Last Updated on March 26, 2024
Are you looking for the best things to do in Lakeland, Florida? We have gathered some great suggestions.
Located in Polk County near Winter Haven, Lakeland has many authentic and fun things to do.
From seeing beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, enjoying nature, and finding a delicious spot to eat, you will never be bored visiting this unique city.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Lakeland
Table of contents
Barnett Park
This city park in Lakeland is great for the whole family. The park includes a splash pad water feature, a playground, a labyrinth, a covered picnic area, and a multipurpose field.
Make sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Barnett Park, but remember – the picnic tables are first come, first served.
While you are visiting Barnett Park, take a short walk over to Hollis Garden and see the beautifully manicured gardens that are perfect for a casual stroll.
Barnett Park Address: 730 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801
Born and Bread Bakehouse
Born and Bread Bakehouse is Lakeland’s hidden treasure. Enjoy fresh baked goods such as cruffins, croissants, sandwiches, pies, and more.
This bakery used to be open only one or two days a week. However, starting on January 17th, B+B will be open 4 days a week.
The four days are Wednesday – Saturday, this includes all-day brunch Wednesday to Friday. As soon as we get more specific details, we will update this article.
Prepare to wait in line hoping to get your hands on one of these delicious fresh-baked treats.
Preorder your baked goods online on the Born + Bread Bakehouse website.
Born and Bread Bakehouse Address: 1113 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803
Circle B Bar Reserve
Located on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, Circle B Bar Reserve is a former cattle ranch that is now a nature reserve with 1,267 acres.
Stop by for hiking, great photography sites, multiple trails, wildlife, wildflowers, and more! Keep your eyes open for Godzilla, the world’s largest alligator.
While on your journey, you’ll have a good chance of seeing eagles, osprey, hawks, wild turkey, white ibis, sandhill cranes, pelicans, and armadillos.
This Lakeland Florida reserve is perfect for a day out. Make sure to pack water. It can get warm even in the winter.
Circle B Bar Reserve Address: 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803
Florida Southern College
If you love Florida history and architecture, make sure you tour Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
It is truly one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States.
Florida Southern is home to the largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
The stories and artistry behind America’s most celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright are fascinating and visually in a league of their own.
Florida Southern College Address: 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
Learn more by checking out: A Tour of Florida Southern College: Celebrating Frank Lloyd Wright.
Spring Training Baseball at Tiger Town Stadium
The Detroit Tigers do their spring training in Lakeland. You can see them play a variety of major league teams at Joker Merchant Stadium.
The spring season runs in February and March of each year. Go Tigers!
Tiger Town Stadium Address: 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
Polk Theatre
Polk Theatre is a beautiful theatre in Lakeland where you can see a variety of classic films. The 1,400-seat historic theatre was built in 1928.
It is also a location where Elvis himself performed! Enjoy a night out with a classic favorite at the Polk Theatre.
You may order tickets at the Polk Theatre online box office.
Polk Theatre Address: 121 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33801
Looking for other historic theatres in Florida, check out: 8 Unique and Historic Theatres in Florida.
Lakeland First Friday
The first Friday of every month is a great opportunity to head to the downtown area of Lakeland and enjoy vendors, live music, and more.
Each month has its own theme. Visit the historic district and the heart of downtown Lakeland monthly for a different experience every time.
The themes for 2024 are as follows:
- April 5, 2024 — Spring Fling
- May 3, 2024 — Cinco de Mayo
- June 7, 2024 — Family Fun Night
- July 5, 2024 — Theme TBD
- August 2, 2024 –Back to School
- September 6, 2024 – College Night
- October 4, 2024 –Cookie Carnival
- November 1, 2024–USO Dancing Under the Stars, sponsored by Just Cares, Inc.
- December 6, 2024 –Holiday Spectacular
First Friday Address: Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky and Tennessee Avenues
Bonnet Springs Park
Bonnet Springs Park is Lakeland’s newest place to spend time with the family or get a nice walk with your favorite pup.
There are a variety of play areas built to both be beautiful and functional. Play areas such as the owl pictured above, the water play area, and the large slide down a hill keep kids entertained for hours.
Learn more about butterflies in the onsite butterfly garden. Even better, this butterfly area is free to visit when going to the park.
This 168-acre park is filled with amazing walking trails and beautiful locations to connect with nature.
You can also enjoy the museum for an added fee or enjoy a bite to eat in the cafe.
Bonnet Springs Park Address: 400 Bonnet Springs Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33815
Polk Museum of Art
Located at Florida Southern College, the Polk Museum of Art is a nationally accredited art museum. It is also a member of the Florida Association of Museums and a Smithsonian affiliate.
This museum is ranked among the top art museums across the state of Florida.
Admission to the Polk Museum of Art is always free.
Polk Museum of Art Address: 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801
In 2022, they had a great Florida Highwayman exhibit. Interested in learning more about the Highwaymen? Check out: Celebrating Florida’s Highwaymen, Historic Outsider Artists.
