Looking for the best things to do in Lake Placid, Florida? Known as the Town of Murals and surrounded by nearly 30 freshwater lakes, Lake Placid is one of Florida's hidden gems. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a trip from Orlando or Tampa, you''' find plenty of outdoor adventures, great food, and small-town charm.

Here are our favorite things to do while visiting Lake Placid.

1. Take a Private Airboat Tour on Lake Istokpoga with Lake Placid Charter Co. 🐊

No trip to Lake Placid is complete without exploring Florida’s wild side by airboat.

A private airboat tour lets you glide across the marshes of beautiful Lake Istokpoga while searching for:

• American alligators

• Bald eagles

• Ospreys

• Roseate spoonbills

• Wild hogs

• Deer

• Hundreds of native bird species

Unlike crowded tours, a private airboat adventure allows your captain to customize the experience for your family or group, making it one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Old Florida.

Pro Tip: Early morning and sunset tours often offer the best wildlife viewing.

Book Your Adventure Here: https://book.vallypro.com/p/lake-placid-charter-company-llc

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2. Spend the Day at Lake June Lagoon

If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss H.L. Bishop Park and the exciting Lake June Lagoon.

This floating inflatable water park features:

• Giant slides

• Climbing walls

• Obstacle courses

• Splash zones

• Floating cabanas

Located on beautiful Lake June-in-Winter, it’s quickly becoming one of the area’s top family attractions.  

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3. Rent a Pontoon Boat on Lake June at Lake June Pontoons

Want to explore at your own pace?

Lake June Pontoons rents clean, family-friendly pontoon boats perfect for:

• Swimming

• Fishing

• Picnics

• Cruising the shoreline

• Watching the sunset

Lake June is known for its clean freshwater and fun sandbar, making it one of the prettiest and most exciting lakes in Central Florida.

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4. Explore Downtown Lake Placid and the Famous Murals

Lake Placid is proudly known as the Town of Murals.

Take a walk through downtown and discover dozens of colorful murals that tell the story of the area’s history, agriculture, wildlife, and culture. The charming downtown also features boutique shopping, coffee shops, antique stores, and locally owned businesses that make for a relaxing afternoon.  

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5. Visit Henscratch Farms, Sugar Sand Distillery & Tropical Winery

Lake Placid has a surprisingly fun local food and drink scene.

Spend an afternoon visiting:

• Sugar Sand Distillery for handcrafted Florida spirits.

• Tropical Winery for locally made fruit wines.

• Henscratch Farms, where you can browse the gift shop, enjoy local wines, and experience one of the area’s most unique attractions.  

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6. Discover Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the nearby Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve.

The preserve protects one of Florida’s rare scrub ecosystems and offers peaceful hiking trails where visitors may spot:

• Florida scrub-jays

• Gopher tortoises

• Native wildflowers

• Beautiful lake views

It’s a completely different side of Florida than most visitors expect.  

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7. Grab a Local Craft Beer

After a day on the water, stop by Wet Dogs Brewing.

This laid-back local brewery offers:

• House-made craft beers

• Live music on select nights

• Outdoor seating

• Friendly small-town atmosphere

It’s a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

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8. Enjoy Some of Lake Placid’s Best Restaurants

One of the best parts of visiting Lake Placid is the local food.

Some favorites include:

• Main Street America An Eatery — A local favorite for breakfast and lunch.

• Glenda Jean’s Country Kitchen — Comfort food, homemade desserts, and ice cream.

• Dock 633 - Classic American food with an amazing Taco Tuesday.

• Mr Sammy’s Pizza — Great pizza after a day on the lake.

If you’re willing to drive about 20 minutes to Sebring, you’ll find favorites like Faded Bistro & Beer Garden, Cowpoke’s Watering Hole, and The 301.  

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9. Visit the Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum & Clown Museum

History buffs will enjoy learning about the area’s railroad, agriculture, and pioneer heritage.

For something completely unique, stop by Toby the Clown Foundation, celebrating Lake Placid’s quirky clown history that helped earn the town national attention.  

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10. Take a Scenic Drive or Train Ride and Experience Old Florida

Sometimes the best attraction isn’t a single destination.

Drive the quiet country roads surrounding Lake Placid and you’ll discover:

• Moss-covered oak trees

• Working cattle ranches

• Citrus groves

• Endless lakes

• Wildlife around nearly every corner

Or take a train ride with the Sugar Express and enjoy an excursion through rural landscapes, sugarcane fields, orange groves, and freshwater marshlands, with chances of spotting Florida wildlife along the way!

It’s a side of Florida that many visitors never get to experience.

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Plan Your Visit to Lake Placid

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, family fun, great local food, or simply a relaxing weekend away, Lake Placid offers an authentic Florida experience without the crowds.

And if you really want to experience the area’s incredible wildlife, a private airboat tour with Lake Placid Charter Co. on Lake Istokpoga belongs at the top of your itinerary. It’s one of the best ways to see alligators, birds, and the untouched beauty that makes this part of Florida so special.

Book Your Adventure Here: https://book.vallypro.com/p/lake-placid-charter-company-llc