We’ve all been there. It’s late afternoon, you’re on your fourth Zoom call of the day, and you’re staring at the exact same four walls of your home office. Between metro traffic, constant notifications, and the relentless concrete hustle of big-city living, remote work can sometimes feel a lot less like “freedom” and a lot more like a repetitive loop.
It’s time to trade the laptop fatigue for a little lakefront chill.
What if your standard 9-to-5 felt like a vacation? Just a quick, single-tank drive from Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, or Miami, the Sebring area—spanning Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid—offers the ultimate “workation” escape. It’s a short drive down the road, but worlds apart from the daily grind.
Set Up Office: Hotels, Rentals & Relaxing Lakeside Retreats
Imagine logging into your morning stand-up with coffee in hand and a lakeside view right outside your window. Finding a quiet workspace with an inspiring backdrop and reliable Wi-Fi is easy here, whether you’re looking for a full-service hotel stay or a private space to call your own.
If you appreciate having everything in one place, check into Inn on the Lakes, where scenic waterfront views are paired with the convenience of their delicious in-house restaurant, Chicanes. Further south, Lake Blue Resort in Lake Placid offers a vintage, laid-back Florida getaway right on the water. Private units include full kitchens, screened-in porches, and a pool.
Got brand loyalty or hotel points you’re ready to burn? Both TRU by Hilton and Residence Inn by Marriott offer stylish, comfortable waterfront stays with the spacious desks and high-speed connectivity you need to power through your inbox. And while it might not sit directly on the water, The Roanoke Hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Lake Jackson and delivers a completely refreshed, historic boutique experience right on Sebring’s Circle Park—offering the ideal change of scenery when you want to step outside for a walk around the circle between meetings.
If you prefer more space to spread out, local lakeside Airbnb listings and private vacation rentals across Lake Jackson, Lake June, and Lake Clay put you steps from the water, and some even include private docks and fenced backyards in case you travel with your four-legged friends.
Fuel Your Workday: Morning Coffee & Midday Bites
Lattes, Frappes, and Matcha, oh my! A successful workation requires high-octane caffeine and fresh local fuel. Skip the drive-thru chain and kick off your morning with a quick coffee run to local favorites:
Grab a fresh brew at Owl & Otter Espresso Co. in Lake Placid’s Journal Plaza, stop by SweetWater Cafe in Sebring for custom coffees, boba teas, and pastries, or visit The Coconut Cellar in Avon Park for sweet teas and soda coolers. Looking for a fresh, natural pick-me-up? Good Vibes Juice and Smoothie has you covered with fresh smoothies, protein shakes, and even açai bowls.
When 12:00 PM rolls around, step away from the keyboard and treat yourself to a proper midday break. If you’re craving something light and packed with flavor, Organically Local serves up cold-pressed juices, organic salads, and vegan & gluten-free options. Over at Nutmeg’s Cafe in Sebring, you’ll find warm paninis, wraps, and buddha bowls that put the pep right back in your step. For a lunch with true small-town heart, drop into Morty & Edna’s in Lake Placid for elevated, craft-made sammies and salads that come with a side of laughter. You’ll feel it when you get there.
And because no warm afternoon screen break is complete without a sweet treat, top off your lunch hour with a cold scoop of ice cream heaven:
- Sebring Soda & Ice Cream: Step back in time at this retro parlor offering 200+ vintage sodas, rich milkshakes, and dozens of creamy ice cream flavors right on Sebring’s Circle.
- Cherry On Top Ice Cream Shop: A fan-favorite stop in Lake Placid, perfect for grabbing a massive waffle cone filled with Amish-made ice cream before heading back to your laptop.
- Avon Park Ice Cream Company: Known for serving up generous scoops of premium ice cream in over 40 flavors!
Work Hard, Play Harder: Clockin’ Out for Adventure
The absolute best part about working from the lake? Your commute from “work mode” to “play mode” takes zero minutes. The second you shut your laptop, the outdoors are yours for the taking. This is your time to explore, breathe deeply, and shake off the day!
If you’re eager to get out on the water, rent a pontoon from Lake June Pontoons for a smooth, casual sunset cruise around the lake. For a full menu of aquatic thrills, Lakeview Water Sports rents everything from JetSkis to paddleboards, kayaks, swim rafts, water bikes, and even unique CraigCat miniboats.
Anglers can book a guided fishing excursion with a local charter to hunt for famous trophy largemouth bass on Lake Istokpoga, or bring your own rod and cast a line into any of our 100+ lakes. Use our Lakes and Fishing Guide to help navigate where to go and what to fish across the area.
Prefer to keep your feet on dry land after a long day of screen time? Trade your laptop for a canopy-shaded nature hike under the ancient trees at Highlands Hammock State Park, where miles of boardwalks and trails offer an instant digital detox. You can also take an afternoon stroll through Lake Placid to discover more than 50 world-famous, hand-painted outdoor murals, or embark on a self-guided tour of the historic revitalizations and charming storefronts featured on HGTV’s Home Town Takeover across our local downtowns.
Evening Unwind: Local Dining & Nightlife
As the day transitions into evening, the local food scene comes alive with everything from authentic global flavors to classic American comfort food. Whether you are craving sizzling fajitas by the water or a thick, juicy steak in a historic setting, there’s a table waiting for you across our three communities.
For dinner with a view, pull up a seat right on the water at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant for vibrant Mexican dishes and house margaritas, or enjoy casual coastal favorites, porch dining, and live music at Lake Jackson Landing. If you are in the mood for classic steakhouse cuts, head downtown to Butler’s 18 East, dig into hearty American classics at Jaxson’s Restaurant, or swing by Sophie’s Cafe at either of its two locations for Cuban-style comfort food served with small-town warmth.
After dinner, raise a glass to a successful day away from the city. Sip a curated pour at the French circus-themed Mon Cirque Wine Bar, grab a cold craft beer from over 40 self-pour taps at The Pour House, or hang out at neighboring spots Wine Down and Wet Dogs Brewing for local taps, live music, and a laid-back vibe to round out the night.
Upgrade Your Desk View
Why spend another week staring at the same four walls when your remote routine could include sunrise coffee on the dock and sunset boat cruises? Trading big-city hustle for lakefront quiet is as easy as a single-tank drive down the road.
Ready to transform your 9-to-5 into a full-blown retreat? Explore all our lodging options and plan your Sebring area workation today!
