Lake Dora – Orlando Citizen

An aerial view of a dock and boat on the water at Mount Dora. Photo: Robby Schlegel, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Dora Canal is a mile of cypress tunnel between two lakes, and Mount Dora runs three good ways into it: a narrated pontoon from the Lakeside Inn dock, the Rusty Anchor, or a two-person catamaran you drive yourself.

The Mount Dora Lighthouse at Grantham Point on Lake Dora. Photo: Jokergirloftheworld, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Tips & Guides

November 14, 2026 Staff Reports

The Mount Dora Lighthouse: Florida’s Only Inland Lighthouse, and the Walk That Earns It

Thirty-five feet of red-and-white brick at Grantham Point, built in 1988 as a real aid to navigation — plus the Gilbert Park and Palm Island boardwalk walk that turns a photo stop into Mount Dora’s best hour.

The Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora. Photo: Whoisjohngalt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Reviews

November 14, 2026 Staff Reports

Lakeside Inn: Florida’s Oldest Hotel Is Still Mount Dora’s Front Porch

Opened in 1883 as the Alexander House, the Lakeside Inn has hosted a president, survived demolition talk and kept its rocking chairs facing Lake Dora. A profile of the 143-year-old inn.

Tips & Guides

November 14, 2026 Staff Reports

Date Night in Mount Dora: Sunset Over the Lake, Dinner in a 1921 House

A verandah drink at the Lakeside Inn, the lighthouse at golden hour, then 1921 Mount Dora or the book-lined Goblin Market: the complete Mount Dora date night, an hour from Orlando and a world away.