Welcome to Clermont Florida Vacation Rentals

Clermont Vacation Rental Homes

Clermont Attractions and Activities

During most of the 20th century, the citrus industry thrived in Clermont. Before citrus canker took its toll, and just as more frequent freezing temperatures were forcing new groves to be planted farther south, Disney World came to Central Florida. It was a move that would literally change the landscape of Clermont. It didn't take long for land values to skyrocket and citrus growing profiteers to pave the way for developers. Although Downtown Clermont remained virtually untouched over the years, rural Clermont went through a tremendous transformation. Rolling hills that once were filled with rows of citrus trees are now dotted with subdivisions with rows of tract houses. With the population growth came an economic growth which attracted large and small retailers to the area; and, when construction is completed, will bring the largest shopping mall in Lake County to Clermont.

Walt Disney wasn't the only newcomer to Central Florida. In 1989, on 127-acres just a few miles north of Clermont, set among the citrus groves of Central Florida, Gary Cox and a group of investors openedLakeridge Winery and Vineyards. Today, after years of phenomenal growth, Lakeridge ranks as Florida's largest premium winery, and remains a pioneer in the development of table and sparkling wines from hybrid grapes.

Developers haven't had their way with all the beautiful land in Clermont. A few miles south of Clermont, the State of Florida has set aside 4,500 acres that preserves the area around a chain of lakes, including Lake Louisa, Lake Hammond and Lake Dixie. Lake Louisa State Park features a full-facility campground, primitive campsites, equestian campsites and modern rental cabins. Activities include hiking and horse trails, canoeing, picnicking and swimming (all swimming has been suspended for the 2009 season due to drought-related low lake levels).

Chances are, if you are traveling from the north by car to Disney World, you may pass through Clermont. It is quite literally at the crossroads of the state — the intersection of State Road 50 (which runs east and west across the state) and U.S. Highway 27 (which runs north and south through the center of the state). Clermont is located approximately 25 miles west of Orlando and 25 miles northwest of Disney World and about 10 miles south of Florida Turnpike Exit No. 285.

Clermont has a wonderful central location in Lake County, Florida, making it perfect for visiting all the Orlando attractions and beyond. It is just 15 minutes to Walt Disney World, and a short drive to Universal Studios, Sea World or International Drive. The Gulf coast is approximately one hour away, and an easy day trip takes you to Daytona Beach and the Kennedy Space Center. However, with a variety of seasonal events and outdoor recreation, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy right in the Clermont area. Locals know this lovely city as the "Gem of the Hills", because it is one of the few Florida counties that has rolling hills. Clermont is also known for its many lakes and canals. Twenty golf courses are located within a 10-mile radius of Clermont, and the "Rails to Trails", bike trail extends from Clermont to Ocoee. Craft shows are common events, and shopping is a popular past time with many deals and specialty gift items to be found at outlet malls and the shops along U.S. 192. Clermont is also home to the famous Lake Ridge Winery that offers free wine tasting and winery tours. The city of Clermont offers affordable family-friendly hotels and motels, inns, bed & breakfasts, as well as luxurious villas and rental homes.

Clermont Vacation Rentals, Homes, Condos, Villas and Beach Rentals

Surrounding areas

Lake Louisa State Park : As one can imagine with a name like Lake Louisa State Park, one expects much of the park's activities to revolve around water. In fact, swimming at Lake Louisa was a popular summer pastime. Unfortunately, Florida's ongoing drought has taken lake levels to their lowest in years, forcing the closing of the Lake Louisa swimming area during the 2009 season. The picnic area at Lake Louisa is still open. Those wanting to cast a line may do so by boat from four of the park's six lakes or from fishing piers on Dixie and Hammond Lakes. Boats must be small enough to be hand carried to the water and be powered by hand or electric trolling motors.

Lake Louisa Campground : Nestled between Dixie and Hammond Lakes is Lake Louisa's full-facility campground. The 60 campsites are set high on a hilltop with beautiful lake views. When the campground was developed in 2003, new trees and vegetation was planted to restore the area to a natural landscape. Those plantings have not fully developed, so there is little shade in the area.

The hot water at the modern bathhouses is provided by solar energy. A sign outside each of the two facilities proudly states in part, "Solar water heating is simple pollution free and is a natural energy source for Florida, the SUNSHINE STATE."

The campground also features a pavilion and an amphitheatre, where ranger programs are held annually during the winter and spring seasons — October to April.

