• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bok Tower Gardens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bok Tower Gardens
© Jim Vallee/stock.adobe.com

2. Lake Kissimmee State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Lake Kissimmee State Park
© duke2015/stock.adobe.com

3. Pinewood Estate

Pinewood Estate
© Bok Tower Gardens

4. Westgate River Ranch Resort

Category: Accommodations
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

Category: Activities
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

Category: Activities
Tiger Creek Preserve
© Wirepec/stock.adobe.com

9. Lake Wales Little Theatre

Category: Entertainment
Lake Wales Little Theatre
© Lake Wales Little Theatre

10. KICCO Wildlife Management Area

Category: Activities
KICCO Wildlife Management Area
© kucheruk/stock.adobe.com

11. Grand Hotel

Category: Accommodations
Grand Hotel
© City of Lake Wales, Florida

12. Lake Wales Family Restaurant

Category: Kids & Family
Lake Wales Family Restaurant
© Lake Wales Family Restaurant

13. L'incontro Restaurant

Category: Food & Drink
L'incontro Restaurant
© L'incontro Restaurant

14. Sizzling Grill

Category: Food & Drink
Sizzling Grill
© Maksim Toome/stock.adobe.com

15. Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak

Category: Food & Drink
Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak
© Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak

16. Florida’s Natural Visitor Center

Category: Attractions
Florida’s Natural Visitor Center
© Florida’s Natural Visitor Center

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of Tampa.
  • It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area.
  • 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.
  • Lake Wales is surrounded by parks, gardens, and wildlife preserves perfect for a cheap day trip.

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