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, RP Funding Center and Lake Mirror 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 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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Parker Street

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

Parker Street
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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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Lake Somerset

While Lake Somerset isn't home to many top sights, Handley Park and Horney Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lake Somerset
Motel 6 Lakeland, FL
Motel 6 Lakeland, FL
2 out of 5
3120 US 98 North, Lakeland, FL
The price is S$93 per night from 20 Jun to 21 Jun
S$93
per night
20 Jun - 21 Jun
Stay at this motel in Lakeland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6/10 (74 reviews)
"Very quiet and convenient location."

Reviewed on 7 Jun,2024

Motel 6 Lakeland, FL
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 S$94 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
S$94
per night
24 Jun - 25 Jun
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 ...
5.8/10 (1,009 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on 13 Jun,2024

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lakeland
Quality Inn Lakeland North
Quality Inn Lakeland North
2.5 out of 5
3260 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, FL
The price is S$103 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
S$103
per night
3 Jul - 4 Jul
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lakeland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.4/10 (1,005 reviews)
"My stay was enjoyable. I'll be back again."

Reviewed on 14 Jun,2024

Quality Inn Lakeland North
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! (4,768 reviews)
"This property is amazing and the staff will go the extra mile to make sure you’re comfortable and taken care of. Even the cleaners are happy and friendly. Definitely will be staying here while I’m in the Orlando area and you should too!"

Reviewed on 12 Jun,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! (1,126 reviews)
"Excellent service"

Reviewed on 27 May,2024

Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Spectrum Resort Orlando
Spectrum Resort Orlando
4 out of 5
7750 Sandy Ridge Drive, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 4-star golf apartment in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free water park access. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (201 reviews)
"Loved the place and the staff especially Brenda and Brian"

Reviewed on 9 Jun,2024

Spectrum Resort Orlando
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
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
0
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4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 100%
1 - Terrible
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2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
19 Jun 2019

No reason to go there unless you have business there