Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Clermont offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich citrus heritage. For more than 60 years, the iconic Citrus Tower has stood sentinel over this slice of Florida, serving as a reminder of the days when the citrus industry was king. While the orange groves that once dominated the landscape have largely disappeared, Clermont has preserved its citrus history while evolving into a vibrant destination for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
The Citrus Tower, built in 1956 as one of Florida’s first attractions, originally overlooked thriving citrus groves that stretched for miles. Today, this 226-foot landmark offers visitors a spectacular 35-mile panoramic view of Clermont’s rolling hills and pristine lakes, providing a perfect starting point for exploring the area’s citrus trail.
Outdoor Adventures Along the Citrus Trail
Clermont’s distinctive hills and lakes create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor recreation that has earned the city recognition as a designated Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This distinction celebrates Clermont’s exceptional trail system, which includes the popular South Lake Trail and its connecting pathways.
The South Lake Trail, centered near Clermont, is particularly scenic with views along Lake Minneola and sweeping vistas on the sand ridges. This 13-mile paved trail connects with the West Orange Trail to create 36 miles of continuous biking through Lake and Orange counties. Whether you’re a serious cyclist, a casual walker, or a family looking for a relaxing outdoor experience, the trail system offers something for everyone.
Visitors to the South Lake and Lake Minneola Scenic trails can enjoy beautiful hilltop vistas, lovely lake scenery, varied elevations, perfect picnic spots, and charming parks along a 9-mile trail system that boasts shopping, restaurants, historic sites, and conservation areas.
For water enthusiasts, Waterfront Park on the shore of Lake Minneola offers a beachfront for swimming, a pier, cabana, playground, and water park. It’s a perfect spot to launch kayaks, canoes, or other boats after a morning of exploring the citrus heritage sites.
Must-Visit Citrus Heritage Attractions
As you explore Clermont’s Citrus Trail, make time to visit these key landmarks that celebrate the area’s citrus history:
- The Citrus Tower: Built in 1956 on one of the highest hills in Florida’s ridge section, the Citrus Tower rose to a lofty height of 226 feet (equivalent to 22 stories). Its glass-enclosed observation deck allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Florida’s ridge section and hundreds of spring-fed lakes.
- Showcase of Citrus: This family-owned farm offers a hands-on citrus experience where visitors can pick their own oranges and other citrus fruits (seasonally available). It’s a fantastic way to connect with Clermont’s agricultural roots.
- Clermont Historic Village: Located near downtown, this museum complex preserves the city’s history, including its citrus industry heritage, through original and relocated historic buildings.
- Clermont Farmer’s Market: Open every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm in downtown Clermont, the market features over 50 vendors and food trucks where you can find local oranges and other citrus products.
Dining Destinations Along Clermont’s Citrus Trail
After exploring Clermont’s citrus heritage and outdoor attractions, the city offers a diverse culinary scene to satisfy your appetite. From casual eateries to upscale dining experiences, here are some of the best places to refuel during your Citrus Trail adventure:
The Crooked Spoon
For comfortable upscale dining with innovative flavors, The Crooked Spoon near the Citrus Tower stands out as a local favorite. This gastropub has an impressive origin story, evolving from a popular Orlando food truck into a brick-and-mortar establishment serving chef-driven dishes. Owner Chef Steve Saelg, who grew up in a traditional Italian family with a deep appreciation for food, offers an extensive menu ranging from fresh salads to classic entrées. The restaurant has gained particular fame for its Florida Angus beef burgers, which have earned nominations in local “Best Place for a Burger” competitions. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and creative menu make it a perfect stop after visiting the nearby Citrus Tower, offering a taste of elevated comfort food with ingredients sourced from local producers whenever possible.
Flippers Pizzeria
Situated conveniently on Highway 27 near several Citrus Trail attractions, Flippers Pizza Clermont offers authentic brick oven pizzas that have become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Their menu showcases over 30 fresh, artisanal toppings and specialty pizzas crafted in traditional brick ovens. The restaurant’s bright, family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to refuel after a day of cycling on the South Lake Trail or swimming at Lake Minneola. Beyond pizza, their menu includes fresh salads, loaded subs, and shareable appetizers like their popular garlic knots. What makes Flippers special is their commitment to quality ingredients and the open kitchen concept where guests can watch their pizzas being expertly prepared and baked to perfection in the brick ovens. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a versatile option regardless of the weather.
Suncreek Brewery
Clermont’s first craft brewery opened in late 2018, bringing a vibrant addition to the downtown dining scene. Suncreek Brewery offers crafted brews and live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night in a kid and dog-friendly environment. Owner Bill Downs combined his love of brewing with his hobby of off-road mudding through creeks and mud to inspire the brewery’s name. Located in a new building downtown just a short distance from Waterfront Park, Suncreek features a two-story brewing area with a mezzanine where guests can observe the brewing process from the upper level taproom. The brewery houses multiple food venues within its walls, offering diverse dining options to pair with their house-brewed beers. After your meal, you can take advantage of Clermont’s open container policy within the downtown area and continue exploring with a cold brew in hand.
