Location: Lake Wales
Top Things to do in Lake Wales
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Lake Wales, Florida (FL)
Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 14,225 at the 2010 census. As of 2014, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 15,140. It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area. Lake Wales is located in central Florida, west of Lake Kissimmee and east of Tampa.
Restaurants in Lake Wales
1. Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,017 reviews
Visit the Headwaters to the Everglades, with 6 passenger airboat into marshlands and waters of the Famous Kissimmee Basin. View alligators big and small, birds in abundance and all the wildlife that lives here. Stories told, history, time for photos and laughter too. Be taken back in time to Florida's natural state, with NO HOMES TO VIEW on this trip, just nature as it should be, up close and personal.
2. Alligator's Unlimited Airboat Nature Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,049 reviews
Located on the beautiful Kissimmee River in Lake Wales Fl. We take you on a airboat adventure thru the vast swamps and marshes of the Kissimmee River and Dead River. We go where only a 6 passanger airboat would dare go. Come visit and see for yourself the true Florida. Our USCG Licensed Master Captains are NATIVE FLORIDIANS, who were born and raised in the swamp! We know all the good spots to visit, to see all wildlife. The headwaters of the Everglades have to offer! Call for your reservation today.
3. Struthers' Honey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By cheapfisherman - Winter Haven, United States
It is nice to see the honor system still out there. Bring cash or you can write them a check. It is a nice place to stop and get a local souvieneer.
4. Bok Tower Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,353 reviews
Explore the landscaped gardens of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and one of Florida’s natural habitats on the Pine Ridge Trail. You can also discover the history of Edward W. Bok and the building of his 205 foot Singing Tower and tour the historic Pinewood Estate mansion to catch a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the 1930s. Enjoy the all new Children's Garden, Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen and Wild Garden. Visitor Center includes exhibits on the life of Edward Bok and the Carillon. Enjoy a healthy meal at the Blue Palmetto Cafe and take home a memento from the Tower shop.
Reviewed By OldFloridaGuy - Lakeland, United States
As we live in the area, we are frequent visitors to Bok Tower Gardens. The simple fact that we return often confirms our appreciation for the beauty and restorative power of this place. Many reviewers have highlighted the history of Bok’s masterwork and its connection, through the legendary Olmsted family, to Central Park. So, let me simply mention that the gardens are exquisite, the view from atop Iron Mountain inspiring, the carillon tower an architectural marvel and the park brilliantly managed. On-site are an informative historical exhibit, an above-average cafe—often featuring live music—a delightful gift shop, a plant shop featuring native plants and specimens of those in the gardens and a free shuttle for those with mobility challenges. Much of the expansive trail system within the gardens is shaded and the altitude affords a reliable breeze.
5. Lake Kissimmee State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By Q3629GUheidim
Highly recommend coming here for a Segway Tour!! Such a fun, new way to see and learn about the park. It's a beautiful area with lots of wildlife and scenery. I was surprised how easy it was to use the Segway!! Wonderful experience for all.
6. Lake Wales History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Created in 1976, the Lake Wales History Museum is housed in the former 1928 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is free to the public, offering self-guided tours of permanent exhibits with artifacts, images and documents in our permanent exhibit, changing exhibits, and train cars. Upon entry, visitors are given a boarding pass which identifies a specific Lake Wales pioneer to follow through their museum visit. Visitors learn about the natural history of the Lake Wales Ridge beginning with Florida’s native people to the development of Lake Wales’ railroad, industry and residents of the 20th century. Visitors can now hear over 80 stories of Lake Wales’ pioneers and history through our new audio tour launched in the summer of 2018. Guests may visit our newly restored 1926 Seaboard Air Line Railroad caboose, the 1916 office car and 1944 US Army locomotive engine.
Reviewed By susana925 - Holly, United States
My husband and I spent about an hour here and it was worth every minute!! All the local history was well done and the historical information area about the prohibition was outstanding!
7. Pinewood Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Reviewed By subay66
Beautiful grounds and lovely house. Well worth taking the house tour. The history of it is very interesting.
8. Florida's Natural Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By auvoir - Des Moines, United States
truly one of the nicest gift shops i've been too, yes, there are plants...books...jewelry...art glass...just so much, all garden related...
9. St. Anne Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By 542celiag - Omaha, United States
Finding the ruins of this shrine is a fun adventure. It is 6 miles from Lake Wales, and Google can give you directions to it. The bridge and shrine at the edge of St. Anne's Lake are easy to spot. To find the altar, look for a white cross about 3 feet high on the south side of the road and follow the path into the woods about 25 yards. The steps of the church, now dismantled and removed are also evident, but there are other stone ruins here and there if you walk around the area. A walk around the lake is about 1 mile.
10. Lake Wailes Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By lspez - Chicago, United States
We walk this lake several times a week. Nice paved path along a beautiful lake. We see birds and turtles. The only problem is a few dog owners let their dogs off leash. They are a far distance from owners, and also noticed they don’t pick up after their dog So just be ready for the possibility of dogs running free
