Things to Do in Clermont, FL: A Guide for House Hunters

A Clermont scouting trip works best when you see the town the way you would live in it: from the top of the Citrus Tower, on the lakefront trail at sunset, and in traffic on US 27 at 5:30 on a weekday. This guide covers what to see and do in Clermont, and how to fit it around a weekend of touring homes.

For home prices, home types, and how Clermont compares with nearby areas, start with my Clermont neighborhood page. If you are looking at new homes, my guide to new construction in Clermont lists the builders and base prices.

What is Clermont, Florida known for?

Clermont is a Lake County city about 22 miles west of downtown Orlando, known for its hills, the Clermont Chain of Lakes, the Florida Citrus Tower, and the South Lake Trail along Lake Minneola. The town was founded in 1884 and named after the French birthplace of A.F. Wrotnowski, manager of the Clermont Improvement Company, according to Clermont Main Street.

Citrus built the town. Groves once covered the hills around it, and most of today's neighborhoods sit on land that was planted in oranges a few decades ago. You will see that history in the street names, the murals downtown, and the tower on US 27.

Where should you start a Clermont scouting trip?

Florida Citrus Tower

The Florida Citrus Tower opened on July 14, 1956, and stands 226 feet tall, with views of about 35 miles in every direction. It was built to show off the citrus groves that surrounded it. Today it also has a coffee shop, and renovations are ongoing under its current owner.

Go up early in your trip. From the top, you can see how the hills, the lakes, and the US 27 corridor fit together, which makes every neighborhood you tour afterward easier to place on a mental map.

Presidents Hall of Fame

Next door, the Presidents Hall of Fame began as the House of Presidents wax museum and took its current name in 1990. Its best-known exhibit is John and Jan Zweifel's Miniature White House, built at one inch to the foot, though the model sometimes travels. Hours vary, so call ahead before you go.

What is there to do in downtown Clermont?

Downtown Clermont sits right on Lake Minneola, which is unusual for a Central Florida town center. It is small enough to walk in an hour and worth an afternoon.

• Clermont Historic Village. A volunteer-run museum founded in 1998 by the South Lake County Historical Society and the City of Clermont. Its seven buildings include the Townsend House from about 1895, the Kern House from about 1885, a 1925 train depot on its original site, and a World War II Quonset hut. Admission is free, and hours are limited to a few afternoons a week, so check before you go.
• Waterfront Park. On Lake Minneola at the foot of downtown, with a sand beach, a fishing pier, a splash pad, a boat ramp, and pavilions. The South Lake Trail runs right through it.
• Live music. The former Clermont Brewing Company building on West Desoto Street reopened in November 2025 as The Station, a live music and sports venue.

Where can you get outside around Clermont?

• South Lake Trail. Also called the Lake Minneola Scenic Trail, this paved trail runs a little more than 12.5 miles through downtown Clermont and along the lakefront, and it connects to the 22-mile West Orange Trail, according to TrailLink.
• Lake Louisa State Park. About 4,500 acres with six lakes, 20 cabins overlooking Dixie Lake, a campground, paddling, and 16 miles of equestrian trails. Entry is $5 per vehicle, and the park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, according to Florida State Parks.
• Sugarloaf Mountain. At 312 feet, it is the highest point on the Florida peninsula, and its long climbs make it one of the most popular road cycling areas in Central Florida.
• The lakes. Clermont sits on a chain of 17 connected lakes. My guide to Central Florida lakefront homes covers what to know if you want to live on one.

Are there farms and wineries near Clermont?

Yes, and they are some of the best reasons to schedule a scouting trip for a weekend.

• Southern Hill Farms. A u-pick farm with strawberries in winter, blueberries and peaches in spring, sunflowers and zinnias in season, and pumpkins in fall. It is open Thursday through Sunday, and its 2026 fall festival runs through November 22.
• Blueberry Hill Farm. An organic u-pick farm known for blueberries and sunflowers in spring. Confirm the season before you go.
• Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Open since 1989, Lakeridge makes Muscadine wines and offers tours and tastings seven days a week, with live music on weekends.

How should you plan a Clermont house-hunting weekend?

Here is the itinerary I suggest to clients visiting from out of state.

• Saturday morning: the Citrus Tower, then home tours in the hills while the light is good.
• Saturday afternoon: downtown, the Historic Village, and Waterfront Park at sunset.
• Sunday: Lake Louisa State Park or the South Lake Trail, then a farm or Lakeridge Winery.
• Monday morning or Friday evening: drive your actual commute on US 27, State Road 50, or the Turnpike. Weekend traffic will tell you very little about weekday traffic.

One more tip from experience: visit any neighborhood you like twice, once on a Saturday and once on a weekday evening. It's the fastest way to learn what living there actually feels like.

Ready to see homes in Clermont?

Tell me your budget and your travel dates, and I will build your tour around them. Schedule a conversation with Nicole.