Location: Lakeland
Top Things to do in Lakeland
10 Free Things to do in Lakeland That You Shouldn't Miss
Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, located along Interstate 4 east of Tampa. The westernmost city in Polk County, it is part of the Tampa Bay Area. According to the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city had a population of 100,710. Lakeland is a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area (coterminous with Polk County), which had an estimated population of 623,009 in July 2013 based on data from the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research. It is twinned with Richmond Hill, Ontario; Imabari, Ehime, Japan; Bălți, Moldova; Portmore, Jamaica; and Chongming County, Shanghai, China through the Lakeland chapter of Sister Cities International.
Restaurants in Lakeland
1. Circle B Bar Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 972 reviews
Reviewed By zippyincolumbus
We visited Circle B Bar Reserve on a Sunday right as the busy March tourist season is getting underway. We arrived at 9 am which was good timing- we got a great spot in lot by visitor center (which was closed- maybe because it was Sunday?). By 11:30 the parking lot and trails were very full. It was also a cold morning, so it was good timing for seeing gators, since they don’t like cold or wind much. It was getting warmer out by the time we arrived. We did miss the bobcats though- sounds like you may need to come early to see them. We had a great time and saw all kinds of wildlife- gators (close up and out in the water) bald eagles, osprey (one eating a fish in a tree), ducks, turtles, sand cranes, red shouldered hawks, and way more birds than I can name. The gators do sometimes lay by the path and cross or block the path, so you do want to be on your toes and don’t do anything dumb. Leave them alone and be kind and they will do the same. This was our first visit and we were lucky enough to run into a local who was more than willing to tell us and even show us most of the ropes. We did alligator alley and the marsh trail. Absolutely loved our time! If you love nature or are just looking for an interesting place to walk, don’t miss this FREE stop. We had two 40 somethings who walked 5 miles and two 60 somethings who walked 2.5 miles- we both saw a lot of wildlife!
2. Bungalow Boutique and Gifts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Bungalow Boutique offers wonderful and unique women's and junior's clothing. Our clothing is not found anywhere else in town and is produced by small label clothing lines. With a wide range of pricing and styles, you are sure to find something great. Fun - Feminine - Find yourself - find your style - at the Bungalow. Bungalow Boutique is your source for SWANS! Lakeland centric gifts and fashion are always offered.
Reviewed By lmn1234567 - Lakeland, United States
SoFlo is a distinctive gift shop for men and women that features a lot of artistic pieces such as paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry, etc. created by genuine local artists. The apparel is of good quality and unique. The customer service is friendly and helpful.
3. Wildwood Antique Mall of Lakeland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Wildwood Antique Mall of Lakeland has 44,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items, with over 275 unique antique dealer partners.
Reviewed By heaterguy100 - Orlando, United States
This place has so much stuff inside. I spent 3 hours here and only did 1/2 the store. It’s not a typical flea market where each booth has its own vendor. You just tour each booth, grab what you like and pay at the register at the front of the store. Lots of actual Disney and Universal owned props and furniture, but pretty pricey. Great place to spend a few hours. Located off I4 and route 98.
4. Low Country Vintage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Low Country Vintage & Antiques, located in the historic Dixieland neighborhood of Lakeland, offers an eclectic array of vintage, antique and home decorating items. The constantly changing inventory of furniture, chandeliers, clocks, lamps, rugs and accessories makes Low Country Vintage & Antiques a home-lovers shopping paradise.
Reviewed By jparkerarnp - Lakeland, United States
This is a must visit when in Lakeland! Allison has great pieces at very fair prices. I visit her shop about twice a month because she gets new pieces every week. The shop is in a lovely historic building, great parking, good music, cup of coffee, must go to this shop!!!!
5. Hollis Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 650 reviews
Botanical garden
Reviewed By mariaaba - Kenwood, United States
Park located adjacent to the lake, very pleasant. Koi pond, butterflies, soothing music..great place to stroll.
6. Common Ground Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By KtWhiting921 - Myrtle Beach, United States
This park was just so unbelievable. There was just so much to do here that I couldn’t believe it. There was a huge jungle gym, ropes, a toddler area, a grass slide, tunnels, rocks to climb, a sand pit and swings. We spent over an hour here and we could hardly pull my nephew from it. They really did a wonderful job here!
7. Lake Hollingsworth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By RandiFayeC - Longwood, United States
Loved this walk around the lake. Beautiful birds, even saw wood ducks! And purple gallinules! This is a paved path, there is traffic noise but the wildlife on one side, beautiful homes on the other make it a great experience. Didn't know Florida Southern had such a nice campus.
8. VINTAGE WAREHOUSE
9. Lakeland Downtown Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a key component of a vibrant, diverse and exciting Downtown. It is designed to serve and bring together all segments of our community. It is a positive force in bringing people Downtown to purchase fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items.
Reviewed By CRCindy
So glad we had time to visit this farmers market. There were so many unique artisans displaying their crafts. We ended up buying plants and paintings and Jewelry. A Charming downtown area to browse shops also. And anything you can imagine to eat could be found there.
10. Lake Mirror
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By heyashleemello - Cincinnati, United States
This is iconic Lakeland and all of its glory. A beautiful place for a walk, picnic, outdoor workout, reading, riding, etc. Adjacent to downtown and Hollis Gardens, it’s worth the morning or afternoon visit. The middle of the day can be the hottest as the shade is limited; but sunsets are stunning for a location so centrally located from the coastlines. It’s just s great spot to enjoy.
