Winter Haven Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Florida region, Winter Haven is a charming city that offers a delightful blend of natural wonders and modern attractions. Known for its pleasant climate and friendly atmosphere, this idyllic destination is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation.

One of the highlights of Winter Haven is its stunning collection of lakes, which have earned it the nickname "The Chain of Lakes City." Visitors can explore these sparkling bodies of water by boat or kayak, enjoying the serene beauty and abundance of wildlife that call them home. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast or simply looking to unwind by the water's edge, Winter Haven's lakes provide the perfect backdrop for a tranquil getaway.

For those seeking a bit of thrill and excitement, Winter Haven is also home to the world-famous LEGOLAND Florida Resort. This beloved theme park offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. From exhilarating rides and interactive shows to intricate LEGO displays and attractions, LEGOLAND is a must-visit destination for families and LEGO enthusiasts alike.

Nature lovers will find solace in the stunning beauty of the nearby Bok Tower Gardens. This enchanting botanical garden is home to the iconic Singing Tower, a 205-foot neo-Gothic structure that houses one of the world's finest carillons. Stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens, filled with colorful blooms and tranquil pathways, and enjoy the melodious tunes that emanate from the tower.

In addition to its natural and man-made attractions, Winter Haven also boasts a vibrant downtown area. Here, visitors can explore a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants. Sample delicious cuisine ranging from fresh seafood to international flavors, and immerse yourself in the city's lively arts and culture scene.

Alternative names: Population: 37.7 thous.Area: 39.93 mi²Elevation: 167 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 28°1'14"N, 81°43'43"W

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FloridaUnited States

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Winter Haven Top Attractions

Winter Haven Attractions - What to See and Explore

Winter Haven offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lake Eloise, Iron Mountain, Lake Elbert, Lake Martha. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

27°58'54"N • 81°42'17"W
Lake Eloise
Lake Eloise is a large natural freshwater lake on the south side of Winter Haven, Florida. It is part of the southern Chain of Lakes. With a 1,174-acre surface area, it is one of the larger lakes in Polk County, Florida. Lake Eloise has a somewhat oval shape and has a large cove on its south side.
27°56'12"N • 81°34'38"W
Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain is one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, United States and a prominent point of the Lake Wales Ridge. Rising 295 feet above sea level, The mountain contains citronelle, a hematite-containing rock that oxidizes when exposed to air and is responsible for the red-brown color of the earth.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Elbert
Lake Elbert is a circular lake with a circular cove on its southwest side. The Polk County Water Atlas says it is sometimes known as Little Elbert, but no other sources have used this name.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Martha
Lake Martha, oval in shape, is in the west-central part of Winter Haven, Florida. Lake Martha Drive surrounds two-thirds of the lake's perimeter. Lake Martha has a 84.38-acre surface area. On the northeast is a public park and boat ramp and across the street from this park is...
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Maude
Lake Maude is an oval-shaped lake on the north side of Winter Haven, Florida. It has a surface area of 54.83-acre. On its north and west sides, Lake Maude is bordered by residential areas.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Silver
Lake Silver is a natural freshwater lake located in central Winter Haven, Florida. This lake has a 51.73-acre surface area and is completely surrounded by offices, clinics and residential areas.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake May
Lake May, a wedge-shaped lake, is a natural freshwater lake in southwest Winter Haven, Florida. This lake has a 49.07-acre surface area.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Hartridge
Lake Hartridge, with somewhat of a figure eight shape, has a surface area of 433-acre. This lake is on the north side of Winter Haven, Florida. Most of the lake's west shore is bordered by residential areas. The northwest shore is bordered by woods. The north shore is bordered woods and clearings.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Jessie
Lake Jessie, with somewhat of an oval shape, has a surface area of 189-acre. This lake is on the northwest side of Winter Haven, Florida, and is just east of Auburndale, Florida.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Link
Lake Link is a circular natural freshwater lake on the east side of Winter Haven, Florida. It has a 26.17-acre surface area and is surrounded on all but the southwest sides by residences. A 50 feet canal connects it there to Lake Otis, a much larger lake.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Ned Lake
Ned Lake is a natural freshwater lake in eastern Winter Haven, Florida. It has a 72.38-acre surface area and is somewhat irregular in shape. The main part of the lake is oval in shape and on the southeast is a rounded cove. This lake is bordered by residences on the south, southwest, the northwest and the north.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Gem
Lake Gem is a round lake on the north side of Winter Haven, Florida, United States. It is tiny and has a surface area of 3.15-acre. On its north side is residential housing. On its east, west and south, it is bordered by trees. It is just north of the Polk State College campus...
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Pansy
Lake Pansy, an almost round lake, has a surface area of 50.42-acre. This lake is on the north edge of Winter Haven, Florida. The city limits just reach water's edge on the east and southeast and the south city limits of Lake Alfred, Florida, are just across US Highway 92, which is 100 feet northeast of Lake Pansy.
28°4'7"N • 81°44'56"W
Waldo Wright's Flying Service
Tours • Outdoor activities
28°1'29"N • 81°44'6"W
Woman's Club of Winter Haven
The Woman's Club of Winter Haven is a historic woman's club in Winter Haven, Florida. It is located at 660 Pope Avenue, Northwest. On August 10, 1998, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
28°1'27"N • 81°43'54"W
Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
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Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Otis
Lake Otis is a natural freshwater lake located on the east side of Winter Haven, Florida. The Polk County Water Atlas says the lake sometimes is known as Little Otis, but this is confirmed nowhere else.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Idylwild
Lake Idylwild, which is round, has a surface area of 95.48-acre. The lake has one small island, almost rectangular in shape, that measures 50 feet by 45 feet. It is just north of a canal on the northwest side the leads to Lake Jessie. Lake Idylwild is on the northwest side of Winter Haven, Florida.
Neighbourhood • Lake Howard
Pope Avenue Historic District
The Pope Avenue Historic District is a U.S. historic district located in Winter Haven, Florida. The district is bounded roughly by Avenue A Northwest, Pope Avenue Northwest, 6th and 7th Streets Northwest. It contains 29 historic buildings.

