Places & things to do.

Aesops Park

Community park with playground, open space, and picnic areas. A family-friendly spot for outdoor recreation and community gatherings.

Bella Nonna Pizzeria & More

New York-style pizza and Italian favorites in Tavares with late-night hours that make it the go-to after everything else closes. The pies are legit, the garlic knots are addictive, and the casual vibe keeps the neighborhood coming back.

Bowl 360 Tavares

Bowling center in Tavares with modern lanes, an arcade, bar and grill, and cosmic bowling nights. A fun outing for families, groups, and league bowlers alike.

Bru Tap House

Thirty craft taps with a local focus, live music, board games, and the kind of laid-back energy that makes downtown Tavares feel like it's having a moment. If you're looking for the heartbeat of the local craft beer scene, this is it.

BTW - Burgers Tacos Waffles

From the folks behind Bru Tap House comes this food-truck-concept-turned-brick-and-mortar. The name tells you exactly what to expect -- burgers, tacos, and waffles -- and they do all three well. The waffle fries are dangerously good.

BTW's Crafted Concoctions

Creative cocktail bar, new American kitchen, and coffee shop in downtown Tavares known for seasonal pop-up transformations and inventive craft concoctions.

Deer Island Country Club

Semi-private 18-hole championship golf course designed by Joe Lee on 400 secluded acres surrounded by the Harris Chain of Lakes, with water on all 18 holes and home to bald eagles and diverse birdlife.

Desperados Saloon

Desperados Saloon is a lively bar and entertainment venue offering competition-level billiards, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

Discovery Gardens

Free 3.5-acre botanical garden at the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Center featuring 28 themed garden areas with over 700 plant species showcasing Florida-native and Florida-friendly gardening.

Dora Queen Paddlewheel Cruises

An 80-foot New Orleans-style paddlewheel boat cruising Lake Dora. The two-hour tours are scenic and relaxed, and the boat is available for private events. It's one of those experiences that feels like it belongs in another era -- in the best way.

Far Reach Ranch UPICK Farm

Family-owned U-pick farm and event space on the shores of Lake Dora offering seasonal strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry picking, plus craft jams, honey, and baked goods.

Float in the Forest at Lake Idamere

A unique outdoor art and nature experience on the shores of Lake Idamere, Float in the Forest combines floating sculpture installations with hiking trails through native Florida woodland. The site features rotating art pieces that float on the lake surface, a boardwalk through cypress wetlands, and curated nature paths. It's a one-of-a-kind attraction that blends art, ecology, and tranquility.

Foxtail Coffee Co. - Tavares

Foxtail Coffee Co. in Winter Park offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding or getting work done, with exceptional coffee sourced ethically from around the world.

Hurricane Dockside Grill-Tavares

Tropical-themed chain offering spiced-to-order wings with an array of sauces, pub grub & a full bar.

Ingraham park

Leafy public park featuring shaded benches, a playground, scenic water views & a walking path.

Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails

Downtown Tavares finally got the upscale steakhouse it deserved. Ironworks brings aged steaks and craft cocktails to Ruby Street with a vibe that's polished but not stuffy. Limited hours mean you plan your visit -- and that's part of the appeal.

Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures

Take off from America's Seaplane City on a scenic flight over Central Florida's stunning lake country. From quick scenic hops to fly-in lunch excursions, this is a bucket-list Florida experience.

Jungle Zone

Jungle Zone is the premier indoor inflatable play park for children of all ages in Lake County, Florida.

Kalua Beach Bar

A lakefront bar with Hawaiian-inspired food, Lake Dora views, and live music on weekends. The vibe is Jimmy Buffett meets lake town Florida -- laid back, sandy-footed, and exactly where you want to be on a Friday night.

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire

Step into the adventure at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire, where participants immerse themselves in the intrigue of the Gunpowder Plot of 1606 with interactive games and artisan showcases.

Lake County Historical Museum

The Lake County Historical Society and Museum is located on the first floor of the historic courthouse in Tavares, Florida.

Lake County Law Enforcement Memorial

Memorial honoring fallen Lake County law enforcement officers, located on West Main Street near the courthouse in Tavares.

Lake County Museum of Art

A free-admission art museum in downtown Tavares with rotating exhibitions that punch above what you'd expect for a small-town gallery. Donations welcome but not required. Worth a stop, especially if you're already walking Ruby Street.

Lake Harris Hideaway

Biker-owned, kid-friendly hangout featuring American eats plus a full bar & lakeside setting.

Lake Saunders Park

Community park on Lake Saunders in the Tavares area, offering lakefront access and passive recreation.

Legacy Cigar Bar & Lounge

Your Prime Destination for Wine, Beers, and Cigars in Tavares, FL. Enjoy great drinks, live music, and outdoor seating in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mary's Kountry Kitchen

The kind of breakfast spot where the portions are enormous, the coffee stays full, and the regulars know the staff by name. Mary's has been feeding Tavares for years with no-frills comfort food that hits exactly right at 7am.

Nautilus Coffee Company

An adventure-themed artisanal coffee shop in downtown Tavares decorated with nautical trinkets and gizmos. The drinks are crafted with care, the atmosphere invites lingering, and it's the kind of local coffee shop that gives a town its personality.

O'Keefe's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Classic pub with traditional food & pints, polished wood decor, beer signage & live music.

Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Grill & Bar

Lakeside dining with front-row views of Lake Dora and the seaplane base -- which means you might watch a plane land while you eat your burger. The seafood is fresh, the drinks are strong, and the outdoor patio is where you want to be at sunset.

Ruby Street Grille

Tavares' go-to for lakeside live entertainment and cold drinks. Ruby Street Grille keeps the patio packed with regular live music, a solid pub menu, and views of Lake Dora. It's more bar-with-great-food than restaurant-with-a-bar.

Summerall Park

Community park in Tavares on Wells Avenue with green space, walking areas, and recreation facilities.

Tavares Ecological Park

101-acre passive nature park in Tavares with a 2-mile loop trail through pine groves, a pavilion, picnic areas, and excellent birding including ospreys, herons, and ibis.

Tavares History Museum

Small history museum inside a replica of Tavares' original 1800s train station, featuring railroad artifacts, local memorabilia, and displays honoring Tavares High School and historic homes.

Tavares Nature Park

Nature park in Tavares offering walking trails, green space, and outdoor recreation along Milwaukee Avenue.

Tavares Recreational Park

City recreation park in Tavares on West Burleigh Boulevard with sports fields, walking trails, and recreational facilities.

Tavares Theater Inc.

Community theater in Tavares staging musicals, comedies, and dramas throughout the year. A local cultural gem with talented performers and an intimate setting.

The Argonaut Bar and Lounge

The Argonaut is a submarine inspired bar and lounge serving wine, craft beer, tiki drinks, specialty cocktails, and tapas style food offerings.

The Littlest Bake Shop

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill

A family-owned seafood spot and oyster bar that puts a Caribbean twist on Southern classics. The raw bar is the main event, but the whole menu delivers. Casual enough for a Tuesday lunch, fun enough for a Saturday night out.

Twisted Biscuit Diner

Popular Tavares diner serving traditional Southern comfort food with a twist, built around flavored, made-from-scratch biscuits, open daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM for breakfast and lunch.

Wooton Park & Pavilion on the Lake

Lakeside park featuring a play structure, a seaplane-themed splash pad (fee) & picnic areas.

Wooton Park West

Lakeside park featuring a play structure, a seaplane-themed splash pad (fee) & picnic areas.