Things To Do
in Lakeland Highlands
Lakeland Highlands is a suburban, lake-rich community just south of the city of Lakeland in central Florida, known for its rolling residential neighborhoods and close access to freshwater lakes. The area combines quiet, family-friendly living with quick drives to Downtown Lakeland attractions, parks, and cultural venues. Outdoor recreation — boating, fishing and birdwatching — is a big draw because of the many nearby lakes and preserves.
Proximity to Tampa and Orlando makes Lakeland Highlands a practical base for exploring larger urban centers while enjoying a lower-key, nature-oriented pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic downtown area of Lakeland Highlands, where you can stroll through charming streets lined with unique shops and cafes. Don't miss the chance to grab a freshly brewed coffee from a local café and admire the beautiful architecture of the surrounding buildings. As you wander, keep an eye out for local art installations that add a creative touch to the environment.
After lunch at a cozy bistro, head to the Polk Museum of Art to appreciate its impressive collection of American and international art. Spend some time exploring the surrounding Lake Mirror Park, where you can enjoy the scenic views and perhaps even spot some local wildlife. As the afternoon sun sets, relax by the lake with a good book or simply enjoy the tranquility of the area.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of Lakeland's renowned farm-to-table restaurants, where you can savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Following dinner, catch a live performance at the historic Lakeland Theatre, where you can immerse yourself in the local arts scene. End your evening with a leisurely walk through the downtown area, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for dessert at a local ice cream shop.
Begin your day with a visit to the Circle B Bar Reserve, a nature preserve that offers scenic trails for walking and wildlife observation. As you hike through the reserve, keep your eyes peeled for alligators, birds, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. The crisp morning air and the sounds of nature will invigorate your spirit as you connect with the great outdoors.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas within the reserve, surrounded by the beauty of the wetlands. Use the afternoon to take a guided eco-tour if available, where a knowledgeable guide can share insights about the local ecosystem and wildlife. Capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera as you discover hidden gems along the trails.
Return to town for dinner at a lakeside restaurant that offers stunning sunset views over the water. Savor a meal featuring Southern-inspired dishes while reflecting on the day's adventures in nature. As night falls, consider taking a serene evening paddle on one of the nearby lakes, allowing the gentle sounds of water to lull you into relaxation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| 🚗Short taxi/ride-share trip (within town) | $8-20 |
| 🎟️Park entrance / activity fee | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to many lakes and natural areas for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
- Lower-key, family-friendly community with easy access to Downtown Lakeland amenities.
- Mild winters and year-round opportunities for boating and outdoor recreation.
- Hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms may limit daytime outdoor plans.
- Limited late-night nightlife compared with larger nearby metro areas (Tampa/Orlando).
- Dependence on a car for most errands and exploring — public transit options are limited.
Places to Visit in Lakeland Highlands
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic graduated lakeside views, the historic mirror-like lakewalk, and classical architecture make for great sunrise/sunset and cityscape photos.
Boardwalks, marshes, and abundant birdlife (egrets, herons, raptors) provide excellent wildlife and landscape photography opportunities.
Formal gardens, fountains and sculptural plantings near Lake Mirror that are colorful and detailed for macro and garden photography.
Quieter lakes and public boat launches offer reflective water shots, paddlecraft action and sunset compositions.
Food in Lakeland Highlands
Lakeland Highlands Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally sourced or Gulf-caught fish, often blackened, grilled or fried; available at seafood restaurants and casual grills around Lakeland and nearby cities.
Must-Try!
Smoked pulled pork or ribs served with coleslaw, baked beans and cornbread — a staple at local barbecue joints and weekend food events.
Dishes featuring Florida citrus (orange/grapefruit) in sauces, dressings or desserts — common at farm-to-table restaurants and bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market offering local produce, baked goods, prepared foods and artisan vendors; great for citrus, honey, breads and seasonal produce.
Gather at parks or event nights with food trucks serving barbecue, tacos, seafood and dessert items — check community calendars for where they gather.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally friendly and informal — greetings and casual small talk are common. A polite 'hello' or 'how are you' is appropriate in shops and restaurants.
Stay on designated trails, respect lakefront private property, and follow posted rules in parks and preserves to protect wildlife and habitats.
Wait your turn in lines and be patient; service can be relaxed in smaller establishments but tipping and thanking staff is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Lakeland Highlands
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping is 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% of the tab, $2–5 for valets or attendants, and $1–3 for cafe counter workers where appropriate. For guided tours or exceptional service, 10–20% is customary.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments are common. Small markets, food trucks and some local vendors may prefer cash, so carry small bills for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and often rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; expect high temps in the upper 80s–90s°F (30s°C). Plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons, wear sun protection, and be prepared for sudden showers.
Warm and gradually less humid with fewer storms; comfortable for outdoor recreation and migrating birds — hurricane season tapers off toward late fall but monitor forecasts early in the season.
Mild and pleasant with daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) and cool nights; occasional cold snaps but generally excellent weather for outdoor activities and festivals.
Comfortable temperatures, blooming gardens and increased outdoor events; a good time for birding and enjoying farmers markets though pollen can be high for allergy sufferers.
Lakeland Highlands at Night
Hiking in Lakeland Highlands
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well-maintained loop trails and boardwalks through marshes, cypress stands and lake edges with excellent birdwatching and wildlife sightings.
Extensive multi-use trails through pine flatwoods and scrub habitats that are good for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Parks and public access points around Lake Arbuckle provide shorter walks and opportunities for lakeside nature viewing and paddling.
A long paved trail suitable for walking, running and cycling, connecting parts of Polk County and providing a scenic, low-impact route.
Airports
How to reach Lakeland Highlands by plane.
Major international airport about 40–60 minutes west of Lakeland Highlands by car depending on traffic; offers extensive domestic and some international flights and car rental options.
Large international airport roughly 60–75 minutes east of Lakeland Highlands; useful for additional flight options and international connections.
Smaller regional airport close to Lakeland that serves general aviation, some cargo and occasional charter services; convenient for private flights and shorter hops.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many family households inhabit suburban neighborhoods with good schools and parks.
A noticeable retiree population drawn by mild winters, lakeside living and a quieter pace.
Commuters and local workers employed in healthcare, education, logistics, and small business sectors in Polk County and the wider Tampa-Orlando corridor.
A mix of White, Hispanic/Latino and African American residents contributes to cultural variety in food, festivals and community life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school and college football are community staples, with local Friday-night games drawing families and fans during the fall.
Baseball is popular at youth and collegiate levels; the area also hosts spring training and minor league-related activities in the region.
Angling and recreational boating are widespread pastimes on the many lakes; bass fishing tournaments and casual boating outings are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lakeland Highlands.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés and farm-to-table spots; request modifications at grills and barbecue places where sides like salads, grilled vegetables and fries can often substitute.
Vegan choices are becoming easier to find in downtown eateries and health-focused cafés, but some smaller family-run restaurants may have limited selections — call ahead if you need fully vegan meals.
Many restaurants will offer gluten-free bread or GF menu items; Florida’s hospitality industry is used to accommodating allergies, but always confirm cross-contamination policies if you have celiac disease.