The campground's location is a full five miles from the entrance to the park. While this is a beautiful drive, at the park's posted speed limit, this will add several minutes to any trip you might plan outside the park.

Florida Citrus Tower : Standing as a central Florida landmark since 1956, the Citrus Tower is a fondly-regarded Sunshine State icon, but it's no longer a singular sentinel among low-slung groves. Today it fights for sky space with water towers and office buildings. You can still ride an elevator to the top -- a fact that makes its owners proud -- but the point of the Citrus Tower was to provide an aerial view of Florida's citrus bonanza, not of the strip malls and condos that you wanted to escape on your vacation. In the building that surrounds the base of the tower, a large gift shop from days of yore is now a sanctuary for a local church. The "Citrus Arcade" and packing house out back are closed, probably gone wherever the groves went.

Along the wall on the way to the restrooms is the Tower's bell carillon broadcasting equipment. Speakers dangle from the tower (along with cell phone antennae) and the bells ring out a variety of songs on the half hour. Also on display are a couple of architect's scale models that date to the tower's Eisenhower-era construction.

A glass case filled with long-discontinued Citrus Tower souvenir plates and teacups makes you yearn for the elaborate keepsakes of yore. You can still buy post cards and t-shirts of the tower at the tower, but our favorite souvenirs were the Citrus Tower's decades-old plastic mesh citrus bushel bags. Buy one and use it the next time that you go to the supermarket to carry oranges imported from Brazil!

Clermont Attractions

While staying in your Clermont Florida vacation home rental, be sure to visit some of the nearby attractions.

Amusement and Theme Parks:

Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World - Disney-MGM Studios
Walt Disney World - Epcot
Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom
SeaWorld Orlando
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Islands of Adventure Old Town
Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
Silver Springs
Busch Gardens Tampa
Main Street Pier Amusements
Celebration Station.

Water Parks :

Walt Disney World Blizzard Beach
Walt Disney World Typhoon Lagoon
Walt Disney World Water Country
Wet N' Wild
Water Mania
Buccaneer Bay
Wild Waters
Adventure Island.

State Parks:

Lake Louisa State Park
General James A. Van Fleet Trail State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Lake Griffin State Park
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Withlacoochee Trail State Park
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
Blue Spring State Park
Hontoon Island State Park
Fort Cooper State Park

Museums :

Orlando Museum of Art
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden
Morse Museum
International Sport Aviation Museum (ISAM)
Appleton Museum of Art
Tampa Museum of Art
Henry B. Plant Museum

Zoos and Aquariums :
Discovery Island Zoological Park
Disney's Animal Kingdom
The Living Seas
Sea World of Orlando
Central Florida Zoological Park
Silver Springs
Busch Gardens
Florida Aquarium
Lowry Park Zoological Garden
Brevard Zoo
St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Clermont Activities

Primitive and Equestrian Camping : Lake Louisa's equestrian primitive camp includes a four-horse paddock, fire rings, water hookups, picnic tables, pavilion, grills and self-composting toilet. Reservations for paddocks are not available at this time, but are available to equestrians on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, there is lush pasture for grazing, so the park recommends equestrians bring alternate tie-downs or portable horse corals. Four large posts with hookups for tie downs have been provided at each side of the camp facility.

Lake Louisa also has two vehicle-free primitive campsites — Wilderness Poin and Pine Point. Located off hiking trails, both are tucked away in some of the most beautiful areas of the park.

Golfing: Golfing is an enjoyable activity that is found in Clermont. You can find many golf courses and golf clubs such as:

Golf Courses :
Clerbrook Golf Club
Diamond Players Club Clermont
Green Valley Country Club
Kings Ridge Golf Club
Palisades Country Club
Swiss Fairways
Deer Island Golf & Lake Club
Bella Vista Golf & Yacht Club
Forest Lake Golf Club of Ocoee
Golden Bear Club at Keenes Pointe
Zellwood Station & Country Club
Baytree Golf Course
Village Green Golf Course
Rock Springs Ridge Golf Club
Country Club of Mount Dora
Mount Dora Golf Club
Monarch Golf Club at Royal High
Pennbrooke Fairways
SilverLake Country Club
Celebration Golf Club
Black Bear Golf Club
Boggy Creek Golf Club
Cypress Creek Country Club
Dubsdread Golf Course
Eagle Creek Golf Club
Eaglewood Golf Club
Eastwood Golf Club
Fairways Country Club
Hunters Creek Golf Course
International Golf Club

Festivals and Events