When planning your trip to Orlando, you may want to add a stop to Clermont, Florida. This exciting city of lakes, wine, and citrus groves is just over 30 minutes west from Orlando with a lot to offer on and off the lakes. The city has a tangy history of citrus groves, bringing tourists to one of its main attractions, the Citrus Tower, a 226-foot attraction with great views of the area. Pro tip: Get a coffee from Citrus Coffee at the bottom and bring it up with you to check out the view. There is an $11 fee to take the elevator up the 22 stories, but it might be worth it to check out one of Clermont’s “must-see” attractions. Staying in the citrus theme, check out Showcase of Citrus, which is like a Disneyland of citrus. In season, they have U-Pick citrus, but it’s also a full family-friendly attraction with farm animals, monster truck rides, and a gem mine. They make 100% natural orange juice creamsicles and slushies that look delicious to cool off on a warm Florida day.
While in Clermont, check out the Presidential Hall of Fame, a quirky stop with everything from a miniature White House to a replica of Mount Rushmore that you just have to see in person. The $10 museum is a fun addition if you’re already in the area, where you can check out all of the presidential replicas and pose in front of Mount Rushmore. Plus, it’s a two-minute walk from the Citrus Tower, so it would be a good stop to add onto your Citrus Tower visit. Next on your list, head to Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, which offers complimentary tours and tastings that allow you to taste the unique muscadine grapes known for Florida and learn the history of Florida wine.
Lake Louisa State Park: A natural theme park near Clermont
If you love water activities, Clermont is the place for you and your family. Not only does Clermont have one lake, but there is a whole chain of lakes to explore. One of the most underrated state parks in Florida is Louisa State Park, a combination of 10 connected lakes that surround the city of Clermont. To get in, there is a $5 fee per car, but that’s a small price to pay for what basically amounts to a natural water park for your whole family. Conveniently, the state park offers many rentals for you to enjoy the outdoors, including bikes and kayaks. If you’re looking for a guided tour, you’re in luck! Louisa State Park is brimming with tours, including a Segway Tour of the local trails and a nighttime Full Moon Paddle kayak tour. There are even horseback riding tours and lessons. Guided tours of course cost more, but it could be a memorable activity to add to your trip.
If you want to explore on your own, pick up a trail map and explore the park. There is a half-mile trail you can take from the parking lot to get a taste of the park and read interpretive signs along the way. You can swim in Lake Louisa at designated swim areas, but there are no lifeguards on duty. There are 20 miles of unpaved multi-use trails, and one great way to get around the park is by biking. While you’re biking or hiking around the park, keep an eye out for wildlife sightings. If you stop by the ranger station, you can pick up a bird and butterfly sighting checklist which is a fun family activity to see how many you can spot around the lake.
Planning your trip to Clermont, Florida
