Things to Do in Lakeland, Florida: A Guide for Adventure and Relaxation

Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Lakeland is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its beautiful lakes, lush parks, and vibrant arts and culture scene, Lakeland offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an adventure-filled vacation or a relaxing getaway, you're sure to find it in this charming city.

Lakeland is home to some of Florida's most stunning natural beauty. Take a stroll through Hollis Garden, a 12-acre botanical oasis filled with colorful flowers and exotic plants. Explore the hiking trails at Circle B Bar Reserve, a 1,200-acre nature preserve with wildlife viewing opportunities. Or spend a day kayaking or canoeing on Lake Hollingsworth, a 200-acre lake with calm waters and scenic views.

While Lakeland is known for its natural beauty, it also offers a vibrant arts and culture scene. Visit the Polk Museum of Art, which features a collection of over 2,500 works of art from around the world. Attend a performance at the Lakeland Community Theatre, which offers a diverse lineup of plays, musicals, and concerts. Or take a walk through the Lakeland Historic District, where you can admire beautiful architecture and learn about the city's history.

Things to Do in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.

• Explore beautiful gardens
• Hike through nature preserves
• Kayak or canoe on scenic lakes
• Visit art museums and galleries
• Attend theater performances
• Stroll through historic districts
• Enjoy delicious local cuisine

From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, Lakeland has something for everyone.

Explore Beautiful Gardens

Lakeland is home to several stunning gardens that offer a tranquil oasis for visitors to relax and admire the beauty of nature.

• Hollis Garden:
  

  This 12-acre botanical garden features a diverse collection of plants and flowers, including roses, azaleas, and camellias. Visitors can stroll through the garden's various themed gardens, including the Japanese garden, the butterfly garden, and the herb garden.

• Lake Mirror Promenade:
  

  This scenic park features a 1.2-mile walking trail that winds around Lake Mirror, offering stunning views of the lake and the Lakeland skyline. Along the trail, visitors can admire beautiful gardens filled with colorful flowers and exotic plants.

• Circle B Bar Reserve:
  

  This 1,200-acre nature preserve features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. Visitors can hike through the preserve's many trails, admiring the beautiful scenery and wildlife. The preserve also has a butterfly garden and a wildflower meadow.

• Florida Southern College Campus:
  

  This historic college campus is home to several beautiful gardens, including the Hollis Garden and the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel Garden. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, admiring the colorful flowers and the unique architecture of the campus buildings.

These are just a few of the many beautiful gardens that Lakeland has to offer. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature or a place to take a leisurely walk, you're sure to find a garden that you'll love.

Hike Through Nature Preserves

Lakeland is surrounded by several beautiful nature preserves that offer miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. These preserves protect a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies, and are home to a diverse array of wildlife.

• Circle B Bar Reserve:
  

  This 1,200-acre nature preserve is located just a few miles from downtown Lakeland. The preserve features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. Visitors can hike through the preserve's many trails, admiring the beautiful scenery and wildlife. The preserve also has a butterfly garden and a wildflower meadow.

• Lake Parker Park:
  

  This 170-acre park is located on the shores of Lake Parker. The park features a variety of hiking trails that wind through forests and along the lakefront. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the lake.

• Polk County Nature Discovery Center:
  

  This 150-acre nature preserve is home to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. The preserve features a 1.5-mile boardwalk that winds through the various habitats, offering visitors a chance to see a variety of plants and animals. The nature center also has a butterfly garden and a nature playground.

• The Lakeland Highlands Scrub:
  

  This 2,000-acre preserve is located just a few miles from downtown Lakeland. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including scrub jays, gopher tortoises, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can hike through the preserve's many trails, admiring the unique beauty of the scrub habitat.

These are just a few of the many nature preserves that Lakeland has to offer. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, you're sure to find a preserve that you'll enjoy.

Kayak or Canoe on Scenic Lakes

Lakeland is home to several beautiful lakes that offer a great opportunity for kayaking and canoeing. Paddling through these lakes is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and get some exercise at the same time.

• Lake Hollingsworth:
  

  This 200-acre lake is located in the heart of Lakeland. The lake is surrounded by parks and trails, making it a great place to launch a kayak or canoe. Paddlers can enjoy stunning views of the Lakeland skyline and the surrounding hills.

• Lake Parker:
  

  This 170-acre lake is located just a few miles from downtown Lakeland. The lake is surrounded by a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. Paddlers can enjoy paddling through the different habitats and spotting wildlife.

• Lake Morton:
  

  This 45-acre lake is located in the center of Lakeland. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks. Paddlers can enjoy a leisurely paddle around the lake and admire the scenery.

• Lake Gibson:
  

  This 250-acre lake is located just a few miles from Lakeland. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. Paddlers can enjoy paddling around the lake and exploring the many coves and inlets.

These are just a few of the many lakes that Lakeland has to offer for kayaking and canoeing. Whether you're looking for a challenging paddle or a leisurely float, you're sure to find a lake that you'll enjoy.

Visit Art Museums and Galleries

Attend Theater Performances

Lakeland has a vibrant theater scene with several theaters offering a variety of performances throughout the year. From Broadway musicals to classic plays to contemporary dramas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

• Lakeland Community Theatre:
  

  This historic theater is located in the heart of downtown Lakeland. The theater produces a variety of shows each year, including musicals, plays, and comedies. The theater also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults.

• The Polk Theatre:
  

  This historic theater is located in downtown Lakeland. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway musicals, plays, and concerts. The theater also has a classic movie series and a variety of special events throughout the year.

• Florida Southern College Theatre:
  

  This theater is located on the campus of Florida Southern College. The theater produces a variety of shows each year, including musicals, plays, and dance performances. The theater also offers a variety of educational programs for students and the community.

• The Lakeland Players:
  

  This community theater group produces a variety of shows each year, including musicals, plays, and comedies. The Lakeland Players also offer a variety of educational programs for children and adults.

These are just a few of the many theaters that Lakeland has to offer. Whether you are looking for a night of laughter, a thought-provoking drama, or a toe-tapping musical, you are sure to find a theater performance that you will enjoy.

Stroll Through Historic Districts

Lakeland is home to several historic districts that offer a glimpse into the city's past. These districts are filled with beautiful architecture, charming shops, and interesting museums.

• Lakeland Historic District:
  

  This district is located in the heart of downtown Lakeland. The district features over 100 historic buildings, including the Polk County Courthouse, the Lakeland Public Library, and the Florida Southern College campus. Visitors can enjoy walking through the district and admiring the beautiful architecture.

• Dixieland Historic District:
  

  This district is located just north of downtown Lakeland. The district features over 50 historic buildings, including the Dixieland Schoolhouse and the Dixieland Methodist Church. Visitors can enjoy walking through the district and learning about the history of the African American community in Lakeland.

• Lake Morton Historic District:
  

  This district is located around Lake Morton. The district features over 200 historic buildings, including the Lake Morton House and the Hollis Garden. Visitors can enjoy walking through the district and admiring the beautiful homes and gardens.

• Florida Southern College Historic District:
  

  This district is located on the campus of Florida Southern College. The district features over 50 historic buildings, including the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel and the Frank Lloyd Wright House. Visitors can enjoy walking through the district and admiring the unique architecture.

These are just a few of the many historic districts that Lakeland has to offer. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or just want to take a leisurely stroll, you are sure to find a historic district that you will enjoy.

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