Picture a place where the magic of small-town charm harmoniously blends with mesmerizing natural landscapes and an array of outdoor activities.
Well, you don't have to just imagine, because that place is real and it's called Sebring, Florida!
Named after the industrialist George Sebring, this little gem nestled in the heart of Florida’s Highlands County has been enchanting visitors with its timeless beauty and southern charm since 1912.
Sebring, Florida, known as the "City on the Circle," is a hidden paradise, a secret whispered among those who crave an escape from the typical touristy rush.
From adrenaline-fueled adventures around the internationally-renowned Sebring International Raceway to tranquil strolls through serene parks and botanical gardens.
From losing yourself in the rich tapestry of local history and art, to finding your peace on the glistening waters of one of the many beautiful lakes - Sebring has a little something for everyone.
So, hold onto your sunhats and buckle up those hiking boots because we're about to dive into our curated list of 9 awesome things to do in Sebring, FL!
These experiences are sure to tickle your curiosity, make your heart race, and absolutely make you fall in love with this quaint Floridian city.
Why You Should Visit Sebring
Sebring is located almost directly in the middle of Florida.
Although it finds itself equally distant between the east or west coast of the state, Sebring is full of beautiful lakes, the largest of which is Lake Jackson, located directly in the center of the city.
The scenic views of the large, fresh-water bodies create a fun and memorable experience.
Similar to most Florida destinations, even in the middle of December you will find Sebring’s weather magnificent, probably somewhere in the 70s or 80s.
Sebring has no shortage of activities and a diverse population. It can also be a romantic destination for couples or a fun destination for families!
9 Awesome Things to do in Sebring, FL
Each of these things can be accessed easily if you are staying anywhere in Sebring. One important note is that you are going to want to have a car, as there is no reliable public transportation in this small city.
Throughout this list, you’ll see that there’s plenty to do no matter if you are retired and want to relax, or looking for something exciting to do with your kids.
1. Sebring Downtown Historic District
As soon as you enter downtown you’ll seemingly be sent back in time to the not-very-distant past.
The vibe in the downtown area will remind you of the 1950s and 1960s.
Within the downtown area, there is plenty to do. There are bars to go to, delicious restaurants, all with the nostalgic architecture that will have you feeling reminiscent.
It is something the kids will enjoy as well, the bright-colored buildings mixing fantastically with the palm trees.
If you time out your trip properly, you’ll be able to be a part of one of the street fairs where people sell art and food and all sorts of other things.
There is a roundabout in the center of Sebring known as “The Circle” and from there you can explore in any direction you like.
Most businesses in the area operate during regular hours, with some of the bars staying open pretty late.
Additional information can be found here.
2. City Pier Beach
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive here is the beautiful pier which extends out over 100 feet into the water.
During high-tide it is one of the most serene places to sit and look out on the ocean. On a clear night during sunset, you can see the sky reflected in the calm water.
It’s a breath-taking scene and if you appreciate natural beauty, it’s something you can look out at for hours.
High-quality pictures make it look like it is a painting; calm and clear.
The pier is on the edge of Lake Jackson, not the ocean. This is what allows for such calm water, something preferred by a lot of travelers.
Someone with small children may become overly worried near the ocean, where the current is powerful.
At City Pier Beach, conditions cannot be much safer. You won’t need to pay a fee to access this beach.
There is a public library right near the pier. You can go take out a book, sit by the pier, and read while you feel the breeze.
If you’d like more information, you can check it out.
3. Highlands Hammock State Park
In this state park, you will feel like an adventurer conquering a strange new land for the first time.
Well, there is a well-constructed wood path to follow, but besides that, you will feel like a pioneer!
The scenery is fantastic, with luscious green as far as the eye can see, and in every direction.
You will cross over swampy waters, see gigantic trees that will make you feel as tiny as an ant, and you’ll likely come across some wildlife as well.
The park is open to visitors every single day of the year, from 8:00 am until sunset.
There is a campground, you can go kayaking or canoeing, you can fish, you can mountain-bike, you can go tubing, the possibilities are endless.
It will cost you $6 to park your car, that’s the only fee you’ll need to pay to enter the park.
For a full and comprehensive list of activities, click here.
4. Lake Jackson
If you do a google map search of Sebring, you’ll see a huge body of water right in the middle of the city.
That’s Lake Jackson, and it would be hard to miss it even if you were deliberately trying to avoid it.
There are lakefront homes all around the gorgeous lake, plenty of which are available to rent.
Lake Jackson is very quaint and an ideal place to go for a swim. The city mostly surrounds the lake and so there are some nice driving routes as well with terrific scenery.
