Last Updated on February 22, 2024
If you’re looking for fun and memorable things to do in Sebring FL, we have the ultimate guide to the fun and treasures of “The City on the Circle” in Highlands County.
Located in the state’s center, just south of Lake Wales, this incredible area personifies the perfect balance between Old and New Florida.
You can’t help falling in love with Sebring and its neighboring Avon Park and Lake Placid communities.
With just 48 hours, you’ll be able to experience the highlights of Florida’s best-kept secrets and get a good sense of its unique character. But we recommend staying as long as you can.
So pack your bags, and let’s hit the road!
Top Things to Do in Sebring, FL
Check out the City on the Circle: Historic District of Downtown Sebring
The City of Sebring is located in the heart of Florida, just a short drive from some of the state’s most popular attractions (i.e., Legoland, Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, and Busch Gardens) and approximately 90 minutes between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
The “City on the Circle” is known for its charming downtown area, home to various shops, restaurants, and businesses.
It’s also the spot where they hold several events throughout the year, including live entertainment, food, and a variety of vendors.
Many exciting changes are coming to “The Circle” in the near future, including Gavaghan’s Irish Pub and a small boutique hotel above it called the Roanoke Hotel.
Want to know an interesting fact about Sebring? Sebring’s entire downtown is a designated 1920s Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sebring Downtown Historic District Address: 107 Circle Park Dr., Sebring, FL 33870
For more information, visit the official Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce website.
Visit the Sebring International Raceway
Sebring International Raceway is a 3.74-mile, 17-turn circuit with asphalt and concrete surfaces. Sebring’s pit structure includes enclosed hospitality suites overlooking 64 pits.
Home of the Sebring “Mobil 1 Twelve Hours” and Formula One United States Grand Prix racing event that has a 70-year history and a strong international following of race car drivers and enthusiasts.
This single event is often credited for putting the City of Sebring on the map globally since it’s the birthplace of American Endurance racing.
At the hairpin turn of the race tracks is the Sebring Seven Hotel, a 122-room hotel and conference center. It also has a wonderful on-site restaurant.
Did you know? The city of Sebring was named after George E. Sebring, who moved to Florida to open his own automobile dealership and became involved in racing.
In 1909 he entered the first-ever race at the newly built Sebring International Raceway.
In 1912, George Sebring decided to retire from racing and focus on his business interests. He continued to run his dealership in Florida until he died in 1930.
Mr. Sebring was a pioneer in the automobile industry and was instrumental in helping to popularize the use of automobiles in the United States.
For more information, visit the official Sebring International Raceway website.
Sebring International Raceway Address: 113 Midway Dr, Sebring, FL 33870
Attend the Annual Sebring Soda Festival
Visitors to Sebring can enjoy various activities and events, including the Sebring Soda Festival, Sebring International Raceway, and the Annual Highland Games.
The Sebring Soda Festival is an annual celebration of sugary drinks that brings together local vendors and soda enthusiasts from around the state. We are big fans of this event.
Mark your calendar: The 6th Annual Sebring Soda Festival is on April 6th & 7th, 2024.
Basically, how it works, is you purchase a punch card and visit booths where you can try all sorts of interesting sodas.
Most sodas are genuinely delicious but BEWARE … some taste a bit more like cough medicine than soda.
It’s certainly fun to try sodas you would never try had it not been for this festival. What’s equally fun is watching others’ reactions to trying the more unique sodas.
For more information, visit the official Sebring Soda Festival website.
Sebring Soda Festival Address: Around Circle Park Drive, 201 Circle Park Drive, Sebring, FL 33870
Take an Unforgettable Airboat Ride
Airboat Wildlife Adventures takes you on a breathtaking tour of Arbuckle Creek and Lake Istokpoga.
Be prepared to see all sorts of birds and wildlife, like otters, alligators, wild hogs, and even a monkey!
If you get Captain Jon as your guide, you can take a “mellow Seniors” or a “wild and wacky Spring Break” tour. We opted for “mellow Seniors” tour that was fast, but not too furious.
The captains at Airboat Wildlife Adventures love giving tours. An airboat ride is such an excellent opportunity to travel in uncharted territory.
Airboat Wildlife Adventures hours vary based on the tours scheduled.
For more information, visit the official Airboat Wildlife Adventures website.