Day trips

Winter Haven – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Winter Haven, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Space Mountain (Walt Disney World), Cinderella Castle (Lake Buena Vista), Old Town (Kissimmee).

29 milesN
Disney rocket ride with galactic effects
Space Mountain, Walt Disney World
Space Mountain at Walt Disney World in the United States is an iconic indoor roller coaster that has captivated the imaginations of thrill-seekers since its inception. Located in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, Space Mountain invites guests to embark on an...
29 milesN
Amusement, Amusement park, Amusement ride
Cinderella Castle, Lake Buena Vista
Cinderella Castle stands as the iconic centerpiece of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, United States. This fairy-tale fortress is not only a symbol of the theme park but has also become an emblem of the Disney brand worldwide.
25 milesNE
Amusement, Neighbourhood, Amusement park
Old Town, Kissimmee
Nestled in the heart of Osceola County, Florida, Old Town stands as a charming and vibrant shopping mall that offers a nostalgic twist on the traditional retail experience. This unique attraction, located in the city of Kissimmee, is a delightful blend of shopping...
25 milesN
Indoor ride with animatronic dinosaurs
Dinosaur, Walt Disney World
Embark on a prehistoric adventure at "Dinosaur," a thrilling ride located in the heart of Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, United States. This heart-pounding attraction takes guests back in time to the late Cretaceous Period, offering a chance...
29 milesN
Amusement, Amusement ride, Amusement park
Stitch's Great Escape!, Walt Disney World
Stitch's Great Escape! was an attraction located in the heart of Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Bay Lake, Florida. Inspired by Disney's animated film "Lilo & Stitch," this attraction invited guests to a galactic prison transfer center where the...

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Best Time To Visit Winter Haven

Learn when is the best time to travel to Winter Haven weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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March, May and June are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in April. Most of it rains in June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Winter Haven?

The top attractions to visit in Winter Haven are:

What is the best time to visit Winter Haven?

March, May and June are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.