# Road-Triping State Road 60: Polk County’s Citrus Country, Small Towns, and Big Plans
## The Vibe & When to Go
State Road 60 is not a polished tourist strip—and that is exactly what makes it interesting. Across Polk County, the road links quiet citrus country, old Florida towns, lakes, ranchland, gardens, and roadside businesses that still feel connected to local life.
I first noticed how quickly the scenery changes. One minute you are passing orange groves and broad pastureland; a little later, you are in downtown Lake Wales or Bartow, surrounded by historic buildings and shady streets. Polk County’s idea, reported by Bay News 9, is to turn this stretch of State Road 60 into more of a destination, with stronger tourism branding, better connections, and more reasons for visitors to stop instead of simply driving through.
The road is still very much a work in progress, so come expecting a relaxed Florida road trip rather than a finished attraction.
If you are visiting now, plan for warm days—often in the 80s—with humidity and sudden afternoon showers. The cooler months from November through April are the most comfortable for walking around gardens and small towns. Summer is hotter and wetter, but the skies can be dramatic and hotel rates are sometimes kinder.
## Must-See Spots: My Top Picks
### 1. Bok Tower Gardens
This is the standout stop near Lake Wales. The gardens are peaceful without feeling overly formal, with winding paths, tall palms, flowering plants, and the famous Singing Tower rising above the landscape.
I like arriving early, before the heat settles in. Take your time around the tower, then wander away from the main paths for quieter corners and birdwatching. The gardens are large enough that you can easily spend two or three hours here.
**Practical tip:** Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a hat. Admission is not the cheapest stop on the route, but it is one of the places where I feel the ticket price buys you a genuinely enjoyable afternoon.
### 2. Lake Wales Historic Downtown
Lake Wales has an easygoing, old-Florida feel. The downtown area is compact enough to explore on foot, with local shops, cafés, murals, and historic architecture. It is a good place to slow down after spending time in the car.
Look beyond the most obvious storefronts. Some of my favorite moments here have been simple ones: sitting with an iced coffee, browsing a small shop, or noticing the details on the older buildings. The town makes a nice base for exploring the State Road 60 corridor.
**Practical tip:** Downtown can be quiet outside business hours, especially on Sundays. Check opening times before planning your whole afternoon around a particular shop or restaurant.
### 3. Spook Hill
Spook Hill is one of those delightfully odd roadside attractions that costs nothing and takes only a few minutes. Put your car in neutral at the marked spot and watch the vehicle appear to roll uphill.
It is a quick stop, but it gives the road trip some personality. I would not make a special journey only for Spook Hill, but it is a fun addition while exploring Lake Wales—especially with children or anyone who enjoys local legends.
### 4. Bartow and the Polk County History Center
Bartow offers a different side of Polk County, with a traditional courthouse square, historic homes, and a slower pace than nearby Lakeland or Orlando. The Polk County History Center, housed in the old courthouse, is a good place to understand how citrus, cattle, railroads, and phosphate shaped the region.
The town is best explored without rushing. Walk around the square, stop for lunch, and look for the small architectural details that are easy to miss from the highway.
**Practical tip:** Combine Bartow with a scenic drive on the quieter county roads around the area. The drive itself is part of the experience, especially when citrus trees are in bloom.
## Practical Travel Advice
### Getting There & Visa
Most international visitors fly into **Orlando International Airport** or **Tampa International Airport**. Orlando is usually the most convenient for the Lake Wales and Winter Haven side of Polk County, while Tampa can work well if you are starting farther west.
You will need a valid passport to enter the United States. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries generally need an approved **ESTA** before boarding, while other nationalities must apply for a visitor visa. Check the latest requirements through the official U.S. government website before booking.
A rental car is the easiest option. State Road 60 covers a lot of ground, and many of the most interesting stops are separated by several miles of roads with little or no public transportation.
### Where to Stay
– **Lake Wales:** Best for a quiet, small-town base close to Bok Tower Gardens and the central State Road 60 attractions.
– **Bartow:** A good choice if you prefer historic streets, a local-town atmosphere, and easy access to the southern and western parts of Polk County.
– **Winter Haven:** Better for families, lakes, restaurants, and a wider choice of hotels. It is also convenient if you plan to visit LEGOLAND Florida.
– **Lakeland:** The most practical option for more restaurants, shopping, and hotel choices, though it feels less like a rural road trip.
For a special stay, look for a small inn or vacation rental near Lake Wales. For lower prices and familiar hotel chains, Winter Haven and Lakeland usually offer more options.
### Getting Around
You will want a car. Some downtown areas are walkable, but State Road 60 itself is not a walking route, and attractions are spread out.
Uber and Lyft operate in the larger towns, but I would not depend on them for a full day of sightseeing. Pickups can be slow outside Lakeland, Winter Haven, and the busiest parts of Lake Wales. There is no simple regional transit system designed for touring the entire corridor.
Download offline maps before heading into rural areas, and keep some water in the car. Gas stations are available, but they are not always close together on the quieter stretches.
## Real Costs & Local Tips
The U.S. dollar is the local currency.
### Typical Daily Budgets
**Budget traveler: $75–$110 per person**
– Motel or shared room: $50–$90
– Breakfast or groceries: $8–$15
– Casual lunch and dinner: $25–$40
– Free attractions and modest fuel share: $10–$20
**Mid-range traveler: $150–$250 per person**
– Comfortable hotel: $110–$180 per room
– Meals at sit-down restaurants: $45–$75
– Attraction admission: $20–$30
– Rental car and fuel: highly variable, usually shared between travelers
Restaurant tips of **18–20 percent** are normal for good table service. Counter-service cafés may have a tip screen, but you are not required to leave the same amount. Hotel housekeeping staff and shuttle drivers are also commonly tipped.
### A Few Ways to Spend Less
– **Bring a picnic to Bok Tower Gardens.** The setting is beautiful, and buying food on-site can make an already paid admission day more expensive.
– **Fill the tank before the longest rural stretches.** Prices vary, and it is more relaxing not to wait until the fuel light comes on.
– **Visit small-town attractions during the week.** They are often quieter, and some local businesses close early on weekends or have limited Sunday hours.
– **Do not treat the corridor as a one-day checklist.** Choose two or three main stops and leave room for an unplanned café, farm stand, or roadside view. Trying to cover everything makes the drive feel like a commute.
What I like most about the State Road 60 idea is that the appeal is already there—it just needs better signposting and more reasons for travelers to pause. This is a place for people who enjoy local history, gardens, open roads, and towns that have not been scrubbed of all their character. Come before the transformation is complete, and you may still catch the corridor in its most natural form.
KEYWORDS: Florida road trip, Lake Wales Florida