Top 15 Things To Do in Clermont, Florida
Built on rolling ridges above a necklace of lakes, Clermont is an under-the-radar water-and-wildlife hub within easy reach of metro Orlando. This guide connects you to the best ways to use the water—kayak and SUP a glassy cove at sunrise, rent a boat for a lazy afternoon, or join an eco tour for an intimate look at wetlands and avian life—while also flagging airboat excursions, ATV/UTV options nearby, and easy walking- and city-tour gems for low-effort days.
Top 15 Things To Do in Clermont
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Clermont Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
Clermont reads like a compact field guide for lake-first Florida experiences. The town sits on a cluster of kettle lakes and shoreline parks that squeeze a surprising variety of ways to spend time outdoors into a small map: early-morning kayak tours that thread mangled shoreline and emergent grasses; stand-up paddleboard sessions across calm coves where ospreys track the surface from a high branch; and boat rentals that let families and small groups explore the chain at their own pace. The water is the organizing principle here, but it’s joined by a quieter, older layer of place—the citrus groves and low ridges that once carried a different economy and now provide vantage points for sweeping sunset sessions. That mix of lake-based motion and small-town charm makes Clermont especially useful for people who want to stack varied activities across a single day. Start with a guided eco tour to orient yourself to the birds, turtles, and resident fish that give the lakes their character; after a quick lakeside lunch, trade a kayak for a rented pontoon and sweep toward coves where the shoreline dissolves into marsh and wading birds congregate. For families, boat rentals and gentle water-activities deliver high reward with low technical demand. For the more curious, airboat rides and nearby ATV/UTV trails introduce an adrenaline counterpoint—fast, loud, and tactile—while walking tours and small-city sightseeing let you slow the pace and learn the town’s backstory. The proximity to Orlando means Clermont is an easy weekend pivot: leave the theme-park throng and find the steady rhythms of water and birdsong within 45 minutes of the bustle. Practical concerns track with the options: outfitters are concentrated near major put-ins and waterfront parks, reservation windows for guided experiences spike on holiday weekends, and shoulder-season mornings—from late fall through spring—deliver the clearest water and the most cooperative weather for paddling and wildlife viewing. Still, Florida’s subtropical climate keeps things accessible year-round; plan around mid-summer afternoon storms and aim for early starts to dodge wind and boat traffic. Whether you come for a single kayak-tour sunrise or a three-day sequence of SUP, wildlife watching, and a sightseeing-tour of the historic downtown, Clermont rewards a layered approach—mix short, restorative outings with one longer water day and you’ll get a full sense of why locals keep returning to the lakes.
Clermont’s strength is variety condensed into a short drive. Outfitters simplify logistics with rentals and shuttles for kayak, SUP, and boat rental options, and guided options—airboat rides, eco tours, and wildlife-focused outings—make the lakes accessible to first-timers.
The town pairs outdoor access with easy amenities: cafes and casual restaurants near waterfront parks, basic gear shops, and seasonal markets. Use the urban comforts to refill between outings and consider booking guided activities during weekends and holidays when demand climbs.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Fall through spring offers cooler mornings, lower humidity, and calmer water—ideal for paddling and wildlife viewing. Summers are warm and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; plan morning outings and shelter plans for midday storms.
Peak Season
Winter and early-spring weekends draw the most visitors for clear-weather paddling and outdoor events; book guided tours and boat rentals in advance.
Off-Season Opportunities
Summer weekdays offer quieter parks and off-peak pricing; mornings remain pleasant for early launches. For budget-conscious travelers, late spring and summer weekdays can yield the best value.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, sheltered paddles and easy walking or city tours provide low-stress ways to see the lakes and downtown.
- Gentle morning kayak-tour in a protected cove
- SUP session on a calm bay at sunrise
- Short walking tour of historic Clermont and waterfront park
Intermediate
Longer lake crossings, mixed-use boat days, and self-guided sightseeing that combine navigation and stamina.
- Mid-length boat rental to explore multiple lakes
- Guided eco tour with birding stops
- Bike rental for a lakeside loop and town exploration
Advanced
Extended multi-hour paddles, technical shore landings, or high-speed motorized outings that require planning and experience.
- Full-day paddle linking multiple lakes with shoreline scouting
- Off-road ATV/UTV day on nearby trails (book with reputable operators)
- Early-morning photo mission timed for migrating or roosting birds
What to Bring
Essential
- Lightweight, quick-dry layers and a sun shirt
- Waterproof sunscreen and a brimmed hat
- Water bottle or hydration reservoir
- Footwear that can get wet (water shoes or sandals with straps)
- Phone in a waterproof case or dry bag
Recommended
- Small binoculars for bird and wildlife viewing
- Reusable snack pack or picnic for lakeside breaks
- A compact first-aid kit and blister care
- Spare dry clothes in a car or locker
Optional
- Action camera with float mount for kayak and SUP shots
- Compact kayak sponge or bilge pump for longer paddles
- Lightweight wind layer for open-water exposures
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Confirm put-in locations, parking rules, and guided-tour reservations before you go.
Aim for sunrise launches to enjoy flat water and active birds. If wind picks up mid-morning, switch to a sheltered cove or plan a shoreline walk. Outfitters often bundle boat rental with fuel or life jackets—ask exactly what’s included. For wildlife viewing, keep noise low and keep to marked channels; bring binoculars and scan tree lines and marsh edges. When booking airboat or ATV/UTV experiences, verify safety briefings and age limits. Finally, pack out everything you bring and respect posted environmental-attraction rules so the lakes remain healthy and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes—many water activities (kayak, SUP, and boat rental) are accessible without a guide if you choose sheltered coves and have basic paddling experience. Choose guided eco tours for birding, complex routes, or if you want wildlife interpretation.
Are airboat rides safe for families?
Airboat operators run short, guided excursions that are generally family-friendly, but they can be loud and fast. Check age restrictions and safety briefings with individual operators before booking.
Where can I rent a boat or book a kayak tour?
Local outfitters near major waterfront parks offer kayak, SUP, and boat rentals along with guided kayak and boat tour options. Reservations are recommended on weekends and holidays.