Location: Lakeland
Top Things to do in Lakeland
10 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. Wing Chun Kung Fu Downtown Lakeland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By P-Khol77
Sifu Och is one of the most honest, wise, fair and loving of individuals I know. His training, combined with his ethics are a rarity. His techniques are near perfect yet, he continues his own personal growth. I am honored to be part of this family. I have NO doubt that my growth in Wing Chun (and as a person) has been and will continue to be exponential under his teachings.
2. 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!
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. Barnett Family Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By rauler2015 - Lakeland, United States
A great place for families to bring your kids to enjoy themselves in a safe and clean fun park. Clean facilities, bathroom, near restaurants, and a great place to take pictures. Good to celebrate birthdays by getting in touch with Parks and Recreation in Lakeland.
5. Decades Reclaimed Vintage Depot
6. Joker Marchant Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
Reviewed By ricksI3142GH - Belleville, United States
We were on vacation from southeast Michigan and wanted to see the improvements to the stadium and see a game. I ordered tickets day of the game and got great seats behind home plate. The stadium looks fantastic, the BEST in Florida. Parking was free....amazing! It happened to be "dollar dog" night and a large souvenir cup of soda for $5.00 and $2.00 refills, the best value of any ball park I have visited. The staff are the friendliest, can't wait to go back!!! THANK YOU!
7. Polk Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Polk Museum of Art With a diverse exhibition schedule, dynamic event calendar, and comprehensive educational programming, you will find Polk Museum of Art is truly more than an art museum. Don’t let the Polk Museum of Art’s free price tag fool you. Named as one of the Top 10 art museums in Florida and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this Central Florida museum features an extensive permanent collection of contemporary and modern art, as well as an impressive array of Pre-Columbian, Asian, European and American Decorative Arts. Come back each time you visit Central Florida. Around 20 exhibitions rotate throughout its nine galleries each year, and it remains home to rare 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints, as well as ceramic plates made by Pablo Picasso that still bear his masterful tomato-sauce stains. There is even an outdoor garden, which showcases permanent sculptures.
Reviewed By SMGleb - Wilmington, United States
Went to see the Toulouse Latrec exhibit which was excellent. They. also had an. exhibit of the Senior year students from the. local High School of the Arts which was excellent - several truly amazing artists. We did not visit the "regular" gallery but definitely plan to go back. Lovely little gift shop as well - and be sure to take a drive or walk around nearby Lake Morton and enjoy the incredible array of water fowl - including white swans, black swans, white. pelicans, all sorts of ducks and other birds.
8. Frank Lloyd Wright at Florida Southern College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Daily tours available highlighting this truly unique collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College.
Reviewed By Roamingbears - St. Petersburg, United States
Unexpectedly fabulous campus hidden in Central Florida with numerous gems of FLW architecture including one building built a few years ago using his plans. Great tour (we got multiple discounts by reserving tour space online and by being old people) conducted by a knowledgeable docent. Disappointed that the main chapel was closed for renovations to be completed at the end of June but it is open to the public without a tour so we can catch that next time in Lakeland. We chose the basic tour which covers lots of ground, literally, so be prepared!
9. 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.
10. Polk Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By 114leahj - Venice, United States
Lovely evening entertainment for a solo traveler. The theatre's interior is very Opera House, vintage (musician plays the organ before curtain goes up, light movie fair.(My Cousin Vinney). Fun!
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