Let’s be honest: summer in Florida is glorious, but around mid-afternoon, the sunshine starts showing off a little too much. When the thermostat climbs and you need a break from the heat, you don’t have to press pause on your fun. In fact, some of the best things to do across Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid are hidden right behind a blasting air conditioner.
Whether you’re looking to shop till you drop, catch a live show, play a round of indoor golf, or dive into local history, we’ve rounded up the coolest places to retreat indoors without missing a beat.
Air-Conditioned Therapy: Retail Escapes
Who says retail therapy can’t double as a temperature reset? Our local downtowns are packed with unique boutiques where you can cool down while browsing one-of-a-kind finds.
Lake Placid’s Journal Plaza offers a cozy cluster of shops where you can stroll through stylish wardrobe updates at Ann & Mae Boutique and Denim & Magnolias, grab your next lakeside read and adorable children’s wear at Mudpuddles Boutique and Books, pick up fun novelty gifts at Local Yocal, and sample gourmet treasures at the connected Bella Gusto Olive Oil Co. Just a short walk (and even shorter drive) away, home decor lovers can round out their spree at The Gilded Cypress and The Creative Collective.
Next, head over to Avon Park to the equally chic Tassel & Thread for women’s wear and Grove for menswear. Nearby, Hacienda 1926 charms with vintage home accents and Pure Grit Boot Company gears up the whole family in stylish and sturdy westernwear.
If you haven’t yet had your fix, continue to downtown Sebring. Shoppers can hunt through vintage finds at Kenilworth Antiques, pick up rustic home furnishings at Barewood Market, shop adorable baby gear at The Stylish Stork, and browse vintage clothing at Petals Boutique. Be sure to pop into The Grateful Hearts for home decor, apparel, and gifts. Here, you can even craft your own customized hats, graphic tees, totes, and jewelry!
Creativity and Center Stage: Arts & Culture
Unleash your inner artist or sit back and enjoy a show—all while relaxed in front of a cool AC unit. Theater lovers can settle into comfortable seats at Sebring’s Highlands Lakeside Theater, catching everything from energetic Broadway-style musicals to side-splitting comedies out of the afternoon sun. Those who would rather create the art themselves can stop by The Red Easel in Sebring. This welcoming studio hosts guided canvas workshops and fun DIY craft kits for kids and adults alike, making it easy to create a custom souvenir to take home.
Over in Lake Placid, creative minds can tap into their artistic side at Art Lab 27, a community creative space for pottery painting, mosaic designing, or having fun making a mess in their splatter-paint room! Afterwards, treat yourself to a sensory floral experience at Bouquets by Yoana, where you can visit their adorable Bloom Bar and hand-select fresh stems to craft your own custom bouquet.
Cool History & Curiosity: Local Museums
Step back in time while keeping your temperature down. The Sebring area is home to an incredible variety of museums celebrating everything from local sports to historic railways.
Explore a restored 1926 Seaboard Air Line railroad station to explore rail history at The Depot Museum. Through the Depot, you’ll enter the Avon Park Baseball Museum, packed with stories and local sports memorabilia (there’s a lot!). Art lovers exploring the area won’t want to miss the Museum of Florida Art & Culture (MOFAC) for rotating exhibits celebrating Florida’s natural heritage, or the Peter Powell Roberts Museum of Art to admire stunning mid-century masterpieces.
Curiosity takes center stage in Lake Placid at Toby’s Clown Foundation & School, where guests learn about the legendary performers who put smiles on generations of faces. A quick 4-minute walk takes you to the Lake Placid Historical Society & Depot Museum, which tells the tales of Lake Placid’s history through volunteers and fascinating exhibits, complete with local artifacts—as if the transformed 1927 Atlantic Coast Line railway depot isn’t cool enough.
Families traveling with little ones will find an absolute haven at Sebring’s Children’s Museum of the Highlands, packed with interactive play zones designed to keep kids entertained for hours. History buffs spending the day in Sebring can honor naval service members at the Military Sea Services Museum or explore the story of America’s conservation heritage at the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum, tucked just inside Highlands Hammock State Park.
Cool Competition: Indoor Sports & Active Play
Beat the humidity while keeping your competitive spirit alive with active indoor setups. Expert or novice golfers can tee off on world-class virtual courses at Sebring’s Off the Green Indoor Golf. Featuring state-of-the-art simulator bays, you can virtually play on famous global courses, practice on a digital driving range, or play fun target games while enjoying cold drinks.
For a classic, casual challenge, BC Billiards in Sebring lets you rack ’em up on professional-grade pool tables in a crisp, air-conditioned hall. And when the heat gets a bit too intense for outdoor playgrounds, families can head straight to Kid Cove inside Sebring’s Lakeshore Mall, letting the kiddos run, climb, and slide in a safe, fully air-conditioned indoor play park.
Ready to Plan Your Cool Escape?
Heat waves are no match for a great itinerary! Head over to VisitSebring.com right now to explore full hours, local dining options, and up-to-the-minute event listings for Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid. Stay cool!
