Schalamar Creek in Lakeland, Florida: 55+ Golf Living, Best Restaurants, Bakeries & Things to Do

A gated, 500-acre resort-style community with its own championship golf course, set in the heart of Central Florida between Tampa and Orlando.

If you picture your next chapter with a tee time in the morning, a swim in the afternoon, and dinner with friends in the evening, Schalamar Creek in Lakeland, Florida deserves a close look. This gated 55+ active adult community sits on roughly 500 acres of waterways, woods, and fairways along Highway 92 East, and it pairs a quiet, small-town setting with easy access to everything Central Florida offers. Orlando and Tampa are each about 45 miles away, yet once you pass through the gate and down the mile-long, tree-lined lakefront entry drive, the pace slows down in the best possible way.

In this guide, we cover what life looks like inside Schalamar Creek, plus the restaurants, bakeries, attractions, and outdoor spots that make Lakeland one of the most appealing places in Florida for active adults.

About Schalamar Creek: A 55+ Golf and Country Club Community

Schalamar Creek Golf & Country Club is a gated, age-qualified 55+ community built around nature and recreation. Homesites are set along the lakes, beside the golf course, or tucked into wooded areas, so many residents enjoy water views, fairway views, or the shade of mature trees right from the lanai. The community has been named "Community of the Year" in a national survey, a recognition that reflects its long-standing reputation among Florida retirees and seasonal residents.

Schalamar Creek is a land-lease community of manufactured homes, which means residents own their home and lease the lot. For many buyers, this structure keeps the upfront cost of Florida living well below that of a comparable site-built home in a golf community. For current homes for sale and pricing, visit the Schalamar Creek listing on RetireNet.

Championship Golf at Your Doorstep

The centerpiece of the community is its 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, designed by noted Florida course architect Ron Garl and opened in 1986. Golfers describe it as a shot-maker's course with tight fairways that reward accuracy over raw distance, and it is playable year-round. A driving range, putting green, full-service pro shop, and teaching professional make it easy to sharpen your game, whether you are a lifelong golfer or just picking up the clubs in retirement.

Clubhouse and Resort-Style Amenities

Social life at Schalamar Creek revolves around a 22,000-square-foot clubhouse with a 425-seat ballroom that hosts community events, concerts, dances, and church services. Inside and around the clubhouse, residents enjoy:

• An on-site sports bar and grill, so dinner out can be a short walk or cart ride away
• Heated pool, spa, and sauna
• Fitness center
• Tennis, pickleball, and shuffleboard courts
• Fishing lake with a fishing pier
• Library, billiard room, and arts and crafts room
• Beauty shop and gift shop
• Clubhouse Wi-Fi and a full calendar of planned activities

Pets are welcome, which matters to the many retirees who would never move without their four-legged family members. Check the community's current pet guidelines for any size or breed limits.

Best Restaurants Near Schalamar Creek in Lakeland

Lakeland's dining scene has grown well beyond chain restaurants, and downtown is only a short drive west of the community. Here are local favorites worth putting on your list.

Nineteen61

215 E. Main St., Downtown Lakeland. Widely considered Lakeland's top special-occasion restaurant, Nineteen61 serves upscale Latin and Spanish-influenced cuisine with Cuban and Peruvian touches. Chef and owner Marcos Fernandez named the restaurant for the year his parents left Cuba. Ask for a table on the rooftop bar overlooking Munn Park, and leave room for one of the craft cocktails the bar is known for.

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille

101 N. Kentucky Ave., Downtown Lakeland. This New Orleans-inspired local favorite blends Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors. Regulars rave about the shrimp and grits, gumbo, jambalaya, and blackened redfish. It fills up quickly on weekends, so a reservation is a good idea, and it is a natural dinner stop after a stroll through Hollis Garden.

Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar

132 S. Kentucky Ave., Downtown Lakeland. Frescos brings modern Southern comfort food to breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Weekend brunch is the draw here, with chicken and waffles and bottomless mimosas that pair perfectly with a Saturday morning at the farmers market just up the street.

The Chop Shop

118 S. Kentucky Ave., Downtown Lakeland. A fun, rockabilly-themed burger joint where the burgers are the stars. It is a casual, lively spot for lunch with friends or the grandkids.

The Joinery Food Hall

Downtown Lakeland. When everyone in the group wants something different, The Joinery's collection of food vendors in a modern hall overlooking Lake Mirror solves the problem nicely.

The Pantry Modern Diner

2122 US-92, Suite 6, Auburndale. For a quick breakfast or lunch close to home, this well-reviewed diner sits just east of the community along the same Highway 92 corridor.

Hungry for more ideas? See RetireNet's full roundup of The Best Restaurants in Lakeland, Florida.

Best Bakeries in Lakeland and Nearby

Lakeland has quietly become one of Central Florida's best bakery towns. These spots are worth the drive for a morning pastry, a loaf of fresh bread, or a dessert for your next clubhouse potluck.

