Auburndale, Florida Guide | Things to Do, Parks & Places

Auburndale, Florida sits quietly in the northwestern pocket of Polk County, right in the middle of Central Florida. It’s the kind of place where lakes outnumber traffic lights, and the landscape is more about water, citrus, and slow afternoons than theme parks or high-rises. Auburndale’s location – between Lakeland and Winter Haven – makes it a practical base for exploring the county’s lakes, trails, and small towns, while still holding its own as a friendly, lived-in community.

If you’re looking for things to do in Auburndale, you’ll find a city that’s shaped by its lakes and local parks, with a pace that invites you to linger. It’s not a destination built for spectacle, but for real Florida: fishing piers, ballfields, and lakefronts where herons outnumber tourists. Auburndale matters because it’s a crossroads – geographically, historically, and in the way it connects the best of Polk County’s outdoors with the quieter side of Central Florida living.

This Auburndale travel guide is built for read ers who want to understand the city’s place in the region, find the best places to visit in Auburndale, and plan a visit that feels rooted in the real Florida landscape.

What is Auburndale known for?

Auburndale is known for its lakeside identity and its role as a small-town anchor in Polk County’s patchwork of communities. The city is surrounded by water – Lake Ariana, Lake Lena, and Lake Juliana are just a few of the local lakes that shape its geography and daily life. Auburndale’s history is tied to the railroads and citrus groves that once defined this part of Central Florida, but today it’s more about neighborhood parks, youth sports, and the kind of community events that fill up Saturday mornings.

Unlike nearby Lakeland’s urban sprawl or Winter Haven’s chain of lakes, Auburndale keeps things simple. It’s a place where you can launch a kayak in the morning, catch a ballgame in the afternoon, and end the day with a walk along a quiet lakeshore. The city is also a practical jumping-off point for exploring the broader region – close enough to reach state parks, wildlife preserves, and the historic towns that dot Polk County’s interior.

Best things to do in Auburndale

Explore Auburndale’s lakes: The city’s lakes are its signature feature. Spend time at Lake Ariana or Lake Juliana – both offer public access, fishing, and a sense of what draws locals to the water’s edge.
Walk or bike the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead Park in nearby Winter Haven: While technically in Winter Haven, this trailhead is a practical access point for Auburndale visitors looking to connect with the region’s multi-use trails and lakefront paths.
Visit local parks: Auburndale’s city parks are gathering spots for families and visitors. Look for lakeside picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields that reflect the city’s community spirit.
Day trip to Colt Creek State Park: About a half-hour drive north, Colt Creek State Park offers hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing in a classic Central Florida pine flatwoods setting. The park’s Mac Lake and Middle Lake are good bets for birdwatching or a quiet paddle.
Fish or launch a boat at nearby ramps: The region is dotted with boat ramps and marinas, including the Twin Lakes Park and Lake Swoope Boat Ramp in Lake Alfred, and the Lake Kissimmee State Park Marina further east.
Explore the history and small-town texture: Auburndale’s downtown and historic neighborhoods offer glimpses of early 20th-century Florida – think brick buildings, old oaks, and a pace that hasn’t changed much in decades.
Venture to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland: A short drive west, Bonnet Springs Park is a major new green space with trails, gardens, and family-friendly activities – worth the trip for anyone exploring the area.
Read up before you go: The Sunshine Republic’s Auburndale, Florida: Between Lakes and Time offers a deeper look at the city’s lakes and local identity.

Parks, beaches, trails, and outdoor places in Auburndale

Auburndale is an inland city, so you won’t find sandy beaches, but you will find plenty of water access and green space. The city’s parks are built around its lakes, with walking trails, fishing piers, and shaded picnic spots. Lake Ariana Park is a local favorite for its lakefront views and boat ramp, while smaller parks throughout town offer playgrounds and open fields for pickup games or a quiet afternoon.

For those who want more room to roam, Colt Creek State Park is a regional standout. Its trails wind through pine forests, wetlands, and lakes, giving visitors a taste of wild Central Florida just a short drive from Auburndale. The park’s lakes – Mac Lake and Middle Lake – are good for fishing, paddling, or simply watching the sunrise over the water.

Nearby, the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead Park in Winter Haven connects Auburndale to a broader network of multi-use trails, making it easy to explore by bike or on foot. For boaters and anglers, Twin Lakes Park and Lake Swoope Boat Ramp in Lake Alfred, and the marinas on Lake Kissimmee, round out the region’s water access points.

Local places worth knowing

Neighborhood parks and practical access points

Auburndale’s smaller parks may not draw crowds, but they’re where local life happens. These are the places for a morning walk, a quiet bench under an oak, or a launch spot for a kayak. They matter because they make outdoor access part of daily life, not just a special trip.