Airboat Wildlife Adventures Address: 4971 US Hwy 98, Sebring, FL 33876
Experience A New Type of Learning at the PARC
The PARC (formerly called the Sebring Institute) is a new eco-village and working farm resort. A quiet place for families to slow down, connect with nature and each other.
The PARC offers hands-on nature classes for the entire family.
Classes on the ‘lost arts’ include homesteading, living off the land, blacksmithing, woodworking, Earthen building, preserving food, farming, nature survival, permaculture, medicinal plants, apothecary practices, and more.
They currently have a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant open on the property called Culina.
Culina is open to the public for brunch Wednesday through Friday from 10 am to 1 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Dinner hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.
For more information, visit the official PARC website.
The PARC Address: 5300 US 98, Sebring, FL 33876
Tour Everglades Seasoning Headquarters
While in Sebring, take a tour and learn about one of Florida’s oldest meat seasoning secret formulas dating back to 1944.
Everglades Seasoning had its secret seasoning formula perfected in 1976.
Today, visitors have access to an entire product lineup, with different seasonings perfectly complimenting a variety of dishes.
This is the perfect place to take some bold flavors home to spice up your cooking and remember your trip.
Plus, they have a gift shop where you can purchase seasonings, tee shirts, hats, and other fun merchandise.
Everglades Seasoning is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm.
For more information, visit the official Everglades Seasoning website.
Everglades Seasoning Address: 6120 State Road 66, Sebring, FL 33875
Stroll through Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park is known for its ancient hammock trees and beautifully preserved ecosystem.
The state park has nine hiking trails where visitors can explore the lush lands and native foliage.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife. It’s common to see deer, birds, black bears, and alligators.
Make sure to join one of the park’s tram tours while there, which takes visitors through the cypress swamp and pine flatwoods. Safely see restricted areas and learn more about the park with this unique experience!
TIPS:
- Highlands Hammock State Park is open daily from 8 am to sunset.
- Entrance fees are $6 per vehicle (two to eight people), $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers.
- Primitive camping is available at $18 per night plus tax.
- Tram tours are $15 per adult, $10 per child 6-12 years old. Children 5 and under are free.
- Make sure to wear bug spray!
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Highlands Hammock State Park Address: 5931 Hammock Rd., Sebring, FL 33872
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Sebring, FL
Sebring Soda Shop
Sebring is home to a shop that carries 200+ different flavors of sodas worldwide. It feels like a museum of craft and vintage bottled sodas.
It’s a fun place to browse through the variety of sodas. There are many classic brands as well as some crazy ones like Mr. Q. Cumber to several “no thank you flavors”, i.e., Monster Mucus.
The Sebring Soda Shop was the inspiration for the annual Sebring Soda Festival.
They also have super-premium, hand-dipped ice cream, gourmet hot dogs, and lots more.
Sebring Soda Shop is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
For more information, visit the official Sebring Soda Shop Facebook page.
Sebring Soda Shop Address: 201 Circle Park Dr, Sebring, FL 33870
Mon Cirque Wine Bar
Mon Cirque is a unique circus-themed wine bar and retail store with an eclectic collection of artisan wines and craft beers to enjoy.
The unique setting makes it worthy of a pitstop, even if you are a teetotaler.
The owners know their wines and offer wine tastings. Plus, it’s a great place for a girls’ night out.
It’s comfortable, eclectic, and fun! Don’t miss a visit on your next Sebring adventure.
Mon Cirque Wine Bar is open Tuesday through Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 12 am.
For more information, visit the official Mon Cirque Wine Bar Facebook page.
Mon Cirque Wine Bar Address: 140 N. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870
Chicanes Restaurant & Bar
Chicanes Restaurant & Bar is an incredible gourmet lakeside restaurant in Sebring.
In addition to lakeside views, the restaurant offers visitors a selection of fresh salads, sandwiches, desserts, artful entrees, and a full bar.
The service is as excellent as the food. All the appetizers we tried were absolutely delicious (oh, those mussels. Yum!). We’re still dreaming about their salmon and steak entrees.
Chicanes Restaurant & Bar is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm and opens for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm.
For more information, visit the official Chicanes Restaurant & Bar website.
