There are many small towns to love in Florida, but for our money, there’s one that is so quaint and charming, you’ll never want to leave. Mount Dora is a city of about 12,500 people, located in Central Florida. It was founded in 1880, and it has everything we love in a historic small town. There are plenty of lovely old buildings, shops and boutiques, museums, restaurants, parks, and fun tours. You’ll absolutely love exploring this unique small town in Florida
Mount Dora is not just charming, it hosts so many festivals it has earned the nickname “Festival City.” No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you can always count on something to do.
Flickr/Jared
It’s a fun place to explore, whether you’re walking the historic streets window shopping or taking a stroll at Gratham Point Park to see the town’s iconic 35-foot lighthouse that marks the Port of Mount Dora.
TripAdvisor/TexasCatBird
If you love searching for timeless treasures, you can easily spend an entire day at the town’s huge antique market, Renniger’s Antique Center & Flea Market, which is open every weekend.
TripAdvisor/piranhapirate
In town, you’ll find adorable and unique little shops on every street, full of special treats and gifts. The Cellar Door is a cozy little wine bar and shop where you can relax and unwind or find the perfect bottle for any occasion.
TripAdvisor/JZadow1 Editor’s note: Unfortunately, The Wine Cellar has permanently closed.
The Village Coffee Pot is a cute little cafe with something for everyone, from gourmet coffee drinks to homemade ice cream.
TripAdvisor
Premier Boat Tours offer eco-tours through Mount Dora’s scenic canals, surrounded by ancient cypress trees and native Floridian wildlife like herons, alligators and turtles.
TripAdvisor This excursion is great for travelers of all ages. Bring the kiddos along! Premier Boat Tours is one of the best family trips in Florida.
Be sure to make reservations at The Goblin Market, one of Mount Dora’s best restaurants. Not only is the food incredible, the atmosphere is fun and eclectic without being cheesy.
TripAdvisor/eshaynes It’s easy to see why this is one of the best small towns in Florida. Want to learn more? Check out Mount Dora’s website here.
What are your favorite day trips in Florida? Would you love to explore this unique small town in Florida? If you need more ideas, check out 17 of Florida’s Most Picturesque Towns and 10 of Florida’s Oldest Towns for a great place to start.
Flickr/Jared
TripAdvisor/TexasCatBird
TripAdvisor/piranhapirate
TripAdvisor/JZadow1
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, The Wine Cellar has permanently closed.
TripAdvisor
This excursion is great for travelers of all ages. Bring the kiddos along! Premier Boat Tours is one of the best family trips in Florida.
TripAdvisor/eshaynes
It’s easy to see why this is one of the best small towns in Florida. Want to learn more? Check out Mount Dora’s website here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
unique small town in Florida November 29, 2019 Elisa Regulski What are the best day trips in Florida? Tarpon Springs is one of the most exciting day trips in Florida. This Greek sponging town is located just 45 minutes outside of Tampa, and it’s full of old-world charm. Travel back in time and explore this unique Florida destination. For some more fun, head to Gulfport. This little town is located near St. Petersburg, and it’s full of quirky art displays. The buildings are vibrantly decorated and there are so many exciting restaurants to discover. You’ll have a full day of fun at this kooky little place. If you want to learn more about the most underrated day trips in Florida, read our article here. What are the best small towns in Florida? Cedar Key is one of the most lovely small towns in Florida. This little place almost feels frozen in time. You’ll love strolling through the quiet streets and browsing the art stores. It’s such a friendly and happy place! If you loved this small town, you’ll also want to visit DeFuniak Springs. This area is home to the state’s oldest library, and you’ll love looking at the titles on the shelves. To learn more about Florida’s best small towns, read our article here. What are the most fascinating places in Florida? The Salvador Dali Museum, located in St. Petersburg, is one of the most fascinating places in Florida. If you’re a fan of surreal artwork, you’ll adore this amazing attraction. This museum has the second largest collection of Salvador Dali pieces in the whole world. For another unique getaway, head to Weeki Wachee: City of Live Mermaids. Whether you’re young or just young-at-heart, this whimsical attraction will fill you with wonder. Watch mermaids swim in the water and put on a colorful show. There’s nothing else quite like it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
unique small town in Florida
November 29, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What are the best day trips in Florida? Tarpon Springs is one of the most exciting day trips in Florida. This Greek sponging town is located just 45 minutes outside of Tampa, and it’s full of old-world charm. Travel back in time and explore this unique Florida destination. For some more fun, head to Gulfport. This little town is located near St. Petersburg, and it’s full of quirky art displays. The buildings are vibrantly decorated and there are so many exciting restaurants to discover. You’ll have a full day of fun at this kooky little place. If you want to learn more about the most underrated day trips in Florida, read our article here. What are the best small towns in Florida? Cedar Key is one of the most lovely small towns in Florida. This little place almost feels frozen in time. You’ll love strolling through the quiet streets and browsing the art stores. It’s such a friendly and happy place! If you loved this small town, you’ll also want to visit DeFuniak Springs. This area is home to the state’s oldest library, and you’ll love looking at the titles on the shelves. To learn more about Florida’s best small towns, read our article here. What are the most fascinating places in Florida? The Salvador Dali Museum, located in St. Petersburg, is one of the most fascinating places in Florida. If you’re a fan of surreal artwork, you’ll adore this amazing attraction. This museum has the second largest collection of Salvador Dali pieces in the whole world. For another unique getaway, head to Weeki Wachee: City of Live Mermaids. Whether you’re young or just young-at-heart, this whimsical attraction will fill you with wonder. Watch mermaids swim in the water and put on a colorful show. There’s nothing else quite like it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tarpon Springs is one of the most exciting day trips in Florida. This Greek sponging town is located just 45 minutes outside of Tampa, and it’s full of old-world charm. Travel back in time and explore this unique Florida destination. For some more fun, head to Gulfport. This little town is located near St. Petersburg, and it’s full of quirky art displays. The buildings are vibrantly decorated and there are so many exciting restaurants to discover. You’ll have a full day of fun at this kooky little place. If you want to learn more about the most underrated day trips in Florida, read our article here.
What are the best small towns in Florida?
Cedar Key is one of the most lovely small towns in Florida. This little place almost feels frozen in time. You’ll love strolling through the quiet streets and browsing the art stores. It’s such a friendly and happy place! If you loved this small town, you’ll also want to visit DeFuniak Springs. This area is home to the state’s oldest library, and you’ll love looking at the titles on the shelves. To learn more about Florida’s best small towns, read our article here.
What are the most fascinating places in Florida?
The Salvador Dali Museum, located in St. Petersburg, is one of the most fascinating places in Florida. If you’re a fan of surreal artwork, you’ll adore this amazing attraction. This museum has the second largest collection of Salvador Dali pieces in the whole world. For another unique getaway, head to Weeki Wachee: City of Live Mermaids. Whether you’re young or just young-at-heart, this whimsical attraction will fill you with wonder. Watch mermaids swim in the water and put on a colorful show. There’s nothing else quite like it.
