12 Best Things to Do in Sebring, Florida

By VacationIdea Staff on August 6, 2022 - Updated

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Sebring is located in Highlands County, right in the center of the Florida peninsula. The city is probably best known for hosting the annual Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance car race at the Sebring International Raceway. Sebring is also a Mecca for golfers, offering no fewer than 18 championship golf courses. Other outdoor activities in the area include hiking, biking and camping at the Highland Hammock State Park and excellent birding at Lake Istokpoga Park. Those seeking a cultural aspect to their visit can tour the Peter Powell Roberts Museum of Art or catch a performing arts production at the Highlands Lakeside Theatre.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Highland Hammock State Park

Located in Highlands County, about 6km west of Sebring, the Highland Hammock State Park is a popular recreational area. The park protects some incredibly old-growth trees, some of which are thought to be over a thousand years old. You can explore the park by car along a scenic 5km loop drive or pull on your hiking boots and set off on foot. There is a raised boardwalk through the bald cypress swamp area which allows excellent bird watching and nature observation. Various hiking and walking trails include an 18km trail suitable for cycling and horse-back riding. The park is a great place for nature lovers to park their RV or set up camp and enjoy getting back to nature.

Highland Hammock State Park, 5931 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872, Phone: 863-386-6094

2.Sebring International Raceway

During WWII Sebring’s Hendricks Army Airfield was a training base for B-17 pilots. After the war the airfield’s runways became home to the Sebring International Raceway which hosted its first sports car endurance race in 1950. Today the raceway boasts three tracks and has a reputation for being rough and bumpy, as drivers navigate what used to be landing fields. The raceway is a magnet for petrol-heads from all around the country and hosts several annual races including the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring (November) and the WeatherTech Sports Car Championship. You can join fellow fans on the stands or opt for a more comfortable race day in one of the lounges or private suites.

Sebring International Raceway, 113 Midway Dr, Sebring, Fl 33870, Phone: 863-655-1442

3.Lake Istokpoga, Sebring, Florida

Fed by the Arbuckle and Josephine Creeks, Lake Istokpoga is the fifth largest lake in Florida. Most people visit the lake to enjoy a day of fishing and boating, some staying for a few nights at one of several fish camps, cabins or camp sites with hookups for RVs. There are several boat ramps dotted around the lake and on the north shore you will find Lake Istokpoga Park, which is very popular with birders. While you are out fishing you can be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife along the shores of the lake including squirrels, wild hogs, alligators and water birds.

Lake Istokpoga, 127 Istokpoga Park Access Rd, Sebring, FL 33876, Phone: 863-402-6813

4.Military Sea Services Museum, Sebring, Florida

The Military Sea Services Museum is an interesting attraction for anyone wanting to know more about the history of the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The original small museum was established in 1998 but was extensively damaged by Hurricane Jeanne in 2004. After extensive repairs and renovations, the museum is now delighted to welcome visitors to their upgraded facility where you can see many historic documents and photos, a large collection of Sea Services flags and uniforms, ship artefacts and a special display dedicated to the USS Highland and her crew who took part in many significant WWII navy engagements.

Military Sea Services Museum, 1402 Roseland Ave, Sebring, FL 3870, Phone: 863-385-0992

5.Highlands Little Theatre (Highlands Lakeside Theatre)

The performing arts have been alive and flourishing in Sebring since the early 1930’s when the original “Little Theatre” was established. Today the Highlands Lakeside Theatre (Formerly called the Highlands Little Theatre) still provides an outlet for enthusiastic local performers who produce a full calendar of theatrical productions each year. The Theatre offers training programs for aspiring performers of all ages and offers scholarships and youth camps to anyone interested in becoming an entertainer. There is always something entertaining on the menu and your visit to Sebring would be incomplete without attending at least one exciting production at the theatre.

Highlands Lakeside Theatre, 356 W Center Ave, Sebring, FL 33870, Phone: 863-385-2175

6.Lakeshore Mall, Sebring, Florida

Lakeshore Mall is an indoor shopping Mall where you can buy just about anything you may need during your visit to Sebring. Bealls and Belk are the main anchor tenants in the Mall and there are several other interesting retail outlets. Unfortunately, the current climate has resulted in many of the original stores like Sears to close their stores in this Mall. When you need a break from all the shopping you can enjoy a coffee, meal or snack at one of the outlets in the Food Hall or catch a movie at the Lakeshore Cinema. There is also an on-site massage therapist and two nail parlors.

