Location: Clermont
Top Things to do in Clermont
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10 Things to Do in Clermont That You Shouldn't Miss
Clermont is a small city in Florida, west of Orlando. Clermont, which is known as the “gem of the hills,” is surrounded by gently sloping hills in an otherwise flat state. The historic downtown has not changes much in 50 years. Clermont is also home to one of the first constructed landmarks in Florida: the Citrus Tower. When you are settled into Clermont, plan a visit the Citrus Tower. It was built in 1956 on one of the highest hills in the area and serves as a monument to Florida’s citrus industry. It stands 226 feet high and has a glass-enclosed observation deck at the top. You can also visit the Showcase of Citrus to pick your own oranges or take an eco-tour in a giant swamp buggy and enjoy a glimpse into Florida’s past. The entire family will enjoy a perfect day in the citrus groves. When visiting Clermont, be sure to visit Revolution: The Off-Road Experience. It is a unique off-road motor and sports venue perfect for families staying in vacation rentals in the area. You can ride ATVs and dune buggies, water ski, or go bass fishing. In Clermont, you can hike, bike, go boating, or drop your line in a lake and wait for the fish to bite. Play a round of golf on one of the many world-class golf courses in the area. Lakeridge Winery is Florida’s largest premium winery and offers winery tours and wine tastings seven days a week. A visit to the President’s Hall of Fame, with wax figures and White House memorabilia, is a perfect afternoon trip. A short drive away from Clermont, is Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and the bustling city of Orlando.
Restaurants in Clermont
1. West Orange Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By TheBookworm78
We took the trail from Killarney Station to Winter Garden Station (a round trip of about 10 miles) and were suitably impressed. We hired bikes at Killarney Station which was easy to do and reasonably priced, something I would definitely recommend doing if you're visiting the area and don't have your own bikes with you.
The Orange County Parks & Recreation division (the department responsible for the maintenance and development of the trail) have clearly thought things through, with a multi-purpose trail suitable for walkers, cyclists, joggers and skaters taking visitors through wooded, green-space and residential areas. There are mile markers along the way, so you know how far you've gone (maps are also available at most of the stations) and information boards along the trail provide useful information about the flora and fauna you might see along the way.
Most of the trail is flat which is preferable given the high temperatures this region is known for. There are large sections of the trail which are shaded by overhead tree canopy, but I would recommend a visit earlier in the morning before it gets too hot if you don't like the idea of cycling/walking in the heat! It can also get pretty busy, especially at the weekends, so I would recommend going during the week if you're looking to avoid heavy traffic.
Most of the stations along the trail have amenities (restrooms, vending machines, etc) although we found some of them were closed on the day we went (Sunday). There's lots to see along the way, including some lovely houses, wildlife and quirky commercial buildings featuring some very interesting decorations!
All in all this is a great way to see Florida in a different and unique way and makes a welcome change from the busy theme parks and outlet malls. Well worth a visit if you're looking to take a break from the usual attractions and want something different to do.
2. Lake Louisa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Lake Louisa State Park is 4500 acres of beautiful, real Florida! Just minutes from the area's major attractions, the park hosts guided horseback rides, guided kayak eco-tours, kayak canoe and bike rentals, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and just about anything else you would expect in a natural setting. Home to 20+ miles of trails, 7 lakes, 60 campsites, 20 cabins, a swim beach, playground, fishing piers, and more, you could spend days on end exploring this treasured gem.
Reviewed By elle9992864 - West Palm Beach, Florida
The cabin itself has everything you need to have a great time. We brought some creature comforts like pillows, blankets, and extra towels. Also bring a cast iron skillet, whisk, cooks knife, sponge, and measuring cup. The cabin is large and comfy for the four of us. The properties are laid out well. We did the 2 hour horseback riding and it was wonderful l. We couldn’t have asked for a more laid back time. It was like living in the 80’s again with no tv and computer distractions. We had everyone unconnect digitaly and it was a great time!
3. Quest Air Hang Gliding
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Quest Air Hang Gliding is the premier hang gliding flight park in Central Florida. Our certified professional instructors will take you on a hang gliding experience that you will remember forever. We offer introductory instructional flights starting at $125 and are the only hang gliding flight park in the Orlando area offering Mile High flights. We are located about 40 minutes from the International drive area and also offer swimming, fishing and paddleboating on our private lake.
Reviewed By Brian J - Austin, Texas
I have just taken a series of lessons to learn to fly hang gliders solo, and cannot say enough good things about the organization. My instructor, "Spinner", was exceptional – professional, safety-conscious, passionate, insightful and completely dedicated. It was truly a pleasure to learn from his wealth of skills. He has a great attitude and makes learning fun, and is a fantastic instructor. In addition, all the other folks at Quest were super-friendly, experienced, and gave freely of their time to this novice pilot! Don't bother looking for any other places in the central Florida region to learn to fly – you'll be making the right decision to go with Quest for many reasons. For example, they will tow you higher and charge you less. They have more powerful tug planes, and their tandem harnesses are vertically stacked (as opposed to side-by-side), which makes learning much more satisfying and realistic. Here, the student has priority, unlike at some other hang gliding places that are more interested in just offering "rides". Quest will do this too, of course, if you're interested – and do it better! If I could give Quest Air Soaring Center seven stars, I would.
