Explore Lakeland

World's largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, one block away. Guided & self-paced tours from the welcome center.

Bookstore & antiques in a charming storefront.

Creative new Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood, just a few blocks west.

Scenic 3-mile loop around the lake, popular for walking, jogging & biking.

Craft coffee roasters par excellence.

Tasty Cajun/Southern restaurant just a short walk away, across from the library & art museum.

733 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL

The closest walkable ice cream parlor. (Yes, there's more than one within walking distance.)

Humble-but-mighty pizza joint hidden inside a convenience store. They also serve at The Joinery.

The closest coffee shop; adjoining the library.

On Lake Morton, easily walkable; home of the Lakeland History & Cultural Museum.

The nearest shop with a decent craft beer selection, including the option to build your own 6-pack from anything they have in stock.

Beloved local bakery that was a James Beard Award semifinalist. Have you ever had a "cruffin" or a "crookie"?

The swan sanctuary — Lakeland's famous swans descend from a pair gifted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. Feed 'em lettuce or duck feed, not bread.

Ice cream parlor with inventive flavors.

Cozy neighborhood café with good coffee, tea & pastries. Free live music on Thursdays 6:30pm.

Newly-expanded art museum with exhibitions from ancient to contemporary. Very short walk away.

Unique pizza from a local chef - Detroit-style, but on focaccia bread. Also have classic thin NY style.

New American pub in a historic house that was moved up the hill from Lake Hollingsworth

Cozy indie bookstore with used, new & local titles.

Manicured lakefront botanical garden with thousands of plants, and soft music as you stroll.

702 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL

Shady stroll lined with the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition winners; new sculptures each spring.

Southern-style craft bar & restaurant; live music Thu–Sat.

Smoked meats, burgers, & hundreds of bourbons.

Inventive craft cocktails in a retro space.

119 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL

Smash burgers, hot dogs & soft-serve with a great beer selection.

Voted one of America's 10 great public spaces; free guided historic tour on 4th Tuesdays.

Modern Latin cuisine; the only Polk County restaurant in the Michelin guide. They also operate a rooftop bar with a tapas menu called Vasco61. Heads up: they have a dress code.

1,400-seat historic 1928 movie palace on the National Register; $5 movies & a schedule of live shows.

121 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL

Coffee & café on Munn Park.

The green heart of downtown since 1892.

A new art gallery just off Munn Park.

125 N Kentucky Ave #103, Lakeland, FL

Upscale food hall with something for everyone: sushi, BBQ, tacos, ramen, pizza, burgers, & ice cream. Great lake-view dining.

Incredible Nashville hot chicken sandwiches.

Craft layered doughnuts & specialty coffee; vegan/GF/keto friendly.

238 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL

Lakeland apparel & locally inspired designs. Now in two locations with different merch: one in Trader's Alley and one on Kentucky Ave.

3,500 sq ft of all things Lakeland; possibly the town's favorite gift store.

Fair-trade jewelry, decor & gifts from artisans in 30+ countries.

248 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL

Bookstore + coffee shop; new & used titles, local pastries, storytimes.

213 E Bay St, Lakeland, FL

Family- and dog-friendly brewery on Lake Wire; 30 taps, frequently with food trucks and live music.

115 W Pine St, Lakeland, FL

Lakeland's biggest and newest park, which last year was voted best urban park in the country. Excellent playgrounds throughout, and a shuttle loop to get you around.

All-abilities playground just south of Lake Hollingsworth.

Hands-on fun for kids.

Old-school Lakeland BBQ.

White-tablecloth neighborhood Italian ristorante.

Quiet Thai & sushi restaurant 10 minutes' drive south.

Healthy, tasty Mediterranean bowls, similar to Cava.

Classic Florida drive-in movies theater; one of the few still in operation.

Here's one of the best nearby places to see wild Florida, especially gators and birds.

Famous strawberry shortcake and milkshakes a short drive west in Plant City.

Cidery, winery, brewery & farm in Plant City.

U-pick strawberries when in season.

Spring-fed swimming hole.

Good Greek food & sponge-diving history. Our favorites are Lori's Soaps, The Sponge Exchange for shells, and Hellas Bakery.

Laid-back Gulf beach. Go as far south as you can and find public parking.

One of Florida's best regional park beaches.