Find the real magic in Central Florida
Nestled between Tampa and Orlando, you'll find the lake-filled Central Florida region. It's within close proximity to the big-name parks, but offers a more laid-back home base. The region showcases the real Florida magic—charming, unhurried small towns, family-friendly stay options plus gorgeous parks and nature.
There’s year-round warm weather and sunshine, so you can happily enjoy the outdoors any time of year. A huge array of amusements awaits, and there’s fantastic barbecue, too. Here are just a few ways to find your Florida magic—just in time for spring break.
All in the family
Vacation homes abound in Central Florida, meaning there’s room for the grandparents, the kids and maybe even an aunt or two. Multigenerational trips are at their best when there’s room to spread out and unwind, then come together for the great activities that are so abundant in the region.
Take the whole crew on an iconic airboat ride to experience the beautiful scenery in Polk County. Hop aboard a pontoon boat for a tour with Living Water Boat Cruises in Winter Haven, or rent a paddleboard for a peaceful exploration that doubles as a workout. Many of the region’s lakes are connected by canals, earning them the moniker "Chain of Lakes," so you’ll be surprised how much there is to see in a single outing.
LEGOLAND® Florida is one of the region’s best-known attractions—no one, regardless of age, can resist those colorful blocks. What was once Cypress Gardens, the state’s very first theme park, is now a LEGO® wonderworld with more than 50 rides and attractions, plus restaurants and shops for the whole family. Splash around at the water park, scream together on the roller coasters or chow down at the Beach-n-Brick Grill.
For the grown-ups, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Central Florida. Polk County has more than 40 golf courses (that’s 610 holes) to play through, including Streamsong Resort’s Scottish-style links. Not a golfer? Head to a Saturday Night Rodeo show at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo to lasso some fun or enjoy a pint at Grove Roots Brewing Company.
Theme park inclusivity
Florida has been a family travel destination for half a century, but in recent years Central Florida has become an especially renowned destination for sensory-friendly attractions. Both LEGOLAND® Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven have worked with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). This CAC distinction helps ensure visitors on the autism spectrum have a fun and safe experience.
Peppa Pig Theme Park was the first CAC-designated theme park in the country. The park offers sensory guidelines for all the rides, some of which are wheelchair accessible. Sensory and accessibility guides on their website help families plan ahead. At LEGOLAND®, all the shows and most of the rides are ADA accessible and staff are all trained in sensory-inclusive initiatives. They also have sensory guides to help families explain to children what to expect on the rides.
At the 50-acre Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wells, most of the historic grounds are accessible and there’s a garden area just for kids. The Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden is a result of a partnership with the Florida Children’s Museum and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all children.
Every season is Barbecue season
Barbecue is serious business in Central Florida. The region has even gone so far as to declare itself the state’s barbecue capital—that's how passionate chefs on the smokehouse scene are about their craft. The local flavor is a signature mix of Southern influence and Caribbean tastes, with sweet and tangy marinades and a punch of spices. For decades, restaurants like Peebles Bar-B-Q in Auburndale (circa 1947) and Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q in Winter Haven have been serving smoky pork rib plates with all the fixings.
Beyond the famous barbecue, the region’s farm-to-table scene serves up delicious experiences that in and of themselves are worth a trip. Pick your own citrus fruit at Ridge Island Groves or check out artisanal eats at the Winter Haven Farmers Market held downtown on Saturday mornings. You can enjoy the best of Florida at places like Nutwood in Winter Haven, which offers an internationally influenced menu made with sustainable local products. Head to Gary’s Oyster Bar in Lake Alfred for fantastic seafood the locals swear by. Nineteen61 in Lakeland is known for cuisine that fuses the flavors of Spain, Latin America and the American South.
Relaxation off the beaten path
Central Florida is filled with hidden gems and finding them is half the fun. Beyond the theme parks, there is outdoor adventure, local arts and culture, and a plethora of shops and restaurants throughout the 15 communities that make up this region. There are more than 550 lakes in Polk County; those who love the great outdoors will find it here in spades. Enjoy freshwater fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding or simply strolling alongside the waterways. Hikers can choose from trails at three state parks (Colt Creek State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park and Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park), each with its own unique scenery to enjoy.
The small towns of Central Florida also offer a slower pace ideal for those looking to unwind. They feature quaint town squares, a treasure trove of locally owned shops and plenty of arts and culture to discover.
Stroll Lakeland’s historic downtown area for great boutiques like Scout & Tag or find a hidden treasure in one of the town’s antique shops. Celebrate local art at Lake Wells Arts Council or the Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery. Learn about the rich history of the area at one of the many museums. In Bartow, you can visit the Polk County History Center, the Bartow Airbase History Museum, or book a tour of the L.B. Brown House Museum—a historic late 19th-century home built and owned by a former slave turned community leader.