Lake Wales wasn’t loud about its beauty—it let it unfold slowly. It gave me Spanish moss hanging low, sandhill cranes wandering through wetlands, and quiet moments that felt like they belonged only to me. This part of Florida isn’t flashy. It’s something better. Somewhere between the citrus groves and the sound of wind through longleaf pines, I thought, "This is the version of Florida people don’t know they need."
Best Things to Do in Lake Wales
Peace and Chimes at Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens felt like stepping into a fairytale where everything moves just a little slower. The singing tower, with its carillon bells echoing through the trees, brought me to an almost meditative state. I sat in the shade of an oak tree, closed my eyes, and thought, "This is what peace actually sounds like."
The paths wind through lush gardens, reflecting pools, and citrus groves—and somehow, each step felt intentional, like the place was leading me back to center.
What I Loved Most: The carillon concert drifting through the trees, and sitting still long enough to actually listen to it all the way through.
My highlights? I grabbed lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café right on site—a grilled citrus chicken wrap with a side of orzo salad and a hibiscus iced tea. Simple, bright, and exactly what I wanted after wandering through the gardens.
Bok Tower Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
- Vibe: Serene, spiritual, artful
- Highlights: Carillon concerts, gardens, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or golden hour, especially in spring bloom season
- Cost: $17 adult / $5 children
- Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wild Florida at Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park reminded me just how wild and beautiful Central Florida really is. The live oaks looked ancient, Spanish moss swayed in the breeze, and the trails felt like they went on forever. I stopped on a wooden bridge over the marsh and thought, "This is what Florida looked like before theme parks."
I hiked a few miles of the North Loop Trail and saw deer, herons, and a bald eagle soaring overhead. It felt raw, alive, and full of that low-key wilderness that doesn't try to impress—it just *is*.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sun rise over the prairie, the fog lifting off the grass like something from a dream.
My highlights? After the hike, I drove back into town for breakfast at Lake Wales Family Restaurant. The Southern-style biscuit with sausage gravy and a side of fried potatoes hit the spot. Comfort food after a dusty morning in the woods—it just worked.
Lake Kissimmee State Park At a Glance
- Location: 14248 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898
- Vibe: Wild, open, peaceful
- Highlights: Hiking, birdwatching, prairie views, cattle ranch history
- Best Time to Visit: Winter through early spring when temps are cooler
- Cost: $5 per vehicle
- Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year
Old Florida Elegance at Pinewood Estate
Tucked inside Bok Tower Gardens, Pinewood Estate felt like a step back into Florida’s golden age. The 1930s Mediterranean Revival mansion was elegant but lived-in—arched doorways, hand-painted tiles, and wide porches that whispered stories from another time. As I stood in the solarium, sunlight casting shadows across the tiled floor, I thought, "People used to dream their winters away right here."
It wasn’t flashy—it was thoughtful. A quiet kind of luxury wrapped in citrus groves and garden paths.
What I Loved Most: The view from the second-floor balcony overlooking the grounds—peaceful and timeless.
My highlights? I followed it with a citrus scone and a honey lavender latte from the Blue Palmetto Café. A repeat visit, but the kind that feels like a continuation, not a rerun.
Pinewood Estate At a Glance
- Location: Inside Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd
- Vibe: Vintage, quiet, charming
- Highlights: 1930s architecture, seasonal holiday tours, peaceful setting
- Best Time to Visit: During holiday season for festive décor, or spring for garden views
- Cost: $6 additional with Bok Gardens admission
- Hours: Check schedule—open seasonally and for special tours
Going Full Western at Westgate River Ranch Resort
Spending a night at Westgate River Ranch was like stepping into a different world—part cowboy fantasy, part Florida frontier. There were horses, fire pits, and a Saturday night rodeo complete with bull riding and line dancing. I sat under string lights with a cold drink in hand and thought, "This is the kind of weird and wonderful I didn’t know I needed."
Whether you're glamping in a canvas tent or riding horseback through the pines, this place knows how to turn off the noise and turn up the adventure.
What I Loved Most: Sitting around a fire with strangers-turned-friends, swapping stories as the stars came out.
My highlights? A hearty steak dinner at the on-site Smokehouse Grill. I went full-out with brisket, baked beans, and cornbread—and yes, I licked my fingers.
Westgate River Ranch At a Glance
- Location: 3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL 33867
- Vibe: Western, adventurous, immersive
- Highlights: Rodeos, glamping, horseback riding, swamp buggy tours
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for cooler temps and weekend rodeos
- Cost: Varies by activity and lodging
- Hours: Resort open daily, events mainly on weekends
Spook Hill
It’s not every day you park your car in the middle of the road and watch it "roll uphill." Spook Hill is pure Florida folklore—and I loved every second of it. I pulled up to the sign, followed the instructions, and sure enough, my car crept forward against the slope. I laughed out loud and thought, "This is ridiculous... but also kind of cool."
