Lakeland Vacation Rentals

Between Orlando and Tampa and often overlooked by both, Lakeland makes a compelling case for being the most interesting city in the middle of the state.

What you'll love about Lakeland

Florida Southern College's 13 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings—the largest collection of his work anywhere in the world—give Lakeland a cultural distinction that no other Florida city can claim. 

Circle B Bar Reserve's 1,267 acres deliver some of central Florida's best wildlife watching right within city limits. Bonnet Springs Park's 168 acres, the Silver Moon Drive-In's 1948 charm, and Detroit Tigers spring training at Joker Marchant Stadium round out a city with a genuine identity that goes well beyond its position between Tampa and Orlando.

Fun things to do

• Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus of Florida Southern College.
• Walk the promenade and feed the swans at Lake Mirror Park.
• Explore Circle B Bar Reserve's trails and spot alligators, eagles, and wading birds.
• Catch Detroit Tigers spring training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.
• Browse the Bonnet Springs Park's 168 acres of gardens, trails, and the Florida Children's Museum.
• Catch a first-run double feature at Silver Moon Drive-In, open since 1948.
• Day trip to nearby Bok Tower Gardens, one of Florida's most beautiful historic sanctuaries.
• Explore Munn Park Historic District downtown.
• Sample craft beers at Lakeland's growing collection of local breweries and taprooms.
• Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Hollingsworth's calm, scenic urban waters.
• Shop and explore First Friday's monthly downtown market, car show, and community celebration.

Local tips

• The Frank Lloyd Wright buildings on Florida Southern College campus are best explored via a guided tour; the visitor center is free.
• Circle B Bar Reserve opens at sunrise. Early morning visits offer the best wildlife sightings.
• Sun 'n Fun Expo typically runs in early April; book your vacation rental many months in advance.
• Lake Mirror promenade is beautiful year-round and excellent for sunrise and sunset walks.
• Silver Moon Drive-In is cash-only for concessions; bring bills and tune your FM radio.
• Bonnet Springs Park is free to enter and makes an excellent full family day with a packed lunch.
• Joker Marchant Stadium is one of the most intimate spring training venues in Florida—grab seats close to the field.
• Lakeland is 45 minutes from Tampa and about an hour from Orlando.

Frank Lloyd Wright, swans, and Florida's most surprising city

The Frank Lloyd Wright campus at Florida Southern is extraordinary, Circle B at dawn will show you more wildlife than most Florida parks, and the Silver Moon Drive-In is a genuine time machine. Book your vacation rental and start exploring.