• Where is Lake Wales located?
    • Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of Tampa.
  • What metropolitan area is Lake Wales part of?
    • It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area.
  • What is the geographical significance of Lake Wales?
    • Lake Wales is located on the Lake Wales Ridge, an upland sandy area that runs more or less parallel to both coasts in the center of the Florida peninsula.
  • What outdoor attractions surround Lake Wales?
    • Lake Wales is surrounded by parks, gardens, and wildlife preserves perfect for a cheap day trip.

1. Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens
© Jim Vallee/stock.adobe.com

2. Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park
© duke2015/stock.adobe.com

3. Pinewood Estate

Pinewood Estate
© Bok Tower Gardens

4. Westgate River Ranch Resort

Westgate River Ranch Resort
© Westgate River Ranch Resort

5. Spook Hill

Spook Hill
© City of Lake Wales, Florida

6. Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center

Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center
© Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center

7. St. Anne Shrine

St. Anne Shrine
© Glebstock/stock.adobe.com

8. Tiger Creek Preserve

Tiger Creek Preserve
© Wirepec/stock.adobe.com

9. Lake Wales Little Theatre

Lake Wales Little Theatre
© Lake Wales Little Theatre

10. KICCO Wildlife Management Area

KICCO Wildlife Management Area
© kucheruk/stock.adobe.com

11. Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel
© City of Lake Wales, Florida

12. Lake Wales Family Restaurant

Lake Wales Family Restaurant
© Lake Wales Family Restaurant

13. L'incontro Restaurant

L'incontro Restaurant
© L'incontro Restaurant

14. Sizzling Grill

Sizzling Grill
© Maksim Toome/stock.adobe.com

15. Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak

Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak
© Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak

16. Florida’s Natural Visitor Center

Florida’s Natural Visitor Center
© Florida’s Natural Visitor Center


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and blooming gardens. Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Wales – A comfortable and centrally located option. Visit Bok Tower Gardens – Explore lush gardens and the iconic Singing Tower.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, great for water activities. Holiday Inn Express Lake Wales – A reliable stay with modern amenities. Explore LEGOLAND Florida Resort – A fun destination for families just a short drive away.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Green Gables Inn – A charming and cozy boutique-style stay. Visit Lake Kissimmee State Park – Enjoy hiking, fishing, and scenic boat tours.
Winter (December-February) – Mild and ideal for outdoor exploring. Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge – A great option for nature lovers and anglers. Take a historic tour of the Lake Wales Depot Museum – Learn about local railroad history.

Plan Your Trip