Travel and Outdoors

An aerial view and three ground-level photos show the Crystal Lake boardwalk in a state of severe disrepair and damage.
City
Updates coming to the Crystal Lake neighborhood
Polk County plans to reconstruct the boardwalk over the lake and add a stoplight at a busy intersection near Southeastern University.
April 07, 2026 11:12 AM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A Google Street View photo of the retro Southgate sign and stores at the Southgate Shopping Center
Travel and Outdoors
Quiz: How well do you know Lakeland’s streets?
Take our 5-minute quiz to test your local street smarts.
August 11, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
A family taking a photo in front of the Mount Mitchell State Park sign.
Sponsored
3 reasons to visit Burnsville, NC this summer
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.
Sponsored by
Many people sitting on towels on a beach facing the sea at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
What’s in our beach bag this summer
Heading out on a beach trip? Fill your bag with our favorite items from Six & Main to bring Lakeland with you wherever you go.
June 22, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright blue ocean on a sunny day spreads before a mountain range in the distance.
New to Lakeland
Lakeland’s 5 sister cities will surprise and inspire you
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in Japan or Jamaica.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Kaylee Holland
Weeping willow from Elvis' home in Graceland found in Hollis Garden in Lakeland, FL
Travel and Outdoors
Take the walk of fame through Lakeland’s celebrity trees
See willows, oaks, and more grown from those owned by big names right here in one of Lakeland’s public gardens.
May 26, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
american airline planes parked at the airport with the sun setting behind
Sponsored
6 tips to make flying through MCO a breeze this summer
Don’t fly this summer without jotting down these tips.
Sponsored by
The jet engine of a plane on an airfield.
Travel and Outdoors
Plan your next trip with nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport
Pack your bags for a trip to one of these popular nonstop destinations. Plus, keep an eye out for new routes.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Anne Weber
"Red Bear" metal sculpture on Lemon Street in Downtown Lakeland
Tourism and Hospitality
Stroll through Lakeland’s newest sculptures
These 11 sculptures will be on display through the end of 2023.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Feet out of car window driving on road trip
Tourism and Hospitality
Local trips and travel tips for venturing beyond Lakeland
We’ve got everything from the road map to the shopping list — where will you go first?
May 8, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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Culture
Where to see May flowers in Lakeland
May 1, 2023
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
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More from LALtoday
A bright, sunny photo of the Subs 'n Such restaurant sign, a local business with an old-fashioned feel.
Food
Dine on history at Lakeland’s oldest restaurants
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a container of ice cream in front of a Publix Super Markets sign
Tourism and Hospitality
Celebrate your birthday with Lakeland deals and freebies
It’s your party and you’ll enjoy these deals if you want to.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of an Enhydritherium terraenovae fossil on display, a tall skeleton that looks like an otter.
Travel and Outdoors
Meet 5 prehistoric creatures who once roamed Polk County
Millions of years ago, marine animals, mammals, and reptiles called Florida home. Learn about five whose fossils have been found in the Bone Valley area of Polk County.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-downtown-kentucky-ave-lakeland-walfaro30-SEPT2022.jpeg
Weather
Fall weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for fall weather in Lakeland, Florida with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
A common area with high ceilings, wall-sized windows, and a floating art installation with airy shapes overhead.
New to Lakeland
How to find a new doctor in Lakeland
This city boasts top-ranked medical providers and specialty services. Our comprehensive guide will help you find the care you need — whether you’re new to town or just looking around.
September 4, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
Work
What you need to know about flying out of Lakeland Linder International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
September 3, 2025
 · 
Staff
The outside of a Spirit Halloween store, with a large banner of a grim reaper and cardboard cutouts of costumes in the windows.
4 Spirit Halloween stores come to the Lakeland area
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Interior of the Lakeland Public Library main branch with bookshelves
City
Lakeland library features you didn’t know existed
Check out a book, then check out these unique library features that cardholders can enjoy.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Events
Stack your calendar with monthly events around Lakeland
These events bring together your favorite vendors on the same day each month in nearby downtown areas and historic districts.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large and small dog walk around the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror in Lakeland
Real Estate
Which dog breed are you based on your Lakeland neighborhood?
Just like each dog breed has its own personality, each community in Lakeland shines with unique characteristics. Which breed sounds most like you?
August 25, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson