'America's Hometown' Is A Tranquil Lakeside City In Florida With Rural Vibes And A Vibrant Downtown

Florida may be popular for its beaches and iconic tourist destinations, but there's more than beaches and Disney magic to this stunning state. Located 43 miles northwest of Orlando, America's Happiest Holiday Destination, is a sleepy lakeside city with a lively downtown district and beautiful natural spaces. Eustis is situated in Lake County, an appropriate setting for such a water-filled paradise. With a prime location on stunning Lake Eustis, it is easy to see how this peaceful waterfront town received its name. 

Residents consider this beloved city "America's Hometown" because of its small-town vibes and exciting family-friendly activities. Eustis has a vibrant downtown area brimming with unique shops, lively cafes, and cool bars where visitors can get a taste of local Florida culture. Downtown streets are safe and uncrowded, a welcome change from the popular but disappointing tourist-filled city of Orlando. Staying in Eustis gets you close enough to the Florida parks without being actually immersed in the crowds. 

If theme parks are the furthest thing from your mind on your vacation, Eustis offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as boating, fishing, and hiking. There are a plethora of green spaces around town, such as Ferran Park, equipped with boardwalks, docks, and plenty of wildlife. The park has a playground for kids and benches to sit and view boats as they sail by. You might even catch a sea plane taking off or landing on the lake's crystal clear waters. Whether you come here to watch spectacular sunsets or impressive fireworks displays, Ferran Park provides a peaceful oasis on the lake.

Eustis, originally a steamboat hub in the 1920s, remains a coveted spot for folks wanting a mixture of peaceful waterfront living and lively entertainment. Visitors can explore bustling downtown shops and dine in delicious bistros while enjoying the laid-back pace of a smaller town. You'll find quaint, picturesque buildings along brick-paved sidewalks and unique shops to buy souvenirs. Colorful murals can be seen on several of the buildings lining these streets, a beautiful sight when exploring downtown.

There are many great restaurants to please your palate in this exciting town. Quench your thirst with a refreshing pint from Wolf Branch Brewing, a delightful brewery serving sandwiches and sliders as well. For a spectacular dining experience on the water, head over to Crazy Gator, a rustic tavern with an outdoor patio. Crazy Gator has been around since the town's early origins in the 1920s, when its steamboat era was in full swing. A lot of the buildings around this historic district are over 100 years old, and serve as beautiful reminders of Old Florida heritage. 

Eustis sees plenty of downtown events year-round, like karaoke nights, Wine & Beer Walks, and bike rallies. There is no shortage of fun in this lively downtown district; from shopping for holiday decorations at the Peddler's Wagon, to sampling delicious local eats at the Eustis Market. Beautiful buildings and artwork around town provide wonderful photo opportunities, so your vacation memories can last for years to come. For an afternoon pick-me up, grab coffee at one of the many cafes around town, such as One Thirteen Coffee House or Foxtail Coffee. Top off your evening with a riveting performance at the Eustis State Theater, a local playhouse.

With endless ways to enjoy the warm Florida sun, visitors should take full advantage of Eustis' wonderful outdoor spaces. A brisk morning stroll by Lake Eustis is a wonderful way to start your day's adventures in a peaceful, natural setting. You can find a comfortable walking path by the Eustis Lake Walk marker in Ferran Park. Birdwatchers can spot a plethora of bird species along its banks, also brimming with fish and wildlife. Sunset Island Skatepark is a cool spot to practice your skateboard skills, with ball courts and canals nearby. Fishing tournaments and community celebrations are sometimes held around the lake, providing spectacular entertainment for tourists and residents in attendance.

For on-the-water excursions, charter a fishing boat or romantic sunset cruise. Fishing is popular in Lake County, for obvious reasons, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Snookin N Cookin is a popular Eustis-based fishing charter service that can take you along Florida waters; the company also offers privately catered events and exquisite dishes made with fresh ingredients. Jet ski and boat rentals are also readily available in the area, perfect for an adrenaline-fueled afternoon on the lake. Lake Eustis is great for first-time jet skiers, as opposed to starting out with choppy waves on the open ocean. 

For a more laid-back day, visitors can go on a paddling adventure through local streams and lakes by renting paddleboards or kayaks from one of the local rental shops. Then, end the day with dinner and drinks at the marina, at Lake Eustis Waterfront Grill, offering spectacular views and a fun tiki bar. Guests can chow down on delicious entrees while enjoying live music at Coco Loco, their outdoor lounge.