Explore Mount Dora, a Walkable City in Florida Famous for Its Tours and Festivals

I love a walkable city or town in Florida. Often, during these walks or outings along the quaint brick storefronts, you can stumble on something great or something new! How often have we driven past a place and either haven’t noticed it or convinced ourselves we’d stop another time? But this is why walkable places have the best local restaurants, shops, and yearly events. And we have one place in particular that deserves the ultimate shout-out. Mount Dora, Florida, is one of the most walkable cities in Florida, especially regarding the downtown area and around the famous neighboring lake. 

Founded in 1874, Mount Dora, a small city of about 15,000 residents, had humble beginnings but has retained much of its southern, small-town charm throughout the years. For starters, the fact that it is still extremely walkable adds to its appeal as a pedestrian-friendly layout, making it easy for visitors and residents to explore the area on foot and not get bogged down with driving, parking, and the like. Being able to visit a new city and walk around, strolling past small businesses, cafes, eateries, and art galleries, really makes all the difference when it comes to exploring small towns and cities in Florida.

If you need a little guidance on where to walk, there are plenty of engaging ways to explore through walking tours. The city provides a self-guided Historic Walking Tour accessible via a free app, which offers a voice-narrated experience as you navigate downtown and encounter various historical sites.

For those interested in non-walking guided experiences, Mount Dora Transit offers a 30-minute tour of the historic downtown in comfortable, stretch-limo electric carts. This entertaining tour features landmarks such as the Donnelly House, Lakeside Inn, and the Train Depot, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Mount Dora Historical Society hosts annual walking tours that include multiple historic locations. These tours typically start at the Lakeside Inn and provide insights into the city's past.

Why are visitors flocking to Mount Dora so often? In addition to the historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning Lake Dora, the town is affectionately known as the “Festival City.” Mount Dora hosts numerous events each month that attract large crowds. For example, there is the Mount Dora Arts Festival every year on the first weekend in February. Meanwhile, the Mount Dora Craft Festival in October has gained national recognition as the "All Time Favorite Arts and Craft Festival in America." Throughout the year, the town also features antique extravaganzas, music festivals, and holiday celebrations, all contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.

Mount Dora is the kind of destination that defines "Old Florida." It feels authentic, a bit nostalgic, and far removed from the commercialized tourist corridors. Most importantly, the residents are friendly and gather regularly to celebrate the city's rich history. If you like places like this, plan a trip to one of these historic towns in Florida that feel timeless.

Ready to start exploring Mount Dora on foot? You might not be able to see it all during a day trip, so we've rustled up some overnight accommodations at this charming Florida bed and breakfast to make a weekend out of it. And if you're looking for other activities and eateries, check out the Visit Florida website for ideas about local spots.