Chicanes Restaurant & Bar Address: 3101 Golfview Rd Sebring, FL 33870
Cowpoke’s Watering Hole
Cowpoke’s Watering Hole is a great casual dining option for your visit to Sebring.
The restaurant is known for its fun and family-friendly atmosphere.
It’s also known for its tasty steaks, taco dinners, and caprese flatbreads.
Cowpoke’s Watering Hole is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm.
For more information, visit the official Cowpoke’s Watering Hole website.
Cowpoke’s Watering Hole Address: 6813 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL 33876
Chez Mireille
Chez Mireille is a place in Sebring to order and enjoy delicious Belgium waffles.
The owners of this restaurant were born and raised in Belgium, providing visitors with an authentic eating experience.
A selection of Herstal and Liège Waffles is on the menu that you can order at this pick-up-and-go waffle shop.
Chez Mireille is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.
For more information, visit the official Chez Mireille website.
Chez Mireille Address: 2179 US Highway 27 North, Sebring, FL 33870
Secret Gardens Winery & Farm
Secret Gardens Winery & Farm is a family-owned and operated Sebring spot for informal tours and wine tastings.
The property has a comfortable outdoor patio and indoor seating to enjoy sampling locally produced wine.
The winery hosts various events, like ‘sip n paint’ parties, live music, and other fun things to do.
Secret Gardens Winery & Farm is open from 11 am to 5 pm every Tuesday through Friday.
For more information, visit the official Secret Gardens Winery & Farm website.
Secret Gardens Winery & Farm Address: 8222 West Josephine Rd., Sebring, FL 33875
Where to Stay in Sebring, FL
Inn on the Lakes
Inn on the Lakes is a highly-rated place to stay on Lake Jackson in Sebring. The luxurious property has guest rooms and suites available, with gorgeous views of the surrounding lakes.
As mentioned above, Chicanes Restaurant is located onsite, providing guests a great upscale dining option.
Inn on the Lakes is also a conveniently short drive from the town’s Historic District.
TIPS:
- Check-in is at 4 pm. Check-out is at 12 pm.
- Pets are allowed with a one-time fee of $100.
- If available, get a suite or lakefront room.
- Don’t miss a meal at Chicanes. You will not be disappointed.
For more information, visit the official Inn on the Lakes website.
Inn on the Lakes Address: 3101 Golfview Rd., Sebring, FL 33870
‘Ranchero Log Cabin’ on 40-Acre Farm in Sebring
Located on 40 acres, this cabin is a beautiful escape from the day-to-day. You can see goats and chickens. For an added fee, you can even do a cow cuddling session.
TIPS:
- Check-in is after 4 pm. Check-out is before 10 am.
- There is an 8-guest maximum for this listing.
- Pets are not allowed on this property.
For more information, visit the official listing on the Airbnb website.
Cabin Address: Due to the nature of the Airbnb, the address is not listed. However, this cabin is in Sebring, FL.
BONUS – The Villas at the PARC
Keep your eyes open for the opening of the new eco-resort, The Villas. It’s a 15-acre resort dedicated to offering comfortable, upscale ‘tree canopy cottages’ for short-term vacation rentals.
The resort opened with six cabins, with a plan to add another 24 cabins over the next five years.
Visitors will be fully immersed in nature while still enjoying creature comforts including air-conditioned cottages, organic mosquito control, a swimming pond, indoor and outdoor showers, and more.
Where to Shop in Sebring, FL
Downtown Mall & Marketplace
The Downtown Mall & Marketplace is a great place to shop in Sebring. The location has a home goods store and hosts local vendors at the market.
You’ll find everything from new and used furniture to fine art, antiques, and exciting collectibles.
The Downtown Mall & Marketplace is open from 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Saturday.
For more information, visit the official Downtown Mall & Marketplace website.
Downtown Mall & Marketplace Address: 231 S Ridgewood Dr., Sebring, FL 33870
C&S Antiques
C&S Antiques is an antique store in Sebring that sells antique furniture, collectibles, and home décor.
If you are looking for something unique to take home from your trip, this wonderful place is full of distinctive items.
C&S Antiques is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
For more information, visit the official C&S Antiques Facebook page.
C&S Antiques Address: 4444 US 27 South, Sebring, FL 33870
If you enjoyed this ultimate guide to Sebring, Florida, and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions in the Central Florida area: