Attractions and Places To See around Cypress Gardens - Top 5

The area around Cypress Gardens in Florida is rich with natural beauty, primarily centered around the Chain of Lakes. You can enjoy scenic views of lakes like Lake Howard, especially at sunset from Sunset View of Lake Howard. These lakes offer opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and water-skiing. Additionally, the historic botanical gardens within LEGOLAND Florida Resort feature thousands of exotic and native plants, including an iconic 85-year-old Banyan tree.

Absolutely! The primary family attraction is Legoland Florida, which includes the preserved botanical gardens from the original Cypress Gardens, numerous rides, shows, and a water park. For outdoor family fun, the Chain of Lakes offers various water-based activities, and parks like Chain of Lakes Park are ideal for picnics and birdwatching.

You can explore the Chain of Lakes Trail, an asphalt path that runs for nearly 5 miles from Lake Alfred to Winter Haven, passing many beautiful lakes. This trail is suitable for both walking and cycling. For more cycling options, you can find various road cycling routes around the area, including loops around Lake Hamilton and Lake Marion. You can find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Cypress Gardens guide.

There are two distinct locations named Cypress Gardens. This guide focuses on the attractions around Cypress Gardens, Florida, which is largely preserved within the LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. The original Cypress Gardens theme park, established in 1936, is now part of LEGOLAND. Cypress Gardens, South Carolina, is a separate 170-acre preserve known for its blackwater swamp.

The most significant historical aspect of the area is the original Cypress Gardens botanical gardens, which are beautifully preserved within LEGOLAND Florida Resort. These gardens were Florida's first tourist attraction and were added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2004. Additionally, the Water Ski Hall of Fame, showcasing the history of water skiing, is also located at this site.

Yes, the Chain of Lakes Trail is an asphalt trail, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs. Within LEGOLAND Florida Resort, many areas, including the historic botanical gardens, are designed to be accessible. It's always recommended to check specific accessibility details directly with the attraction for the most up-to-date information.

The best time to visit the Cypress Gardens area in Florida generally depends on your preference for weather and crowds. Winter (December to February) offers cooler, drier weather, which is pleasant for outdoor activities. Spring (March to May) is also very enjoyable with mild temperatures. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but it's a popular time for theme parks. Fall (September to November) brings comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

The area around Winter Haven, where the Florida Cypress Gardens are located, offers various dining options. Within LEGOLAND Florida Resort, you'll find multiple restaurants and cafes. Outside the resort, Winter Haven has a selection of local eateries, cafes, and pubs, particularly in its downtown area, catering to different tastes.

Yes, the Chain of Lakes and surrounding natural parks like South Lake Howard Nature Park provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot various bird species, turtles, and other native Florida wildlife, especially along the lake shores and nature trails. The botanical gardens themselves also attract local birds and insects.

While both offer beautiful botanical experiences, they have distinct characteristics. The historic Cypress Gardens, now part of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, are known for their classic Southern charm, water ski shows (historically), and integration within a larger theme park. Bok Tower Gardens, located nearby in Lake Wales, is a National Historic Landmark famous for its lush gardens, nature trails, and a renowned carillon tower, offering a more serene and contemplative experience focused purely on horticulture and architecture.

Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the less-trafficked areas of the Chain of Lakes. While Lake Hamilton is one of the largest, it has limited public access, making its Sample Park a quieter spot for a boat launch, picnic, and small playground. South Lake Howard Nature Park also offers scenic walking trails and picnic areas away from the main tourist hubs, providing a peaceful natural escape.