The Winter Haven area, between Tampa and Orlando, is home to beautiful lakes, a majestic tower, a world-class collection of vintage aircraft and the largest LEGOLAND in the world – plenty of places to play, explore and reflect.
Winter Haven, a designated trails town, has a trail network spans more than 14 miles and includes an interconnected system of parks, neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, theaters, and downtown, which serves as the core of the trail system. Winter Haven also has 50 lakes within or bordering its city limits, offering numerous opportunities for paddlesports.
Visitors will find a variety of hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts close to all the things you'll enjoy. And whether you're looking for a quick bite, your favorite fast food or gourmet fare, the Winter Haven area is home to a number of delightful restaurants.
Here are some fun things to do in Winter Haven and its surrounding area.
Hunt for treasures from another time in the Winter Haven part of Florida’s Antique Loop.
Let your imagination soar at The Fantasy of Flight, a working restoration facility that has the world’s largest collection of vintage aircraft, among other unique heritage highlights in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area.
Discover the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architectural designs at Florida Southern College, a National Historic Landmark comprised of distinctly American structures. The nearby Lakeland campus is known as Wright’s “Child of the Sun.”
Revel in the elegance and grandeur of a show at the Polk Theatre, nearby in Lakeland. It's a 1928 vaudeville movie palace that has a full calendar of films, speakers, musicals and guided tours.
Surround yourself with lush landscapes and the soothing sound of carillon bells at Bok Tower Gardens in nearby Lake Wales. The property – sitting near Iron Mountain at one of the highest points in Florida – offers sweeping views of a valley of towns and orange groves below.
Grab a napkin and plan your trip for January so you can pig out at the Lakeland Pigfest, where more than 150 barbecue teams fire up main dishes, sides, sauces and desserts.
Take a short drive to Plant City, home of the Florida Strawberry Festival every March and the year-round fun of Dinosaur World, with its 80-foot dinosaur models and authentic fossils.
Dare to experience what it feels like jumping from an airplane at 13,500 feet at Skydive City in nearby Zephyrhills.
Discover small-town art treasures at Lake Wales Art Center, and the Polk Museum of Art.
