- Attraction: Florida Citrus Tower
- Location: 141 North Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711
- Industry: Tourist Attraction
- Website: https://citrustower.com/
Before Mickey Mouse made his home in Central Florida, before the theme park boom transformed the landscape forever, there stood a towering testament to Florida’s golden age of citrus.
The Florida Citrus Tower rises 226 feet above Clermont’s rolling hills, making it equivalent to a 22-story building and one of the tallest structures in the state.
This vintage roadside attraction opened its doors in 1956 when millions of orange trees carpeted the surrounding countryside, and today it offers visitors a unique glimpse into Old Florida’s agricultural heritage.
What makes this attraction truly special is its authentic vintage charm combined with modern renovations completed in 2023. You’ll find yourself transported back to the Eisenhower era, when families would pile into their cars for cross-country road trips and stop at quirky attractions like this one.
The tower stands as a living piece of history, having welcomed everyone from presidents to everyday tourists seeking spectacular panoramic views of Central Florida.
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The Observation Deck Experience: The smooth elevator journey takes you up 22 stories to the glass-enclosed observation deck, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views stretching up to 35 miles in every direction.
On clear days, you can spot downtown Orlando’s skyline, Walt Disney World in the distance, and the sparkling lakes that dot Lake County’s landscape. The deck features comfortable seating areas and informational signs pointing out landmarks in each direction.
The Famous Coin Drop: One of the tower’s most beloved features is the coin drop, where you can listen to your penny or quarter fall all the way down to the bottom of the 226-foot tower.
This simple but delightful experience never gets old, and many visitors find themselves dropping multiple coins just to hear that satisfying sound echo through the structure.
Historic Significance: You’re standing at the highest point of any building in Florida when you reach the observation deck. The tower sits 500 feet above sea level at its antenna tip, built on one of the highest natural elevations in the state’s ridge section. During its heyday in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the tower welcomed up to 500,000 visitors annually.
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Discover MoreStunning Lake Views: The tower provides magnificent views of Lake Minneola and Lake Minnehaha, along with hundreds of other spring-fed lakes throughout the eight-county area visible from the deck. The contrast between the sparkling blue waters and the green rolling hills creates picture-perfect scenery that photographers and nature lovers adore.
Citrus Coffee Company & Cozy Atmosphere
Specialty Coffee Drinks: The ground-floor Citrus Coffee Company serves up some of Central Florida’s most unique beverages, featuring their famous Orange Crème Latte that tastes like a creamsicle in coffee form. They also offer Orange Buttercream drinks, citrus coolers, and freshly squeezed local orange juice that tastes unlike anything you’ll find in stores.
Comfortable Seating Areas: The lobby features multiple lounging areas with vintage-style furniture, comfortable couches, and tables that create a homey atmosphere perfect for relaxing before or after your tower visit. The space combines the tower’s retro charm with modern comfort, featuring the original terrazzo tiles from 1956.
Freshly Baked Treats: Their display case showcases delicious citrus-themed baked goods, including citrus berry muffins, blueberry citrus muffins, and other pastries that perfectly complement their specialty drinks. The aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods fills the air as soon as you enter.
Premium Equipment: The coffee shop features two La Marzocco KB90 espresso machines – they’re the only establishment in Central Florida to own this premium Italian equipment that was just released to America in 2023. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the precision and quality these machines deliver.
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Reasonable Pricing: Admission to the observation deck costs $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $7 for children, which is quite reasonable considering the unique experience and maintenance required for such a historic structure. Annual memberships are available for $150 (Florida residents only) and include unlimited rides plus discounts at the coffee shop.
Easy Accessibility: The attraction offers convenient free parking right outside the entrance, and the elevator makes the observation deck accessible to most visitors. Standard wheelchairs fit comfortably, though the space at the top isn’t suitable for large strollers or ECVs.
Perfect Visit Duration: Most people spend 30 minutes to an hour at the tower, making it an ideal stop during a day trip through Lake County. Your ticket is open-ended for the day, so you can leave and return if you’d like to experience sunset views from the top.
Family-Friendly Fun: The attraction appeals to all ages, from young children fascinated by the coin drop to adults appreciating the historical significance and nostalgic charm. It’s a refreshing break from the crowded theme parks, offering a more intimate and authentic Florida experience.
Historic Memorabilia: The lobby displays fascinating vintage photographs, architect’s scale models from the 1950s construction, and discontinued souvenir items that showcase the tower’s rich history spanning nearly seven decades.
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Discover MoreBest Visit Times: The views are particularly spectacular at sunset when the surrounding lakes reflect the golden light, and you can see city lights begin to twinkling in the distance. The air-conditioned observation deck stays comfortable year-round, though it can get warm due to the panoramic windows.
Florida Citrus Tower
📍 141 North Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711
