Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Sebring, Florida

For enthusiasts of motorsports, this city in south-central Florida’s Highlands County is well known. The name itself is closely associated with the Sebring International Raceway, which hosts the renowned 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race.

Sebring was established in the 1910s by a pottery manufacturer from Ohio who implemented an innovative urban design approach. The city, known as the City on the Circle, features a distinctive circular layout, with streets radiating from a central roundabout.

I have an affinity for distinctive narratives like this, and I was pleased to find a thriving downtown area filled with welcoming small businesses.

Sebring is situated at the southern end of the Lake Wales Ridge, an elevated region teeming with rare native wildlife. This can be explored through airboat tours or at the remarkable Highlands Hammock State Park.

1. Sebring International Raceway

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Located on a former WWII Army Air Corps base, Sebring International Raceway is one of the oldest racetracks in the United States, having been in continuous operation since 1950.

In contrast to other popular racetracks, Sebring presents a challenging 3.7-mile circuit filled with tight turns and switchbacks.

The hallmark event at the raceway, the 12 Hours of Sebring, occurs during the third week of March and traces back to the same year the circuit opened.

This period is my preferred time to be in Sebring. The race weekend includes live entertainment, family activities, and a wide array of fine dining options.

2. Highlands Hammock State Park

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One of Florida’s oldest and most picturesque state parks lies directly on Sebring’s western boundary.

Spanning 9,000 acres, Highlands Hammock State Park is particularly significant for its ancient forest and an extensive variety of rare and endemic species that are unparalleled at any other Florida state park.

What makes this locale indispensable are its old-growth wooded habitats, including stunning cypress swamps with magnificent, centuries-old trees.

Visitors can navigate through this otherwise impenetrable environment via elevated boardwalks, offering glimpses of exceptional trees, such as a 1,000-year-old live oak, believed to be one of the largest in Florida.

For cycling enthusiasts, there is a three-mile bike loop available. For a more leisurely touring experience, a tourist tram is also provided, offering views of numerous alligators along the way.

3. Downtown Sebring

If your sole purpose for visiting the historic center of Sebring is to appreciate its unusual design, it will certainly be worthwhile.

As an aspiring urban planner, I find Sebring’s distinctive design and rich architectural history dating back to the 1910s endlessly captivating.

Here, you will find a vibrant central commercial district featuring an abundance of shops, galleries, entertainment venues, and restaurants situated around the central Circle and connecting streets.

I will highlight a couple of these later in this article, while at the very core, there lies a charming park furnished with benches shaded by venerable live oaks.

4. Lake Jackson & City Pier Beach

Just a few steps from downtown Sebring, nestled behind the Civic Center, one can access the scenic shores of Lake Jackson.

With a westerly orientation perfect for witnessing enchanting sunsets, this spot may well be my favorite in the entire city. There exists a dense canopy overhead, constant birdsong fills the air, and a small sandy beach where children can safely play in the lake’s shallow waters.

This area is equipped with picnic tables and playground equipment, while a pier extends from the park’s center, notably recognized for its breathtaking views, particularly as the sun rises over downtown.

5. Weigle House Museum

Adjacent to the Highland Art League building, this historical house museum is operated by the Sebring Historical Society.

A close associate of the city’s founder, George Sebring, Dr. Charles F. Weigle (1871-1966) was a notable evangelist and songwriter in the early 20th century.

He constructed this Bungalow-style residence on Lake Jackson in 1922 during a period of development boom in the city. Inside, one may explore the rich history of Sebring and Highlands County.

I appreciated the exhibits detailing the 12 Hours of Sebring race, the Army Air Corps training facility at Hendricks Field during WWII, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the connections between the Weigle and Sebring families.

6. Airboat Wildlife Adventures

Located southeast of Sebring, Lake Istokpoga spans 28,000 acres and ranks as the fifth-largest freshwater lake in Florida. Despite its vast expanse, it is notably shallow, averaging just four feet in depth.

In contrast to Lake Jackson, the shores of Lake Istokpoga are minimally developed, making it an ideal location for experiencing nature on the water. Assisting in this exploration is Airboat Wildlife Adventures, situated on the northern shore.

Operating seven times daily, the company provides 90-minute tours of Central Florida’s wilderness. On my excursion, I encountered numerous alligators amidst the pristine swampy landscapes along Arbuckle Creek, which are adorned with breathtaking bald cypress trees.

7. Highlands Lakeside Theatre

Source: Highlands Lakeside Theatre / Facebook

For those seeking live entertainment, Sebring boasts a reputable community theater that has been active for over 50 years. The Highlands Lakeside Theatre is located at the Civic Center near the shore of Lake Jackson.

