It might be tricky finding activities to fill these spring days of fresh air, warm sun, and pollinating trees. However, there are hundreds of sights to see around the Central Florida area, from Kissimmee to Sarasota, that will give you a new perspective of our Sunshine State. We decided to do a little research to see what you could possibly be missing out on. Here are some attractions just beyond our little LAL that are sure to brighten up your days.
🌴Looking for a scenic getaway:
Polk County History Center | 100 E Main St, Bartow | ~20 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | The museum and library was established to preserve the history of the county.
Gator Creek Reserve | 9725 US Hwy 98 N | ~20 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | Visitors can also observe the more tame butterfly while enjoying a hike along the trails. 🐊
The Barn and Stable | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | closed Sunday + Monday | 167 Co Rd 557A, Lake Alfred | ~30 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | The outdoor shopping area includes speciality shops, handmade crafts, antiques and a cafe.
Manatee Viewing Center | 10 a.m.-5 p.m | Until Apr. 15 | 6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach | 55 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | free | Big Bend’s discharge canal serves as a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary for the animal when water temperatures get too cold in Tampa Bay. ☀️
🥘 Food and wine fan fare:
Keel and Curley Winery | 5210 W Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City | ~27 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | The winery offers a host of blends like sangria, Merlot, and Zinfandel in their tasting room. Visitors can also go on a tour of the winery. 🍷
Ridge Island Groves | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | closed Sundays | 6000 Polk City Rd, Haines City | ~30 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | $8 per person for a grove tour | Visitors can also participate in picking their own tray of oranges.
Taste of Florida Café | closed Sundays | 5900 Hwy 17 W, Haines City | ~35 min drive from Downtown Lakeland. | The small diner, located next to an orange grove, has been featured on Food Network for its grapefruit pie. 🍊
Webbs Candy Shop | 38217 US 27, Davenport | ~43 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | Another Food Network mention, this old-time candy shop has speciality treats, goat’s milk fudge + so much more.
Florida Blueberry Festival | Mar. 28-31 | 3050 Formosa Gardens Blvd, Kissimmee | ~50 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | If you missed the Strawberry Festival, join this one to celebrate the Florida blueberry harvest.
📚 For the curious adventurer:
Fantasy of Flight | 1400 Broadway Blvd SE, Polk City | ~25 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m | $8+ | This museum houses the world’s largest private aircraft collection on display, and takes visitors to the early days of flight. 🛩️
Phosphate Museum | 101 SE 1st St, Mulberry | ~25 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | free | Go visit the “Phosphate Capital of the World” and check out fossils from Earth’s past.
Dinosaur World | 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City | 30 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | $16.95 for adults, $11.95 for children | Visitors can also purchase excavation or annual passes, which give you a discount at other attractions. 🦕
Dundee Historic Depot Museum | 103 Main St, Dundee | ~42 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | According to Visit Central Florida, Dundee is a quaint town with many attractions for visitors.
📽️ For the entertainment fanatic:
“My Girl” film locations | 555 East Stanford St, Bartow | ~23 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | Filming for this coming of age classic also took place in other Central Florida cities like Sanford, Plant City, Ocoee, and Mirror Lake.
Legoland Florida | 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven | 30 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | $100.99+ | The theme park also features Cypress Gardens, which has been maintained by the park since 2011.
🏎️ Attractions for the thrill seeker:
Winter Haven Water Sports | 3915 Lake Conine Dr E, Winter Haven | ~35 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | Paddle board through the lakes of Winter Haven, as shown here.
Bone Valley ATV Park | closed Tuesday-Thursday | 10427 Co Rd 630 | ~36 min drive from Downtown Lakeland | $5+, special prices for County residents | The 200-acre area of land features 15 trails, hill climbs, and free riding areas.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo | 3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch | ~1 hr drive from Downtown Lakeland | Test your limits with activities like horseback riding, archery, bungee jumping + more.
What is your favorite attraction outside of Lakeland?
Let us know in the comments below.
