Winter Haven, FL

Travel Guide
Winter Haven
Whether you explore the Chain of Lakes or revisit your childhood at LEGOLAND®, this Central Florida city is an oasis every month of the year.

As the name suggests, Winter Haven first became a popular destination for people seeking sun during winter. Today you can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions in this Central Florida city at any time of year.

Immerse yourself in all things LEGO® at LEGOLAND® Florida. This massive park delights kids of all ages. Go on themed rides, play games and tour exhibits all centred on one of America’s favorite plastic toys. Climb to the top of the Island in the Sky platform for a 360-degree view of Central Florida.

No visit to Winter Haven would be complete without touring the Chain of Lakes. The city is surrounded by several dozen lakes 16 are connected by canals to form a chain. The area has prime fishing conditions and attracts fishermen from all over the world for leisure or competitions. Try a water sport spend a day tubing, Jet-Skiing or water skiing.

Many consider Winter Haven to be the home of water skiing. The sport was used to promote Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park, in the 1930s. Eventually the water shows there became the city’s main attraction. LEGOLAND®Florida now stands on the original Cypress Gardens site and continues the traditions of water performances. Today, watch amazing water ski tricks, such as the human pyramid or barefoot skiing, at the park’s daily water shows.

See the beautiful Central Florida wilderness at the Street Audubon Center. Explore miles of nature trails and grab your binoculars for wonderful birding opportunities. Golf is a major leisure activity in the state Winter Haven has several world-class courses. Grab your equipment and head to Cypresswood Golf and Country Club’s 18-hole course or take a lesson at Willowbrook Golf Course.

See a performance at Theatre Winter Haven, a small theater with a big reputation. Throughout the year, “Florida’s Most-Honored Community Theatre” puts on several plays that span across every genre and style.

Reach Winter Haven in less than an hour from Tampa or Orlando airports.

Best Western Plus Winter Haven Inn & Suites 
Best Western Plus Winter Haven Inn & Suites 
2.5 out of 5
5801 Roosevelt Dr, Winter Haven, FL
The price is $127 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$127
$142 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Winter Haven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (351 reviews)
"Very nice clean property, in a great location , clean propery, rooms very spacious,"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Best Western Plus Winter Haven Inn & Suites 
Holiday Inn Winter Haven, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Winter Haven, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
200 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL
The price is $110 per night from Jun 6 to Jun 7
$110
$123 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 6 - Jun 7
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Winter Haven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (958 reviews)
"The staff were really attentive and plesant. My husband really liked that they were very easy to access and ask for coffee. The water pressure was a little weak and there were cracks in door where it looks like someone had pounded on it in the bathroom. When I told front desk they offered to move ..."

Reviewed on May 25, 2024

Holiday Inn Winter Haven, an IHG Hotel
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Winter Haven FL
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Winter Haven FL
2 out of 5
1300 3rd St Sw, Cypress Gardens & US 17 South, Winter Haven, FL
The price is $93 per night from Jun 5 to Jun 6
$93
$105 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 5 - Jun 6
Stay at this motel in Winter Haven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.8/10 (1,003 reviews)
Cute retro roadside inn
"I've stayed here a couple of times, and I love the retro feel of this cute little roadside inn. It's been well-maintained and has such adorable vibes I had my friends come to visit and stay here, as well. It's not fancy, but it's roomy, clean, and fun."

Reviewed on May 31, 2024

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Winter Haven FL
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway
Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway
3 out of 5
7470 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (5,967 reviews)
"It was an old hotel but everything was clean , people around the property were nice.Very close to the parks.Only 10 minutes drive . The area around the hotel was very nice too."

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway
Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
3.5 out of 5
17805 US Highway 192, Clermont, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Four Corners. Enjoy free parking, 5 outdoor pools, and 4 spa tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,746 reviews)
"I liked everything but the forced gratuity on ordering food."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2024

Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East
Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East
3 out of 5
5678 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
5/10 (5,272 reviews)
"Very basic nothing to brag about"

Reviewed on May 31, 2024

Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Winter Haven

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
110
" "5 - Excellent 26.634382566585955%
4 - Good
183
" "4 - Good 44.30992736077482%
3 - Okay
82
" "3 - Okay 19.854721549636803%
2 - Disappointing
21
" "2 - Disappointing 5.084745762711864%
1 - Terrible
17
" "1 - Terrible 4.116222760290557%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Mar 17, 2020

My wife came encountered severe bed bug bites over her feet & arms after staying here. When we got home we looked at her clothing under a 30X microscope and sure enough there were dead bug begs on her clothing she wore that night. Hopefully, no eggs.

3/5 - Okay

Donna
Mar 15, 2020

We went to the Zoo and Aquarium in Tampa and really enjoyed it. They were only about an hour away.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 24, 2020

I’m just passing through

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 9, 2020

I just stayed there for a business trip for a night

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 4, 2020

Beautiful place we loved the area!! Must eat at the Aztec Resturant if you like Mexican Food it was fabulous!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jan 24, 2020

OK, probably better in nicer weather. Should not be advertised as "pet friendly".

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Winter Haven

Cities near Winter Haven