Date night around Mount Dora doesn't have to mean driving to Orlando. Between the lakes, downtown restaurants, boat tours, trails, live music and local events, there are plenty of ways to plan an evening or day together right here in Lake County.
Whether you want something romantic, adventurous, outdoorsy or completely low-key, this guide is designed to help you choose a date based on the kind of mood you're in.
Last updated: August 2026
What Kind of Date Night Are You Looking For?
| Mood | Try This | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Romantic | Dinner + sunset in downtown Mount Dora | Mount Dora |
| Relaxed | Lake cruise aboard the Dora Queen | Tavares |
| Adventurous | Drive-your-own CatBoat tour | Mount Dora |
| A Little Spooky | Mount Dora Ghost Tour | Mount Dora |
| Casual | Drinks, games and live music at Brü Tap House | Tavares |
| Outdoors | Hike or picnic | Throughout Lake County |
| Easy & Low-Key | Dinner followed by a downtown walk | Mount Dora |
For a Romantic Date Night
Dinner at The Goblin Market
The Goblin Market is one of Mount Dora's most distinctive dinner spots, with cozy book-lined dining rooms and a tucked-away atmosphere in the middle of downtown.
Pair dinner with a walk through downtown or toward the lakefront afterward.
Good choice for: a classic dinner date and an evening that feels a little special without requiring a whole itinerary.
See Our Romantic Restaurant Guide
Take a Cruise on the Dora Queen
The Dora Queen is a New Orleans-style paddlewheel boat offering a laid-back way to enjoy Lake Dora together.
It works especially well when you want an activity that still gives you plenty of time to sit, talk and enjoy the view.
Good choice for: an easy afternoon or evening on the water.
Explore Local Boat ToursFor a More Adventurous Date
Drive Your Own CatBoat
CatBoat Adventure Tours gives you the fun of operating your own two-person powered CatBoat while still traveling as part of a guided tour.
It's much more interactive than sitting on a traditional sightseeing boat and gives you something to actually do together.
Good choice for: couples who would rather have an experience than simply go out to dinner.
See Boat Tours & Water ActivitiesTake a Mount Dora Ghost Tour
If you'd rather do something a little unexpected, explore the historic side of downtown Mount Dora after dark with one of the area's ghost-tour experiences.
Schedules vary, so check current availability before building your evening around a tour.
Good choice for: history lovers, paranormal fans and couples tired of the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine.
Explore More Things to DoFor a Casual Date
Drinks & Games at Brü Tap House
Brü Tap House is a relaxed option when you don't want a formal dinner. Grab a drink, play a board game and see what's happening around downtown Tavares.
Live entertainment and special events vary, so check the current schedule if that is part of your plan.
Good choice for: a spontaneous date, meeting for a drink or keeping the night inexpensive and easy.
Explore Brü Tap HouseDinner + a Downtown Walk
Sometimes the simplest date is one of the best. Make a dinner reservation downtown, then leave enough time to wander the shops, lakefront and side streets together.
This is especially easy in Mount Dora because you can park once and let the rest of the evening unfold from there.
Good choice for: a low-pressure date night when you want time to actually talk.
Find a Date-Night RestaurantOutdoor Date Ideas
A date doesn't have to involve reservations at all. Some of the easiest outings around Lake County are outside.
Take a Hike
Choose a trail or preserve, put the phones away for a while and spend a few hours exploring together.
Explore Hiking TrailsPack a Picnic
Pick up lunch or bring something from home and head to one of the area's parks or lakefront spots.
Find Picnic SpotsGet on the Water
Try a guided boat tour, paddle, pontoon rental or another experience on the Harris Chain.
Water Activities GuidePlan the Whole Date Night
Already know the kind of evening you want? These guides can help you fill in the rest of the plan.
More Ideas Around Mount Dora
If none of these quite fits the mood, browse our Things to Do in Mount Dora guide for more activities, attractions and local ideas.
You can also check current Mount Dora events before making plans. Festivals, live music and seasonal events can turn an ordinary dinner date into a much more interesting night.