Activities & Attractions
We admit it: You won’t find theme parks in Lake City, Florida’s Springlands. But that’s what makes us special. (Trust us, there’s no bigger thrill than taking a plunge into 72-degree water on a hot summer day!)
Here’s an overview of attractions and fun places to visit during your stay.
Let’s start with downtown Lake City, a walkable area filled with Southern hospitality and old Florida charm. Downtown has a wide array of historic buildings reflective of different eras of northern Florida architecture. The century-old Blanche hotel, which once hosted notorious gangster Al Capone, is still very active today, with 14 furnished rooms that offer the boutique experience you’re looking for. There are a variety of places to grab morning coffee and other meals. The Marion Street Bistro & Brewhouse has an array of artifacts and relics to go along with delicious food and drink.
Downtown’s signature park, Lake Desoto, makes for a relaxing stroll, and it’s a lovely place for a picnic. If the little ones need to burn off some energy, just north of Lake Desoto you’ll find the Rotary International Children’s Playground, with slides and other fun stuff. It’s a relatively small, sand-based area that’s fenced in, so you can let the kiddos run wild.
To get a fascinating overview of Lake City, Florida’s Springlands, plan a visit to the Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum, located in a quaint old house downtown and filled with photographs, artworks, texts, furniture, tools, and more that provides a full account of the Gateway City’s history. Entrance to the museum is free, although a donation is appreciated.
Who doesn’t like a leisurely stroll through a farmer’s market on a Saturday morning? The City of Lake City Growers and Makers Market, held every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Olustee Park, showcases a large group of vendors selling locally grown produce, food vendors, plants, herbs, arts and crafts, and other products. The folks selling their wares are always happy to chat.
And if you’re looking to fully soak up the springs experience, but you’re not arriving with a watercraft or gear, Rum 138 is situated amid a heavy concentration of springs. The business rents and sells kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.
