In Florida’s lake country, you would expect to see plenty of boats, but in Tavares, Florida, America’s Seaplane City, there are seaplanes competing for the waterways.

It’s hard to ignore the beauty of the lakes that surround towns and villages around north central Florida. In fact, you can easily miss Tavares Seaplane City nestled between Leesburg to the west and Mount Dora to the east while all three towns border some large popular lakes.

From the Air You Can See Lakes Everywhere

Just looking at a map and you can see why Tavares Seaplane City has the tagline. Four large bodies of water for landing these flying pontoons are within a couple of miles.

A block or two from the county courthouse is the center of seaplane activity with docks, fuel and restaurants to support the seaport.

Tavares, Florida was founded by Alexander St. Clair-Abrams in 1880.  St. Clair’s dream that Tavares would become the capital of Florida never came true, but Tavares did become the county seat for Lake County.

Tavares has that old Florida charm of stately homes built along the lakefront. A trip along Lakeshore Drive hugging Lake Dora will highlight the charm of quiet waterfront living with a pace enjoyed by many Southerners.

Tavares Seaplane City Has Plenty of Things to See and Do

Wooten Park is a must-see for visitors of Tavares, just steps from the seaport. The recent opening of the Tavares Museum adds to the old rail station, newly built docks, and large pier side meeting and wedding facility built well out into the lake. Just waking a few paces along the lake will see why residents love the style of a life well insulated from the challenges of big city life.

Clearly, the main activity in Tavares revolves around watersports. Fishing appears to be high on the activity list, but boating, waterskiing and the ever-present jet skis abound. Still, you are never far from the sights and sounds of the many seaplanes.

There are several restaurants near the seaport, including Puddle Jumpers Bar and Grill, that front the water. A cool refreshment on their deck will offer plenty of action at the lakefront as planes arrive and depart from the docks.

If you want to be part of the seaplane action, walk over to the Seaplane base and book a ride. “Flightseeing” is a great way to view the Harris chain of lakes. Lake Dora, Lake Harris, Lake Eustis and Lake Griffin are just a few of the very large lakes easily viewed from the air. It’s easy to see why Tavares, Florida, America’s seaplane city gets its name with huge lakes all around.

Just a couple of miles from Taveras is Mt. Dora which we have chronicled here at Florida Travel Blog a couple of times. If you like quaint shops in a small-town atmosphere, Mount Dora offers some of the best. A neat day trip is the morning at Tavares and the afternoon at Mt. Dora. 

A little further down the road is The Villages. Many of the visitors around the seaplane base and Mt. Dora are residents of one of the fastest-growing communities in America, The Villages.

Tavares is located about 40 miles north of Orlando on Rt. 441. The seaplane base is about in the center of the state which means it is about 50 miles from the Gulf and 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Tavares Seaplane City makes a good road trip from cities in all directions.

Check the Tavares map below.