Lakeland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Vee Beck
Photo by Matt Merkel
Photo by Paul Woodall
Photo by Ian Smith
Photo by Ian Smith

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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Lake Hollingsworth

While visiting Lake Hollingsworth, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Hollingsworth and Veterans Park.

Lake Hollingsworth
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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 Family Fun Center and The Club at Eaglebrooke.

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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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 Lake Hollingsworth.

Lake Bentley
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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
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
The price is ฿1,971 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿1,971
฿2,208 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lakeland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.4/10 (1,102 reviews)
"Great breakfast! To go breakfast, coffee all day!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lakeland
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland East

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland East

3 out of 5
4315 Lakeland Park Dr, Lakeland, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,436 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿2,436
฿2,728 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lakeland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.6/10 (1,001 reviews)
"Had continental breakfast"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland East
Hyatt Place Lakeland Center

Hyatt Place Lakeland Center

3 out of 5
525 W Orange St, Lakeland, FL
The price is ฿3,723 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
฿3,723
฿4,170 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lakeland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Loved them"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Hyatt Place Lakeland Center
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 family-friendly condo in Four Corners. Enjoy free parking, 5 outdoor pools and 4 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,598 reviews)
"The houses. Worth the extra money to have a private pool!"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

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 their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,377 reviews)
"Nice and clean place with several pools and a water park"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Happy Travelers RV Resort

Happy Travelers RV Resort

3 out of 5
9401 E Fowler Ave, Thonotosassa, FL
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Thonotosassa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa and Busch ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (242 reviews)
"completely in love with this place... peaceful"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Happy Travelers RV 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

Cities near Lakeland