Connecting to the region’s lakes and trails

While Auburndale’s own trail network is growing, it’s the proximity to regional trails – like the Chain of Lakes Trail – that gives visitors a way to see the area at a slower pace. These trails connect parks, neighborhoods, and lakes, making it easy to build a day around walking, biking, or simply watching the local birdlife.

Local texture and small-town stops

The city’s historic core and older neighborhoods offer a sense of place that’s hard to find in larger cities. Look for small churches, vintage storefronts, and the kind of front porches that still get used on summer evenings. These spots may not show up on every map, but they’re part of what gives Auburndale its identity.

Nearby places to explore

Auburndale’s central location puts it within easy reach of several other Polk County towns and outdoor destinations. Here are a few that pair naturally with a visit:

Winter Haven: Just east, Winter Haven is known for its chain of lakes, downtown restaurants, and the LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead Park connects the two cities for cyclists and walkers.
Lake Alfred: North of Auburndale, Lake Alfred is a small town with its own lakes, parks, and boat ramps – ideal for a quiet afternoon or a fishing trip.
Lakeland: To the west, Lakeland offers urban parks, Bonnet Springs Park, and a larger downtown with museums and cultural events.
Lake Wales: Southeast of Auburndale, Lake Wales is known for its historic downtown, Bok Tower Gardens, and access to Lake Kissimmee State Park. For more, see Lake Wales, Florida: Ridge Country, Hidden Lakes, and the Music of Old Florida.
Haines City: Northeast, Haines City is another lakeside town with a growing downtown and easy access to regional trails. Get the local angle in Haines City, Florida: The Heartbeat Between the Lakes.
Frostproof: Further south, Frostproof is a classic Florida small town surrounded by citrus groves and lakes. For ideas, see Frostproof Florida Guide: Things To Do, Lake Reedy, Citrus Groves & Florida Ridge Landscape.

How Auburndale fits into Polk County

Auburndale is a small-town stop in Polk County, serving as a practical hub for the county’s northern lakes region. It’s not the county seat (that’s Bartow), nor is it a resort town, but it fills the role of a suburban center with deep local roots. Auburndale connects the agricultural past of Polk County with the modern reality of commuter neighborhoods and youth sports fields. Its location makes it a gateway for exploring the county’s lakes, parks, and historic towns, while still feeling distinct from the larger cities around it.

How Auburndale fits into Central Florida

Within Central Florida, Auburndale is a good example of the region’s inland identity – more about lakes and citrus than beaches or theme parks. It sits at the crossroads between the Orlando metro to the northeast and the Tampa Bay area to the west, but it keeps its focus local. Auburndale is a place to experience the quieter side of Central Florida: small-town life, freshwater lakes, and the kind of outdoor access that’s easy to overlook in a state known for its coasts.

Where to eat, stay, and base your visit

Auburndale’s best base is in or near its small-town core, close to the lakes and parks that define the city. If you’re looking for a quiet stay, the neighborhoods near Lake Ariana or Lake Juliana put you within walking distance of the water. For those who want more amenities or a broader range of dining options, nearby Lakeland or Winter Haven offer larger hotels and more restaurants – both are within a 20-minute drive. Campers and RV travelers will find options at regional parks like Colt Creek State Park or along the county’s many lakes.

How to plan a first visit

Auburndale works well as a day trip for Polk County locals or as a weekend base for exploring the region’s lakes and parks. It’s best for travelers who appreciate small towns, outdoor access, and a slower pace – families, anglers, cyclists, and anyone looking to see a different side of Central Florida. Plan to spend a day exploring the lakes and parks, with time left over for a walk through downtown or a drive to nearby towns. Combine Auburndale with stops in Winter Haven, Lakeland, or Lake Wales for a fuller picture of the county. If you’re road-tripping across Central Florida, Auburndale makes a practical and peaceful stop between the bigger cities.

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FAQ: Auburndale, Florida

Is Auburndale, Florida worth visiting?

Yes, if you’re interested in small-town Florida, freshwater lakes, and local parks. Auburndale offers a quieter, more authentic side of Central Florida, away from the crowds.

What is Auburndale known for?

Auburndale is known for its lakes, neighborhood parks, and its role as a community hub in northern Polk County. It’s a city shaped by water, history, and a strong sense of local identity.

What are the best things to do in Auburndale?

Spend time at the city’s lakes, walk or bike regional trails, visit local parks, and use Auburndale as a base for exploring nearby state parks and small towns.

What county is Auburndale in?

Auburndale is in Polk County, Florida.

What region of Florida is Auburndale in?

Auburndale is part of Central Florida.

How many days do you need in Auburndale?

One to two days is enough to experience Auburndale’s lakes, parks, and local character. Combine with nearby towns for a longer stay.