Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Lake Placid
Lake Placid delivers a unique atmosphere where art, nature, and old-Florida hospitality meet. Guests can explore vibrant murals throughout downtown, many of which tell stories of local culture, wildlife, and history. With over 27 lakes in the surrounding area, the town also offers ample opportunities for kayaking, water skiing, or simply enjoying sunset views. Lake Placid is a peaceful and creative destination perfect for couples, families, and weekend adventurers.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Lake Placid
Downtown Lake Placid
Downtown Lake Placid is the artistic heart of the town, featuring colorful murals, quaint shops, and cozy cafés. Vacation rentals in Lake Placid include walkable apartments, vintage homes, and charming Airbnbs near the Historical Society Depot Museum. Visitors enjoy easy access to the mural trail and local events like the Caladium Festival. It’s the best spot for travelers who want to be immersed in the town’s character.
Lake June in Winter Area
Located just west of downtown, the Lake June in Winter area is perfect for those who want to be close to water activities. Rentals near the Lake June include lakefront cabins, fishing cottages, and Airbnbs with private docks. The area is peaceful and popular for jet skiing, boating, and family picnics.
Lake Placid Highlands
South of the main town, the Lake Placid Highlands neighborhood offers a more residential and scenic escape. Vacation homes in this area often include large yards, screened porches, and relaxing views of nearby lakes and woods. The community is quiet and great for extended stays or snowbirds.
Interlake Boulevard Vicinity
Stretching through the heart of town, the Interlake Boulevard area combines convenience and character. Guests can find small cottages, updated homes, and Airbnbs within walking distance to shops and restaurants. This part of town provides easy access to both downtown attractions and outdoor spots.
Lake Carrie / Sun ‘n Lake Estates
Northeast of the town center, the Lake Carrie and Sun ‘n Lake Estates area offers nature-filled neighborhoods near small lakes and preserves. Vacation rentals here include rustic cabins, family homes, and pet-friendly Airbnbs. The area is ideal for birdwatchers, anglers, and those wanting to unplug.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Lake Placid
Lake Placid Mural Tour
Known for its 40+ outdoor murals, the Lake Placid Mural Tour is a self-guided art experience that reveals the town’s history and creative spirit. Guests can walk or bike through downtown and scan QR codes to learn the stories behind each mural. The tour is colorful, informative, and accessible.
Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park
This 845-acre park preserves one of Florida’s rarest habitats, the scrub ecosystem, and offers scenic trails and lake access. Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, or launching a kayak into the clear waters. It’s a quiet, uncrowded park with native flora and fauna. Nature lovers will find it both peaceful and enriching.
Historical Society Depot Museum
Located in a restored train depot, the Historical Society Depot Museum features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits about Lake Placid’s citrus industry, early settlers, and town heritage. Visitors can tour antique railcars and learn about local pioneers. History buffs will appreciate its depth and authenticity.
Caladium Arts and Crafts Co-op
This locally run gallery and shop features works by over 30 Florida artists, ranging from paintings to pottery and handmade jewelry. At the Caladium Arts and Crafts Co-op, visitors can meet artists and purchase unique souvenirs. The co-op supports the region’s creative economy and celebrates local talent.
Toby the Clown Foundation and Museum
A quirky and beloved attraction, the Toby the Clown Foundation and Museum celebrates clown history and the legacy of Toby the Clown, a local icon. Guests can explore memorabilia, colorful costumes, and even attend clown classes. It’s cheerful, unexpected, and full of laughter. The museum adds a fun twist to any Lake Placid itinerary.
H.L. Bishop Park
H.L. Bishop Park sits on the shore of Lake June and features a boat ramp, fishing pier, and playgrounds for kids. Families can enjoy a picnic under oak trees, watch the sunset, or launch boats for a day on the water. The park is clean, welcoming, and great for outdoor fun.
Archbold Biological Station
About 15 minutes south of town, the Archbold Biological Station is a research site open to the public for guided tours and educational programs. Visitors can learn about Florida’s rare ecosystems and observe native species in their natural habitats. The trails and field labs offer insight into conservation science.
Caladium Festival
Held each summer, the Caladium Festival celebrates Lake Placid’s reputation as the Caladium Capital of the World. The event features plant sales, food trucks, parades, and local crafts. It draws visitors from across Florida and highlights the community’s agricultural pride.
Where to find a vacation rental near Lake Placid
Sebring, Florida
Just 20 minutes north, Sebring is in the document and famous for its raceway, lakeside charm, and access to Highland Hammock State Park. Staying in a vacation rental in Sebring places you near scenic trails, vintage shops, and waterfront dining. Sebring’s blend of speed and serenity creates a well-rounded addition to a Lake Placid escape.
Okeechobee, Florida
About 45 minutes east, Okeechobee is in the document and appeals to outdoor lovers with boating, bass fishing, and sunsets over the lake. Choosing an airbnb in Okeechobee gives direct access to Lake Okeechobee’s trails, piers, and wildlife areas. It’s a peaceful, water-focused companion to Lake Placid’s quiet inland beauty.
Lake Wales, Florida
Roughly an hour northwest, Lake Wales is in the document and known for its artistic heritage and lush gardens. Booking a house in Lake Wales brings you close to Bok Tower Gardens and charming downtown streets framed by orange groves. The town’s cultural grace and botanical allure pair beautifully with Lake Placid’s calm pace.
Fort Pierce, Florida
About 90 minutes southeast, Fort Pierce is in the document and adds Atlantic breezes, coral reefs, and vibrant culture. Opting for a vacation rental in Fort Pierce offers a stay near the beach, marina, and the local art scene. Fort Pierce blends ocean access and small-city flair for a refreshing counterpoint to Lake Placid’s inland charm.
Arcadia, Florida
Less than an hour west, Arcadia is not in the document but known for its rodeo heritage, antique shops, and pastoral setting. Renting a house in Arcadia puts you near peaceful farms, citrus groves, and quiet southern streets. Arcadia is a relaxed, historically rich stop that complements Lake Placid’s laid-back atmosphere.
Dive into the natural beauty and serene lakeside escapes across the United States
While embracing the lakeside allure of this destination, one can further explore exquisite lakeside destinations scattered across the United States. Not far in the northern landscapes, a stay at airbnb Houghton Lake in Michigan offers sweeping views and waterfront charm enriched by local marinas and summer festivals. In Muskegon, Michigan, the historical charm of the Muskegon lighthouse complements the tranquility of the region, making a holiday home in Muskegon enticing. Journey a bit west, where accommodation in Okoboji in Iowa promises invigorating sunsets over West Lake Okoboji. On the opposite edge of the country in Pennsylvania, vacation rentals Erie provide an invitation to witness the expansive beauty of Lake Erie's Presque Isle State Park.
For those captivated by vibrant nature, ancient forests and red rock formations near this locale can be a gateway to similar natural wonders. Rocky Mountain vistas await those who choose vacation rentals in Morrison, CO, nestled near the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. In Indiana, Nashville Indiana airbnb welcomes you with its vibrant art scene and proximity to Brown County State Park's rolling hills. Meanwhile, the Bavarian-inspired town and majestic surrounding forests make holiday accommodations in Helen in Georgia an inspiring retreat into nature's embrace.