Dora. A true hidden gem in Mount Dora just south of the downtown area, eight-acre Palm Island Park is located on Lake Dora and features a boardwalk, hiking trails and picnic pavilions. Alligators are abundant (although I did not see any during this visit). Distance: 1.0 mile.
Wandering Florida 