Situated Between Fort Myers And Palm Beach Is A Florida City With Lakeside Charm And Sugar Fields

When all of the big summer hubs become too crowded and overpriced to bear, quieter havens like South Bay, Florida, welcome us with open arms and the promise of the perfect relaxing holiday. Home to just a little over 4,800 people, the peaceful lakeside city makes an inviting stop for those looking to slow down and take in that rural charm that has long been lost in its more famous neighbors along the Atlantic coast.

South Bay is right at the junction of U.S. Highway 27 and State Road 80, so most people come here by car. (The nearby Palm Beach International  Airport has one of the worst-rated TSA experiences in all of the U.S., so driving is always a great idea.) The ride itself is incredibly scenic, too — just miles of sugar fields stretching on both sides of the road, crowned by the dreamy views of Lake Okeechobee. The city isn't just the perfect escape for travelers in search of a quieter, more grounded Florida experience, but for RV users and cyclists riding nearby trails, too.

Swapping a typical beach vacation for a laidback lakeside retreat might not be everyone's first choice, especially since Fort Myers, one of the cheapest summer destinations in America, is just a short drive away. But when it comes to South Bay's Lake Okeechobee, even the biggest skeptics might want to make an exception. First of all, it's so massive (730 square miles) that people call it "Florida's inland sea," and you can't really see across it, so, visually speaking, the experience isn't all that different.

When it comes to swimming, though, you have to be careful. While some Reddit users claim to have had no problems (other than chilly waters) with the experience, Florida's Health Department in Palm Beach County warns swimmers of toxic blue-green algae, and the lake is also one of the most alligator-infested parts of Florida, so swim at your own risk. The good news is that there's so much to do and see around Okeechobee that swimming will probably be the last thing on your mind, anyway. From picnicking and cycling to birdwatching and jogging, the surrounding area is a dream to experience, especially at sunrise or sunset. And best of all, access is free and open year-round. 

RVers looking for a great place to set up camp in the area should head to South Bay RV Park. It's a lakeside campground complete with shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, well-maintained facilities, and full hook-ups.

What really makes South Bay unforgettable is its sugarcane-filled landscape. The agricultural heritage here is palpable, though you don't need to be an avid outdoorsman to appreciate just how incredible these fields that shape the local economy truly are.

Now, there isn't a dedicated sugar museum in South Bay itself, but there are some tours you can take in Clewiston, which is roughly 20 minutes northwest of South Bay. They guide visitors through the local sugarcane farms and processing plants, but are usually only available seasonally during harvest time (between October and April), so it's a good idea to reach out to the organizers before planning anything.

Keep in mind that the tours tend to be long (roughly 4.5 hours, according to some Tripadvisor users) and you'll spend most of your time on a bus. So while it may not be the 5-star experience you'd get on a luxe Palm Beach resort, it's still an enriching, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.