Just a 30-minute drive west of Orlando, Clermont is a fun city in Central Florida, with lakes and water activities, the famous Citrus Tower, and a trendy downtown area with great restaurants and bars. This post will look at 16+ epic things to do in Clermont, Florida, including the best restaurants!
If you’re in the Orlando area but wanting to escape the crowds and get more of a small town southern feel, then look no further than Clermont!
Booking a last-minute trip to Clermont?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Clermont
Tour of Lakes Escape (A Sightseeing Tour of Clermonty’s Chains of Lakes)
Sunset Catboat Tour (Glide Across Clermont’s Lake In This Guided Tour)
Top Hotels In Clermont
Home2 Suites by Hilton Clermont– (Highly Booked Hotel In Clermont Florida)
Hampton Inn & Suites Clermont – (Mid Range Hotel Located At East Highway 50 of Clermont)
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Clermont – (Quality Hotel Just 4km From The Clermont Centre)
Holiday Inn Express – (Comfy Hotel Just 30 Minutes Away From Orlando)
Looking To Get Around In Clermont?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
Things To Do & Best Restaurants In Clermont, Florida!
Here is your guide to Clermont, Florida and nearby, including fun activities and the best restaurants!
1. The Florida Citrus Tower
The Citrus Tower is not only a cool landmark, but there’s also a great deal of history behind this attraction, as well!
In the 1950’s, the Clermont area wasn’t like it is today- it was all citrus groves and they built the tower to be able to look out from high above and make sure there were no issues.
As the groves went away due to the less than ideal climate in the area, the Citrus Tower remained and now serves as a Clermont attraction!
You can grab a coffee or an orange drink from the coffee shop at the entrance area. The orange drinks are delicious. They also have a shop area here on the main level where they sell t-shirts and other memorabilia.
They have cozy areas where you can just hang out or use their wi-fi while doing some work.
After watching a video about the history of the tower and the area, take the elevator up to the top and see the spectacular views!
From this bird’s eye view, you can see the surrounding areas and lakes down below. While at the tower, you are centrally located in Florida, 60 miles away from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico!
The observation deck is enclosed so you can observe through the windows and not worry about getting cold.
There is seating and it’s also an area where you can just relax and do some work on your laptop. Talk about great office views!
Pay for a one-time visit or they also do memberships that come with other perks. You can look at price and membership options here.
2. Presidents Hall Of Fame
Visiting the Presidents Hall of Fame is a must for any presidential history buff. With exhibits on presidents such as George Washington and George Bush, this museum has something for everyone.
Plus, what better way to spend an afternoon than exploring everything American history has to offer?
This museum is filled with information on the presidents that lived in the White House, as well as American history and memorabilia.
You’ll also find miniature replicas of the White House rooms and wax figures of presidents and first ladies.
Snap a picture with the presidents at the replica Mount Rushmore outside, as well!
3. Hang Out At The Beach (Waterfront Park)
Clermont is considered to be one of the best lake towns in the country, so it’s a given that you’d want to spend a day at the beach while here!
Sitting on Lake Minneola, the beach is popular for families with its nice stretch of sand, playground, and a fishing pier.
Waterfront Park also has events throughout the year that are nearby including festivals and lake activities, and is in close proximity to the downtown area.
With plenty of food options nearby, it’s convenient to walk or drive a couple of blocks for dinner after hanging out at the beach.
4. Green Valley Country Club
Central Florida has many nice courses and is a great area to play a round of golf! I played at Green Valley Country Club while in Clermont.
Play either 9 or 18 holes at this course with great scenery, views, and wildlife, too. It’s open year-round and has good rates!
Test your skills at the driving range and visit their pro shop. You can also swing by The Valley Bar & Grill for a bite to eat after playing a round of golf.
Enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while being outdoors and playing golf!
Other notable golf courses in Clermont include:
√ Legends Golf
√ King Ridge Golf Club
√ Bella Collina Golf Course
5. Take A Stroll Through The Park
Located next to Lily’s on the Lake (see #10), is Victory Pointe Park. Here, you can enjoy another fishing pier or take a walk or bike ride along the Lake Apopka Trail.
Or you can just relax on one of the benches and take in the waterfront views.
From here, you’re within walking distance of the downtown shops and restaurants.
When at the park, visit nearby Clermont Historical Village Museum.
If You’re Looking To Take In All The Sights Of The Area, Check Out This Guided Bike Tour Of Clermont And Winter Garden
6. Let The Kids Play At The Splash Pad
A fun activity for the kids to do, Champions Splash Park is right next to the beach.
Champion’s Splash Park is the perfect solution for hot summer days. This family-friendly waterpark has everything you need for a day of fun including waterfront play areas, sprayers, and a huge splash pad.
Plus, there’s plenty of shady spots for parents to relax while they keep an eye on their little ones.
Parents can hang out while the kids burn off some energy running and playing in the water in this gated area in the park.
The Splash Park is typically open March- October.
See online for details and guidelines.
7. Visit The Downtown Shops
Historic Downtown Clermont is a fun area to explore, with local shops, gift stores, restaurants, and bars.
These shops and stores really give you a feel and true experience of Clermont!
Here are just a few places to check out while here:
Clermont Herb Shoppe & Day Spa
Also, check out The First Friday Food Trucks, which is live music and food trucks the first Friday of each month! There are Wine Walk nights throughout the year, as well.
Photo Credit: WindowsObserver from Pixabay
8. Check Out The Farmer’s Market
Located in downtown Clermont on Montrose Street, the Farmer’s Market is on Sundays from 9 am-2 pm.
The Farmer’s Market-Clermont offers an easy and convenient way to get all of your produce and groceries in one stop, while supporting your local community.
With more than 40 vendors, you’re sure to find everything that you need, including fresh local produce, meat, seafood, cookies, honey, eggs, cheese, collectibles, cheese, and more!
9. Get Out On The Lakes!
With over 30,000 lakes in Florida and many in the Clermont area, a day out on the lake is the perfect activity.
Lake Minneola (pictured above), Lake Minnehaha, and Lake Louisa are all well-known lakes in the area, but there are several more including chains of lakes connecting many of them.
If you’re looking for a pontoon to take a cruise on or plan to go out fishing, there are options for boat rentals in Clermont.
Lake Louisa is also a good option for getting out on the water with kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals. They also have bicycle, hiking, and Segway tours.
Lake Louisa Kayak Rentals & More
Best Restaurants In Clermont, Florida!
10. Lily’s On The Lake
Clermont may be central Florida living, but Lily’s on the Lake may make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean with these inspired dishes!
This waterfront restaurant is on Lake Minneola and conveniently located by Victory Pointe Park, a hiking and biking trail, and near the beach area.
Try their signature dishes like Island Tacos where you can get them with steak, mahi mahi fish, or chicken.
They also have tasty buffalo wings and specials such as Wing Wednesday, Taco Tuesday, and Fish Fry-day.
Lily’s also has Island- themed dishes including Island Mahi, Shrimp Platter, and Seafood Platter.
After eating some great food at Lily’s, you’re just a couple of blocks from historic downtown Clermont, with lots to do!
11. Clermont Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a place in downtown Clermont with awesome food, beers, drinks and lively entertainment, the Clermont Brewing Company is a top choice!
For food, they have sushi, pizza, tacos, burgers, hot dogs, and plenty of appetizers. Pair that with their craft beers and specialty cocktails, and you’re sure to have a fun night here.
CBC also has Sunday brunch and Wednesday Wings to come back for.
You can eat and drink indoors or outside either in the back, or on their front porch.
They also have entertainment throughout the week, such as dueling pianos, bingo, and bands, too.
We came here to check out the band Switch on the weekend and there was a good crowd that was into the music!
Parking isn’t an issue here, there’s a nice, big parking lot across the street.
