Looking for a Florida getaway that isn’t theme parks or beaches? Welcome to Lakeland, Florida—a charming Central Florida destination halfway between Orlando and Tampa. This under-the-radar gem is bursting with natural beauty, Southern eats, historic charm, and family-friendly adventures. Whether you’re feeding lemurs, sipping local coffee, or admiring Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, here are the best things to do in Lakeland, Florida on your next visit.
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Start with a Stroll Around Lake Morton
Lake Morton is famous for its elegant black and white swans, which have been a Lakeland icon for nearly 100 years. Bring a camera and some quarters for bird feeders—you’ll see everything from white pelicans to ibis and wood storks.
Pro Tip: Visit during spring for nesting season and amazing photos!
Wander Through Hollis Garden
Next door to Lake Mirror, Hollis Garden is a gorgeous (and free!) botanical oasis. It’s filled with colorful flower beds, vegetable plots, and peaceful walking paths. The plants are beautifully labeled, so you’ll learn a thing or two while you wander.
Fun Fact: Lake Mirror historic walking tours take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Admire Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture
Architecture fans, take note: Lakeland’s Florida Southern College has the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings—13 in total! Even a drive-by is worth it. You won’t find this great selection in one place anywhere else, so I’m stressing how important it is to add this to your road trip itinerary.
Don’t Miss: The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel and iconic Water Dome.
Visit Pressed Books & Coffee
Need a break? Head to Pressed LKLD, a charming indie bookstore and coffee shop. Their lattes, baked goods, and local vibe make it the perfect downtown stop.
Don’t Miss: Pastries from Honeycomb Bread Bakers are the bomb!
Watch Baseball at Publix Field
Baseball lovers will enjoy Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium (Tigertown), home to the Detroit Tigers for spring training. Great seating, affordable tickets, and easy parking make this a laid-back afternoon stop perfect for America’s favorite pastime. .
Dine at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Located downtown, Harry’s serves up New Orleans-inspired dishes like jambalaya and crawfish étouffée. I tend to go for the red beans and rice or shrimp Creole, but save room for the unforgettable Bananas Foster.
Pro Tip: Call ahead 30 minutes before your arrival to get on the waitlist.
Relax at Munn Park
Located in the heart of historic downtown, Munn Park offers shaded walkways, statues, and a gazebo. It’s surrounded by shops, restaurants, and murals—great for a leisurely stroll.
Try Local Favorites at Black & Brew
Craving a bite with your brew? Black & Brew serves up paninis, flatbreads (the dill pickle bacon, shown here, is sensational!), salads, and a frozen peanut butter latte that’s wildly good.
Snap Photos Around Lake Mirror
Take a peaceful walk around Lake Mirror and the stunning Frances Langford Promenade, dedicated to a Lakeland native known for her acting and music, for beautiful shots of water, greenery, and birdlife. This area is especially lovely at sunrise or sunset.
Entertain the Kids at Florida Children’s Museum
Traveling with children? The Florida Children’s Museum (formerly Explorations V) is a hands-on wonderland of interactive exhibits and educational fun. Plenty of educational and exciting adventures to be had in this hands on venue.
Enjoy Southern Flavor at Frescos
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar is a brunch gem. Try the Knuckle Bowl with shrimp, andouille sausage, chicken, and Frank’s hot sauce—or go classic with their Eggs Benedict (three varieties to choose from). Frescos is also a place to grab an excellent craft cocktail and small bites.
Explore the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum (Formerly Polk Museum of Art)
This impressive local museum offers two stories of rotating art exhibits and outdoor sculptures. The gift shop is one of Florida’s best for collectors and curated gifts. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting all that much since I had not heard of it, and spent nearly 2 1/2 hours there.
Shop Charming Downtown Boutiques
Shop local at My Cottage Garden, Rafa Natural, Stationery Loft, and Traditions Unlimited for unique finds and great gifts. You’ll find all sorts of interesting shops in the historic part of town.
See Lakeland’s Best Murals
Lakeland’s art scene is growing fast. Snap selfies at the colorful ‘Greetings from Lakeland’ or ‘Oranges’ murals near Munn Park and MLK Jr. Drive. Then again, the simple swan mural in downtown really sums up this lovely community.
Get Wild at Circle B Bar Reserve
Formerly a cattle ranch, Circle B is now a scenic nature preserve with easy trails, wetlands, and wildlife like otters, gators, fox, and roseate spoonbills.
Best Trails: Shady Oak and Lost Bridge.
Take a Safari at Safari Wilderness Ranch
Feed zebras, camels, and water buffalo from a safari vehicle on this unforgettable adventure just outside town. Small-group tours allow for more interaction at Safari Wilderness Ranch and expose you to the massive 260-acre property. Other animal types you might find are oryx, Watusi cattle, and lemur.
Pro Tip: Book ahead for private experiences.
If you love animal attractions, the St. Louis Zoo is one of our faves. Read about it here.
Catch A Flick at Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre
Wind down your day at the nostalgic Silver Moon Drive-In, where first-run movies play nightly. At just $8 per person (ages over 10), it’s budget-friendly fun.
Bonus: Pet-friendly and great snacks! Thursday nights are $5 admission.
Stay the Night in Style
Lakeland has several great lodging options, including:
- SpringHill Suites Lakeland – Modern rooms, aesthetically pleasing, free parking, and a gorgeous pool deck.
- Clarion Pointe Lakeland I-4 – Free breakfast, free parking, and a great rating. Don’t pay any attention to that two-star hotel nonsense, this is a really nice place and super affordable.
Pro Tip: Make Lakeland your base to explore nearby towns like Winter Haven (LEGOLAND) and Lake Wales.
Why Visit Lakeland, Florida?
Lakeland blends big-city charm with small-town heart. From beautiful lakes to local eats and unexpected adventures, this Central Florida destination is a road tripper’s dream.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a Florida road trip stop, these are the best things to do in Lakeland, Florida—and you’ll be glad you added it to your itinerary.
