There’s something about visiting a small town during Christmas that makes the holidays feel a little more magical. And Mount Dora, Florida, is one of those places that makes you want to slow down, grab a coffee, and spend the afternoon wandering around.
We visited Mount Dora with our four-year-old and stayed in a VRBO within walking distance of downtown, which ended up being such a convenient way to experience this charming little town.
One of my favorite things about Mount Dora is how walkable everything feels. We didn’t need a packed itinerary or a long list of activities to enjoy ourselves. Sometimes the best family getaways are the ones where you can simply explore at your own pace.
We started with coffee from Foxtail Coffee before making our way through the little shops downtown. I loved being able to wander from store to store, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy a slower kind of family getaway.
Mount Dora has that friendly, welcoming feeling that makes it especially nice when you’re traveling with younger kids. And during the Christmas season, it becomes an even more charming place to visit.
If you’re looking for a festive Florida getaway that doesn’t involve theme parks or an overly complicated itinerary, Mount Dora is definitely worth considering.
Why We Chose to Stay Within Walking Distance of Downtown
For this trip, we booked a VRBO close enough to walk into downtown Mount Dora.
And if you’re planning to visit during the holidays, I would absolutely recommend looking for accommodations within walking distance of the historic downtown area.
Being able to leave our rental and explore without constantly getting back into the car made the trip feel so much more relaxing.
It also gave us flexibility. With a young child, I love having the option to head back to where we’re staying for a break before going out again.
Travel tip: When searching for a vacation rental, check the actual walking route to downtown rather than relying only on the distance shown in the listing.
Find vacation rentals near downtown Mount Dora
Coffee, Little Shops, and Exploring Downtown Mount Dora
One of our stops was Foxtail Coffee, which was a nice way to start exploring.
After grabbing coffee, we spent time checking out the little shops around downtown.
This is honestly one of my favorite ways to experience a destination. I love finding places where you can walk around, discover local businesses, and enjoy the atmosphere without having to rush from one attraction to another.
Mount Dora is perfect for that kind of getaway.
And when you’re visiting with a five-year-old, having a flexible schedule makes such a difference. You can explore a few shops, stop for something to eat, and enjoy the town without feeling like you need to squeeze everything into one afternoon.
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