Is it ghosts? An optical illusion? Doesn’t matter. It’s the kind of local legend that sticks with you just for being fun.
What I Loved Most: Reading the old legend posted on the sign and giving in to the mystery.
My highlights? I stopped afterward for a cherry limeade at Lake Wales Soda Fountain—old-fashioned, fizzy, and the perfect way to stay in the mood.
Spook Hill At a Glance
- Location: N Wales Dr, Lake Wales, FL 33853
- Vibe: Quirky, roadside, playful
- Highlights: Optical illusion, local lore, photo op
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime—great as a quick stop
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Always open
Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center
The Depot Museum reminded me how much I love small-town museums—the ones where volunteers tell you stories you won’t find on any plaque. Housed in an old train depot, this place was full of Florida citrus labels, railroad relics, and vintage postcards that somehow made the past feel personal. I stood in front of an old conductor’s uniform and thought, "Imagine all the hellos and goodbyes this platform has seen."
It’s the kind of museum that makes you feel connected to a place, even if it’s your first time there.
What I Loved Most: The friendly docents who told me about the citrus boom and how Lake Wales came to be.
My highlights? Grabbing an iced café con leche and guava pastelito afterward at Melanie’s Café—sweet, flaky, and full of local flavor.
Lake Wales Depot Museum At a Glance
- Location: 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales, FL 33853
- Vibe: Historic, personal, low-key
- Highlights: Railroad memorabilia, citrus history, local artifacts
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quiet experience
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Tues–Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wild Trails at Tiger Creek Preserve
Tiger Creek Preserve felt untouched in the best way—no paved paths, no big crowds, just scrub and sky and the crunch of sand underfoot. I hiked part of the Highlands Trail, winding through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, and stopped beside a hidden creek to drink water and breathe. I thought, "This is the part of Florida that whispers instead of shouts."
The preserve is home to rare plants and quiet ecosystems, and it felt good to be in a place that exists just for existing.
What I Loved Most: The sense of solitude—just me, a few birds, and the rustle of leaves.
My highlights? A trail snack from my backpack: apple slices and peanut butter, eaten on a sun-warmed log with no cell service in sight.
Tiger Creek Preserve At a Glance
- Location: 674 Pfundstein Rd, Babson Park, FL 33827
- Vibe: Remote, natural, restorative
- Highlights: Hiking trails, rare plant species, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Exploring Quiet Beauty at KICCO Wildlife Management Area
Few people talk about KICCO, and that’s kind of the point. This 7,000-acre preserve felt wild and unfiltered—oak canopies, cypress swamps, and backcountry trails that seemed to go on forever. I biked part of the old railroad grade trail and saw more deer than people. At one point I paused to watch the wind move through tall grasses and thought, "No one’s performing out here. It’s just real."
If you like your nature raw and quiet, this is your place.
What I Loved Most: That feeling of being truly off-grid, where your thoughts get room to stretch.
My highlights? Packing my own picnic: smoked turkey sandwich, kettle chips, and a chilled can of coconut water. I ate it under the shade of a live oak with dragonflies buzzing nearby.
KICCO Wildlife Management Area At a Glance
- Location: East of Lake Wales, off Camp Mack Rd
- Vibe: Wild, quiet, remote
- Highlights: Biking, hiking, wildlife viewing, old railroad trail
- Best Time to Visit: Fall and winter for comfort and wildlife activity
- Cost: Free (with WMA access permit if hunting season)
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Travel Tips: How to Get There
- Driving in? I usually take U.S. Highway 27 or State Road 60—it’s a smooth ride and just about an hour from either Orlando or Tampa. Super convenient if you're already in Central Florida.
- Flying in? I’ve flown into both Orlando International (MCO) and Tampa International (TPA), and from there it’s about 1.5 hours by car. I actually love the drive—there’s something calming about the orange groves and open skies along the way.
- Taking the train? Amtrak runs through nearby Winter Haven, and I’ve used a rideshare from there to Lake Wales. It’s a nice option if you don’t feel like renting a car right away.
Where to Stay
- Hampton Inn Lake Wales – I stayed here on a quick weekend trip and appreciated the comfort and free breakfast. It’s a great base if you plan on hitting local spots during the day.
- Green Gables Inn – I love the vintage Florida charm here. It’s cozy, classic, and has that old-school roadside vibe that’s hard to find these days.
- Bok Tower Lodge – If you’re looking for a peaceful stay close to nature, this is the one. I booked a night here to be near Bok Tower Gardens and honestly, I didn’t want to leave the quiet setting.
Conclusion: Lake Wales Lingers
Lake Wales wasn’t flashy. It didn’t chase me down with attractions or neon signs. Instead, it offered a slow invitation—one that came with wild trails, garden chimes, roadside legends, and cowboy nights under the stars. I left feeling like I’d seen a quieter side of Florida, one that most people miss. And as I drove away past orange groves and long dirt roads, I thought, "I’ll come back here... not for what’s new, but for what stays the same."