15 Best Things To Do In Sebring, Florida

<p>Courtesy of Visit Sebring</p>

Courtesy of Visit Sebring

Located in south-central Florida, if you haven’t yet heard of Sebring, you’re about to become very familiar with the tiny town thanks Erin and Ben Napier’s popular Home Town Takeover series. While season three of the show, which stars Sebring, won’t air until 2025, that doesn’t mean you have to wait until then to get to know the charming town. Sebring is one of the country’s last remaining circular cities, which means its main downtown district is situated around a circular park from which six avenues radiate. If you’re in the Sebring Circle, you know you’re at the center of it all. Away from the idyllic palm-lined streets and bricked walkways of downtown, this lake city has plenty more to offer, including a surprisingly robust golf scene and great dining. Keep reading to find out more about Florida’s little-known City on the Circle.

Explore The Historic Downtown

See The Sebring Circle

<p>Matthew Christian</p>

Matthew Christian

Everything in Sebring starts at The Circle, a well-landscaped greenspace from which downtown’s businesses radiate. A popular gathering space for locals, The Circle is not only quite literally at the center of it all, but it’s also the heart of the community. If you visit the City on the Circle, it’s a must-visit spot. Sebring’s entire downtown is a designated 1920s Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, so wandering through downtown is like taking a nostalgic step back in time. Once you’ve seen the circle, take a two-minute walk to the Sebring Civic Center, where you should grab a picture in front of the famous Sebring Postcard Mural and enjoy views of Lake Jackson.

Shop At The Downtown Mall And Marketplace

<p>Courtesy of Visit Sebring</p>

Courtesy of Visit Sebring

This all-in-one shopping destination carries a little bit of everything. The furniture and home goods portion of the indoor mall is a great place to find new and used furniture, as well as home furnishings. Smaller vendor stalls sell everything from collectibles to art to antiques to golf equipment.

sebringdowntownmall.com; 231 S Ridgewood Dr, Sebring, FL 33870; 863-471-3532

Spend The Day Outside

Hike At One Of Florida’s Oldest State Parks

<p>Courtesy of Visit Sebring</p>

Courtesy of Visit Sebring

Sebring’s incredible biodiversity and gorgeous natural surroundings are on full display a Highlands Hammock State Park. As one of the state’s oldest parks, you can spend time exploring the ancient hammock ecosystem which is home to endangered species and more rare and endemic species than any other park in Florida. Walk any (or several) of the park’s nine trails, which includes an elevated boardwalk through a cypress swamp. If you prefer to ride, a 3-mile bike loop is an option, as is a tram tour that allows visitors to observe alligators in their natural habitat.

floridastateparks.org; 5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872; 863-386-6094

Experience A Lake Beach

<p>Matthew Christian</p>

Matthew Christian

Sebring may not be on the coast, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the beach. The city is home to several “lake beaches,” where you can find a sunny spot in the sand and enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Jackson’s glittering waters. Popular beaches include Hidden Beach (a secluded oasis), Veteran’s Beach (great for boaters), and Crescent Beach (a gem with a quaint grassy area).

Walk The Lake Jackson Fishing Pier

<p>Matthew Christian</p>

Matthew Christian

There may not be a prettier spot in all of Sebring than the Lake Jackson Fishing Pier, which is located just a short walk from The Circle near the Sebring Civic Center. It’s an ideal place to watch the sunrise or sunset over the water, and it’s also a great place for anglers to cast a line.

Catch A Race At The Sebring International Raceway

As North America’s oldest permanent road racing facility, there’s a lot of history behind the Sebring International Raceway, which opened in 1950. The track hosts regular races (on average there’s an event at the track 300 days a year), so check the raceway’s website to snag tickets during your visit. Visit in March to attend the annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance race.

sebringraceway.com; 113 Midway Drive, Sebring, FL 33870; 863-655-1442

Play A Round Of Golf

Known as America’s Value Golf Capital, Sebring is a wonderful place to tee off without breaking the bank. The town earned its reputation thanks to the Citrus Golf Trail, a collection of 10 stellar courses that each offer gorgeous views and challenging design. Rates at each course start at around $25 or $30 per round, so there’s no reason not to spend a couple days on the links.

