Lake Wales, Florida Travel Guide
Introducing Lake Wales, Florida! Lake Wales is situated on Lake Wailes and is surrounded by other small lakes. Home to around 16,000 residents, Lake Wales is located in central Florida. Visitors to Lake Wales are attracted to the Bok Tower Gardens, which see thousands of visitors a year. Visitors can also enjoy local parks, historical locations, and even skydiving! Lake Wales is located near Tampa, Florida (1hr 10min, 60 miles), Orlando, Florida (1hr 20min, 64 miles), and Miami, Florida (3hr 10min, 210 miles). Visit the beauty, eat all the surf and turf you can stomach, and enjoy the lovely Lake Wales!
First and foremost, any visitor to Lake Wales must visit the Bok Tower Gardens. The gardens were built in the 1920s by Edward W. Bok, who wanted to create a sanctuary for plants and animals. In addition to the gardens, the infamous singing tower, a gorgeous tower structure beloved by guests, is also inside the gardens. Visitors can also enjoy the gist shop and café inside the gardens. Head to Saint Anne Shrine on Saint Anne Lake for another historical location to see the stone grotto shrine. Want to learn about the history of the town? Visit the Lake Wales History Museum.
Head to Spook Hill, a local favorite gravity hill for some fun around town! Stroll around Lakes Wailes on their walking trail, or do some boating, fishing, and hiking at Lake Kissimmee State Park. Visit Sunshine Flea Market for some great deals. Get your adrenaline pumping and try skydiving with Jump Florida Skydiving!
With so many activities in Lake Wales, you’ll need to fuel up! Start your day with coffee from Lake Wales Latte Lounge and grab breakfast at Lake Wales Family Restaurant. For lunch, stop into Brake Burger Garage for burgers and waffle fries served in a 1950s gas station, or try some alligator at Cherry Pocket Steak N Seafood. For dinner, try L’Incontro Restaurant or Melanie’s Seafood Company for all things seafood. For steak cravings, head to Sizzling Grill for surf and turf or Manny’s Original Chophouse for hand-cut steaks.
Need a place to stay? Book a room at Rodeway Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, or Budget Inn. Thinking of camping? Try Lake Wales Campground, Oak Hammock Resort, or Lake Kissimmee State Park. Want a whole rental to yourself? Consider booking a Vrbo. Here are some of our favorites: Lake Front House for 10, Vacation Cottage for 6, or a Charming Cottage with a Private Pool for 4.
Want to visit but not sure when? Consider coming to Lake Wales during Pioneer Days, the Lake Wales Art Festival, or the Orange Blossom Revue. Whatever you’re into, Lake Wales, Florida has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gives you a glimpse into life in Lake Wales that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