There are two performance spaces available here, including the Lakeside Playhouse and the adjoining Thakkar Pavilion from the 2000s.

The theater hosts a packed season of Broadway musicals, comedies, and dramas. It is quite likely that there will be a performance during your visit to Sebring.

I was fortunate to attend an energetic rendition of Sister Act The Musical. Each aspect was executed so exceptionally that I had to remind myself it was a community production.

8. Military Sea Services Museum

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Situated in the southeastern part of town, Sebring’s Military Sea Services Museum was established by local members of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA).

This museum is housed within their headquarters, dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the nation’s maritime forces, including the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.

Admission to the museum is free, and it is filled with artifacts and memorabilia in each corner. I observed various items such as weapons, numerous photographs, WWII-era flags, uniforms, vehicles, newspaper clippings, and model ships.

The museum’s docents, who are veterans, provide a compelling perspective on the exhibits.

9. Highlands Museum of the Arts

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The Sebring area is home to a talented community of artists, whose work can be observed at this museum located near the Civic Center.

When I visited, the primary exhibition area was housed within the historic Clovelly House at 1971 Lakeview Dr. The Highlands Art League, which organizes these shows, also conducts classes in various artistic disciplines, including oil painting and pottery.

Furthermore, the league organizes the annual Sebring Arts & Crafts Festival, which has been a tradition for over half a century. This festival occurs in November at The Circle Downtown and features numerous booths, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.

10. Civilian Conservation Corps Museum

Opened in 1931, Highlands Hammock State Park was among the eight state parks in Florida developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

This initiative, a part of the New Deal during the Great Depression, provided unemployed individuals with opportunities to engage in outdoor public projects.

The park hosts a museum that chronicles the history of the CCC in Florida, situated in a building designed by the corps. This museum delves into the history and projects around the park and includes knowledgeable volunteer docents.

The highlight for me was the theater, which showcases oral histories from individuals involved in developing places like this state park.

11. Lost Mines of Atlantis

This charming roadside attraction and store is located in the southern part of Sebring. Lost Mines of Atlantis is particularly popular with children due to the gem mining experience, allowing them to act as prospectors for an hour or two.

Visitors can purchase either a small or large bucket to start searching for gemstones and fossils. At the conclusion of the mining experience, the friendly staff assists in identifying and labeling the discoveries, which can include a variety from amethyst to zeolite clusters.

With a New Age ambiance, the gift shop is filled with unique mineral-related gifts and jewelry.

12. River Greens Golf Course

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The Sebring region is renowned for its golf, comparable to its notoriety for motorsports, featuring ten exceptional courses along the Citrus Golf Trail.

I recommend prioritizing your visit to River Greens Golf Course, inaugurated in 1969 in nearby Avon Park. Nestled among three lakes, this course offers stunning views that stretch for miles through palms, orange groves, and fields.

If you take pleasure in utilizing a driver, this is the perfect course for you. Three of the last four holes at River Greens are par 5s, culminating in an exhilarating finish for powerful golfers.

13. Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works

A unique establishment located on the south side of Sebring’s Circle is an ice cream parlor and soda shop. If you share my preference for the taste of sodas bottled in glass, you are guaranteed to enjoy the Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works.

Situated in a historic commercial building from 1922, this venue offers over 300 carbonated beverages from around the globe, all bottled in glass, many of which are from lesser-known brands that have faded from the national market.

Additionally, there are more than 40 flavors of creamy ice cream available. Naturally, the ideal experience at a location like this is indulging in an old-fashioned ice cream float.

14. Children’s Museum of the Highlands

Located downtown, this venue provides an educational and creative space designed for children up to age 12.

The Children’s Museum of the Highlands focuses on interactive play, featuring exhibits that encourage curiosity and imagination.

The museum includes a puppet theater, children’s theater, puzzle area, soft play sensory zone, and several spaces replicating everyday environments such as a hospital, restaurant, Publix branch, farm, and kitchen.

Furthermore, a variety of scheduled programs are offered, including seasonal themed days and Tot Time, featuring crafts and storytelling sessions every Thursday from September through May.

15. Sebring Soda Fest

Known as Florida’s Fizziest Festival, Sebring Soda Fest emerged as a newer event during the ongoing preparations of this article. Initiated just prior to the pandemic, this soft drink extravaganza takes place over two days each April.

Artisanal soft drinks are in vogue, and Soda Fest presents over 200 varieties to sample. These drinks are sourced from around the world, featuring an impressive array of flavors, ranging from caramel apple to espresso.

In addition, numerous food trucks provide fair-style snacks, along with family activities, live music, and an extensive selection of wine and beer for adults.