Information not accurate?
Help us improve by making a suggestion.
Part of the Harris Chain of Lakes, Lake Dora is a charming, 4,475-acre lake bordered by the cities of Tavares and Mount Dora, two of Florida’s most picturesque small towns. The Dora Canal—lined with towering cypress trees—connects Lake Dora to Lake Eustis to the north, and Lake Dora is connected to Lake Apopka to the south by way of Lake Beauclair and the Apopka-Beauclair Canal.
The cities of Tavares and Mount Dora occupy the northern and eastern shorelines of Lake Dora, with Mount Dora making a beautiful, picturesque setting nestled on the hills rising to the east. There are two public boat ramps for direct access to Lake Dora: one is located on the northern shore in Tavares and the other is located on the eastern shore in Mount Dora. Both are very nice ramps with plenty of parking for vehicles and boat trailers. The southwestern shore of Lake Dora consists of a wetland with the southeastern shore consisting of a narrow piece of land that separates Lake Dora from Lake Beauclair.
The cities of Tavares and Mount Dora hold several annual Festivalss that highlight interests from antique wooden boats to antique furniture. The Festivalss draw thousands of visitors to the area from throughout Florida and the southeastern United States.
Lake Dora is teeming with wildlife, including many types of fish, waterfowl, reptiles, and mammals. The Dora Canal is a popular area for bird-watching and is the main focus of guided tour boats that ply the waters of the area
- Surface area (mi)
- 11.03
- Max depth (ft)
- 15
- Elevation (ft)
- 62.34
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 17.34
Ideal for
- Family friendly:
- Pet friendly:
- Romantic getaways:
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Hiking
Information not accurate?
Help us improve by making a suggestion.
Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Dora has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
No, it is not explicitly safe to swim in Lake Dora without checking current water quality. The safety of the water can be affected by various contaminants and health risks, which are not detailed in the available sources about Lake Dora itself, but general water quality concerns in the area could apply.
-
Lake Dora is a popular destination because of its large size, spanning over 4,000 acres, which makes it ideal for bass fishing. The lake is also surrounded by historic buildings and offers scenic views, including the Mount Dora Lighthouse at Grantham Park. Additionally, visitors can enjoy various water activities and tours like the Dora Queen cruise.
-
The bag and length limits for black bass in Lake Dora, Florida, follow the statewide regulations. You can catch up to 5 black bass, with only one allowed to be 16 inches or longer in total length. There is no minimum length limit for largemouth bass, but Suwannee, shoal, spotted, and Choctaw bass must be at least 12 inches long.
-
There is no public beach at Lake Dora. While Lake Dora has parks and areas where you can sit and watch the lake activity, it does not have a traditional beach. You can rent boats or take tours to enjoy the lake.
-
Towns near Lake Dora include Mount Dora, Tavares, Eustis, and Umatilla. These towns are all located in Lake County, Florida, with Mount Dora being the closest to Lake Dora. They are known for their small-town charm and scenic lake views.
