Between Orlando And Sarasota Is A Laid-Back City Full Of Beautiful Lakes And Family Fun

One of the most distinctive aspects of Florida's topography is that it seems like the entire state is covered in water. While Minnesota may be known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," Florida is another contender, with roughly 30,000 of them scattered throughout its borders, such as Lake Seminole, which straddles Florida and Georgia and borders an unsung state park. And if you want to see a bunch of them in a single trip, you may want to check out the city of Winter Haven. 

This place is located about 90 minutes northeast of Sarasota and an hour southwest of Orlando, depending on traffic. Its canal-linked lakes have earned it the nickname "Chain of Lakes City." But you don't have to be a water enthusiast to enjoy a visit here, as it's also home to attractions like LEGOLAND and Peppa Pig Theme Park. So, whether you're trying to spend as much time on the water as possible or you just want a quieter family-friendly alternative to the hustle and bustle of Orlando, it may be time to give Winter Haven a try. Let's see what makes this city stand out. 

A trip to Winter Haven offers plenty of opportunities to explore the city's lakes and lakeside recreation areas. Construction of the canals connecting the lakes began in 1915 as a means of transporting citrus crops. Today, the canals allow you to venture from one lake to the next. According to the city, the North Chain consists of eight lakes, while the South Chain has 14. Overall, Winter Haven has 50 lakes within or bordering its city limits, so you have plenty of options available.

If you're mostly interested in recreation, you can rent jet skis or pontoon boats from companies like Scooters Boat Rental next to Lake Shipp. This way, you can travel along the canals, experiencing as much scenery as possible until it's time to return the boat. Alternatively, Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes offers fishing for species such as bass, catfish, and crappie. But if you're not sure where to get started, you can book a fishing charter with Scales and Tales Outdoors, which offers trips on Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes.

Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on shore, you can choose from various lakeside parks in the city. One option is South Lake Howard Nature Park, which has walking trails, piers, and gorgeous scenery. Lake Shipp Park is another option, as it has a boat ramp and a playground.

Because of Winter Haven's location in central Florida, you can either fly into Orlando International or Tampa International, as they're both about an hour's drive from the city, depending on traffic. However, keep in mind that Tampa's airport is considered number one for food and travel, so that may sway your decision. Then, as far as accommodations, Winter Haven has its share of hotels and vacation rentals, including lakeside options so you can incorporate as much water into your trip as possible.

And speaking of lakeside activities, don't forget to dine next to the water as well. For example, Harry's Old Place is an award-winning restaurant overlooking Lake Ned that offers quintessential Florida eats, like gator bites, blackened fish, and key lime pie. Similarly, Tanner's Lakeside Restaurant features live music, tasty burgers, and fresh seafood. Finally, if you're into oysters, try Old Man Frank's, a lakeside restaurant established in 1954.

While Winter Haven's abundance of lakes is great for family fun, the city is also home to LEGOLAND and the Peppa Pig Theme Park, two spots that fit nicely alongside other Florida tourist attractions you can't miss on your next trip. As you might expect, Peppa Pig Theme Park is geared toward preschoolers, while LEGOLAND is designed for families with children ages 2 to 12. Plus, you can buy multi-park tickets to see everything and maximize your family fun. And, to connect everything together, LEGOLAND is situated next to Lake Eloise, so you still get waterfront views and entertainment.