Born & Bread Bakehouse

1113 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland. Repeatedly voted Lakeland's best bakery and featured in national food media, Born & Bread specializes in slow-fermented, naturally leavened breads and French-style pastries. It is primarily a wholesale bakery that opens its doors to the public on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, so plan ahead and arrive early because the best pastries go fast.

Honeycomb Bread Bakers

213 E. Bay St., Downtown Lakeland (second location in Winter Haven). Hometown baker Benjamin Vickers grew Honeycomb from a farmers market stand into two cafes. Expect artisan breads and pastries made with fresh-milled flour, plus a "slow bar" serving locally roasted coffee and tea.

Bandidas Bake Shop

1755 E. Edgewood Dr., Lakeland. This Latin-inspired bake shop serves breakfast, lunch, and seasonal pastries. Fans line up for the "hippie scone," the guava pastelito layer cake, and savory sandwiches on housemade focaccia.

Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop

68 4th St. NW, Downtown Winter Haven. Just across from Central Park, this cheerful bake shop offers cupcakes, cookies, fudge brownies, cheesecakes, and pies, plus custom cakes for birthdays and celebrations.

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market

North Kentucky Ave. and East Bay St., Downtown Lakeland. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (September through May, with shorter hours in June and July and a break in August), local growers and bakers fill the streets with fresh produce, breads, pastries, local honey, plants, and handmade crafts. It is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning in Lakeland.

Top Things to Do and See Near Schalamar Creek

Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College

Lakeland is home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, with 13 structures on the Florida Southern College campus. Wright called his plan for the campus "Child of the Sun." Do not miss the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel and the Water Dome, and consider a guided tour through the college's Frank Lloyd Wright visitor center.

Lake Mirror, the Frances Langford Promenade, and Hollis Garden

Downtown Lakeland's centerpiece is Lake Mirror, named for its glassy surface and surrounded by a 32-acre park with wide promenade walkways. Overlooking the lake, Hollis Garden at 702 E. Orange St. is a 1.2-acre formal botanical garden with fountains, ornamental beds, and shaded paths. The park hosts nearly 20 events a year, including a beloved Christmas parade and a classic car show.

Circle B Bar Reserve

4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland. This former cattle ranch on the shore of Lake Hancock is one of the best wildlife-viewing spots in Central Florida, with more than 220 bird species recorded and plenty of alligators along the trails. Admission is free. Start at Polk's Nature Discovery Center (open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.), where volunteers can point you to the best trails. Pets are not allowed, and December through March is the busiest season.

Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland. Formerly the Polk Museum of Art, this Smithsonian Affiliate museum at Florida Southern College offers free admission year-round. It is a perfect indoor outing on a hot summer afternoon.

Lake Hollingsworth Trail

The paved path circling Lake Hollingsworth is a local favorite for walking, biking, and watching the sunset over the water. It is flat, scenic, and ideal for a morning walk with a friend.

Detroit Tigers Spring Training

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Lakeland has one of the longest-running spring training relationships in Major League Baseball. Catch the Detroit Tigers each spring, then follow the minor league Lakeland Flying Tigers during the season.

Bok Tower Gardens Day Trip

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. About a 40-minute drive south, this 250-acre National Historic Landmark garden surrounds a 205-foot "Singing Tower" with a 60-bell carillon. Daily carillon concerts, peaceful garden walks, and a cafe make it an easy and memorable day trip.

Silver Moon Drive-In

4100 New Tampa Hwy., Lakeland. Relive date night the classic way at one of Florida's remaining drive-in movie theaters.

Why Lakeland Works for 55+ Living

Lakeland, often called the Swan City, has more than 38 lakes, a walkable historic downtown, and a central location on the I-4 corridor that puts both the Gulf Coast beaches and Orlando's attractions within an easy day trip. Shopping is convenient at Lakeland Square Mall, Eagle Ridge Mall, and the Highway 92 retail corridor, and the city is home to the headquarters of Publix, Florida's favorite grocery chain. For active adults, that combination of small-town charm, big-city access, and a lower cost of living than the coasts is hard to beat.

Schalamar Creek puts you in the middle of it all while keeping daily life peaceful, social, and centered on golf and the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schalamar Creek

Is Schalamar Creek a 55+ community?

Yes. Schalamar Creek is a gated, age-qualified 55+ active adult community in Lakeland, Florida.

Does Schalamar Creek have a golf course?

Yes. The community features an 18-hole, par 72 championship course designed by Ron Garl, along with a driving range, putting green, and pro shop.

Where is Schalamar Creek located?

The community is at 4500 Highway 92 East in Lakeland, Florida, about 45 miles from both Tampa and Orlando.

Are pets allowed at Schalamar Creek?

Yes, Schalamar Creek is a pet-friendly community. Contact the community directly for current pet policies.