Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Winter Haven is a city of about 50,000 people in Polk County, in the heart of Central Florida between Tampa and Orlando. Known as the Chain of Lakes City, it is surrounded by dozens of lakes, many of them linked by canals that boaters can cruise from one lake to the next. It grew in the early 1900s as a citrus town and later became famous for Cypress Gardens, the botanical park and water-ski show that drew visitors from around the world from 1936.
Today the old Cypress Gardens site is LEGOLAND Florida Resort, which keeps the historic gardens and their giant banyan tree inside the park. Downtown Winter Haven has a pleasant Central Park, local restaurants and shops, while Theatre Winter Haven and the Ridge Art Association keep the arts scene lively.
The lakes are the real draw: rent a boat or join a tour on the Chain of Lakes, walk or cycle the Chain of Lakes Trail, or watch birds at South Lake Howard Nature Park. Lakeland, Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales and the Orlando theme parks are all within an hour's drive.
A large theme park for children aged about 2 to 12, built on the site of Cypress Gardens, with LEGO-themed rides, shows, a Miniland of famous places built from bricks, a water park and themed hotels. Buy tickets online for discounts, visit on weekdays, and plan a full day, adding the water park in warm months.
The original botanical gardens of Cypress Gardens, preserved inside LEGOLAND Florida, with a giant banyan tree, cypress trees along Lake Eloise, flowering plants and quiet paths. It is a peaceful break from the rides and a link to Florida's tourism history. Entry is included with LEGOLAND admission.
A paved multi-use trail on a former rail line through Winter Haven, passing several lakes and neighborhoods and connecting toward Lake Alfred. It is good for cycling, running and walking. Start near downtown for coffee and food, and go early in the day in warm months, as shade is limited.
A shady park in the middle of downtown Winter Haven with fountains, a gazebo, benches and walking paths, surrounded by restaurants and shops. It hosts concerts, farmers markets and holiday events. It is a pleasant place to start a downtown stroll; check the city calendar for festivals.
A group of lakes around the city connected by canals, popular for boating, waterskiing, fishing and lakeside dining. Boat rentals and guided tours let you cruise from lake to lake past homes and cypress trees. Look for herons, ospreys and alligators, and watch for afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
A small nature park on the shore of Lake Howard with a boardwalk through wetlands, picnic areas and views across the lake, close to downtown. It is a good spot for birdwatching, a short walk and sunset. Bring bug spray in the warm months and keep a respectful distance from any alligators.
A long-running community theater in the Chain of Lakes Complex that stages musicals, comedies and dramas through a season that runs most of the year. Productions are well regarded and tickets are inexpensive. Book ahead for popular musicals and arrive early for parking near the complex.
A nonprofit art center in Winter Haven with galleries showing changing exhibits by regional artists, plus classes, workshops and a gift shop of local work. It is a calm stop for art lovers and a good way to meet local creatives. Admission is usually free; check the website for exhibit openings.
Winter Haven's compact downtown with restored brick buildings, local restaurants, breweries, boutiques and Central Park at its center. Events such as concerts, art walks and holiday parades bring the streets to life. Park once and walk; evenings are the liveliest time for dinner and drinks.
No reviews yet. Been to Winter Haven? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Winter Haven? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Ultrahip, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ultrahip, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Nathan Forget, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jenna at AYELawCo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Martiniturbide, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nathan Forget, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Nathan Forget, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jared from Clermont, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Josh Hallett from Winter Haven, FL, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Martiniturbide, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Mike McBey, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Josh Hallett from Winter Haven, FL, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Josh Hallett from Winter Haven, FL, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
