Picnic Spots in Mount Dora & Beyond
Sometimes all you need is a good spot to sit outside, enjoy lunch and take in the scenery. Around Mount Dora and Lake County, there are plenty of places to do just that, from downtown parks to waterfront views and quiet nature preserves.
Whether you're picking up lunch from a local restaurant, packing a picnic basket or looking for a place to spend an afternoon outdoors, here are seven local spots to keep in mind.
Picnic Spots in Mount Dora
Mount Dora has several parks where you can enjoy lunch outdoors without going far from downtown. These four spots offer different settings, from the center of town to the shores of Lake Dora.
Donnelly Park
Mount Dora, FloridaRight in the middle of downtown Mount Dora, Donnelly Park is a convenient place to bring lunch and enjoy a little time outdoors.
The park's gazebo, green space and mature trees make it a familiar downtown landmark. Pick up something to eat from one of the nearby restaurants and find a spot to sit before heading back out to explore the shops along Donnelly Street.
Elizabeth Evans Park
Mount Dora, FloridaIf you're looking for a picnic spot with a view of Lake Dora, Elizabeth Evans Park is worth a visit.
Located along the downtown waterfront, the park offers open views of the lake and a place to enjoy the scenery. Bring lunch, spend some time watching the boats and take a stroll along the waterfront while you're there.
It's also a convenient stop if you're spending the day exploring downtown Mount Dora.
Gilbert Park
Mount Dora, FloridaGilbert Park is a good option when you want more than just a place to eat lunch. Located near downtown Mount Dora, the park has picnic areas, playground equipment and trails to explore.
The park is also home to the entrance to Palm Island Park, where a boardwalk leads through a natural area along Lake Dora.
Pack lunch, enjoy some time at the park and take a walk along the boardwalk before heading home.
Sunset Park
Mount Dora, FloridaSunset Park is another downtown option when you want to pick up lunch and enjoy it outside.
Located near the shops and restaurants along Fourth Avenue, the park provides a convenient place to take a break while exploring downtown Mount Dora.
It's also the location of the Mount Dora Village Market, making it a natural stop if you're visiting downtown on a Sunday.
Picnic Spots in Eustis
Just a short drive from Mount Dora, Eustis has both waterfront parks and natural areas. These two locations offer very different settings for an afternoon outdoors.
Ferran Park
Eustis, FloridaFerran Park stretches along the shores of Lake Eustis and is one of the area's best-known waterfront parks.
With lake views, walking paths, a playground and places to sit along the waterfront, there's plenty to do before or after lunch.
You can bring your own picnic or pick up something from a downtown Eustis restaurant and enjoy the view of the lake.
Hidden Waters Preserve
Eustis, FloridaFor something a little different, Hidden Waters Preserve offers a natural setting away from the busier downtown parks.
The preserve features wooded trails, varied terrain and a landscape shaped by Florida's natural springs and sinkholes.
This is a good choice if you'd like to combine time outdoors with a hike. Pack a light lunch or snack, bring plenty of water and plan to spend some time exploring the trails.
Unlike a traditional city park, this is primarily a nature preserve. Check current preserve rules and trail conditions before visiting.
Picnic Spots in Tavares
Tavares is another place to enjoy a picnic along the Harris Chain of Lakes, with waterfront views and downtown attractions nearby.
Wooton Park
Tavares, FloridaWooton Park sits along the Lake Dora waterfront in downtown Tavares and offers plenty to see while enjoying lunch outdoors.
The park has waterfront seating, a playground, walking areas and views of the boats coming and going along the lake.
It's also a place to watch the seaplanes that regularly operate from the nearby Tavares Seaplane Base.
Bring a picnic or pick up lunch from a downtown restaurant and spend some time enjoying the waterfront.
A Few Tips for Planning Your Picnic
A little planning can make an afternoon outdoors much more comfortable, especially during Florida's warmer months.
Check the weather: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in Central Florida. Check the forecast before heading out, especially if you're planning an afternoon picnic.
Check park rules: Park hours, shelter reservations, pet policies and other regulations vary by location. If you're planning a larger gathering, check with the appropriate city or park management office in advance.
More Ways to Explore Lake County
Looking for more places to spend time outdoors or something to do after your picnic? Browse our Lake County farmers markets and local farms guide for fresh produce, farm stands and seasonal U-pick experiences.