Guides · Clermont, Florida
Clermont FL Things to Do: Hills, Lakes & Local Eats
Clermont was built on citrus and hills. It kept the hills.
Visit the Historic Citrus Tower in Clermont
The 1956 Florida Citrus Tower still stands, a 226-foot concrete needle rising over a landscape that no longer matches its name. It was built to celebrate an industry that dominated the county's economy into the mid-twentieth century, then collapsed under repeated freezes and suburban creep. The groves are gone, but the tower remains—one of Florida's earliest roadside landmarks outliving the very thing it was built to honor. It's not a polished museum; it's a relic, and that's exactly why it's worth a stop.
Outdoor Fun in Clermont: Hills, Lakes & Parks
This is the steepest ground in peninsular Florida, and the town leans into it. Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola offers swimming, fishing piers, and a playground, all with the kind of elevation change that makes a simple walk feel like a workout. For more room to roam, Lake Louisa State Park covers over 4,500 acres with hiking trails and paddling opportunities across its chain of lakes. The hills are not a gimmick—they're the reason cyclists and triathletes show up from across the state.
Where to Eat in Clermont: Top-Rated Restaurants
The highway corridors are chain-heavy, but the ratings hold up. Pepe's Cantina Clermont leads the pack with a 4.7 score from nearly 5,000 reviews, serving Mexican fare on W Minneola Ave. Southern Hill Farms offers a working farm experience with a 4.7 rating, though it's more about the setting than the menu. For breakfast, Keke's Breakfast Cafe and IHOP both sit above 4.7 and 4.6 respectively, while Outback Steakhouse, Miller's Ale House, and Texas Roadhouse anchor the dinner options. These are solid, predictable stops—not discoveries, but reliable.
Clermont's Top-Rated Eats at a Glance
| Restaurant | Rating (Reviews) | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepe's Cantina Clermont | 4.7 (4,978) | Mexican | 794 W Minneola Ave |
| Southern Hill Farms | 4.7 (3,196) | Farm/Cafe | 16651 Schofield Rd |
| Keke's Breakfast Cafe | 4.7 (3,848) | Breakfast | 2435 S Hwy 27 |
| IHOP | 4.7 (7,616) | Breakfast/American | 2589 S Hwy 27 |
| Outback Steakhouse | 4.6 (5,048) | Steakhouse | 1625 E Hwy 50 |
| Miller's Ale House | 4.6 (3,640) | Pub/American | 1555 S Grand Hwy |
| Texas Roadhouse | 4.5 (4,417) | Steakhouse | 2457 S Hwy 27 |
Clermont's Athletic Scene: Training & Recreation
Clermont adopted the slogan "Choice of Champions" in 2014, and it's earned. The National Training Center arrived in 2001, drawing professional and amateur athletes to the hills. On any given morning, you'll see packs of cyclists grinding up the rollers and runners testing themselves on the same grades. The town has built its identity around this—not just as a suburb, but as a destination for people who want to suffer a little on purpose.
Living in Clermont: Housing & Community Insights
The numbers tell a familiar Central Florida story. Population sits at 44,984 with a median age of 42.4. Median household income is $79,789, and 35.7 percent of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. But the housing market is tight: median home value is $368,600, median gross rent is $1,774, and 1,800 units sit vacant out of 18,718 total. Only 558 homes are held for seasonal or recreational use—this isn't a vacation rental town. It's a working suburb where the trade-off is clear: proximity to Orlando for a price.
Beyond Clermont: Day Trips and Nearby Events
The town anchors south Lake County, but the region opens up quickly. Mount Dora, 21 miles away, hosts the Mount Dora Arts Festival and Craft Fair. Sanford, 36 miles out, runs Porchfest. Dade City, 35 miles south, has the Kumquat Festival. Clermont's own big event is Pig on the Pond, a three-day festival at Waterfront Park that draws over 20,000 people; the 2026 edition marked its 27th year. For locals, the hills are home. For visitors, they're the reason to stay.
Common questions
- What is there to do in Clermont?
- Hit Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola for swimming, fishing piers, and a playground. Lake Louisa State Park offers trails and nature. The 1956 Florida Citrus Tower still stands over the old grove land. Check out local restaurants like Pepe's Cantina or Keke's Breakfast Cafe.
- Is Clermont hilly?
- Yes, it's the steepest ground in peninsular Florida. The citrus groves that once covered the hills are mostly gone after freezes, but the hills remain. That's why it's called Hills & Groves. The terrain is a big draw for cyclists and runners.
- What's the story with the citrus groves?
- Orange groves dominated the economy into the mid-20th century, then dwindled fast under repeated freezes and suburban development. The Florida Citrus Tower, built in 1956, still stands but now overlooks a landscape where most groves are gone. It outlived the industry it celebrated.
- Where should I eat in Clermont?
- Top-rated spots include IHOP (4.7 stars), Pepe's Cantina Clermont (4.7), and Keke's Breakfast Cafe (4.7). Outback Steakhouse and Miller's Ale House also score well. For a farm experience, Southern Hill Farms has a cafe and bakery. Check reviews before you go.
- Is Clermont good for families?
- Yes. Waterfront Park has a playground and swimming. Lake Louisa State Park offers outdoor activities. Annual event Pig on the Pond at Waterfront Park draws over 20,000 people. The median age is 42.4, and many homes are owner-occupied, so it's a settled family town.
- How far is Clermont from other towns?
- Mount Dora is 21 miles away, Altamonte Springs 25, Dade City 35, Sanford 36, and Oviedo 38. Each has its own events, like Mount Dora Arts Festival or Sanford Porchfest. Clermont itself is about 25 miles from Orlando, though we don't cover that here.
Every business named above is one we hold a listing for, and every date traces to a source on our sources page. We do not describe menus, interiors or service we have not verified. Details change — confirm before you travel.