Sebring and its surrounding areas, Avon Park and Lake Placid, are full of things to do, sights to see, and ways to get out of the house. Fortunately, not all fun things come with a price. Fill your calendar with outings that don’t break the bank. Here are 12 free and unique experiences in the Sebring area.

 

Maxwell Groves

Oranges, oranges, and more oranges. It’s the official fruit of Florida and a common theme at Maxwell Groves in Avon Park. This open-air, citrus-centric shop has everything you need to refresh yourself on a warm afternoon. Stop by for some fresh-squeezed OJ, orange-flavored ice cream, fruit-flavored wine, and so much more! Kick back and enjoy it all on the front porch rocking chairs.  

Discover an “Outdoor Art Gallery” with over 47 murals in Lake Placid, FL, the Town of Murals!

Incredible Outdoor Murals

Explore the Lake Placid Murals, a historic outdoor art gallery, for entertainment and fascinating history. Take a self-guided art walk to soak in the sights of nearly 50 larger-than-life handcrafted murals and other hidden gems painted by local artists. 

Don’t let the “ahh” stop there. Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park each feature a beautiful postcard mural painted by Florida-based artist Joe Starkweather. Starkweather’s murals are colorful renditions of the most iconic parts of each city, adding a fun and bright photo opportunity for locals and visitors alike. Be sure to check out all three of Starkweather’s murals and post your photos with the murals with the hashtag #VisitSebring.

Jacaranda Hotel

Immerse yourself in one of the area’s most historic yet glamorous locations, the Jacaranda Hotel. Originally built in the 1920s with high ceilings and elegant accents, this hotel has become a tourist attraction for visitors and locals alike. Check out their calendar for free events year-round as they dress up this boutique hotel with seasonal decorations. Or, simply stop by to view the elegant hotel that Babe Ruth and Clark Gable once graced. 

Sugar Sand Distillery

Rum, vodka, gin, or moonshine—whatever you prefer to unwind with after a long week, Sugar Sand Distillery has it. This farm-to-bottle operation offers free tastings so that you can find your perfect match. Plus, get to know these handcrafted spirits on a finer level when you schedule a tour and enjoy a tour cocktail on the house. 

Sugar Sand has a second tasting room, The 301, located in the Circle in downtown Sebring. It features a brewery, a burger emporium, and entertainment. 

Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works 

Browse the shelves of Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works in downtown Sebring or Lake Placid to find an eclectic selection of more than 300 craft and vintage soda flavors and find what suits your palate. Sip on these craft, artisan, and vintage sodas, and then save the bottles to kickstart a collection. With flavors from around the world, each bottle of pop has a story to tell. It is free to browse the fun and unique offerings.

Grab your gear and explore all the outdoor activity offerings of the Avon Park Air Force Range!

Avon Park Air Force Range

Whether you’re looking to catch a fish or just a break from everyday life, Avon Park Air Force Range offers an outdoor recreation program for all your favorite outdoor activities. Grab your gear and head to this 106,000-acre facility for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, birding, and even outdoor educational opportunities for all ages. Please contact the Range as reservations are suggested, and hours may vary.

H.L. Bishop Park on Lake June

Get active at H.L. Bishop Park with a lakeside view. Located in Lake Placid, this public park offers a playground, picnic shelters, a fishing pier, and a swimming area. A sand volleyball and basketball court are also available, so you can duel a game or two with friends. Lake June contains largemouth bass and bluegill, so don’t forget to bring your fishing pole!

Secret Gardens Winery

Located in the countryside of Sebring, this place is called Secret Gardens Winery for a reason. Drive to this hidden gem and experience 10 acres of winery bliss. Whether you’re here to browse muscadines, fruit wines, and sangria or just looking to stop by the tasting room for your two free wine samples, you won’t leave this place empty-handed. Soak in the views and pond of this beautiful location.  

 

Come enjoy the drinks and stay for the fun at Wet Dogs Brewing!

Wet Dogs Brewing

Live music and good vibes are priceless, right alongside your two free samples at Wet Dogs Brewing. This brewery offers craft beers, coffee, kombucha, ciders, and wine. Come enjoy the drinks and stay for the fun; check out the events page to stay up-to-date on monthly happenings like Open Mic Night, Trivia, and movie nights.  

Highlands Hammock State Park 

Prepare for a genuine outdoor adventure filled with ancient oaks and diverse wildlife at Highlands Hammock State Park. Nine trails, an elevated boardwalk, and a tram guide you through this preserved Florida ecosystem. Watch carefully; you might be lucky enough to spot a Florida alligator, deer, or black bear, among other wildlife, in the park. And don’t forget to check out the playground where the kids can play, climb, and swing under the shade of the trees. There is a small entrance fee of $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) into the park, 

Avon Park Depot Museum 

Get an up-close look into the area’s local history at Avon Park Depot Museum. Housed in a historic train depot, the museum features fascinating exhibits of military, family, and working life. Complete with relics, including an original telephone switchboard and a railroad dining car, the museum showcases diverse roles and samples of life in the yesteryear. It’s an educational stop that’s interesting for both kids and adults.

Visit Sebring has FIVE different GeoTrails in Highlands County – we challenge you to try them all!

Geocaching 

Discover hidden gems on our free outdoor treasure hunt. Geocaching provides a fun way to explore Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid while interacting with an app to find a hidden treasure. Perfect for all ages and totally free, get started on your geocaching adventure now!   

 

With so many freebies in the Sebring area, which one are you heading to first? Whether you’re planning it solo, with family, or your best friends, snap a picture and share it on social with the hashtag #VisitSebring!