Located in the heart of Central Florida halfway between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is a city rich with history, natural beauty and entertainment for all ages.
When you decide to make Florida Poly your next home, you immerse yourself in a region known for its abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. With 554 freshwater lakes occupying more than 135 square miles, Central Florida is a prime location for fishing, boating and watersports such as wakeboarding and water skiing. Additionally, over 120 scenic trails wind through state parks and offer spectacular views of Florida’s native wildlife and unique terrain.
You don’t need to wander too far from Florida Poly’s campus to gain a history lesson, explore art or just enjoy a day of fun. Lakeland locals often visit attractions such as the LEGOLAND Florida Resort, the vibrant Bok Tower Gardens and the exotic Safari Wilderness park for a quick and exciting local trip. The Polk Museum of Art, the Ramon Theater and the Lake Wales Arts Center are also nearby to offer visitors a taste of Central Florida’s lively culture, fine arts and history.
With Florida Poly’s prime location in Lakeland, all of Florida’s top destinations are just a short drive away. Quick day trips to Florida’s Gulf Coast are perfect for enjoying sunny beaches, attending major sporting events and exploring the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg. In neighboring Orlando, premier theme parks, shopping outlets, a bustling city and easy access to an international airport are all conveniently nearby. A quick drive farther east of Orlando brings you to Florida’s Space Coast, home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
With easy access to the best shopping malls, theme parks, international airports, cruise ports, historical sites and natural parks Florida has to offer on either coast, Lakeland is an ideal location for college. What’s even better? With Florida’s warm, sunny weather, you can explore these opportunities and enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Welcome to the city of Lakeland. Located in the heart of Florida between Orlando and Tampa Bay, the city is known for its more than 38 beautiful lakes.
Lakeland’s cultural side encompasses not only its many bodies of water, but also outdoor attractions, theme parks, a walkable downtown, unique dining experiences, sports and events. From large Lake Parker to City Hall’s Lake Mirror Park, this town is surrounded by beauty with a surprisingly rich history.
Visit the vibrant Hollis Garden, a breathtaking neoclassical garden which houses more than 10,000 flowers, indigenous plants, and a Grand Staircase for you to explore at no charge. Hollis Garden also features a family park with kid-friendly play areas and a picnic pavilion. After you’ve wandered through the gardens, it’s time to explore the historic arts throughout all of the Antique districts. Come discover the specialty shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants and pubs, all centered in downtown Lakeland.
A perfect example of Lakeland’s surprising history includes their stunning swans, one of the most visible features on the lakes. Their appearance dates back to the 1920’s, but by 1954, the swans were disappearing due to larger predators. A Lakeland resident mourning the passing of the swans wrote to Queen Elizabeth, and the royal family responded by sending over two of their royal swans. Today, the swans on the lakes of Lakeland are all descendants of royalty.
If you ever feel the need to take a trip outside of Lakeland, you have access to two international airports and two popular cruise ports (Tampa and Cape Canaveral). Moreover, Lakeland is located along Florida’s High-Tech Corridor, which is home to more than 11,000 high-tech businesses. Whether it’s world-class theme parks you’re headed to (Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens), professional NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB sports games, or award-winning beaches, they’re all within a quick day’s drive.
Still not in love with Lakeland’s charm and convenience? Here are the top six things to know about the area:
Other awesome things to do in Central Florida:
Come see for yourself why Lakeland and central Florida continue to rank among the best places to live and work.
On any given day, you will find Lakeland is an active town with average temperatures between 82° and a low of 64°. People are out and about walking alongside the lake fronts, fishing, boating, shopping and socializing in downtown, and of course, enjoying the many unique characteristics of their city. Please don’t be fooled by the smaller size of Lakeland. This land of lakes’ heart is bigger than any sky-scraping city, and you will find the people of Lakeland to be warm, welcoming and eager for your arrival.