Winter Haven Holidays 2024/2025
If you’re looking for family-friendly holidays to Florida, you really can’t go wrong with Winter Haven. While the name might sound a little icy, Winter Haven is a sun-drenched destination, a mere hour’s drive south from Florida’s capital, Orlando. Lakes dapple the terrain making it a great spot for picturesque walks and a host of watersports. There’s also a magnificent tower, a top-notch assortment of antique aircrafts and the largest LEGOLAND in the world. From paddle-board tours and lakeside eateries on the Chain of Lakes to its renowned community theatre, Winter Haven is the ideal holiday spot for everyone.
Florida Holiday Deals
The Biggest LEGOLAND
No holiday in Winter Haven would be complete without a trip to LEGOLAND – it’s ideal for kids (and big kids!) This multi-day destination is situated just 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa. The interactive, 150-acre theme park boasts more than 50 rides, shows, attractions, eateries, shops, a world-famous botanical garden and a five-acre LEGOLAND Water Park. You’ll discover 11 decorated areas, such as pink-knuckle roller coasters, the Imagination Zone, Miniland USA and LEGO® City where little ones can practice their driving skills by driving freely in their own LEGO cars and boats.
The Land of Lakes
A complex canal system connects all the lakes, including ones for boating, fishing and outdoor leisure. Spend a few days on the water throughout your holiday in Winter Haven. The Chain of Lakes is effectively a cluster of lagoons, linked by canals and set mainly within the city of Winter Haven. Predominantly residential, they offer an extensive array of watersports, like fly-boarding, kayaking, water-skiing, paddle-boarding, or cruising around on a tranquil pontoon boat. They’re most famous for excellent fishing and regularly host local and national fishing tournaments. In fact, the city preserves 30 waterfront parks, 14 public docks and 21 boat ramps – all of which make the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes a haven for adrenaline junkie’s.
Plenty for the Little Ones
ndigo’s Bowling, Billiards and Games is as fun for youngsters as it is for grown-ups. The entertainment centre includes an arcade, a 10-lane bowling alley and nine billiard tables. Kids can also burn some energy at Central Park with its colour-changing fountain. Picnic tables and benches speckle the park, with strings of lights and lamp posts keeping things well-lit when night falls. On the first Saturday of the month, 20 vintage vehicles are brought to the area while a local radio station blares doo-wop tunes. When hunger strikes, you’ll find several places serving up sandwiches and pizza.
Unique Day Trips
Winter Haven is bursting with thrilling day trips. Take an outing to the Fantasy of Flight Museum, which showcases one of the finest vintage aircraft collections in the USA. A visit to Rotary Park is great for a relaxing stroll. Fancy picking up the pace? Orlando’s trademark attractions are only a short distance away. Walt Disney World Resort is about 48 km away, with International Drive and Universal Orlando Resort™ around 62 km away. If shopping is more your thing, head to Northgate Shopping Centre, a bustling retail area crammed with all manner of fashion, restaurants and accessories. For nature lovers, a trip to Wildlife Park of Wild Florida is a surefire way to spot alligators, porcupines, tamarins, wild boars and many more animals.
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower is the Sunshine State’s hidden jewel. A 200-foot marble tower, built by a Dutch author in the 1920’s, is surrounded by a beautiful garden and bird sanctuary. Set amidst sloping hills of citrus in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is one of the most breathtaking attractions in Central Florida. Meander along the winding trails past magnolias and moss-covered oak trees. At the end of a gleaming reflection pool, you’ll find the Gothic construction. Be sure to listen for the eerie tunes which chime from the tower’s carillon bells.
Winter Haven is definitely a ‘something-for-everyone’ destination. Whether you like wake-boarding, paddle-boarding, kayaking, or acting like a big kid at one of the many theme parks dotted nearby, Winter Haven caters for all. Packed with art, multiple lakes, entertainment and eateries, it is lakeside life at its best. Boating, fishing, bird-watching, tranquil scenery and watersports – Winter Haven has it all.