Regarding trips and vacations, Florida has one of the best selections of things to do in the entire United States.
From the Everglades to the Kennedy Space Center to Disneyland, there is always something new and exciting to explore in the Sunshine State.
While Florida’s big cities get all the attention, you can still enjoy plenty of hidden gems in smaller places like Eustis.
Situated in the central area of Florida’s Lake County just north of Orlando, Eustis has about 25,000 residents.
It’s known for its magnificent bodies of water, historical landmarks, and countryside freshness.
Eustis is a great destination if you want to experience everything Florida offers without the hustle and bustle of some of the more popular tourist areas.
Here are 17 of the best things to do in Eustis, FL:
photoasylum / Shutterstock.com
Ferran Park is an iconic park located along the shores of the magnificent Lake Eustis.
Apart from being a central location for meeting and socializing with the locals, Ferran Park also shows a glimpse into the city’s history.
Ferran Park features the beautiful sea wall running along the lakefront, which safeguards the park from floods.
There’s also the Mediterranean-style Alice McClelland Bandshell, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The park also includes a paved walkway that follows the lake’s contours, several seating areas, and a playground.
Ferran Park is great for walks, strolls, or simply enjoying an afternoon under the great Florida weather.
You can also take your pet with you for a quick outdoor trip.
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eustis also has several indoor activities for those who want to escape the heat or spend some time indoors.
The State Theatre of Eustis is a great place to catch a show.
Located in downtown Eustis, the theater has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s.
It was initially a vaudeville house before its conversion into a theatre.
Today, the theater is a non-profit organization that focuses on enriching the lives of citizens through the arts.
The theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, ranging from musicals and ballets to plays and concerts.
If you’re looking for a great way to spend an evening in Eustis, catch a performance at the State Theatre of Eustis.
Michael V Riggs / Shutterstock.com
If you feel hot and want to dip in the water, there’s no better place than the Eustis Aquatic Center.
This state-of-the-art facility features a main pool, a diving well, and a kiddie pool with a water spray pad.
Noah Densmore / Shutterstock.com
Located near Ferran Park, the Eustis Aquatic Center is open to everyone, with a separate section for lap swimming and another for recreational use.
The center also offers swimming lessons for both children and adults.
There are even private rentals available for parties and events.
The Eustis Aquatic Center is a great place to cool off, have some fun, and get some exercise all at the same time.
The Florida weather can be brutal during the summer, but it’s perfect throughout the year.
That’s why the Hidden Waters Preserve Hiking Trail is the ideal place to go for a hike, no matter what time of year it is.
The Hidden Waters Preserve Hiking Trail is a 1.8-mile loop that takes you through some of Central Florida’s most beautiful scenery.
The preserve is home to various plant and animal species, so keep your eyes peeled for some wildlife sightings.
The iconic Eustis Historical Museum is located within the Historic Downtown District, housed in a beautiful and well-preserved Victorian-style home.
The museum is home to exhibits showcasing the city’s rich history and culture.
You can join guided tours are available, and admission is free.
The museum accepts donations for the maintenance and upkeep of the museum.
The Eustis Historical Museum is only open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
G.D. Clifford built a beautiful antebellum house located around the famous Bates and Bay area, which has become one of the best-preserved hostels in Eustis.
Clifford was an early settler and local merchandiser in Eustis.
Hailing from New York, he moved to Central Florida, hoping to make a fortune in the state’s citrus industry.
Today, the Clifford House is now a historic site and museum where you can learn about the area’s rich history and citrus business.
Tours of the house are available, and there’s also a gift shop on site.
Nothing beats a fine craft beer’s strong and malty taste, especially on a hot day.
If you’re in the mood for some good beer, drop by Wolf Branch Brewing, a local brewery.
It has a wide selection of beer, ranging from IPAs to stouts.
They also have a rotating tap of seasonal and limited beers, so there’s always something new to try.
They also offer wine and cider if you’re not a fan of beer.
romarti / Shutterstock.com
The Trout Lake Nature Center is the ideal place to experience the beauty and bounty of nature in Central Florida.
