Central Florida’s Polk County is where visitors experience The Real Florida Magic—close to world-famous attractions, yet far from the crowds. Ideally located between Orlando and Tampa along Interstate 4, the destination blends family fun with authentic Florida charm.
Polk County is home to standout attractions like LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Peppa Pig Theme Park, and SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium, along with the all-new LEGO Galaxy—anchored by Galacticoaster, LEGOLAND Florida’s first indoor, space-themed coaster. Visitors can rediscover their inner child while enjoying immersive, family-friendly experiences.
Beyond the parks, guests can tee up at Streamsong Resort, a bucket list visit for any golf enthusiast, and enjoy Polk County’s 554 lakes and abundant outdoor adventure. Explore Circle B Bar Reserve, encounter wildlife at Safari Wilderness Ranch, or embrace cowboy culture at Westgate River Ranch Resort, and experience a multitude of culinary options that will satisfy every palate.
Cultural highlights include Bok Tower Gardens and Florida Southern College, home to the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. From citrus groves and airboat rides to championship golf, Polk County delivers a memorable, distinctly Florida experience. www.VisitCentralFlorida.org
What is your destination most known for?
As our tagline states, Visit Central Florida offers visitors and guests “The Real Florida Magic.” What does this mean? This means that when travelers come to Central Florida’s Polk County, they will get a real, authentic Florida experience, the way that Florida used to be, but still with the benefits of the theme park experience – LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Peppa Pig Theme Park, SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium, the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, and the newly opened LEGO Galaxy anchored by Galacticoaster, LEGOLAND Florida’s first indoor, space-themed family coaster – should the guests choose. Those, along with arts, culture, and exceptional dining, range from local “mom-and-pop barbeque joints” to elite dining experiences that will not be surpassed. I like to call the culinary scene in Polk County “Sneaky Awesome!” You would never expect these experiences when driving through the county on Interstate 4.
During this season, what are some must-see attractions?
Visit Central Florida has grown beyond the theme parks that we offer. We know that visitors staying in Polk County will take day trips to Orlando and Tampa. Still, when visiting Polk County you can experience Bonnet Spring Park, a 168-acre space that was named Best City Park by USA Today Readers Top 10 voting, Safari Wilderness and Circle B Bar Reserve which is one of the finest safari experiences and nature preserves in America, respectively, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College which is the largest collection of his work in one location in the world. Guests can also visit Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi River, which boasts some of the best luxury Glamping accommodations in the country, America’s longest-running weekly rodeo, and its newly opened River Country Water Park. Art aficionados can immerse themselves in the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College (The AGB). The AGB is a private, non-profit, and nationally accredited art museum in Lakeland. It is a member of the Florida Association of Museums, is ranked among the top art museums in Florida, and is a Smithsonian Affiliate. And this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what Central Florida’s Polk County offers.
What hidden gem should not be missed when visiting your destination?
Without hesitation, I would say that the one must-see hidden gem is a visit to Bok Tower Gardens. Bok Tower Gardens is an Olmsted-inspired botanical garden with a 205-foot singing carillon tower, the vision and creation of Edward Bok in the 1920s. A national historic landmark, Bok Tower Gardens features two hiking trails, 50 acres of gardens, the 20-room El Retiro Estate, and the 205-foot art deco and neo-Gothic Singing Tower carillon, allowing visitors to step back in time. Bok Tower Gardens has fascinated millions of Florida visitors since its opening in 1929. Guests can enjoy unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal, and spiritual enrichment by touring the lush landscapes of the Olmsted gardens and hearing the music of the Singing Tower carillon. Bok Tower Gardens is truly a place of historic beauty and serenity. Amid the rolling hills of citrus in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens remains one of the most remarkable and awe-inspiring attractions in Central Florida. https://boktowergardens.org/
What’s one feature that can’t be missed when visiting your website?
The most important feature on our website is our Blog page, which is a must-visit. Peyten Palo, our Senior Digital Marketing & Research Supervisor, does a tremendous job updating the page regularly with tips, recommendations, and suggestions on all things Polk County’s Central Florida. The page gives guests and potential visitors clear, concise, and fun information on current and upcoming events, helping them adjust or create a travel itinerary. https://visitcentralflorida.org/blog/
How did you learn about NATJA, and why did you join?
Having started in the field of travel and tourism communications with Visit Central Florida in only May of 2023, after nearly 30 years in collegiate athletics communications, one of the things I wanted to do more than anything was to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as possible and from as many people as possible. I tasked myself with finding an organization or conference that was different each year to join and/or attend. It was through a Canadian travel writer, Helen Hatzis, whom I hosted on a FAM tour and who is on the advisory board of NATJA, that suggested becoming a member of the organization. I took her advice, joined, and attended the conference on Galveston Island, Texas, and was blown away by how welcome everyone made me feel and how much I learned. Truly salt-of-the-earth people, led by Helen, who is not only a professional colleague but also a good friend whose opinion I have tremendous respect for and value.
Is there anything else you feel travel media should know about your destination?
Located along Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando—two of the nation’s most competitive tourism markets—Central Florida’s Polk County offers a commonsense value proposition: more affordable travel without sacrificing experience. Visitors enjoy a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere—one where you won’t say, “I need a vacation from my vacation”—while still having access to world-class theme parks and attractions. Staying in Polk County can save travelers hundreds of dollars, a key consideration for today’s consumer. Most importantly, that value comes without compromise. Guests can enjoy memorable attractions, quality accommodations, and diverse culinary offerings for every taste while experiencing a more authentic Florida.
Michael Hogan – Senior Communications Supervisor
As Senior Communications Supervisor at Visit Central Florida, Michael Hogan brings extensive communications and marketing experience to promote The Real Florida Magic to domestic and international audiences. With a passion for travel and a deep appreciation for Central Florida’s unique offerings, Michael is well-equipped to showcase Polk County as an ideal destination for tourists seeking premier accommodations and world-class attractions.
After nearly a 30-year career in collegiate athletics communications, Michael, a native of Albany, N.Y., and Florida resident since 1999, possesses a rich and creative background in communications and marketing that he looks forward to translating into the travel and tourism world.
In his role, Michael is ready to craft compelling narratives that highlight the beauty, culture, and adventure that Polk County has to offer. His natural ability to connect with people and forge strong relationships with travel media outlets, both domestic and international, ensures visitors are captivated by Polk County’s allure, positioning it as a must-visit destination.
With a dedication to excellence and an unwavering commitment to showcasing the best of Central Florida and Polk County, Michael is ready to make an impact in destination marketing and tourism promotion.
