Central Florida vacations - Things to do in Central Florida

About Polk County

Plan A Trip

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and the Gulf and Atlantic beaches. Polk County offers something for everyone, including Florida’s newest attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida and Safari Wilderness Ranch; and some of Florida’s most historic; including Bok Tower Gardens, Westgate River Ranch Resort (the Southeast’s largest dude ranch), and Frank Lloyd Wright’s 13 structures at Florida Southern College. With 554 fresh water lakes, the area offers great fishing, adventurous airboat eco tours and exciting water sports. Wonderful parks, preserves and trails captivate visitors with Polk County’s natural beauty.

Who We Are and What We Do

Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing (PCTSM) – known outside the county as Visit Central Florida – is a division of Polk County Government.

family of four walking in front of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL. One of the 50+ ways to experience Lakeland & Winter Haven

As Polk County’s official tourism and sports marketing organization, PCTSM promotes Polk County as a tourist destination to increase visitation to Polk County and to generate revenue from the tourist development tax. Tourism is the state’s number one industry, and one of Polk County’s top three industries. The revenue it generates helps to fund the sales and marketing operations of PCTSM as well as the development, and improvement, of infrastructure used to attract tourists. Tourism strengthens Polk County’s economy by creating jobs, new revenue and a better quality of life.

Visit Central Florida Sports

It is the mission of Visit Central Florida Sports to promote tourism and economic development through sports.

Publix Field view

Visit Central Florida Sports focuses on developing new events, recruiting sports activities, assisting existing sports events and marketing recreation and leisure activities.

VCF Sports is the only organization in the state to earn both the Sports Organization of the Year award from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the Florida Sports Foundation’s Sports Commission of the Year Award. VCF Sports has also been recognized as the Sports Organization of the Year by both the Independent Softball Association and Youth Basketball of America.

LEARN & DISCOVER

Family taking selfie in front of LEGO Movie World

5 Great Reasons to Spend a Weekend in Winter Haven

Ready to book a family-friendly weekend getaway? Here’s a list of 5 exceptionally fun things to during weekend in Winter...

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LEGO Globe at PLANET LEGOLAND at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, FL

Re-Imagine & Rebuild the World at PLANET LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven has introduced a world with no rules just pure creativity… PLANET LEGOLAND® opening April...

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IG ciaraliebl on couch at Unfiltered Coffee in Bartow, FL - one of the Most Instagram-Worthy Places in Central Florida

Most Instagram-Worthy Places in Central Florida

Trip planning on Instagram is definitely a thing and we love finding new places to take pictures at Central Florida,...

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Exterior of 3-story Wonder House in Bartow, FL

Historic Central Florida Sites That Everyone Should See

Whether you’re just visiting the area or a lifelong resident of Polk County, there is so much history in and...

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Two dogs and owner hiking at lake kissimmee state park

Dog Friendly Spots in Central Florida

We understand that your pets are just as important as your human family members. So we created a list of...

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Photo of scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes at The Terrace Grille in Lakeland, FL

Top Brunch Spots in Central Florida

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then brunch is the most important meal of the week!...

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Kids walking outside of Beach Retreat Bungalows at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, FL

Alternative Places to Stay in Central Florida

If you’re looking for cheaper places to stay near Disney World or any of the great attractions of Central Florida...

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Lina Greco's weekend getaway with a stop to Bok Tower Gardens

Weekend Getaway in Central Florida

Lina Greco worked in partnership with Visit Central Florida to create this Weekend Getaway Travel Recap. Weekend Getaway to Central...

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I can see the weekend from here!????⁠• • •⁠????: @emily.ruthann⁠.⁠Having trouble finding the perfect gift for that thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie in you life? Well, @JumpFloridaSkydiving might just be the answer!⁠.⁠Jump Florida Skydiving welcomes first-timers and experienced jumpers at their Lake Wales location. Right now, they are offering numerous Holiday Gift Card Packages, perfect for beginners!⁠.⁠What they offer:⁠- Tandem (First Time) Skydiving⁠- Skydive License Training (AFF)⁠- Experienced Jumpers⁠.⁠Click the link in our bio to learn more.⁠.⁠.⁠.⁠#skydiving #skydive #adrenalinejunkie #JumpFloridaSkydiving #FloridaSkydiving #TandemSkydiving #CentralFlorida #VisitCentralFL #LoveFL

Top 10 Adrenaline-Rush Activities in Central Florida

Central Florida’s Polk County, nestled between Orlando and Tampa, is the ultimate outdoor destination in Florida, and is packed with...

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Family taking selfie at the lagoon during LEGOLAND Piratefest Weekend

Top 10 Reasons to Visit LEGOLAND Florida in 2023

The number one theme park for little kids is opening new attractions and hosting lots of great seasonal events throughout...

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