This nature center is dedicated to preserving the place’s unique natural environments.
romarti / Shutterstock.com
Located on East County Road in Eustis, the center’s facilities and grounds are open to exploration.
Visitors can take a hike on the nature trails, go fishing in one of the many ponds, or have a picnic in the pavilion.
Every month, the Trout Lake Nature center also hosts ‘Nature Sprouts,’ a free program for toddlers ages two to five.
The Hidden Waters Preserve is a nature preserve and park located on Abrams Road.
Hidden Waters Preserve is currently under the supervision of the Lake County Water Authority.
It protects and uses a giant sinkhole which is called the Eichelberger Sink.
Descending it along the Lake Alfred Trail can prove challenging as the slope is pretty steep.
On the other hand, the Ravine Trail winds down through and around a steep terrain caused by flowing water through the giant sinkhole.
Regardless of the cautions, the Hidden Waters Preserve is a unique gem that leaves guests in awe every time.
The nature preserve is rich in trees, water features, and wildlife.
Its breathtaking scenery provides a fresh, secluded experience that you might not have experienced before.
If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure in Eustis, add the Hidden Waters Preserve to your itinerary.
Operating for more than a century, the Lake County Fair grants guests a strange way to explore Eustis.
This fair highlights Lake County’s arts, agriculture, education, business industries, and other important milestones.
The Lake County Fair happens every April and is a great time to embrace the Central Florida culture and mingle with the friendly locals.
The fair also features a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and other fun and exciting rides that your kids will love.
There are also various stores and food stalls that offer a wide range of products and cuisines.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to experience Eustis, visit the city during the Lake County Fair.
For more than 3 decades, Peddler’s Wagon has been everyone’s go-to spot in the area for its unique home decor and eclectic finds for gifts and souvenirs.
Choose from its carefully curated accessories, candles, glassware, lamps, silk, dried flowers, and many other creative trinkets, as well as seasonal home and office decor.
Peddler’s Wagon has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Florida Retailer of the Year by the Florida Retail Federation and the “Best of the Best Home Decor and Gift Award by the Lake Magazine.
So before you head back home, drop by Peddler’s Wagon to grab some unique finds for yourself and your loved ones!
Peddler’s Wagon is located at East Magnolia Avenue.
A combination of a flea and farmers’ market, the Lake County Fairgrounds is where you can buy fresh produce at bargain prices.
Here, you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, and herbs, as well as handcrafted trinkets, accessories, clothing, and many other unique finds.
Also, there are lots of delicious baked goodies and homemade jams, honey, and jelly that you can try for a local taste of Eustis.
So if you’re here on a Thursday, don’t forget to drop by the Lake County Fairgrounds.
It’s located off County Road 452.
Fresh Florida strawberries and blueberries, and pretty sunflowers and zinnias make Amber Brooke Farms the pretties spots in Eustis.
And to put a cherry on top—well, at least figuratively, you can pick strawberries, blueberries, sunflowers, and zinnias at the farm when they’re in season.
During the Fall Festival and Winter & Spring U-pick seasons, you can enjoy picking them at the 55-acre farm.
All food that you can order is also made in-house.
Amber Brooke Farms also hosts festivals with live music, food trucks, face painting, and many more.
You can find it off County Rodd 44A.
Archaeopteryx Tours / Shutterstock.com
Nothing beats the great outdoors, and one of the best places to get in tune with nature is Pine Meadows Conservation Area.
The 770-acre nature park offers over 6 miles of recreational trails with delightful wildlife like alligators, birds, snakes, and more.
There’s also a boat ramp to launch your kayak or canoe, as well as perch fishing during the season.
It’s a perfect spot to temporarily disconnect from the noisy, big city and just enjoy nature with ease and comfort.
Pine Meadows Conservation Area is located at Pine Meadows Golf Course Road.
Archaeopteryx Tours / Shutterstock.com
To get your daily dose of caffeine in Eustis, Foxtail Coffee is your place to be!
The coffee shop roasts its own coffee, which is a plus for coffee aficionados as it offers a great variety and selection of coffee drinks.
