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Lakeland is a city of about 115,000 people in central Florida, halfway between Tampa and Orlando, and true to its name it has dozens of lakes within the city limits. Its historic downtown, Munn Park and lakeside promenades give it a classic small-city charm, and graceful swans glide on Lake Morton, a city tradition since the 1950s.
Lake Mirror is the jewel of downtown, ringed by a 1920s Classical Revival promenade with balustrades, a loggia and lawns that host concerts and festivals. The Munn Park Historic District has brick streets, the old City Hall and restaurants and shops. Florida Southern College holds the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, and the Polk Museum of Art sits nearby.
Lakeland is also home to Florida Polytechnic University, whose futuristic main building was designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Lake-to-Lake Bikeway links several lakes on a paved trail, the Silver Moon Drive-In still shows movies under the stars, and the Detroit Tigers hold spring training here every year.
Home to Child of the Sun, the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, with chapels, esplanades and buildings he designed from the 1930s to 1950s. The Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center offers guided and self-guided tours. Book tours ahead.
A young public university known for its striking Innovation, Science and Technology Building designed by Santiago Calatrava, a white structure with a moving louvered roof that opens and closes. It is best viewed from outside along the campus lake. Visit near midday to see the roof open.
A downtown lake surrounded by a classical 1920s promenade with balustrades, a loggia and wide walkways, right beside Hollis Garden and downtown. It hosts festivals and is lovely at sunset. Walk the full loop and continue into downtown.
A free formal botanical garden on the shore of Lake Mirror, with neoclassical terraces, fountains, butterfly and herb gardens and seasonal flower displays. It is a popular place for weddings and photos. It is small enough to see in under an hour; check hours, as it closes some days.
A lake in the historic district south of downtown known for its swans, a tradition dating to a gift of swans from Queen Elizabeth II's flock in the 1950s, plus many ducks and other birds. A walking path circles the lake. Feed the birds only with approved feed from the dispensers.
Lakeland's historic downtown centered on Munn Park, with brick buildings from the 1910s and 1920s housing restaurants, bars, antique shops and boutiques. It hosts the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market on Saturdays and First Friday events. Park in the garages and walk.
An art museum downtown, now part of Florida Southern College, with collections of pre-Columbian art, Asian art, European decorative arts and contemporary works, plus changing exhibitions. Admission has been free in recent years. Allow about an hour and check the exhibit schedule.
An aviation museum on the Sun 'n Fun campus at Lakeland Linder International Airport, with vintage and homebuilt aircraft, aviation history exhibits and memorabilia. It is a good stop for aviation fans, and it is busiest during the Sun 'n Fun expo each spring. Allow one to two hours.
One of the largest general aviation events in the world, held each spring at Lakeland Linder International Airport with thousands of aircraft, daily air shows, exhibits and night shows with fireworks. It lasts about a week. Buy tickets online and bring sun protection and good shoes.
A Polk County nature reserve on the shore of Lake Hancock, famous for its huge number of alligators, wading birds and other wildlife seen along shaded oak-lined trails. The Polk Nature Discovery Center has exhibits. Go early in the morning for wildlife and keep a safe distance from gators.
The spring training home of the Detroit Tigers since 1966 and also home to the Lakeland Flying Tigers minor league team. Spring games in February and March offer close views of major league players. Buy tickets early for weekend games and bring sunscreen for day games.
A classic drive-in movie theater open since 1948, showing double features on its screens most nights of the year, with a snack bar and a weekend swap meet in the daytime. Tune your car radio to hear the movie. Arrive early for a good spot on new release nights.
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