visitsebring.com/citrus-golf-trail

Enjoy A Sweet Treat

Sample Soda From Around The World

<p>Courtesy of Visit Sebring</p>

Courtesy of Visit Sebring

Sebring Soda and Ice Cream Works is a place like no other. If you’re in the mood for a fizzy, sweet treat, this is the place. Sebring Soda stocks more than 200 varieties of sodas sourced from all over the world. Peruse the shelves for a flavor (or two) that fits your fancy. If you need a snack to go with your beverage of choice, the shop also sells gourmet hot dogs and ice cream treats ranging from shakes to floats (you’ll have plenty of sodas to choose from) to hand-dipped cones to sundaes. If you visit Sebring in April, you may be lucky enough to catch the annual Sebring Soda Festival, two days of soda sampling, food trucks, live music, vendors, and family fun.

sebringsoda.com; 201 Circle Park Dr., Sebring, FL 33870; 863-417-8813

Savor The State Fruit At Maxwell Groves Country Store

Florida oranges are famous around the world, and there’s no better place to sample the state’s sweetest citrus than Maxwell Groves Country Store. The operation started as a small, open-air fruit stand more than 80 years ago. Today it’s a popular packing house, country store, and gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Take a seat in an orange rocking chair on the store’s expansive front porch while you enjoy one of Maxwell Groves’ many orange delicacies. The homemade soft-serve orange ice cream is legendary. You can also try a glass of citrus wine or just enjoy an ice-cold glass of fresh-squeezed OJ.

maxwellgrovescountrystore.com; 607 East Circle Street, Avon Park, FL 33825; 863-453-3938

Find A Comfortable Retreat

Book A Room At The Inn On The Lakes

<p>Courtesy of Visit Sebring</p>

Courtesy of Visit Sebring

There are plenty of home rentals, campgrounds, and hotels where you can rest your head for the night in Sebring, but for the true Sebring experience, you must stay at the Inn on the Lakes.  The 155-room boutique hotel is situated between Lake Jackson and Little Lake Jackson, offering views of both. Book a room with a view, then sit back, relax, and enjoy your stay. When the sun goes down, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at onsite restaurant Chicanes, where you can order everything from a burger to filet mignon.

innonthelakes.com; 3101 Golfview Road Sebring, FL 33870; 863-471-9400

Have A Great Meal

Unwind At Cowpoke’s Watering Hole

<p>Courtesy of Visit Sebring</p>

Courtesy of Visit Sebring

You may be tricked into thinking you feel an ocean breeze once you’re seated under the giant tiki hut at Cowpoke’s Watering Hole. The local favorite spot is known for excellent surf and turf, a lively atmosphere, and regular live music. Make sure to get the Bully Bites (gator tail for the uninitiated) as an appetizer. And of course, with a name like Cowpoke’s, you’ll want to order a steak for dinner. All cuts come topped with their signature garlic butter and served alongside garlic bread, salad, and a choice of sides.

cowpokeswateringhole.com; 6813 US Highway 27 S., Sebring, FL 33870;

Hang With Locals At Faded Bistro & Beer Garden

You’ll feel like you’re having dinner in your most fabulous friend’s backyard at Faded Bistro & Beer Garden. Carve out a corner in this inviting beer garden and patio that’s sun-speckled by day and lit by warm lanterns by night. The menu has everything you need for an unforgettable night out. From a jam-packed charcuterie board to street tacos to fresh calamari, you can pick your own adventure. Large plates served after 4 p.m. include everything from duck breast to rack of lamb. All that’s left to do is decide on your drink—a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or maybe even a creative craft cocktail.

fadedbistro.com; 420 N Ridgewood Dr., Sebring, FL 33870; 863-471-0204

Enjoy Dinner And Drinks At The 301

This eatery, distillery, and brewery located in the heart of downtown Sebring does it all. As the tasting room location for Sugar Sand Distillery, you can try their full line-up of spirits that includes gin, vodka, rum and moonshine. You can also grab a pint of the 301’s signature beer the CPA (Circle Park Ale), or try a flight made up of beers from several regional breweries. When you get hungry, Brew-Haha’s Burger Emporium has you covered with creative pub food that includes burgers, flatbreads, salads, and fried appetizers galore.

the301.bar; 301 Circle Park Dr, Sebring, FL 33870

 

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