Lakeland

Travel Guide

Photo by Vee Beck
Photo by Matt Merkel
Photo by Paul Woodall
Photo by Ian Smith
Photo by Ian Smith

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, Polk Theatre and RP Funding Center are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Lakeland
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Lake Hollingsworth

While visiting Lake Hollingsworth, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Hollingsworth and Veterans Park.

Lake Hollingsworth
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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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East Lake Morton

If you're spending some time in East Lake Morton, Hollis Gardens and Lake Morton are top sights worth seeing.

East Lake Morton
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Lake Bentley

While Lake Bentley may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Polk Museum of Art and Eastside Village Shopping Center.

Lake Bentley
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 RM263 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
RM263
RM294 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
6.2/10 (1,057 reviews)
"Best staff."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lakeland
Extended Stay America Premier Suites Lakeland I4

Extended Stay America Premier Suites Lakeland I4

2.5 out of 5
4360 Lakeland Park Drive, Lakeland, FL
The price is RM324 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
RM324
RM363 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Luv this place"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Extended Stay America Premier Suites Lakeland I4
Hyatt Place Lakeland Center

Hyatt Place Lakeland Center

3 out of 5
525 W Orange St, Lakeland, FL
The price is RM500 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
RM500
RM560 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lakeland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Pool need a little TLC"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Lakeland Center
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 family-friendly condo in Four Corners. Enjoy free parking, 5 outdoor pools, and 4 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,541 reviews)
"It was very good."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

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! (1,347 reviews)
Large room, mostly friendly staff
"We arrived after a long day of travelling. Security at the front gate will give you a pass for quick entry during your stay. There is limited parking out front but lots of extra parking to the left of the hotel if you can’t get a space out front. We parked by the doors to unload them I moved into ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Happy Travelers RV Resort

Happy Travelers RV Resort

3 out of 5
9401 E Fowler Ave, Thonotosassa, FL
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Thonotosassa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa and Busch ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (211 reviews)
"This place is so cute and the bed is comfortable! They have bags to play and the bonfire was the best! We met some people who were also staying at the cabin and we had a great time! The employees are so nice as well. Highly recommended! I will go back again!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Happy Travelers RV Resort
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

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2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

No reason to go there unless you have business there