4. The Spa at Bella Collina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By trhlgolfer - Pinehurst, North Carolina
My wife had a spa treatment while I played golf, and she thoroughly enjoyed her treatment. Pampering included nice snacks and drinks while she waited, and the facilities were gorgeous. Prices are generally high, but if you look for specials, unless you live at Bella...MoreThank you for your review of Bella Collina! We're happy to hear your wife enjoyed the Spa treatments she received, and we hope you can enjoy some pampering yourself next time you visit.
5. Oakland Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 46 reviews
Oakland Nature Preserve (ONP) is located in Orange County, Florida on the south end of Lake Apopka. It encompasses 128 acres that include five of Florida's 12 major ecosystems. The Preserve is open 365 day a year, and its over 13 miles of hiking trails/boardwalk and education center are free to the public (no bicycles or pets please). The mission of ONP is to promote understanding of the fragile balance between humans and the environment through education, restoration, and conservation, and inspire children and adults to become good stewards of the natural environment
Reviewed By Crystal_and_Jeff - Longwood, Florida
This was such a great place to go for a hike. My husband and I go to different parks/preserves/trails every week and go hiking with our 9-month-old daughter. This was a great and easy hike. It has lots of boardwalks and also ahs a nature trail. The nature trail goes by an animal sanctuary that even has Zebras!!!! It was absolutely amazing!
~Osborn Family Hikes~
6. Putt-Puttin' in Paradise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
South Lake county's only miniature golf course! Come out and enjoy 18 hole of beautiful family fun. Check out the arcade for even more fun Located directly behind the Surf Bar and Grill in Minneola!
Reviewed By Sheldon K - Orlando, Florida
Had an enjoyable time, even our 11 and 13 year old grandkids enjoyed. May not be as glamorous as some in heavy tourist areas, but worth it for a local. There is a sign for it, but you cannot see it because it is behind a restaurant
7. Blue Cypress Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Goatdady - Cocoa, Florida
One of the prettiest lake in florida. If you want to see the real FL, come by here for some fishing or a tour of this magical place. If you like nature....this is for you.
8. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 655 reviews
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards opened its doors in February 1989 in Clermont, Florida and sits on a 127-acre estate in gently rolling countryside some 25 miles west of downtown Orlando. This area was once the center of the State's grape industry. After years of phenomenal growth, Lakeridge ranks as Florida's largest premium winery, and remains a pioneer in the development of table and sparkling wines from muscadine and hybrid grapes. Vintage-dated varietals from hybrids such as Stover and Blanc Du Bois are produced and marketed along with blended and sparkling wines from native Muscadine grapes.More than 110,000 people are expected to visit the winery annually, enjoying its extensive tasting room, festivals and gift shop. With an overall production of over 80,000 cases, that's over 960,000 bottles. Lakeridge Wines are sold under the Lakeridge and Lakeridge Reserve brands wines at the winery and at major supermarkets and wine shops throughout Florida . Together, these labels have won more than 700 awards for excellence in winemaking. Complimentary Winery tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week; Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Reviewed By Sassafras06 - Lady Lake, Florida
Well organized event. Assistance with parking helps keep the cars moving in & out. High quality seafood. Plenty of seafood choices. I had the steamed lobster tail, hubby had grilled salmon, bacon wrapped scallops, grilled shrimp & we shared a crab cake. All were cooked to perfection. Excellent musical entertainment & high quality products from vendors.
9. Lake Catherine Blueberries
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By RoriTravel - Orlando, Florida
Lake Catherine berries are fun to pick and eat.
While this is a seasonal treat, it's well worth following Lake Catherine on Facebook to know what is picking and when. Whether local or visiting from out of town, the experience and taste of picking your own Lake Catherine berries is well worth it!
This is our second visit, having missed a couple seasons for various reasons. The farm is located an easy drive from Orlando and other area towns. It's a lovely drive in the Florida countryside, and well worth just that part. Most think of Orlando and even Florida as the theme parks and cities it's best known for. But this is a lovely state with so many other options available to explore.
This family-owned farm opens it's doors to allow visitors to buy and/or pick their own. Some weekends include small festivals with things such as country bands and BMX bikes demos. That was what we found on our second visit. Food was also available for a great price. The Zellwood corn on the cob was off-the-stalk fresh and delicious, especially dipped in butter!
Grab your bucket(s), climb aboard the tractor pulled hay wagon, and head into the fields. Tell the driver if you want Blueberries and/or Blackberries - both are available, but do check their FB page for what is picking and when. We were dropped off at a location with each on one side or the other of a field. This is Florida in late spring-early summer, so be prepared. Hats, bottled water (they had it available), and other means to keep cool are a must! The berries are delicious and easy to pick. Having gone to several farms over the last few years we have found Lake Catherine to be the best we have tried. Their berries are on well groomed and easy to maneuver around bushes - some places do not trim and you come away stuck and scratched. This is field work so be prepared to come away dirty, but nothing filthy: just some good old fashioned dirt on legs or arms. And consider that when dressing: long pants are not needed here, but closed tow shoes are smart - a tip I rarely follow with filthy feet to show for it.
Once you've had your fill - or your buckets have had their fill - return via wagon (when available - I'm not sure they have it every weekend - to the farm stand to check out (by the pound), enjoy something to eat, kids can play on the playground, listen to music (when available), and even grab a homemade pie from the little shop.
This is a fun way to spend a few hours on a lovely day and come away with tasty fruit for enjoying on their own or in pies and other tasty treats. Well worth a visit!
10. Crooked Can Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By Eatingallover
Very good beers in a great little market. Very good selection of beers excellent atmosphere and design loved the little market it’s located in and the farmers market a couple of blocks away on Saturdays. Worth a visit.
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