Barbecue Legacy in Polk County
Move over Memphis. Step aside Kansas City. Talk a stroll, Texas. And get yourself home, Georgia. When it comes to barbecue, Central Florida’s Polk County is here…
Read MorePolk County
- Visitor Center: 101 Adventure Court Davenport, FL 33837
- Phone: 1 (800) 828-7655
- Email: info@visitcentralflorida.org
Destination Highlights
Things to do in Polk County
Fun radiates in all directions from Central Florida. How do you make everyone happy? Easy. Choose everything! Whether you’re in search of exhilarating thrills or a restorative escape, Central Florida’s Polk County has you covered. Soak up family fun on one of our 554 lakes; embrace your inner child at LEGOLAND Florida Resort; explore breathtaking parks and preserves; and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of our local food, history and culture.
Did You Know?
Interesting & useful facts
1.
It is named after James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States and the first president to govern the state of Florida.
2.
At Spook Hill stop your car at the bottom of a hill, put the car into neutral, and feel it creep its way back up the slope.
3.
At Safari Wilderness, get close-up encounters with eland, red lechwe, sitatunga, waterbuck & Grant’s zebra’s to name a few.
News About Polk County
Move over Memphis, Polk County Has Some Seriously Good BBQ
Move over Memphis. Step aside Kansas City. Talk a stroll, Texas. And get yourself home, Georgia. When it comes to barbecue, Central Florida’s Polk County is here…
Read More
Leave the Rest Behind in Polk County
If you’ve been to Florida before, you may think the state is one giant beach dotted with cabanas and thunderous nightlife. Well, now that you’ve seen the…
Read MoreAttractions
Central Florida is the epicenter of family fun with world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. We’re thrilled to know you want to visit! If you’re planning your first trip to Florida or your fifteenth, consider adding a few of our favorite things to do in Central Florida to your vacation itinerary.
Family Fun
A visit to Central Florida means plenty of family-friendly options. From museums built to expand the mind to water parks and even a taste of Africa, family fun is as easy as done.
Arts & Culture
Visiting a destination usually includes exploring the Arts & Culture scene. Would you enjoy a gallery featuring local artists, historical landmarks, local tours, and museums or attending a performing arts event? If you are so inclined, there are plenty of options, including one of the last drive-in movie theatres in Florida.
Aviation
Central Florida offers many unique opportunities to experience high-flying adventure. Sky diving, hang gliding, biplane rides, hot air balloon trips and aviation museums make up the many ways aviation enthusiasts can explore our area. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo has its own landing strip for pilots looking to fly in and stay awhile.
Fishing
If Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World” then Central Florida’s Polk County could easily be considered the “Freshwater Fishing Capital of the Fishing Capital. It’s not just the region’s more than 550 lakes that occupy over 135 square miles that draw fishing enthusiasts to Polk County; it’s also the diversity of freshwater habitats and the variety of fish species that inhabit area waterways that keep em’ coming back for more. It’s not difficult to understand why this area earn consistent recognition as one of the top freshwater fishing destinations in the world.
Golf
Visitors will discover that truly fantastic golf opportunities abound at golf courses in Polk County, Florida. With more than 35 public access courses offering over 600 holes of golf, some of the best golf courses in Central Florida rival those of the rest of the United States–like Streamsong Resort, Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club and The Club At Eaglebrooke.
Gardens, Parks & Playgrounds
It is easy to feel like you have to go full-throttle to have a meaningful experience during a central Florida vacation, but sometimes the best memories are made when you take the time to stop and smell the roses. Polk County has three gorgeous gardens and numerous parks that provide perfect examples of our region’s natural beauty.
Lake Life
With more than 550 lakes, a Central Florida vacation appeals to both avid anglers and water sports enthusiasts. In addition to water skiing, our options for lake activities offer many ways for you get on the water. Are you interested in booking an airboat tour or pontoon boat cruise? How about kayak rentals, stand up paddleboard tours, or fly board lessons? You’ll find all of those options, and more!
Nature & Hiking
Central Florida’s unlimited natural beauty is yours to discover. Explore ancient islands that provide refuge for rare plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Our beautiful city, county and state parks in Central Florida offer you a wide range of distinctive opportunities to soak up some sun during your next Florida vacation.
Nightlife
Central Florida’s Polk County offers an abundance of options for those looking to enjoy a pint of beer or glass of wine, and live music. Our downtowns can be the perfect gathering place to meet up with friends, or make new ones. One lakeside bars & breweries offer a spectacular view at sunset.
Dining
Your taste buds have a sense of adventure, too. So what’ll it be? Napkin-obliterating BBQ? Classic high-end steakhouse fare? From upscale elegance to down-home grub, Central Florida’s food scene is sure to please everyone from the culinary curious to the chicken-fingers-only crowd. Try something delicious at all these types of restaurants in Central Florida.
Shopping
The most important thing you will take home from a vacation in Central Florida is a gallery of memories…but that does not mean it is the only thing you’ll take home. Explore some unique shops, boutiques and markets and find every sort of souvenir you can imagine…. and a few you have likely never thought of as well!
Spectator Sports
Looking to catch a game while on vacation? Central Florida has your ticket to some of the most exciting spectator sports experiences that will have you standing up and cheering for this area’s professional teams.
