Travel and Outdoors

Polk is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels — check out our favorites in and around Lakeland, Florida.
In need of a one-day getaway? We’re sharing our readers’ favorite things to do, see, and eat in towns within a quick drive of Swan City.
Get into the Halloween spirit with these terrifying tales from around Central Florida.
Bonnet Springs Park will host a Birthday Bash to celebrate its first year of operations. See what’s on the schedule and what milestones the park has achieved this year.
Created in 1875, Cassadaga, FL finds its roots in spiritualism. Learn more about this haunting community just 90 minutes from Lakeland.
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Pack your bags, because we’re giving recs on where to go + what to do this fall and winter.
Prepare for fall weather in Lakeland, Florida with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
Where are you hoping to visit this fall? Let us know what you’re planning to see and do as we prepare our fall travel guides.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
Take our 5-minute quiz to test your local street smarts.
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In Burnsville, you can ascend the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi, cool off by a waterfall, and dig into local barbecue — all in one place.
Here’s a few of our recommendations for some of the best spots in Lakeland to bring your work laptop. Pretty sure they’ll beat that corner office view.
Heading out on a beach trip? Fill your bag with our favorite items from Six & Main to bring Lakeland with you wherever you go.
We’re exploring a few of our reader recommendations for beachy road trips around Lakeland, Florida.
Go for a swim in these public pools, water parks, and rental pools around Lakeland.
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in Japan or Jamaica.
See willows, oaks, and more grown from those owned by big names right here in one of Lakeland’s public gardens.
Florida Thunderstorm Season runs from May 25-October 10 in West Central Florida. You don’t have to stay inside when rainy days come. Keep exploring Lakeland with these indoor activities.
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Don’t fly this summer without jotting down these tips.
Pack your bags for a trip to one of these popular nonstop destinations. Plus, keep an eye out for new routes.
These 11 sculptures will be on display through the end of 2023.
We’ve got everything from the road map to the shopping list — where will you go first?
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You’re going to want to bookmark this list.
Check out these 13 hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around Lakeland, Florida for outdoor adventures.
Keep local love growing this spring with local plants.
Meet two organizations working to keep Lakeland and Polk County’s streets and waterways clean.
From getting a permit to catering, we’ve got the details on how to plan a wedding, family reunion, or special occasion in a national park.
It’s your party and you’ll enjoy these deals if you want to.
Never run out of juice again with these nine charging stations around Lakeland.
Good news for Lakeland.
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