Location: Lakeland
Top Things to do in Lakeland
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Lakeland, Florida (FL)
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. 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.
3. Gator Creek Reserve
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. Lake Morton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By SMGleb - Wilmington, United States
We stumbled across this lovely spot after leaving a bank drive through. and spotted the amazing. numbers of water birds. We made plans to come back about a week later and found that they have both white and black swans! In mid-March, the black swans have had their babies and the mommas and cygnets were safely ensconced in a fenced area where you could observe them. On the other side of the lake were several nests of white swans - appropriately roped off from the public getting too close. There are beautiful white geese, different types of ducks, and white pelicans. as well as many other types of birds. It is well worth a stop if you need to be in Lakeland for any reason, and is right off of South Florida Ave so very convenient to get to. There are machines placed around the lake where you can buy a handful of food to share with the birds - so consequently many of them will head towards you until they realize you aren't going to feed them! (They ask that you not bring bread to feed them.)
8. Saddle Creek Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By ADCollier - Cincinnati, United States
Amazing bird and wildlife watching around the water and on the trails. Can hardly wait for a return visit.
9. Lake Bonny Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 550JimH - Leamington, Canada
This is Friday March 8, 2019. This park is also known as Fletcher Park and situated on the western edge of Lake Bonny. It is very well equipped park with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, walking trails, wonderful large skate park. Great for walking, picnicking, sports, and may other venues.
