Family at fire pit in front of luxe teepee at Westgate River Ranch Resort

Where Is Polk County?

Located in the geographic center of Florida and along Central Florida’s I-4 corridor, Polk County is less than 1 hour from both Tampa and Orlando.

Close to Central Florida Attractions

And far enough away that they are not a distraction. 

  • Less than 35 minutes to Walt Disney World
  • Less than 40 minutes to Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens
  • Less than 60 minutes to Gulf and Atlantic Beaches
  • Less than 75 minutes from Kennedy Space Center

With over 2,000 square miles of land and water, Polk is the 4th largest county in the state. We have 17 municipalities – the largest being Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Bartow, Haines City and Davenport (full list), and have an estimated population of over 686,000.

Getting to Polk County

By Car

Polk County is well served by Interstate 4 and both US Highway 27 and State Road 60. Interstate 4 runs east and west between Interstates 75 (west coast) and 95 (east coast). Running 481 miles between Tallahassee and Miami, US Highway 27 is a divided highway (mostly) and is a great route for visitors planning a unique road trip through the state. You’ll drive along the heart of Florida and experience the state’s eccentric roadside history. State Road 60 runs east and west between Clearwater and Vero Beach.

By Air

Polk County’s proximity to both Tampa and Orlando means we are just about 1 hour from two international airports, Tampa International Airport (TIA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Avelo Airlines will begin to offer commercial service from Lakeland International Airport (LAL) soon. LAL offers full TSA and Customs operations and airport infrastructure to accommodate personal, business and charter aircraft operations.

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...

See Details
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...

See Details
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,...

See Details
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...

See Details
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...

See Details
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!...

See Details
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...

See Details
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...

See Details
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...

See Details
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...

See Details
water ripples used as email signup background

Subscribe to EMAIL LIST

Join our email list and stay up to date with all the great things happening in Central Florida.