You can see a full, 360-degree view of the lake from the City Pier Beach vantage point at this website.
As with City Pier Beach, you won’t need to pay a fee to access Lake Jackson.
5. Henscratch Farms
Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery is a marvelous vineyard located about 20-30 minutes outside of Sebring, depending on where you are in the city.
The vineyard, around for about 20 years, is the birthplace of several award-winning wines. It is a great destination for couples.
You will be able to see how the wine is made and then taste and purchase some of your own!
The vineyard isn’t open on Mondays, but it’s open every other day from 10 am to 4 pm (Noon to 4 on Sundays).
Prices are very reasonable, most of their bottles of wine are $15.
Additional information and online purchases can be found here.
Reviews from customers are very good and can be viewed here on their Facebook page, along with up-to-date information regarding events at the farm.
6. Sebring International Raceway
One of the primary attractions Sebring is known for is its raceway.
There are events virtually every month.
It is a very exciting way to spend the day! Tickets cost anywhere from about $70 to $125.
Many people have a particular idea in their minds when they think of a raceway, at least here in the US.
Because of the popularity of NASCAR, people generally associate ‘raceway’ with a large circular track.
Sebring International Raceway is far from a simple oval that people drive around and around. The track is world-renowned in racing circles.
Car manufacturers send some of the fastest exotic cars to race at this track and see how they fare against the competition.
7. Military Sea Services Museum
If it happens to be a particularly hot day in Sebring, it will be a good idea to seek some shelter at the Military Sea Services Museum and learn about some American History.
The museum is full of Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard memorabilia.
A large portion of the building was reconstructed in 2005, so it’s a very state-of-the-art museum.
Surrounding the museum is something called ‘memory walk’. It is full of bricks with the names of, mostly, veterans of various American conflicts.
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, Noon to 4 pm. For a full year of membership, it is only $25!
8. Children’s Museum of The Highlands
The Military Sea Services Museum is sure to be an interesting and educational experience.
However, if you are on a trip with your family, it might leave a lot to be desired for your kids.
Lucky for you, there is the Children’s Museum of The Highlands!
The museum is designed for kids aged 1-12 to learn through fun, hands-on activities.
It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 am to 4 pm.
The admission fee is only $7, so you don’t have to break the bank to provide your kids with a fun day.
There are all sorts of exhibits where kids can play and learn. There is a Post Office, a Kid’s Theater, a Reading Nook, Fire Department, and much more!
9. Lost Mines of Atlantis
As the name may suggest, the Lost Mines of Atlantis is a great family destination.
There is a shop in which you can buy some of the most beautiful gems and stones you’ve ever seen.
For example, they currently have a stock of Uruguayan Amethyst crystals.
These are the types of stones and gems that you can put in your house and people will ask how you got them!
You’ll be able to do some sifting in the prospector section. It’s something that never gets old, and you might have more fun than your kids doing it.
You can go on Wednesday through Sunday. Hours vary, so check the website for specifics.
Depending on what you have in mind, this will cost anywhere from about $20 per person to about $50 per person.
Where to Stay
Here are some great places to stay when you visit Sebring.
Quality Inn & Suites Sebring North
If you are looking for the best value, the Quality Inn & Suites is a fantastic option. It is affordable and offers a pool, satellite TV, and much more.
Its location is convenient, less than 9 miles away from the state parks and 15 miles away from the raceway!
You can book a room at Quality Inn & Suites Sebring North here.
Tru by Hilton Sebring
Tru by Hilton in Sebring is certainly a step up from the Quality Inn & Suites in terms of quality.
It has a modern look both inside and out, and although it’s slightly more expensive, it is still affordable.
The hotel is located right on the lake. You can eat your complimentary breakfast and enjoy the view.
You can book a room at Tru by Hilton Sebring here.
Inn on the Lakes
Inn on the Lakes is the highest-rated hotel in the area. It’s located on Highway 98 directly across from Lake Jackson.
The location is by far the most convenient, a very short trip from most of the state parks as well as the raceway.
The scenery at the hotel itself is also wonderful.
You can book your own space at Inn on the Lakes here.
It should also be noted that there are plenty of homes that you can rent out if you prefer that over a hotel!
You've reach the end! Thank you for reading through.
Here's a rundown of the best things to do in Sebring:
- Sebring Downtown Historic District
- City Pier Beach
- Highlands Hammock State Park
- Lake Jackson
- Henscratch Farms
- Sebring Internation Raceway
- Military Sea Services Museum
- Children’s Museum of the Highlands
- Lost Mines of Atlantis
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