If you’ve been reading LALtoday for a while now, you’re probably a Lakeland pro, but have you explored any of our nearby cities?
We’re planning day trip guides to your favorite towns near Swan City that you can reach without having to refill your gas tank. All we need is your favorite activities, restaurants, coffee shops, or attractions. Fill out our survey with your pro tips and can’t-miss attractions in your favorite cities — they might be featured in our guides.
You’ll find one of Florida’s final four drive-in movie theaters here, plus a whole lot of history.
Photo via Discover Dade City
Dade City
Drive an hour northwest of Lakeland for a taste of “Old Florida.” As the smallest city on this list, you can see much of Dade City in one day — but don’t be surprised if you’re so charmed, you come back for more.
What to do
Go back in time on a self-guided tour of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village — or, if you don’t want to go that far back to the past, the Joy-Lan Drive In Theatre will transport you to the 1950s.
Nature lovers will enjoy Giraffe Ranch, where you can encounter giraffes, cheetahs, pygmy hippos, and more wild animals. For a more lowkey experience, don’t miss the Dade City Garden Club’s free Monarch Butterfly Festival on Saturday, April 5.
While Dade City may seem sleepy, it’s big on exciting events. Head there every weekend through Sunday, March 30 for the Bay Area Renaissance Festival to watch jousting tournaments or try archery (costumes strongly recommended). Then, snag a ticket to Saigon Night Market’s first Spring Floating Lantern Festival on Saturday, March 15 to let lanterns fly free.
You’ll want to stick around for dinner at Kafe Kokopelli, where the menu changes seasonally and every item is made in-house.
Photo via Discover Dade City
What to eat
Start your day early with a salted honey latte + cinnamon roll from Treehouse Mercantile before shopping the store’s handmade ceramics. For a heartier morning meal, visit Green Door on 8th for Sunday brunch, complete with fried green tomatoes Benedict and mascarpone French toast.
When lunch rolls around, hit up Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant. Don’t let this buffet-style diner fool you — it’s rated the No. 1 restaurant in Dade City on Tripadvisor, where locals rave about its fried chicken and red velvet cake.
Finally, finish your Dade City trip with dinner at Kafe Kokopelli. Located inside a former Model T showroom with an eclectic, vintage ambiance, it’s the perfect place to unwind over a glass of wine + goat cheese cheesecake.
Find a moment of peace and quiet on one of Auburndale’s serene lakes.
Photo by @andrewhektor
Auburndale
Drive ~25 minutes east of downtown Lakeland and you’ll find yourself in Auburndale. This quiet town is full of hidden gems — you just need to know where to look.
Camp Margaritaville offers public events, like concerts + monthly markets.
Photo by @campmargaritavilleauburndale
What to do
Reader Jan S. suggests starting with a stroll through downtown’s shops and the Historic Downtown Park. Take a walk through the Rotary Butterfly Garden, or find a shady spot at the playground + picnic tables.
Just across the street is the historic Baynard House, Sarah R.'s recommendation. This 130-year-old home now serves as a museum where you can get a peek into local history.
After a peaceful morning, head to the bustling International Market World. Not only can you find fresh produce and handmade goods, but you can catch circus shows or live alligator encounters every weekend. International Market World also hosts large seasonal events throughout the year — don’t miss the Wonderland of Lights in winter.
Making a staycation out of it? Book a night at Camp Margaritaville, a luxury RV resort with private tiki huts and cabana cabins. Even if you’re not staying, you can buy a day pass to enjoy the pools + water slides.
We wouldn’t skip Sweet Magnolias’ afternoon tea tray, piled high with light bites.
Photo by Sandae Cooke, @curvygirlontherun
What to eat
A day in Auburndale isn’t complete without lunch at Sweet Magnolias Tea Bistro. This tearoom in a historic home serves up seasonal items (Sweet Tea and Summertime Salad, anyone?), and you can’t go wrong with the brew of the day.
Looking for something more savory than sweet? Locals rave about Peebles Bar-B-Q, which has been in business since 1947. The eatery closes for the summer, so stop by for a plate September-June.
Readers also recommended sticking downtown to find a new dining favorite. Grab a square-cut slice from Pizza Connection, all-day breakfast at Main Street Diner, or a sweet treat from The Shake Shoppe, suggested by Kathy S.
Paddle, boat, or swim your way around Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes.
Photo by @theclevision
Winter Haven
The first stop in our series is Winter Haven, the Chain of Lakes City. It’s home to Polk County’s only theme park and 50 lakes — that’s even more than Lakeland has.
