Need a peaceful Central Florida escape with lakes, nature, and sunshine? Head to Land O' Lakes! Located just north of Tampa, this laid-back community offers beautiful parks, serene lakes, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're paddling calm waters or exploring nearby preserves, Land O’ Lakes is ideal for a low-key outdoor getaway.
Land O' Lakes, FL Highlights:
- Kayak and paddle at Lake Padgett or Lake Thomas: Explore calm, spring-fed lakes surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife.
- Visit Conner Preserve: Hike scenic trails through pine flatwoods, wetlands, and scrubby terrain in this protected natural area.
- Cool off at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex: Community hub with a swimming pool, sports courts, playgrounds, and walking trails.
- Shop and dine locally: Browse farmers markets, grab a bite at lakeside cafés, and enjoy casual Florida charm.
- Enjoy birdwatching at Cypress Creek Flood Detention Area: Spot herons, hawks, and other wildlife just minutes from town.
Best Time to Visit Land O' Lakes, FL
The best time to visit Land O’ Lakes is in the late fall through early spring (October to April). You’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures, perfect for hiking, paddling, and outdoor exploration. Summer brings hot, humid weather and afternoon storms, but also lush green scenery and fewer crowds.
How to Get to Land O' Lakes, FL
- If you are traveling by car: Land O’ Lakes is just off US-41 and State Road 54, about 30–40 minutes north of downtown Tampa.
- By Air: Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the nearest major airport, approximately 35 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) offers limited service, but driving is the most convenient way to explore the area.
Where to Stay in Land O' Lakes, FL
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa Suncoast Parkway – Comfortable modern hotel near Land O’ Lakes with easy highway access.
- Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway – Clean and convenient with a pool and restaurant close to nature preserves.
- Local vacation rentals – Choose from lakeside cottages, private homes, and family-friendly Airbnbs for a cozy stay.
Best Things to Do in Land O' Lakes, FL
1. Explore Conner Preserve
Rating: ★★★★★
Conner Preserve is part of a wildlife habitat corridor between the Starkey Wilderness Preserve and the Cypress Creek Preserve, covering several thousands of acres.
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Question: What is Conner Preserve?
Answer: Conner Preserve is a 2,980-acre natural area in Land O' Lakes, Pasco County, Florida, preserved since 2003 for water management. -
Question: What activities can you do at Conner Preserve?
Answer: It is a popular destination for biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and flying model airplanes. -
Question: When is the best time to visit Conner Preserve?
Answer: Conner Preserve is much more pleasant to explore during Florida's winter and spring months, since it can get brutally hot in the summer due to the lack of shade.
Location: Conner Preserve, 22500 State Rd 52, Land O' Lakes, FL 34637, Phone: 800-423-1476
2. Create fun memories at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays and Archery
Tampa Bay Sporting Clays and Archery is an outdoor shooting range in Land O Lakes, Florida, spread over 260 wooded, shady acres. It offers clay shooting and archery courses and lessons. It is a nice spot to spend a day with the family – there is even a petting zoo for the kids. The store is well stocked with all necessary gear , including some late models.
There are frequent fun events to participate in or just watch. If you have never tried sporting clay shooting, it is often described as ‘golf with a shotgun.” It is a kind of clay pigeon shooting, more difficult than trap or skeet, players are shooting clay targets at multiple stations and clay targets are thrown from the machines in different trajectories, speeds, angles, elevations, and distances. Archery facilities include two courses: the Stationary Course for all bows and the 3D Course with 15 stations with at least one life-size animal target at each station.
Tampa Bay Sporting Clays and Archery, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O Lakes, FL 34639, Phone: 813-929-6200
For Active Couples and Singles
3. Book a round of gold at Plantation Palms Golf Club
Plantation Palms Golf Club is an 11-acre golf club known for its state-of-the-art Platinum Paspallum greens, lighted driving range beautiful rolling terrain with plenty of wildlife and great layout surrounded by luxury homes of Plantation Palms community. Plantation Palms was designed by the well-known architect Dave Harman and also has a complete practice facility with lighted driving range, short game area and practice putting green.
Established 18 years ago, Plantation Palms also included miniature golf, golf pro shops and batting cages. Ace Golf purchased the Golf Club in 2005 and renovated it extensively and doubled the number of members and rounds played there.
Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd, Land O Lakes, FL 34639, Phone: 813-996-4653
4. Order ribs at Hungry Harry's Famous Bar-b-que
Hungry Harry's Famous Bar-b-que is a charming, rustic barn-style barbecue restaurant in Land O' Lakes, Florida. This popular spot on U.S. 41 is considered a local landmark. Since it was established in1985 it served as a gathering place for community celebrations and fundraisers. The restaurant is located on a 5.8-acre property, including 350 feet of lake front. Hungry Harry’s is known for its generous portions of great homestyle barbecued ribs, pork and chicken, family platters, delicious sides and salads. You can get all kinds of sodas, domestic and foreign beers and wine by the glass. If you still have some space, check their great home-made desserts.
3116 Land O' Lakes Blvd, Land O Lakes, FL 34639, Phone: 813-949-2025, Map
5. Play a round of golf at The Groves Golf and Country Club
The Groves Golf and Country Club is boasts as the “Longest Short Course in Florida,” featuring characteristics of a championship-length course but in a reduced form. This 4,026-yard, par 67 golf course has eighteen holes that range in length from 105 yards to 375 yards. The course is able to be completed in around 3.5 hours and is suitable for golfers of all skill levels. When not playing on the course, guests at the Groves Golf and Country Club can grab a bite to eat at The Groves Grill or practice on the full-size putting green and aqua range.
7924 Melogold Cir, Land O' Lakes, FL 34637, 813-996-0161, Map
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