Safari Wilderness Ranch
A rare Florida experience, Safari Wilderness Ranch lets you enjoy wildlife with an experienced guide and a drive through 260 acres of wilderness.
If you want an even more exciting journey, you can ditch the safari vehicle for a camelback, ATV, or kayak.
In Florida’s Green Swamp, you’ll see waterbuck, zebra, Watusi cattle, fallow deer, water buffalo, and even more endangered species.
Safari Wilderness Ranch Address: 10850 Moore Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
See the Swans at Lake Morton
Swans have been a part of Lakeland’s history for almost a century, dating back to 1923. However, in the 1950s, the swans began to disappear.
Mr. and Mrs. Pickhardt of Lakeland wrote to the Queen of England while stationed on an Air Force base in the UK and asked if she would donate royal swans to Lakeland.
Queen Elizabeth obliged, and the swans arrived in 1957. Today there are an estimated 80 swans in the city of Lakeland.
Bring quarters and you might have the chance to feed the swans. There are food dispensers around the lake.
Lake Morton Address: Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801
Silver Moon Drive-In
When the Silver Moon Drive-In first opened, it was promoted as “Florida’s newest, most modern outdoor theatre.”
The theatre added a second screen in 1985 and has been showing double features seven days a week ever since.
Silver Moon is the last drive-in movie theatre in Polk County and is located about an hour west of Orlando.
It’s the closest drive-in to Central Florida’s main theme parks/attractions.
Silver Moon Drive-In Address: 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, FL 33815
Learn more about the remaining drive-ins in Florida: The 4 Remaining Drive-In Movie Theaters in Florida.
Southgate Shopping Center – Arch Entrance
While the Southgate Shopping Center attracts visitors to familiar stores we all know and love, it is iconic for another reason.
The arch at the entrance of the shopping center was featured in the cult-classic 1990 movie, Edward Scissorhands! In fact, almost all of the movie was filmed in the Central Florida area.
Southgate Shopping Center Address: 2515 S. Florida Avenue. Lakeland, FL 33803
Learn more about Edward Scissorhand’s impact on Florida: Famous Florida House For Sale: Edward Scissorhands.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Every Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, you can peruse a fantastic farmer’s market filled with great local items.
Even better, this all takes place in beautiful downtown Lakeland, near Munn Park.
After visiting the farmer’s market, you can do some shopping in some great shops downtown. If you get hungry after shopping, make sure to enjoy a late lunch at Palace Pizza.
Downtown Lakeland Farmer’s Curb Market Address: 117 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
If you are a fan of Farmers’ Markets, check out: Nothing Beats Fantastic Florida Farmers Markets.
Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano
Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano in Lakeland is known for its relaxed environment, fantastic service, and authentic, delicious Mexican dishes, made with the best ingredients!
They want every guest to feel welcome and at home. Make sure to stop by on the weekends to listen to the live mariachi band.
Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano Address: 734 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801
Lakeland Antique Mall
If you are looking for a full day of shopping, don’t miss Lakeland’s Antique Mall. There is a huge variety of vendors offering all kinds of antiques and specialty items.
Each booth has its own unique approach. You can find booths that focus on specific themes, or certain time periods. It really is a fabulous place to spend an afternoon.
Disney fans are sure to find treasures at the antique mall. There are a few official Disney resellers who have a variety of parks official merchandise items for purchase.
Because of the size of the antique mall, there is plenty of space for them to sell antique furniture pieces. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy a walk through the mall.
Lakeland Antique Mall Address: 3530 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809
Mitchell’s Coffee House
Mitchell’s Coffee House brings the cozy feeling you expect from a coffee house. In addition to the cozy atmosphere, this place makes a great cup of coffee.
Not only can you enjoy coffee, but you can partake in a variety of different small bites with your coffee.
Relax in this cool space with your coffee and food in the heart of downtown Lakeland.
Mitchell’s Coffee House Address: 235 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Terrace Hotel Lakeland
The Terrace Hotel brings elegance and beauty to every stay. Located in the heart of downtown Lakeland, The Terrace is a must-visit resort.
The Terrace Hotel is a famous location for weddings. The beautiful views and decadent areas of the building make it the perfect wedding location.
You don’t have to be getting married to enjoy all The Terrace has to offer. This property is the perfect place for anyone looking for a place to relax after enjoying all Lakeland has to offer.
The Terrace Address: 329 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801
Looking for other travel ideas? Check out:
- Our Top 10 Authentic Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
- 5 Historical Facts About Columbia Restaurant
- A Visit to Florida’s Sanctuary: Bok Tower Gardens
- Pick a Piece of Florida’s Citrus History at Dooley Groves
- Step Right Up! The Showmen’s Museum is the Epicenter of Carnival History
- Explore Open Spaces and Vibrant Places in Pasco County
I grew up in Lakeland in the 60’s.
Great town, but it was mega prejudice then.
Turned into Trumpland 6 yrs ago.
So glad I moved to California 40 yrs. ago.
Lol. We are too, Mark. We are, too. \000/
I used to live in Lakeland!
Great place to live!
Small city with some big city amenities!
Friendly people!
I miss it.