Lakeshore Mall, 901 US Hwy 27N, Sebring, FL 33870, Phone: 863-471-9500

7.Children’s Museum of the Highlands

Kids will love visiting this unique and fun-filled museum. Home to numerous exhibits and programs, the Children’s Museum of the Highlands offers a place for children to grow in curiosity and discover a love for learning. As they go through the different themed exhibits, kids can explore, play, and learn through various hands-on activities. They can see what it’s like to go grocery shopping at the Mini-Publix exhibit, care for patients at the Children’s Hospital, act as a fireman at the Fire Department, and much more. The museum also offers programs such as “Tot Time” which focuses on activities catered for toddlers and “STEAM Team” which focuses on the subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Learning and fun can definitely go hand in hand here!

219 N Ridgewood Drive, Sebring, FL 33870, Phone: 863-451-5385

8.Civilian Conservation Corps Museum

During the Great Depression, a time when Americans struggled to earn a living, the Civilian Conservation Corps provided working opportunities to hundreds of thousands of men in cooperation with President Roosevelt’s building programs. Learn all about the corps at the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and its immersive exhibits. Focused on highlighting their work and legacy, the museum is located in one of the parks built by the CCC. Admission into the park includes free admission into the museum, where visitors can join guided tours and watch short documentaries about the corps and their various projects including parks and forest restoration.

5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872, Phone: 863-386-6094

9.Lost Mines of Atlantis

Become archeologists for the day at Lost Mines of Atlantis. Families of all ages will enjoy digging for dozens of different gems and fossils from all over the world. Passionate about giving guests a glimpse of our rich and beautiful world, this family business is ready to welcome you with its warm and attentive staff. After filling your bucket with your newly-found unearthed treasures, check out their store full of international artwork, crystals, gifts, and Mexican pottery. Visitors are in for a day to remember at the Lost Mines of Atlantis with numerous testimonials and glowing reviews from previous customers.

10404 US Highway 27 South, Sebring, Florida 33876; Phone: 863-781-1758

10.Secret Gardens Winery and Farms

Enjoy a lovely afternoon walking through the vineyards and sampling quality wine at Secret Gardens Winery & Farms. Owned and operated by the Murray family, the 20-acre vineyard and farm were a true labor of love. They purchased the fixer-upper farmhouse in 2009 and spent ten years renovating and growing the farm until its eventual opening in 2019. The certified Florida farm and winery is open to tours along with tastings and small farm-to-table events in the Big Blue Barn. Other than their regional Florida wine, they also offer beers, seltzers, teas, jams, and jellies. Walk-ins are welcome, however, reservations are preferred for weekends.

8222 West Josephine Road, Sebring, FL 33875, Phone: 863-414-4618

11.Cowpoke's Watering Hole

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Cowpoke’s Watering Hole. The large restaurant and bar, which offers a 295 seating capacity, has a fun and exciting atmosphere with its fun tiki island theme. Every night, customers can enjoy a relaxing dinner in the early evening followed by different fun events like music and dancing. 12 large televisions are also situated around the restaurant for customers to catch their favorite sports game. Their menu specializes in premium steaks, but also offers fresh seafood, pastas, and a wide selection of liquor and wines. Cowpoke’s is open Monday through Sunday and also welcomes large groups and families.

6813 US Highway 27 South, Sebring, FL 33876, Phone: 863-314-9459

12.Faded Bistro and Beer Garden

Visitors are in for a delicious and beautiful dining experience at the Faded Bistro & Beer Garden. The restaurant is the perfect balance of relaxed and refined with its airy, garden-side atmosphere mixed with fine menu selection and service. Taking pride in using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, they’ve built a delectable brunch and all-day menu. Some of the highlights of their brunch menu include grouper and grits, gin and tonic oysters, and flapjacks. Their all-day menu includes a cheese and charcuterie board, ahi tuna poke, fresh seafood, and much more. Faded Bistro & Beer Garden also has a beautiful mahogany bar that serves a selection of cocktails and wine.

420 N Ridgewood Drive, Sebring, FL 33870, Phone: 863-471-0204