Winter Haven's central location in Polk County puts a good range of central Florida destinations within easy reach.
Bok Tower Gardens (30 min south, near Lake Wales) is one of the most rewarding half-day trips from the city. The carillon tower, gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., and the extraordinary quiet of the site make it an antidote to theme park Florida. The 1-3pm daily carillon recitals are the highlight.
Orlando is 50 miles northeast — close enough for a day trip to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, or the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (another hour east on SR-528). Disney's Animal Kingdom and EPCOT are the parks most different from what LEGOLAND offers.
Tampa sits 55 miles west. The Florida Aquarium, the historic Ybor City neighbourhood, and Busch Gardens are the main draws. The drive across the centre of the state on I-4 is quick and the city is easy to navigate.
Caladesi Island State Park, reached by ferry from Dunedin on the Gulf Coast, is about 90 minutes from Winter Haven and consistently rated one of the best beaches on the Florida Gulf. Worth the effort for a beach day.
Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring (45 min south) is an old-growth Florida forest with an excellent boardwalk through ancient oaks and cypress — genuine wilderness by Florida standards.