The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Mount Dora: Parks, Trails, and Activities

Sunset view of the Mount Dora Lighthouse and Lake Dora, featured in the guide to things to do in Mount Dora FL.

Your Local Expert’s Hub for Mount Dora Green Spaces (Updated November 2025)

Mount Dora, Florida—Lake County’s crown jewel—boasts over a dozen parks, trails, and waterfront escapes that blend small-town charm with big outdoor fun. Whether you’re Googling “Mount Dora parks for families,” “dog-friendly trails in Mount Dora,” or “best picnic spots near Lake Dora,” this guide delivers E-E-A-T-backed recommendations from a resident who’s logged hundreds of hours on these paths (and snapped the photos to prove it)..

Family & Playground Parks in Mount Dora

Perfect for toddlers, birthday picnics, and shaded playdates.

Cauley Lott Park – The All-in-One Family Favorite


1950 Clayton St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
20 acres of playgrounds, covered pavilions, tennis courts, and a fitness trail. Lighted for evening play,
free parking.
Full Cauley Lott Park Guide →

Elizabeth Evans Park – Lakeside Swings & Historic Vibes


100 N Baker St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Iconic swings over Lake Dora, shaded picnic tables, and weekend craft-fair energy.
Full Elizabeth Evans Park Guide →

Forres Playground – Toddler-Sized Fun

100 Forres St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Fenced sandbox, pint-sized slides, and tree-shaded benches—ideal for ages 2–6.
Full Forres Playground Guide →

Donnelly Park – Downtown Green Heart


530 N Donnelly St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Pickle Ball, and open lawn for frisbee or yoga.
Full Donnelly Park Guide →

2. Nature & Waterfront Parks in Mount Dora

Trails, boardwalks, birding, and kayaks—pure Florida serenity

Palm Island Park & Boardwalk – 1,000 Ft of Lake Dora Magic


400 N Tremain St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Elevated boardwalk through cypress wetlands, fishing pier, and kayak launch.
Full Palm Island Park Guide →

Gilbert Park – Oak-Shaded Lakefront Classic


400 N Alexander St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Playground + boat ramp + picnic pavilions on Lake Dora. Pro tip: Sunset photo ops.
Full Gilbert Park Guide →

Grantham Pointe (Sunset Park) – Best Sunset in Lake County


1200 Grantham Pointe, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Lighthouse replica, fishing dock, and panoramic Lake Dora views.
Full Grantham Pointe Guide →

Trimble Park – Hidden Gem on Lake Beauclair


5820 Lake Beauclair Ln, Mount Dora, FL 32757
8-acre wilderness with hiking trails, camping, and eagle sightings.
Full Trimble Park Guide →

3. Sports & Multi-Use Parks in Mount Dora

Bike trails, disc golf, baseball, and splash pads—bring the whole crew

Lincoln Avenue Community Park – Mount Dora’s Activity Hub


200 Lincoln Ave, Mount Dora, FL 32757 One park, endless options:

  • 9-hole disc golf course (additional 9 at torres playground!)
  • Bike trails (connect to Lake Norris trails)
  • Off-leash dog park
  • Baseball & softball fields
  • Tennis courts + community pool + splash pad Full Lincoln Avenue Park Guide →

Quick-Reference Table: Mount Dora Parks at a Glance

Park Name Best For Size Waterfront? Dog Park? Free Entry? Full Guide
Cauley Lott Park Families, tennis 20 ac No No Yes View →
Elizabeth Evans Park Swings, picnics 3 ac Yes No Yes View →
Forres Playground Toddlers <1 ac No No Yes View →
Donnelly Park Events, downtown 5 ac No No Yes View →
Palm Island Park Boardwalk, kayaking 8 ac Yes No Yes View →
Gilbert Park Boating, playground 10 ac Yes No Yes View →
Grantham Pointe (Sunset Park) Sunsets, fishing 4 ac Yes No Yes View →
Trimble Park Hiking, camping 8 ac Yes No Yes View →
Lincoln Avenue Community Park Sports, biking, dogs 10 ac No Yes Yes View →

Pro Tips from a Mount Dora Local (That’s Me)

  • Beat the heat – Visit before 10 AM or after 4 PM (May–Sept).
  • Bug spray is non-negotiable near any lakefront trail.
  • Check the City of Mount Dora calendar for free yoga, movie nights, or little league schedules.
  • Parking hack: Use the free public lot behind Donnelly House for downtown parks.

By Matthew Garrison

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