Salt Shack on the Lake
Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Minneola in Clermont, Salt Shack on the Lake offers a delightful waterfront dining experience where fresh, wild-caught seafood meets laid-back Florida charm. This lakeside eatery provides stunning views of Lake Minneola while serving up seafood classics with a Florida twist. The restaurant’s casual, breezy atmosphere makes it perfect for lunch after a morning of hiking or an evening dinner to catch one of Florida’s spectacular sunsets over the water. Their menu features everything from peel-and-eat shrimp and fish tacos to more substantial seafood platters, all prepared with fresh ingredients and served with Southern hospitality. The outdoor deck seating allows diners to enjoy the natural beauty that makes Clermont special while cooling off with a signature cocktail or local beer.
Southern on 8th
The Southern on 8th offers a true taste of Southern hospitality with brunch options, weekly live music, and delectable Southern dishes in the heart of Clermont. Located in the historic downtown area, this restaurant serves up comfort food classics with a refined touch. Their brunch menu has become legendary among locals, featuring dishes like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and biscuits with country gravy that transport diners straight to the heart of Southern cooking traditions. The restaurant’s charming interior, with its mix of rustic and elegant touches, creates a welcoming atmosphere for everything from casual family breakfasts to special occasion dinners. Their commitment to authentic Southern recipes, made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, ensures a memorable dining experience that complements the historical aspects of Clermont’s Citrus Trail perfectly.
Lake Minneola Inn Tiki Bar & Grill
North of town, the remodeled Lake Minneola Inn on the eastern shore of Lake Minneola brings a touch of Key West to Clermont with its waterfront Tiki Bar & Grill. Visitors can enjoy drinks and award-winning burgers al fresco while taking in the lakeside views. This tropical-themed eatery offers a relaxed escape after a day of exploring Clermont’s attractions. The open-air dining area, complete with thatched roof and island décor, creates an instant vacation vibe that pairs perfectly with their menu of tropical drinks and casual fare. Beyond their famous burgers, the grill serves up fresh seafood, sandwiches, and salads with Florida-inspired flavors. Live music on weekends adds to the festive atmosphere, making it an excellent spot to unwind and watch the sunset over Lake Minneola while recounting the day’s adventures along the Citrus Trail.
Exploring the Trails and Natural Beauty
Clermont’s trail system provides endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. The South Lake Trail is a 10-foot-wide, paved pathway that allows visitors to walk, bike, or run all the way into Downtown Clermont, making it easy to access the city’s attractions by human power.
The trail is family-friendly and accessible, with designated spaces in paved parking lots and smooth paved surfaces throughout most of the route. The path travels through Clermont and Minneola, offering varied scenery and recreational opportunities. For those seeking a longer adventure, the trail connects to a larger network that will eventually stretch across the entire state as part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail.
The Minneola Scenic Trail section along the waterfront between Clermont and Minneola is particularly enjoyable, while the section from Minneola to the Lake/Orange County line runs on the Central Florida sand ridge with some challenging hills that have made it popular with road bikers and triathletes.
For a more diverse outdoor experience, Lake Louisa State Park offers additional recreational opportunities, including horseback riding, camping, and even off-road Segway tours through Florida’s natural landscapes.
Downtown Clermont: The Heart of the Citrus Trail
No visit to Clermont would be complete without exploring its charming downtown area. Historic Downtown Clermont invites visitors to sip, shop, and stroll through its streets, with breweries, restaurants, and shops offering a taste of local culture.
The Clermont City Center buzzes with activity, hosting everything from outdoor concerts to art exhibits, while the farmers market held on Sundays and food truck events on the first Friday of each month provide additional opportunities to experience local flavors.
Beyond the food and shopping, downtown Clermont offers a glimpse into the area’s history. The Townsend House, moved to the Historic Village site in 2002, was built in approximately 1895 and was the home of James and Sallie Townsend, the first African-American couple to make their home in Clermont. This and other historic buildings help tell the story of Clermont’s development from a citrus-growing community to the vibrant destination it is today.
Planning Your Visit
The best time to experience Clermont’s Citrus Trail is during the winter and spring months (November through May), when the weather is mild and, if you’re lucky, some citrus may still be in season at local farms like Showcase of Citrus. However, the area’s attractions, trails, and restaurants are open year-round, making Clermont a worthwhile destination any time of year.
For those planning a multi-day visit, Clermont offers a range of accommodation options, from charming bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels and scenic campgrounds. Lake Louisa State Park provides camping opportunities for those who want to immerse themselves in nature during their stay.
Whether you’re spending a day, a weekend, or longer exploring this charming Central Florida destination, following the Citrus Trail through Clermont promises a perfect blend of history, outdoor recreation, and delicious dining experiences that capture the essence of Florida’s rich citrus heritage. From the panoramic views atop the Citrus Tower to the refreshing waters of Lake Minneola, from the authentic brick-oven pizzas at Flippers to the craft beers at Suncreek Brewery, Clermont offers a memorable escape from the typical Florida tourist experience.