If you are looking for sleepy town hidden gems in your slow travel journey through the U.S., you might consider two towns on opposite coasts – Mount Dora, Florida and Ocean Shores, Washington.
At first blush, these towns may not seem to have much in common, but let’s look a bit closer and I think you’ll find much to savor.
Mt. Dora, Florida
Old Florida still exists. Just 35 miles northwest of Orlando lies the lakefront getaway of Mt. Dora, Florida. This quaint historic jewel of Lake County is known as the “Festival City”, hosting more than 30 events each year, covering arts and culture.
The downtown area just blocks from Lake Dora has year-round options: galleries, shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Spend the day exploring on your own or take a food and wine tasting tour to sample some of the best local delicacies.
– Tip: check out the Salted Fry for a twist on French fries you’re guaranteed to be wowed by! (112 W. 3rd Ave.)
Mt. Dora is a nature-lovers paradise featuring eco-tours and kayaking, as well as bass fishing. Visit the beautiful Grantham Park and spend time touring the Mount Dora Lighthouse, Florida’s only inland lighthouse.
– Tip: take a Catboat Tour of Lake Dora in a 2-person powered catamaran for a narrated tour of the Lake, the Dora Canal, and Lake Eustis.
You can try a spin on a Segway tour with Glide Adventures, from the Marina to Evans Park and onward to Palm Island Park. Enjoy gorgeous nature and wildlife viewing before heading through the historic residential district with a stop at the Lakeside Inn, built in 1883, central Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotel.
Museums can be found here if more history beckons. The Mt. Dora History Museum is worth a stop as well, located in a 1923 fire station. As is the Modernism Museum, with a focus on modern furniture.
A variety of lodging options are available for your stay, from downtown inns and B&Bs, cottages, and full rental houses, all within walking distance of everything Mt. Dora has to offer.
Just over an hour’s drive from either of Florida’s spectacular coasts, Mt. Dora is a perfectly located peaceful getaway perfect for your next Sunshine State escape.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Like Mount Dora, Ocean Shores is just a short two-hour drive from more populated cities like Olympia – Washington’s capitol. On the Pacific Coast (as opposed to the Puget Sound, as is the Seattle area), Ocean Shores has a year-round population of just 7,549 (as of 2023). In the summer the crowds can swell, as many homes here are owned as vacation properties and summer (June through August) are high season months.
Fun fact (according to Wikipedia) “1970’s singer, Pat Boone, became a local resident in 1967 as a stockholder in Ocean Shores Estates Incorporated, and promotion of the development was sped along by the Celebrity Golf tournaments hosted by Boone.”
Most come to Ocean Shores for the peace and serenity. Though the Pacific Ocean can be colder and stormier than most tropical vacation destinations, the rugged coastline and miles of unspoiled (and undeveloped) beachfront lures those longing for sand in their toes and wind in their hair.
Visit in September, when the summer crowds have thinned, and enjoy the town and the beach mostly to yourself. Home rentals here are affordable and many pet-friendly, so bring Fido!
There is a Bay side and an Ocean side to the city, with the Bay side properties being somewhat more sheltered. The small central town shops and restaurants are never more than 10 to 15 minutes away no matter where you stay.
Local favorite spots include:
Coastal Interpretive Center – 1033 Catala Ave. SE
Non-profit community center showcasing the history, geography and nature of the Washington Coast, featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, lectures, and activities for kids.
Galway Irish Pub – 880 Point Brown Ave NE
More than a restaurant, the Galway Irish Pub is “an authentic old-world tavern”. It features some of the best Irish menu and bar fare, but also offers unmatched ambiance in the many areas of the pub and shop. There’s even frequent live music.
Octopus Crafts – 810 Point Brown Ave NE
One of a kind gift and souvenir shop, featuring over 35 local artists all showcased in one stop. The variety is a broad as the quality is deep. Don’t miss this for taking a piece of the Ocean Shores experience home!
Both Mount Dora and Ocean Shores would be ideal spots for slow travelers to consider spending a month in the off-season. Crowds are thin, weather is pleasant, accommodations are plentiful, and prices are more affordable. Small town vacation vibes are in reach, coast to coast!
