Lake Placid Travel Guide

Discover the beautiful Lake Placid, its cultural and natural landmarks, best things to do, eating and drinking scene, where to stay, and more in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Lake Placid

Welcome to the serene and picturesque Lake Placid, situated in the Heartland of Florida. Known as the town of murals, Lake Placid boasts over 45 beautiful outdoor murals painted by local artists, depicting the cultural significance of the town. The town has several cultural and natural landmarks that make it an ideal vacation destination. This travel guide will help you plan your trip to Lake Placid by providing a detailed list of places to visit, things to do, the best time to visit, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Lake Placid

Whether you are interested in museums and historical places or outdoor adventures and scenic views, Lake Placid has something for everyone. Below is a comprehensive list of places to visit in Lake Placid:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum: The museum displays over 100 years of the town’s history, with artifacts, exhibits, and photographs.
  • Murals of Lake Placid: Admire the stunning murals painted on the walls of buildings throughout the town depicting its cultural significance.
  • Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery: Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and winery and savor their award-winning wines.
  • Children’s Museum of the Highlands: Let your kids explore and learn through hands-on exhibits and activities.

Natural Attractions of Lake Placid: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Placid Tower: Climb up the tower for a breathtaking view of Lake Placid.
  • Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park: Hike, bike or paddle and explore the park’s beautiful scrublands, beaches, and freshwater marshes.
  • Highlands Hammock State Park: This 9000-acre park has 9 beautiful trails to explore, campgrounds, and a tram tour.
  • Lake Placid Boat Tours: Take a relaxing boat tour of the serene Lake Placid and enjoy the stunning views and wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lake Placid

Lake Placid has several hiking and biking routes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Check out some of the most popular routes below:

  • Lake Placid Art Walk: This art-inspired trail is 3.2 miles long and takes you through historic downtown Lake Placid, where you can admire the beautiful murals on the walls of buildings.
  • Highlands Hammock State Park Trails: The park has 9 trails ranging from 0.5 to 7 miles, providing an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife, birds, and trees.
  • Lake June-In-Winter Scrub State Park Trails: This park has 6 trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and covers a distance of 6.9 miles.

Best Things to Do in Lake Placid: Activities and Tours

Besides exploring the cultural and natural landmarks, Lake Placid has several exciting things to do. Check out some of the best things to do below:

  • Lake Placid Art Walk: Explore the history and culture of the town through this 3.2 miles long art walk.
  • Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery Tour: Take a tour of the vineyard and winery and savor their award-winning wines.
  • Lake Placid Boat Tours: Take a relaxing boat tour of the serene Lake Placid and enjoy the stunning views and wildlife.
  • Highlands Hammock State Park Tram Tour: Hop on the tram tour of the park and explore the beautiful Florida scrublands.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lake Placid

If you are planning to spend a week in Lake Placid, check out this itinerary to make the most of your trip:

Day Activity
Day 1 Lake Placid Art Walk
Day 2 Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum
Day 3 Lake June-In-Winter Scrub State Park
Day 4 Highlands Hammock State Park
Day 5 Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery Tour
Day 6 Lake Placid Tower and Boat Tour
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the beautiful town

Food and Drink Scene of Lake Placid

Lake Placid has several excellent places to eat and drink, offering local cuisine and beverages. Check out some of the must-try dishes and local beverages below:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cracker cuisine: Try the delicious Florida cracker cuisine, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as grits, catfish, and hush puppies.
  • Seared scallops: Savor the mouth-watering seared scallops at Ocean’s 9 at Sebring.

Local Beverages

  • Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery: Taste the award-winning wines made from locally grown grapes.
  • Sebring Soda and Ice Cream Works: Try the refreshing soda and ice cream made from natural ingredients, such as real cane sugar.

Where to Stay in Lake Placid: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lake Placid offers several options for accommodation, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels and guesthouses. Check out some of the best places to stay below:

  • Sunny Booking Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel offers free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a communal lounge.
  • Lake Grassy Inn and Suites: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a pool, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Lakeview Hotel: This luxurious hotel has beautiful lake views, a restaurant, a pool, and a fitness center.

What to Buy in Lake Placid: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lake Placid offers several souvenirs and local products to bring home as a memory of your trip. Check out some of the unique products below:

  • Hand-painted Ornaments: Bring home a hand-painted ornament depicting the beautiful murals of Lake Placid.
  • Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery Wines and Preserves: Bring home a bottle of locally made wine or a jar of preserves as a delicious souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Lake Placid

Lake Placid has a rich cultural heritage, with several festivals and events throughout the year. The town follows traditional American customs and values.

Best Time to Visit Lake Placid

The best time to visit Lake Placid is from November to April when the weather is mild and there is less rainfall. However, the town has several festivals and events throughout the year. If you are planning to attend any specific event, plan your trip accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lake Placid

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Lake Placid:

Do:

  • Do respect the cultural and historical significance of the town and its landmarks.
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Do attend the festivals and events.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural or cultural landmarks.
  • Don’t trespass on private property.
  • Don’t drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Lake Placid is a safe town for visitors. However, it is essential to keep in mind a few safety and health tips:

Safety in Lake Placid

  • Ensure that you lock your car or bike and keep valuables out of sight.
  • While hiking or biking, carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
  • Follow the rules and regulations while boating or swimming in the lake.

Health in Lake Placid

  • Carry bug spray and sunscreen as the town is prone to mosquitoes and sunburn.
  • In case of medical emergency, contact the nearest hospital or dial 911.

Getting to Lake Placid: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lake Placid is well connected to other destinations in Florida. Check out some of the transportation options below:

Airports Near Lake Placid

  • Sebring Regional Airport: Located 14 miles away from Lake Placid. It has daily flights to major US cities.

Bus Stations Near Lake Placid

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Sebring: Located 15 miles away from Lake Placid. It has daily bus services to several US cities.

Other Options

  • You can rent a car or bike in nearby towns, such as Sebring, to reach Lake Placid.

How to Get Around in Lake Placid

Lake Placid is a small town, and you can explore most of the places on foot. However, renting a car or bike is an excellent option to explore the natural landmarks.

Where to Go Next from Lake Placid: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lake Placid is an excellent base to explore other destinations in Florida. Check out some of the nearby destinations below:

  • Sebring: Located 15 miles away from Lake Placid. It has several cultural and natural landmarks, such as Sebring International Raceway and Highlands Hammock State Park.
  • Orlando: Located 100 miles away from Lake Placid. It is the entertainment hub of Florida, with several attractions, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
  • Miami: Located 130 miles away from Lake Placid. It is the cultural and financial hub of Florida, with several landmarks, such as South Beach, Little Havana, and the Miami Design District.

Conclusion

Lake Placid is a serene and picturesque town with several cultural and natural landmarks, exciting things to do, and delicious local cuisine and beverages. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Lake Placid. So, pack your bags and explore the Heartland of Florida.