Lakeland

Travel Guide
Photo by Vee Beck

With beautiful weather, noteworthy architecture, historic districts, museums and even a safari, this Central Florida city has much to offer.

Located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is Central Florida’s largest city. In addition to its convenient location, Lakeland is a destination in its own right. Set aside time to explore this friendly city’s historic neighbourhoods, museums and bustling downtown.

Polk Museum of Art houses one of Florida’s most acclaimed art collections. Whether you enjoy modern, Asian, European or pre-Columbian art, find something to pique your interest here. 

Explore several historic neighbourhoods in Lakeland’s downtown area. The Antiques District, full of fascinating curios in old buildings, is a shopper’s dream. Munn Park offers a variety of shops, bars and restaurants. It also features a large Civil War monument.

Florida Southern College, in the centre of Lakeland, has the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. Walk through his 18 completed buildings on campus, including the light-filled Annie Pfeiffer Chapel and the circular Thad Buckner Building.

Stroll down the historic promenade at Lake Mirror Park. This scenic area in the heart of downtown includes an amphitheatre that hosts outdoor concerts and plays. 

Live on the wild side at Safari Wilderness Ranch. From your safari tour, see hundreds of animals from Asia, Africa and the Americas roaming freely in this protected parkland. You can even travel the park by horse-drawn carriage or camelback. 

Sun n’ Fun Fly-In is a fantastic Lakeland  tradition. Every spring, pilots from all over North America fly their planes into the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. Bring the whole family to see aircraft of all shapes and sizes. Visit the on-site museum, which provides tours and educational programmes throughout the year.

Tampa and Orlando airports are less than an hour’s drive from Lakeland. Add these popular areas to your Florida holiday.

With average winter temperatures that will leave you comfortable outside in a T-shirt and shorts, Lakeland is a popular destination for winter holiday makers. Although it gets quite hot in the summer, the city offers its visitors a cool time in its museums, restaurants and shops.

Where to stay in Lakeland

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Downtown Lakeland

If you're spending some time in Downtown Lakeland, Polk Theatre and RP Funding Center are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Lakeland
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Lakeland Highlands

While there might not be top attractions in Lakeland Highlands, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Club at Eaglebrooke and Family Fun Center.

Lakeland Highlands
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Dixieland

Though Dixieland may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like RP Funding Center and Polk Museum of Art.

Dixieland
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East Lake Morton

East Lake Morton might not have many top sights, but Polk Museum of Art and Lake Mirror are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

East Lake Morton
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Parker Street

Parker Street might not have many top sights, but Lake Mirror and Bryant Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Parker Street
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Lake Bentley

While Lake Bentley may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Polk Museum of Art and Horney Park.

Lake Bentley
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland East
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland East
2.5 out of 5
4315 Lakeland Park Dr, Lakeland, FL
The price is S$114 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
S$114
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lakeland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.8/10 (1,003 reviews)
"Everything ok"

Reviewed on 2 Nov,2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland East
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lakeland
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lakeland
2.5 out of 5
939 W. Robson St., I-4 Exit 32, Lakeland, FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lakeland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6/10 (1,012 reviews)
Shelter from Milton Brittany DOGS Oye Vey
"Perfect Day"

Reviewed on 17 Oct,2024

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lakeland
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland West
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland West
2.5 out of 5
1024 Lakeland Park Center Drive, Lakeland, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$107 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
S$107
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lakeland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.4/10 (1,024 reviews)
"Really good area. Close to a lot of restaurants"

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
3.5 out of 5
17805 US Highway 192, Clermont, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Four Corners. Enjoy free parking, 5 outdoor pools, and 4 spa tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,009 reviews)
"Everything was great!! Thank you!!"

Reviewed on 4 Nov,2024

Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Reunion Resort & Golf Club
5 out of 5
7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Kissimmee. Enjoy 11 outdoor pools, 7 restaurants, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,162 reviews)
"EXCELLENT STAY! Will stay again"

Reviewed on 20 Oct,2024

Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Bahama Bay Resort
Bahama Bay Resort
3.5 out of 5
400 Grand Bahama Blvd, Davenport, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Davenport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,033 reviews)
"Excellent customer service. Great coffee in Lobby Cafe Americana"

Reviewed on 27 Oct,2024

Bahama Bay Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lakeland

2
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5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

No reason to go there unless you have business there