Did you know Lakeland was ranked No. 5 in the south on Ownerly’s list of "America’s Best Cities for Remote Workers" in 2022?

As more companies transition to hybrid or remote work models, Lakeland’s options for remote workers continue to expand. The good news? Research shows that tackling your tasks al fresco actually helps boost productivity.

Finding places to work outside in Lakeland was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say? Check.

Coworking spaces

Fruit-inspired mural on the patio at Catapult by local artist Maegan Carroll | Photo via Instagram

Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St. | Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pick up a day pass for $20 and enjoy views of Lake Mirror, pop-up lunches on the patio from local eateries, and walkability to downtown Lakeland.

COhatch, 211 E. Main St. | Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (5:30 p.m. on Tuesday) | Be at the center of the downtown hustle and bustle on COhatch's patio — did we mention it's located right between Nineteen61 and Black & Brew, aka two of Lakeland's most popular lunch spots?

Coffee and tea shops

Grab a spot in Pressed Lakeland's intimate alleyway for your next remote work day. | Photo via @absmurray

Pressed Lakeland, 213 E. Bay St. | Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Order a literature-themed coffee or tea, then grab a seat in the shaded courtyard area.

Concord Coffee, 1037 Florida Ave. S., Ste. 135 | Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | This covered sub-level spot is perfect for working outside even on a rainy day.

Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St. | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Stop in for a morning quiche or an afternoon pick-me-up and grab a seat on this Lakeland staple's quaint wrap-around porch.

Tea Largo, 4634 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. | Snag a brightly colored high-top table in the shade and enjoy a refreshing acai bowl or iced tea.

Restaurants and bars

Make a sandwich gluten-free by switching out your bread at Black & Brew. | Photo by @adventurethegreatwidesomewhere

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, locations and hours vary | Enjoy locally sourced coffee + fresh food while working on the outdoor patio at any of this eatery's three locations.

Good Thyme, 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln. | Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Grab a snack and a picnic table before getting down to business just steps away from Concord Coffee.

The Joinery, 640 E. Main St. | Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Settle in on the large lakefront patio facing Lake Mirror, or head to the back patio for a more secluded vibe (just remember trains pass back here, so you may need to mute those microphones if you have a call).

The Juice Box, 4295 S. Florida Ave. | Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | This cafe's shaded turf patio space is complete with picnic tables and hanging hammock chairs.

Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St. | Monday-Wednesday, 3-9 p.m.; Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 12-10 p.m.; Sunday, 12-7 p.m. | Work from a picnic table with views of Lake Wire, then check the calendar to see what food trucks and events you can expect for your post-work dinner and entertainment.

Sweet Cup Cafe, 1401 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | Wednesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | We love to sip a latte, cappuccino, or cafe con leche on the pink patio that doubles as a cheery Zoom backdrop.

Parks and public spaces

In addition to a vast collection of retailers + dining options, Lakeside Village hosts fun seasonal events all year-long. | Photo by LALtoday

Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr. | Dawn-dusk | Work from this outdoor shopping mall's shady pergola, then spend your lunch break browsing the stores.

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | Dawn-dusk | Grab a seat at a table near the Depot Cafe or Welcome Center Coffee Shop, or bring a blanket to set up shop on the Allen & Company lawn.

Lake Crago Park, 525 Lake Crago Dr. | Dawn-dusk | Connect to the outdoor wifi + sit under the shade of the recreation center building, or get some sun out in the amphitheater (just make sure you stay hydrated and BYO snacks).

Interactive map