This Under-the-radar Florida City Has a State Park, Old-school Charm, and a 26,000-acre Lake (2024)

From the western Panhandle down to Miami, the Sunshine State has been experiencing unprecedented development. Yet one central Floridian city has achieved a balance between the old and new: Sebring.

With its pristine old-growth forests and its historic downtown, Sebring serves as a surviving oasis of old-school charm. And planning a trip here allows you to immerse yourself in the dwindling Florida of yore.

When it comes to accommodations, Inn On The Lakes, perched on the southern edge of Lake Jackson, is an idyllic base. During daylight hours, guests are welcome to enjoy the outdoor pool, grab a drink on the terrace, or take advantage of one of the property’s custom golf packages. But once twilight rolls around, Chicanes is the place to be. This restaurant has mastered the art of hearty American fare, offering dishes like shrimp scampi, smoked fish dip, and rollovers — a Chicanes signature featuring filet mignon, bacon, and pepper jack cheese. There's also no shortage of wines to pair each dish with.

Inn on the Lakes offers incredible opportunities for birders but there’s another destination that’s an absolute can’t-miss for nature lovers. Roughly 20 minutes from downtown, Highlands Hammock State Park showcases the natural splendor of Highlands County at its finest, equipped with 9,000 acres of old-growth bald cypress swamp and other native Floridian ecosystems. Officially designated a state park in the 1930s, it’s one of the oldest state parks in Florida and currently hosts a massive array of vulnerable species ranging from Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises to the Florida panther.

Visitors can also book an excursion with Airboat Wildlife Adventures, a longstanding tour company that highlights the spectacular natural beauty of Lake Istokpoga. This 26,000-acre lake offers ample opportunity to spot some of the state's most famous fauna. During a 90-minute tour, passengers can marvel at the towering cypress trees lining Arbuckle Creek before setting off on the open lake, with plenty of great blue herons, bald eagles, and alligators to spot along the way.

The town also offers a glimpse into one of central Florida’s most celebrated sports in the form of Sebring International Raceway. This storied space, which opened in 1950, is one of the oldest racetracks in the nation. The course earned a formidable reputation thanks to its bumpy roads and 17 tight turns. To experience this legendary track in person, there’s no better event than 12 Hours of Sebring. Launched in 1952, this event draws spectators from all across the globe to witness some of the most talented drivers take on the challenge.

Visiting Sebring is incomplete without exploring the area's bars and restaurants. For a deep dive into the classic cuisine of Old Florida, Cowpoke’s Watering Hole is a must-visit. (The restaurant first opened in 1930 as a fruit stand, according to Florida Country Magazine.) Now adorned with taxidermied alligators and an open-air tiki bar complete with live music, this spacious restaurant offers hearty local dishes, like whole fried snapper, country fried steak, and fried gator tail.

Sebring is also developing a thriving scene for contemporary healthy cuisine. There's Organically Local, where sandwiches are the staple — think Thai peanut chicken wraps and bacon apple gouda grilled cheese. There's also The PARC, which has tasting dinners that showcase local produce.

While Sebring is a treasure trove for both classic and contemporary Floridian cuisine, the town is no stranger to international flavors either. Mon Cirque Wine Bar, for example, ushers in some serious Parisian flair to the area. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a rich tapestry of antique furniture and decorations, while the outdoor patio is perfect on a warm night. There’s a world of opportunity for wine fans at Mon Cirque thanks to its huge cache of bottles sourced from all across France, while beer fans can sample classic brews from Florida and beyond.

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, Chez Mireille is a top destination for trying one of Belgium’s culinary crown jewels — the waffle, to be precise. With a menu ranging from blueberry-loaded Liège-style waffles to the chocolate-dipped galette, this cozy venue is perfect for a foray into the flavors of Belgium.

In the heart of town, Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works has been a local favorite since 2015, equipped with more than 200 different varieties of vintage and craft soft drinks to sample. Products span from classic Coca-Cola to candied bacon cream soda. After a visit to the soda shop, guests can swing by Sugar Sand Distillery for some added sweetness in spirit form. While gin, moonshine, and vodka are all available around here, rum reigns supreme.

Whether you’re looking to spot alligators in the wild, sample fresh produce, or catch a race, Sebring offers something for every kind of traveler.