Last Updated on March 26, 2024
There are tons of great things to do in Lake City, Florida. It is approximately 60 miles west of Jacksonville and 50 miles northwest of Gainesville.
Lake City is located in Columbia County and is known for its proximity to many different Florida parks and freshwater springs.
The town was also home to Florida Agricultural College, which became a part of the University of Florida in the 1860s.
These are our recommendations on the best things to do in Lake City, FL, including great places to eat, shop, and stay during your visit.
From stunning waterfalls and historic buildings to cool antique selections and authentic restaurants, there are a lot of places you can visit on a trip to this town full of history.
Table of contents
Falling Creek Falls
Falling Creek Falls is one of Lake City’s most popular outdoor destinations. The area has many things to do and see, including one of Florida’s natural waterfalls.
Walk around and enjoy the area’s foliage and wildlife. The property also has a playground and picnic area – perfect for the whole family.
TIPS:
- Falling Creek Falls is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. (Winter hours: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.)
- There is no entry fee to access this property.
- Public restrooms are available on site.
- The grounds are not pet-friendly.
For more information, visit the official Columbia County, FL website.
Falling Creek Falls Address: 953 NW Falling Creek Rd., Lake City, FL 32055
Related: A Road Trip to See Waterfalls in Florida
The Blanche
The Blanche is a hotel with a history in Lake City that dates back over 100 years. It was built in 1902 and made history as the first building in the state to have an elevator.
The hotel has hosted many iconic people throughout the years, such as Johnny Cash and Al Capone. The building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
The Blanche has become a vital hub in Downtown Lake City with many things to do.
In addition to hotel rooms, offices, coworking spaces, event spaces, apartments, shops, and restaurants, make it an essential stop on your trip.
The Blanche is open daily. Hours vary by business.
For more information, visit the official Blanche website.
The Blanche Address: 212 N Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32055
Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum
Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum is the perfect stop for history buffs. The 1870s-era house is located in Downtown Lake City and has exhibits about the area’s history.
At the museum, there is 1800s architecture and home décor on display.
Check out antique military items and documents, Native American artifacts, and more on a visit to this quaint and informative building.
TIPS:
- Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum is open Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- Guided tours are offered by appointment only.
For more information, visit the official Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum website.
Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum Address: 157 SE Hernando Ave., Lake City, FL 32025
Bullseye’s
Bullseye’s is a great spot to visit if you are looking for fun things to do in Lake City. It is an axe-throwing venue with lanes for you and your group to experience tossing axes at target boards.
Training is included with your booking, so you have an “axe-pert” to show you some tips and tricks before getting started.
The venue also has drinks and snacks available for purchase that you can enjoy while playing.
TIPS:
- Bullseye’s is open Thursday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- One hour of axe throwing is $21.95 per person, plus tax.
- Reservations are highly suggested.
- A waiver must be completed before axe throwing – save time and fill it out online before your visit.
- Close-toed shoes are required to enter the space.
- There is a minimum of two throwers required to book a lane.
- Children ages 10 to 17 can participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information, visit the official Bullseye’s website.
Bullseye’s Address: 228 N Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32055
Webb’s Antique Mall
Webb’s Antique Mall is an amazing local spot to find all sorts of antiques. The 60,000-square-foot mall is home to 400 booths with a selection of different dealers.
Collections are restocked daily, promising a different experience with each visit. Find various antique items throughout the mall, like home décor, furniture, art, jewelry, and knickknacks.
Webb’s Antique Mall is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For more information, visit the official Webb’s Antique Mall website.
Webb’s Antique Mall Address: 245 SW Webb’s Glen, Lake City, FL 32024
Marion Street Bistro
Marion Street Bistro is a beloved restaurant located in the heart of historic downtown Lake City.
The gastropub is known for delicious dishes like Smoked Wings and Bang-Bang Shrimp.
The menu also includes salads, soups, power bowls, and various decadent entrees like the BBQ Board, Southern Style Shrimp and Grits, and Marion Street Salmon.
Save room for dessert. The homemade peanut butter pie is awesome.
The Bistro also has a full-service bar, often hosting local musicians on Saturday nights.
You can also check out the Tavern on Marion, located next door. The Tavern is a casual sports pub that Marion Street Bistro owns.
TIPS:
- Marion Street Bistro is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- The Bistro holds specials like Wing Wednesday, where guests can partake in half-price chicken wings.
- This restaurant is pet-friendly.
For more information, visit the official Marion Street Bistro website.
Marion Street Bistro Address: 281 N Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32055
Ellianos Coffee
Ellianos Coffee is a coffee chain that got its start in Lake City. The chain’s headquarters and first store are located in town. They serve delicious coffee, tea, smoothies, and more.
Try out signature creations like Tuscany Toffee, a toffee latte with caramel sauce, or a Sicilian Smoothie, which blends strawberries, pineapple, and coconut.
The menu includes bagels, sandwiches, and a selection of baked goods if you want something to eat.
Ellianos Coffee is open Monday through Saturday from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
For more information, visit the official Ellianos Coffee website.
Ellianos Coffee Address: 2915 W U.S. Highway 90, Lake City, FL 32055
Additional Things to Do in Lake City, FL
Alligator Lake Recreation Area
- Alligator Lake Recreation Area Address: 420 SE Alligator Glen, Lake City, FL 32025
Gateway Art Gallery
- Gateway Art Gallery Address: 168 N Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32055
Halpatter Brewing Co.
- Halpatter Brewing Co. Address: 264 NE Hernando Ave., Lake City, FL 32055
Lake City Bowl
- Lake City Bowl Address: 347 FL-247, Lake City, FL 32025
Break the Code Escape Rooms
- Break the Code Escape Rooms Address: 366 SW Knox St. #102, Lake City, FL 32025
Lake Desoto
- Lake Desoto Address: 498 NE Lake Desoto Cir., Lake City, FL 32055
Ginnie Springs
- Ginnie Springs Address: 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd., High Springs, FL 32643
Skating Palace Family Fun Center
- Skating Palace Family Fun Center Address: 357 NW Hall of Fame Dr., Lake City, FL 32055
Long Branch Saloon
- Long Branch Saloon Address: 712 S Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32025
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
- Ichetucknee Springs Address: 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, FL 32038
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
- Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Address: 7450 NE 60th St., High Springs, FL 32643
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
- Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Address: 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive/U.S. Highway 41, White Springs, FL 32096
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