Things to do in Clermont, Florida, a great day trip from Orlando

Hidden just an hour away from Orlando, you’ll find Clermont, Florida. This quiet town offers the best of Florida’s natural side for those looking for a break from the parks. Here, you’ll find wineries, orange orchards, scenic lakes, beautiful hikes into Florida’s natural landscape, and some quirky attractions from pre-Disney Florida. Keep reading about the best things to do in Clermont, Florida.

One of my secret places to visit less than one hour from Orlando is Clermont. This city in Florida was recommended to us by a local, Theresa, who told us that it was a hidden gem in Florida. You’ll find many things to do in Clermont during a day trip to this different part of Florida.

You’ll find your standard hotels in Clermont, including the Fairfield Inn and Home2 Suites By Hilton Clermont for families looking for a larger space. The Kissimmee area is also quite closeby if you’re looking to combine this with a trip to Disney while saving money!

Lakeridge Winery

Clermont has a famous winery, Lakeridge Winery. Yes, a winery in Florida. This winery is the largest premium winery in Florida! They use the Muscadine grapes, which you can see on their vineyard. We went for a tour and a tasting of ten of their wines, which was free.

Several wines were particularly good and it’s a relaxing day trip activity if you’re looking for a bit of relaxation. Be warned that Florida is strict about drinking and driving, so I only sampled four of the wines.

Lakeridge frequently has a very active concert and festival schedule. Most concerts are held on the weekends and are free to attend, so check ahead of your visit. I’ve caught the Blues festival here twice.

Lake Louisa State Park

Nearby is Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont that offers many fun activities for nature lovers. With more than 4,000 acres, Lake Louisa is full of natural beauty.

Did I mention the animals? The ranger advised us about bobcats, bald eagles, and osprey who live in the park! You can explore the park by bike, kayak, canoe, SUPs, or on foot. We enjoyed the hiking trail although there’s far more to see within this park.

Historic Clermont

I’ve visited Lakeridge previously, however one of my favorite things to do in Clermont from this recent trip was visiting the Histtoric Downtown Clermont Village. The city was founded in 1884 and you can see houses dating back to this period. Similarly, you’ll see buildings built by the Army during World War II. Clermont was a training center during this time.

If you enjoy a farmer’s market, be sure to come on Sunday to browse the fresh fruits sold at the open-air farmers market. Of course, you’ll also find cute shops, including boutiques.

Riverfront Park also offered beautiful access to the lake. We ended up having a great seafood meal at Lilly’s on the Lake.  

Cat Cafe

One of the new quirky businesses in Clermont is the Orlando Cat Cafe where you can visit cute cats that are available for adoption after enjoying a nice beverage. There’s nothing like spending time with a cuddly cat! Reserve ahead.

Orange Groves

Clermont is full of agricultural activity. It’s hard to get fruit fresher than this! In Clermont, you’ll see numerous farm stands where oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes were being sold roadside. Be sure to carry some cash with you and don’t hestitate to try Florida oranges directly from the source.

Citrus Tower

One of the more quirky attractions of Clermont is the Citrus Tower, built in 1956. This tower was built as a symbol of the powerful citrus industry, a staple of the Orlando area prior to Disney. From here, you can enjoy nice views from 220+ feet off the ground.

Presidents Hall of Fame

Another quirky attraction in Clermont is the Presidential Hall of Fame, which is full of miniatures and wax figures of US Presidents. The extremely accurate Mt. Rushmore and Lincoln Memorial can be viewed from the top of the Citrus Tower!

Have you been to Clermont, Florida?

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