10 Places to go in Lakeland, FL
After graduating high school in the Chicago area, I moved to Florida to go to Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. I spent 3 semesters there exploring Lakeland and the surrounding area. By the end of that year and a half, I felt I had compiled a pretty quality list of what to do in Lakeland. Which I am excited to be able to share with you today.
Welcome To Lakeland!
Lakeland is a beautiful city about 45 minutes from both Tampa and Orlando. It is a very vibrant city with a great community that celebrates art and creativity. Lakeland encompasses 38 different lakes, hence its name (according to Lakelandgov.net)
If you are from the North, like me, you might be worried about alligators coming at you from every angle immediately once you enter the state of Florida (like I was). Now stay alert, this fact is indeed true. Not only that, they can smell newcomers so if you're from out of state- good luck down there.
(Perhaps I should disclaim now that was obviously a joke. I saw a total of 3 alligators from a distance the whole year and a half I spent in Lakeland. You have nothing to worry about- you just probably shouldn’t go sunbathing on the bank of a lake).
My Favorite Places in Lakeland
The list below includes a wide array of suggestions from restaurants and coffee shops to outdoor activities and shopping. So whether you are visiting Lakeland for a short time, or have lived there for years and just need a new suggestion, there should be something for everyone!
Without further adieu, these are my favorite places in Lakeland, Florida:
- Lake Hollingsworth
- Lake Mirror
- The Joinery
- Palace Pizza
- Mega Mercado
- The Farmer's Market
- Mitchells Coffee
- Black & Brew
- The Public Library
- Southeastern University
(click on each heading for more info)
There are a few bigger lakes in Lakeland that are the most popular. One of those is Lake Hollingsworth.
This lake measures 3 miles around and has a path that wraps around it entirely. You will see a lot of people running, roller skating, walking dogs, or taking kids for a stroll. The walk around this lake is gorgeous- especially around sunset. I used to walk around the lake a lot and, somehow, it never got old.
There are also a few picnic tables to sit at, a dock for fishing, and many plants/wildlife around. You might see some beautiful birds, turtles, flowers, and maybe an alligator far off in the water minding its own business.
This is another popular lake in Lakeland- for good reason. It's smaller than Lake Hollingsworth (about 0.7 miles around) but this one is located downtown.
This lake has a promenade around it with lamp posts that light up the path at night time. You might be able to see some live street performances happening or be able to watch the sun reflect off the buildings around sunset. As you walk around, you will pass Hollis Gardens (read about here) and historical architecture that is well worth going to see.
It is definitely worth spending some time here- maybe with some ice cream in hand as there is lots to see. Which, speaking of…the Joinery (my next suggestion) is just a few steps away from the lake. Hit up these two spots around sunset and you’ll have a beautiful night planned for yourself.
The Joinery is a modern food hall and brewery in downtown Lakeland that offers food, ice cream, drinks, and more. If you are looking for community or want a neat place to hang out for a while- this is your spot.
They are dog friendly and happily welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs on the patio area, side and back lawns.
I highly recommend MayDay Ice Cream. They have handcrafted, delicious ice cream and popsicles. Plus, they offer many dairy-free options, if that is something you need to be conscious of.
For the perfect end to a busy day, get yourself some Mayday Ice Cream from the Joinery and enjoy it while taking a stroll around Lake Mirror- you won't regret it.
Palace pizza is a pizza restaurant located in downtown Lakeland. They serve mostly New York style pizza along with sandwiches and desserts among other things. The owners are Italian and are very sweet human beings. One time the lady gave me a free cannoli and it was delicious.
This place is great for a casual lunch or dinner with a few friends. Really good pizza, highly recommended.
Mega Mercado is a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant and grocery store located east of downtown Lakeland on George Jenkins Blvd. If you are craving authentic Mexican food or are interested in getting a taste of Jalisco, Mexico you have to check this place out.
Click here to view their facebook page.
Lakeland has a Farmers Curb Market every Saturday from 8am-1pm in June & July!
They have a great array of vendors selling everything from produce and other foods to art and furniture. If you happen to find yourself in Lakeland on a Saturday, this is definitely something you should check out.
The vendors set up down Kentucky Ave. which is already lined with tons of storefronts that are all worth checking out along with the pop-up vendors on Saturdays. A great opportunity to support small businesses!
One of my favorite stores to pop into every time is a little stationary store called the Stationary Loft. If you love stationary as much as I do, this suggestion might actually be dangerous for you. I wanted to buy every single thing inside the store and you might want to too. Click here to visit their facebook page.
There are quite a few coffee shops in Lakeland but I narrowed it down to my 2 favorites for this list. Mitchell's is a quaint and homey coffee house in downtown Lakeland. It's perfect for a coffee date, some good conversation, or for working and studying if that is what your day entails.
Not only that, they make great coffee and offer the perfect sweet treats to go with it. You won't be able to resist the cakes and pastries calling your name from behind the counter- or maybe that's just a me thing. If I am not mistaken, I do believe they offer a student discount if you ask as well.
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro is frequently a buzzing place with a unique menu of drinks and food items. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner making the atmosphere less of a "quiet study sesh" and more so a "lets catch up” kind of vibe.
They have great coffee and food selections that you don't see everyday- plus they're delicious. If you are into avocado toast, I highly recommend it from here.
As I mentioned above, there are quite a few coffee shops in Lakeland but I narrowed it down to my 2 favorites for this list. Black & Brew and Mitchell's are both very different from each other so I figured they would serve as solid options depending on what you are looking for.
Now, it might be surprising to you that a public library, of all places, has made this list of recommendations but, let me tell you- the Lakeland Public Library is something worth checking out.
When I went to school in Lakeland I went to the library all the time to study and it stands, to this day, as my #1 study spot that I've been to.
Located on Lake Morton Drive, the library features huge windows with a beautiful view of Lake Morton. Not only that, it is complete with a Black and Brew Coffee House connected to it for a pick-me-up during studying. The Black and Brew even has a breezy patio to enjoy the weather.
Essentially, the library is not only one of my favorite places by itself, but it also combines 2 of my other favorite places in Lakeland (i.e. a view of Lake Morton & Black and Brew Coffee) making it the perfect spot to spend time at.
If you ever need a quiet and tranquil afternoon, head to the main library, get yourself some avo toast, a coffee, and enjoy the weather while you rest, work, read, or simply take in the day. You won't regret it.
I figured I would include SEU on this list of places to go in Lakeland because the campus is absolutely stunning and worth checking out if you're looking for something to do. The campus is located near Lake Bonny in Lakeland.
Depending on the season you come for a visit, you could head to Portico (the campus coffee house), get yourself some Chick-Fil-A, try to catch a football game in the fall, or take a walk down Longfellow Blvd during sunset!
It is a college campus so please be conscious and respectful of that fact if you choose to check it out. During the summer it might be less lively due to school not being in session.
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