Visit Central Florida

The REAL Florida Magic Is Here

vf-central

Why Central Florida?

Historical, Flavourful, Unbelievable

Smiling faces and warm sunshine embraces, southern specialities and farm to table treats, these are just some of the reasons why Central Florida’s Polk County is the perfect place for travellers who are looking to experience the beauty and charm of “real” Florida with its small-town communities, close to everything but away from it all. We’re the place for family fun in the sun. 

Located between Orlando and Tampa, Central Florida’s unexpected experiences give you something that the theme parks just can’t touch: the real Florida magic. Stunning natural beauty, historic gems, one-of-a-kind attractions and authentic experiences rooted in the area’s unique heritage.  

Central Florida has a growing culinary scene with towns filled with original restaurants serving up fresh locally grown produce. Farm-raised beef, pork and poultry and lip-smacking barbecue have even earned the area its title of “BBQ Capital of Florida”. 

Florida is known as one of the world’s leading citrus growers, and family run U-pick farms welcome visitors to pick their own fresh fruits.  Even better take a tour at Ridge Island Groves to learn more about the growing and harvesting process.

Where extra space meets the Florida sun

Central Florida offers a vast choice of fun experiences from stunning nature and wildlife, wild Safaris, cruising on the historic Chain of Lakes, catching a Detroit Tigers spring training game, or visiting legendary botanical gardens, Bok Tower Gardens, with its 205-foot-tall singing tower at its centrepiece. Take a self or guided tour of the largest collection of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work on the campus of Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Don’t miss a visit to the largest Dude Ranch east of the Mississippi to experience the USA’s longest running Saturday night Rodeo at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. 

When it comes to theme parks, Polk County is home to both the LEGOLAND Florida Resort  and Peppa Pig Theme Park, the only theme park devoted to everyone’s favourite pink preschooler, Peppa Pig. A new LEGO® Ferrari Build and Race experience opened in 2024 and coming soon SEA LIFE Florida will debut at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort where guests will embark on a voyage of oceanic exploration. 

Central Florida boasts over 8,000 affordable holiday homes close to all the famous attractions of Orlando, located in areas like Davenport and Haines City. Enjoy more space and even a private pool with the choice of 2-bedroom to 6-bedroom homes and everything in between for less than the cost of a hotel room. Stay with extended family or friends and set your own holiday pace with lazy evenings barbecuing by your private pool.