All these coffee specialty drinks are sourced from organic Arabica coffee.
Established in 2016, Foxtail Coffee was founded by Alex Tchekmeian and Iain Yeakle.
Drop by the coffee shop and enjoy a cup of your favorite, freshly roasted coffee!
It’s located off East Magnolia Avenue.
Rcolvin352, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in Tavares, Florida—a 10-minute drive from downtown Eustis—the Lake County Museum of Art showcases the works of local and regional artists.
A group of art lovers and local artists founded the museum, which opened in 1995.
Since then, the museum has put on several exhibitions featuring established and emerging artists.
The museum has a vast collection of artworks in various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more.
The Lake County Museum of Art also hosts multiple events and programs, such as artist demonstrations, workshops, and art classes.
The best part about the Lake County Museum of Art is free admission.
The Avian Reconditioning Center is the prime destination for bird and nature lovers.
Opened in 2001, this bird rehabilitation center is also in Apopka, a 27-minute drive from downtown Eustis.
The center is dedicated to rehabilitating the state’s injured or orphaned birds of prey.
After helping the birds recover, the center aims to release most animals back into their natural habitat.
During visiting days, guests get an up-close-and-personal experience with some resident birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls.
Ronette M Johns / Shutterstock.com
Check out the Seminole State Forest if you’re up for an outdoor adventure.
Covering almost 25,000 acres of land, the Seminole State Forest is one of the most extensive forests in Florida.
The Seminole State Forest lies along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail in Royal Trail Roads, an 18-minute drive from downtown Eustis, FL.
However, you can also choose a guided tour via biking or kayaking.
The Seminole State Forest is also a prime destination for fishing and bird watching.
King’s Landing offers canoe rentals and shuttle services for a fee.
You can find it in Apopka, Florida, 29 minutes from Eustis.
Explore the beautiful Wekiva River by canoe and take in all the sights and sounds of nature.
It features some of the state’s most beautiful and best-preserved natural habitats.
Explore the area on a canoe, and you might get lucky and see some turtles, wading birds, and other wildlife in the area.
If venturing out into the wild isn’t your thing, there are other fun activities to do.
Noah Densmore / Shutterstock.com
Downtown Eustis is a historic district home to many well-preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Walking through the area, you’ll feel like you’ve just traveled back in time.
The historic downtown is also home to several shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking to do some shopping, then be sure to check out the Eustis Village, which is the area’s premier shopping mall.
The Eustis Village is home to several shops, boutiques, and a food court.
If you want to relax and unwind after a long day exploring Eustis, the city’s historic downtown district is the place to go.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Eustis, especially if you love being outdoors.
The Lake Norris Conservation Area is great for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
Lake Norris Conservation Area is your perfect nature escape in Eustis.
The area is home to various plant and animal species, a picturesque lake, and other spectacular views.
Bird watchers can also have a great time as the area is abundant in fowl and other wildlife.
You can also go on a sightseeing trip and take as many photos along the way.
There are also designated picnic areas, so you can bring a packed lunch and make a day out.
You can also bring pets for walks and strolls, as long as they are put on a leash.
The Lake May Reserve is a popular trail located in Country Road, Eustis.
The path is an excellent place for walking, running, and biking.
The trail encompasses 136 acres of land featuring a variety of plant and animal species.
The path is also home to a playground, a pavilion, and a picnic area— making it the perfect place to spend a day outdoors with family and friends.
However, the main activity is hiking through the 1.8-mile loop trail with other avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
While doing it, you’ll also appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the hillside and panoramic view of the incredible Lake May.
The Lake May Reserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset and offers free admission.
The great outdoors is Eustis, FL’s main attraction.
This beautiful city has no shortage of things to do with its stunning lakes, scenic trails, and vibrant parks.
While other well-known destinations in Florida might overshadow it, there’s no doubt that Eustis is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring.
Its small-city charm and outdoor beauty make it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Eustis should be at the top of your list if you love nature and travel.
So what are you waiting for?
Start planning your Eustis trip today!
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