12. Donut King
Of course you need to satisfy your sweet tooth when you’re in Clermont! Donut King is right next door in Minneola and offers a large selection of donuts, and they also do sandwiches and coffee.
A lot of these donuts are massive so come with an appetite! From bear claws to donuts with cereal sprinkled on them, to cream filled donuts, and candy sprinkled donuts, Donut King has the tastiest treats around.
They even make plain donuts for the picky eaters. Whatever you’re looking for in donuts, they probably have.
Donut King also does breakfast sandwiches, burgers, po boys and more.
Looking for a way to cool off from the Florida sun? Get a frozen yogurt or ice cream at Ritter’s Frozen Custard or Bruster’s.
13. The Crooked Spoon Gastropub
After visiting the Citrus Tower, grab some food right across the street at The Crooked Spoon Gastropub!
Eating out can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. At Crooked Spoon, they offer dishes at reasonable prices.
Their chef-inspired menu features foods such as burgers, fish sandwiches, salads, meatloaf, shrimp and grits, and chicken breast.
Try the Cocoa and Coffee Burger or the Crooked Spoon Burger with Florida Angus Beef.
Plus, they have an extensive craft beer selection that will please any beer lover.
14. Graffiti Junktion
Graffitti Junktion is a fun American Burger Bar and has some of the best burgers in the Orlando area!
They are a laid-back restaurant with casual fare. They take pride in having fresh and hormone-free burgers.
Try the Lone Star or Sin City Burger. I recommend the Sweet Home Alabama, which is an Angus burger with a tangy twist.
If you’re not looking for a burger, they also have sandwiches, wraps, salads, and hot dogs.
Come here and see the graffiti art done by local artists. Either dine in or sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy the beautiful city views.
15. Suncreek Brewery
Suncreek Brewery is one of the best places to go for food and drinks in downtown Clermont.
They have several of their beers on tap, including lagers, stouts, ales, porters, ciders, and IPA’s.
Try their Clermont Champions Lager or Whistling Birds- Raspberry Sour.
The brewery also has 2 restaurants- Michael’s Ali Coal Fired Pizza and Mac’d Out Clermont.
At the pizza place, you can get pizza, sandwiches, wings, burgers, and at the other, pasta and mac & cheese.
16. Minneola Tiki Bar & Grill
A popular place for locals and tourists alike, Minneola Tiki Bar & Grill has a great atmosphere and excellent comfort food.
Located on Lake Minneola, this waterfront location offers amazing views, and the menu has something for everyone.
From burgers and hot dogs to chicken sandwiches to wings and tiki tots, they’ve got you covered.
Minneola Tiki Bar & Grill also has plenty of cold beers and drinks. And don’t forget to have some Key Lime Pie, which is a Florida tradition!
Looking For More To Do In Clermont?!
If you’re looking for more to do in Clermont, check out these activities and places in the city and nearby!
Clermont Historic Village Museum
Hiawatha Preserve (nature preserve and disc golf)
Clermont Performing Arts Center
Skyzone Clermont Trampoline Park
Things To Do In Clermont, Florida- FAQ’s
What is Clermont, Florida Known For?
Clermont is known for amazing scenery, rolling hills, several nice lakes, and a lively downtown area.
Does Clermont Have Beaches?
Since Clermont is in central Florida, you’re about an hour from the coasts, but if you’re looking to get in the water while here, you’re in luck!
There are beaches and lake swimming areas. These include:
√ Waterfront Park
√ Lake Louisa State Park
√ West Beach Park
√ Both Lily’s on the Lake and Minneola Tiki Bar have swimming areas
Final Thoughts: Things To Do & Best Restaurants In Clermont, Florida
As you can see, there are many awesome things to do in Clermont, Florida. After having fun doing these activities, be sure to check out the best Clermont restaurants!
For more things to do nearby, visit Icon Park Orlando!
Many things to do in this small city! Those two breweries immediately caught my attention
This is a great and informative post! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never been to Clermont before! The Florida Citrus Tower sounds cool, I always love getting a panoramic view when I visit somewhere