Winter Haven, FL

Winter Haven sits in central Florida between Tampa and Orlando, connected by US 17 and State Road 540. Most visitors arrive via I-4, taking Exit 55 west into the city. The area features dozens of interconnected natural lakes and enjoys mild winters with highs in the mid-70s. Winter Haven was the original home of Cypress Gardens theme park, famous for its elaborate water ski shows from 1936 to 2009.