Clermont
Just 35 minutes west of Orlando, the Lake County city of Clermont is the place to go for all kinds of outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, and a pedestrian- and bike-friendly downtown brimming with restaurants, shops, parks, and festivals on the waterfront.
Nicknamed “Choice of Champions,” and known as a training grounds for professional and Olympic athletes, Clermont is home to the state-of-the-art National Training Center, and the Great Florida Triathlon, which draws athletes from all over the world, is held at Waterfront Park on the shores of Lake Minneola. Clermont, a designated Trail Town, is also where outdoor enthusiasts can find everything from boating, fishing, and paddling on the Clermont Chain of Lakes to glamping and camping at Lake Louisa State Park.
The Citrus Tower is a Central Florida landmark that affords visitors a bird's-eye view of Clermont’s rolling landscape, and Presidents Hall of Fame is a truly unique roadside attraction featuring replicas of the White House and Mount Rushmore. Local farms, including Blueberry Hill Farm and Southern Hill Farms, offer U-pick activities and more kid-friendly fun. Showcase of Citrus is a must-see, with monster truck tours, gem mining, and a farm store and market that sells hand-crafted items, fruit wine, and small-batch sauces. More family recreation can be found downtown at parks such as Victory Pointe and Waterfront Park, where many of the community’s festivals take place, and the city’s trails make it easy to explore on foot or by bike.
An array of shopping and dining choices can be found in downtown Clermont. The Southern on 8th offers brunch, weekly live music, and delectable Southern dishes, and visitors can grab a bite from three eateries inside Suncreek Brewery, just off the South Lake Trail and Lake Minneola, to enjoy alongside one of their craft beers. North of town, the remodeled Lake Minneola Inn on the eastern shore of Lake Minneola feels like something out of Key West, and visitors can enjoy drinks and award-winning burgers al fresco at its Tiki Bar & Grill.
Plan your trip at Discover Lake County.
WATERWAYS
Clermont is home to a number of lakes and waterways.
- Lake Minneola
- Lake Minnehaha
- Lake Louisa
- Palatlakaha River
- Clermont Chain of Lakes
- More lakes and waterways
FAMILY FUN
Visit local farms and attractions for kid-friendly fun.
- Showcase of Citrus
- Citrus Tower
- Presidents Hall of Fame
- Southern Hill Farms Kid Zone
- Blueberry Hill Farm
- Champions Splash Park
- Palatlakaha Park
MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Learn about the city’s history and check out special events.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Explore the parks and preserves.
- Lake Louisa State Park
- Lake Hiawatha Preserve
- Florida Coast to Coast Trail
- South Lake Trail
- Birding
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Blueways
- Hiking
DINING
Discover the unique flavors of Clermont’s restaurants and breweries.
- The Crooked Spoon
- Southern on 8th
- Root & Branch Bistro + Bar
- Guru Restaurant
- Suncreek Brewery
- Clermont Brewing Company
- Lakeridge Winery
- Lake Minneola Inn Tiki Bar & Grill
- Montrose Street Market
- Downtown dining
- More places to eat
SHOPPING
Shop the boutiques of downtown Clermont.
SPORTS
See why Clermont is known as the “Choice of Champions.”
PLACES TO STAY
Stay at a charming bed and breakfast, comfortable hotel, or scenic campground.
- Lake Minneola Inn
- Hampton Inn & Suites Clermont
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Clermont
- Lake Louisa State Park
- Thousand Trails Orlando
Family fun at Showcase of Citrus
Quick Facts
Lakes, citrus groves & Lakeridge Winery.
Nearest Airport
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CLERMONT, FLA.
Q. Where is Clermont, Florida?
A. Clermont is located about 35 minutes west of Orlando. Known for its rolling hills and chain of lakes, Clermont city is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. Its downtown is pedestrian- and bike-friendly, with waterfront parks, trails, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Q. What county is Clermont, Florida in?
A. Clermont is in Lake County, Florida, an area famous for its natural beauty and abundance of lakes. The county is home to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and birdwatching. Staying in Clermont gives visitors access to both the small-town charm of Lake County and the world-class attractions of nearby Orlando.
Q. How far is Clermont, Florida from Orlando?
A. Clermont is about 35 minutes west of downtown Orlando, making it an easy drive for day trips to the city’s theme parks and entertainment districts. Many visitors choose Clermont as a quieter, more scenic base while still enjoying quick access to places like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. The drive takes you through Central Florida’s rolling hills and lakes, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Orlando’s bustle.
Q. What time is it in Clermont, Florida?
A. Clermont is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), the same as Orlando and most of the U.S. East Coast. Like much of Florida, Clermont observes Daylight Saving Time, which provides longer daylight hours in spring and summer. Travelers from other time zones should adjust their watches upon arrival to ensure they don’t miss tours, dining reservations, or outdoor events.
Q. What are the best outdoor adventures in Clermont?
A. Clermont is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. Visitors can hike, bike, or jog along the South Lake Trail and Florida Coast to Coast Trail, paddle on the Clermont Chain of Lakes, or go glamping at Lake Louisa State Park. Birdwatching, fishing, and boating are also popular, and Waterfront Park provides a scenic spot for festivals, swimming, and family picnics.
Q. Why is Clermont called the “Choice of Champions?”
A. Clermont earned its nickname thanks to its reputation as a training ground for professional and Olympic athletes. The National Training Center attracts world-class competitors, and events like the Great Florida Triathlon are held at Waterfront Park. The city’s rolling terrain and lakefront setting make it perfect for endurance training and outdoor sports.
Q. What family-friendly attractions does Clermont offer?
A. Clermont has plenty of kid-approved attractions. Families can climb the historic Citrus Tower for sweeping views, explore replicas of Mount Rushmore and the White House at the Presidents Hall of Fame, or enjoy a day of fruit picking and monster truck tours at Showcase of Citrus. Local farms like Southern Hill Farms also offer seasonal activities, U-pick produce, and a kid zone.
Q. What are some top dining spots in Clermont?
A. Downtown Clermont is full of great dining options. Visitors can savor Southern-style cuisine and live music at The Southern on 8th, sample craft beers and bites at Suncreek Brewery, or relax with award-winning burgers and lakefront views at the Lake Minneola Inn’s Tiki Bar & Grill. For a more elevated experience, Root & Branch Bistro + Bar offers locally inspired dishes in a stylish setting.
Q. Where can I stay in Clermont?
A. Clermont offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler. Visitors can book a room at the charming Lake Minneola Inn, stay at well-known chains like Hampton Inn & Suites or Fairfield Inn & Suites, or enjoy camping at Lake Louisa State Park. For RV travelers, Thousand Trails Orlando provides a scenic and comfortable base.
Q. When is the best time to visit Clermont?
A. Clermont is a year-round destination, but many travelers prefer spring and fall for their mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer brings more visitors, especially families, thanks to long school breaks and warm lake weather. Winter is also pleasant, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking, cycling, and enjoying Clermont’s outdoor festivals.