Where is Tavares, Florida

Tavares is a city in Central Florida and the county seat of Lake County. Located about 35 miles northwest of Orlando, the city sits among the lakes and rolling hills of the Harris Chain of Lakes region. Tavares is known for its waterfront, seaplane base, historic downtown, Lake Dora, and scenic rail and boating attractions.

Location Map of Tavares, Lake County, Florida

About Map: The map shows the location of Tavares in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Florida.

Tavares Map, Florida

Where is Tavares Located?

Tavares is a city located in Lake County, Florida, the United States. It lies in Central Florida, about 35 miles northwest of Orlando and roughly 20 miles west of Sanford. Mount Dora is about 5 miles southeast, while Eustis is approximately 5 miles north of Tavares. The city is located at 28.8049° North latitude and 81.7256° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 19,003 residents. Tavares covers about 13.37 square miles, or approximately 34.63 square kilometers. The city serves as the county seat of Lake County and is surrounded by a landscape of freshwater lakes, wetlands, oak forests, and gently rolling hills. Lake Dora forms a major part of the city's waterfront and supports boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation. Tavares is also home to a seaplane base, giving the city a distinctive connection to aviation and waterfront tourism. The historic downtown area includes local shops, restaurants, civic buildings, and access to waterfront parks. A unique feature of Tavares is its combination of a county-seat role, lakefront setting, and active seaplane and railroad heritage in the heart of Central Florida.

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Tavares City Facts

Distance from Tavares, FL to Nearby Cities

• Eustis, FL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Mount Dora, FL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Leesburg, FL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Fruitland Park, FL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Lady Lake, FL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Clermont, FL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Apopka, FL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Ocala, FL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Sanford, FL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Deland, FL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Winter Garden, FL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Orlando, FL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Winter Park, FL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Altamonte Springs, FL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Daytona Beach, FL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Gainesville, FL – 70 miles (113 km)
• Jacksonville, FL – 145 miles (233 km)
• Tampa, FL – 125 miles (201 km)

Top Attractions in Tavares

• Lake Dora – A major lake along Tavares's waterfront offering boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, scenic cruises, and waterfront recreation.
• Wooton Park – A popular downtown waterfront park with walking areas, picnic spaces, playgrounds, a marina, and views across Lake Dora.
• Tavares Seaplane Base – A distinctive waterfront aviation facility where seaplanes operate from Lake Dora.
• Lake County Courthouse – A historic civic landmark in downtown Tavares and the center of county government.
• Lake County Historical Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, photographs, and stories from Lake County's history.
• Orange Blossom Cannonball – A heritage railroad attraction offering scenic train rides through the Central Florida countryside.
• Downtown Tavares – The historic center of the city features local businesses, restaurants, civic buildings, waterfront access, and community events.
• Harris Chain of Lakes – A connected group of freshwater lakes surrounding Tavares and nearby communities, popular for boating and fishing.
• Ocala National Forest – A large protected forest within driving distance, known for springs, lakes, hiking, camping, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.

Airports Near Tavares, Florida

• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – 30 miles
• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 45 miles
• Leesburg International Airport (LEE) – 15 miles
• Ocala International Airport (OCF) – 50 miles
• Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) – 55 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Tavares city website and local government records.

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