What to do
Winter Haven gets its nickname because of its lakes interconnected by canals, making it the perfect place for getting out on the water. Reader Katie D. recommends booking a tour with The Living Water Boat Cruises to learn the area’s history.
Looking for entertainment? The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team has been impressing audiences for over 100 years and puts on monthly free shows on Lake Silver. Head downtown for classic movies and concerts at the Historic Ritz Theatre or comedy shows at Laugh Out Lounge.
If you’re visiting with little ones, LEGOLAND Florida is the place to be. Families can ride attractions, splash in the water park, or visit the Peppa Pig Theme Park.
We also recommend a juicy burger from Adler’s.
Photo by @hungryyhippiee
Where to eat
You’ll work up an appetite after all that exploring. Reader Zack S. recommends starting the day with coffee from Haven Coffee Roasters and a bite from Honeycomb Bread Bakers.
Reader Sandi C. loves their casual lunch spot: Lucille’s American Café. Other readers recommended Arabellas Ristorante for dinner (Katie D. even called it the best Italian restaurant in Florida).
Toast to a successful day trip with a glass from Grove Roots Brewing or Obscure Wine Company. Winter Haven locals will recommend a visit to Andy’s Igloo for a milkshake or ice cream sundae to enjoy on your way back to Swan City.
Visit Bartow to get your fill of local history.
Photo by @bartowflo
Bartow
Our next day trip takes us to the City of Oaks and Azaleas: Bartow. You might know it as the county seat, but there’s so much more to do and see there, especially for local history buffs.
What to do
There was one activity that our readers recommended more than any other: A stop at the Old Polk County Courthouse, which now serves as the Polk County History Center. Take a tour of its Greek Revival architecture every third Saturday of the month.
After your tour, stick around downtown to do some exploring. Reader Diane C. says, “Don’t miss the secondhand stores along Main Street,” and reader Jan S. loves the “quaint downtown atmosphere.”
There’s no place like home, but these historic houses are worth a visit. Add some mystery to your trip with a tour through reader Gretchen J.'s favorite, the Wonder House, or visit the L.B. Brown House Museum.
What to eat
If history gets you hungry, our readers have you covered. Start the day off with a cup of coffee at Unfiltered Bartow. Sound familiar? You may have seen its Lakeland location at 801 E. Main St. For a sweet treat, reader Sophia V. recommends gluten-free baked goods at Patty’s Crumbs.
For lunch, reader Diane C. recommends Sweet Magnolia’s Café, where you can’t go wrong with a salad and sandwich combo. When dinner time rolls around, several readers have one spot in mind: Zest Bar and Grill. This new spot specializes in American food and cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails, there are plenty of places to grab a drink. Stop by Front Page Brewing Co. for beer, cocktails, ciders, and other drinks. Want something a little quieter? Head to The Wine Library for a nightcap of wine or sangria to end your Bartow trip.
Plant City
Ready to take a bite out of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World? Next we’re heading ~20 minutes west of downtown Lakeland to Plant City, a small town rooted in its agricultural history.
What to do
The No. 1 thing every Lakelander must do in Plant City is visit the annual Florida Strawberry Festival. Mark your calendar for the 2025 festival happening Feb. 27-March 9 for world-renowned entertainment, all the strawberry-flavored food you can eat, and thrills on the Midway.
If you’re visiting during the rest of the year, there’s still plenty to explore. Reader Jackie S. says their favorite activity is taking a stroll around town. Reader Crystal P. also recommends going antique shopping — check out The Mercantile, an 18,000-sqft shop. Don’t forget this pro tip for shoppers from Reader Jennifer S. — stores tend to close early.
Plant City is named after railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant. Learn more about railroad history at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, and watch trains from the Train Viewing Platform.
What to eat
Get your dose of caffeine at Krazy Kup, a cozy coffee shop recommended by Reader Mark B. If you’re hungry, Mark also tells us to grab breakfast or lunch at Brick House Cafe.
Fans of Strawberry Hut in Lakeland will be pleased to know that it has a Plant City location too. Reader Mary P. suggests this casual spot with seven styles of Cuban sandwiches. Speaking of strawberries, several readers say you can’t leave Plant City without a visit to Parkesdale Market for a strawberry shortcake.
Save room for dinner. Reader Susan K. recommends Fred’s Market “for fresh vegetables and catfish.” Visit the Keel Farms taproom to taste locally made wine, beer, and cider along with upscale pub-style dishes. We also love the new Stage 201 for pizza, especially the deep dish Motown pizza with its cheesy edges.
