Explore Central Florida is based out of Avon Park, but our coverage reaches far beyond, highlighting the unique cities and towns that make our area special.
The map below features the main counties we focus on, and below, you’ll find a full list of the incorporated cities and towns within each county, complete with brief descriptions:
Highlands County
Avon Park
Known as “The City of Charm,” Avon Park offers lakeside recreation, a historic downtown, and a small-town atmosphere.
Sebring
Sebring is famous for the Sebring International Raceway and its scenic lakes, walkable downtown, and golf courses.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid boasts colorful murals, caladium fields, and a charming vibe, earning it the nickname “Town of Murals.”
Polk County
Bartow
Bartow, the county seat, blends historic charm with modern government centers and oak-lined streets.
Lakeland
Lakeland is a vibrant city with lakes, swans, Florida Southern College architecture, and a growing food and art scene.
Winter Haven
Winter Haven is known for its Chain of Lakes, LEGOLAND Florida, and thriving downtown.
Haines City
Haines City is a fast-growing city near theme parks, known for citrus history and a revitalized downtown.
Lake Wales
Lake Wales features Bok Tower Gardens, rolling hills, and historic buildings with Old Florida charm.
Auburndale
Auburndale is a family-friendly community with parks, trails, and a relaxed pace near larger cities.
Davenport
Davenport has experienced rapid growth, attracting vacationers and residents alike with its proximity to attractions.
Fort Meade
Fort Meade offers a quiet lifestyle with antique shops and historical significance as Polk’s oldest city.
Frostproof
Frostproof lies between two lakes and is a peaceful, rural city with agricultural roots.
Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake is a small, quiet city surrounded by lakes and centrally located near Winter Haven.
Mulberry
Mulberry is a historic phosphate town with deep roots in Florida’s mining and agricultural industries.
Hardee County
Wauchula
Wauchula is the heart of Hardee County, known for its citrus groves, rodeo culture, and access to the Peace River.
Bowling Green
Bowling Green is a small, agricultural city with a rich cultural heritage and friendly atmosphere.
Zolfo Springs
Zolfo Springs offers rural charm and Peace River access, popular for camping and kayaking.
Hillsborough County
Tampa
Tampa is a dynamic Gulf Coast city with sports, nightlife, cultural attractions, and a thriving waterfront.
Plant City
Plant City is known for its Strawberry Festival, historic downtown, and strong agricultural community.
Temple Terrace
Temple Terrace features beautiful trees, a riverfront golf course, and suburban living near Tampa.
Orange County
Orlando
Orlando is world-famous for its theme parks, entertainment, shopping, and diverse neighborhoods.
Winter Garden
Winter Garden is a charming city with a walkable downtown, farmer’s market, and trails.
Ocoee
Ocoee blends suburban living with easy access to nature, parks, and Orlando’s attractions.
Apopka
Apopka is known as the “Indoor Foliage Capital” and a gateway to natural springs and outdoor adventure.
Winter Park
Winter Park is a historic city known for its upscale shopping, museums, and scenic lakes.
Maitland
Maitland offers a mix of lakeside living, art culture, and proximity to downtown Orlando.
Belle Isle
Belle Isle is a quiet residential city surrounded by the Conway Chain of Lakes, ideal for boaters.
Edgewood
Edgewood is a small city near Orlando with a suburban feel and access to lakes and parks.
Osceola County
Kissimmee
Kissimmee is a major gateway to theme parks, known for historic downtown, lakefront parks, and vacation resorts.
St. Cloud
St. Cloud offers small-town charm, lakefront beauty, and historic roots with easy access to Orlando.
Indian River County
Vero Beach
Vero Beach is a coastal gem with pristine beaches, cultural venues, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Sebastian
Sebastian offers riverfront living, fishing, and access to Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Fellsmere
Fellsmere is a small, agricultural city known for frog leg festivals and access to outdoor adventure.
St. Lucie County
Fort Pierce
Fort Pierce is a historic coastal city with a revitalized downtown, waterfront dining, and fishing piers.
Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is a growing city with a suburban feel, PGA golf, parks, and riverfront recreation.
Okeechobee County
Okeechobee
Okeechobee is a rural city by Lake Okeechobee, known for fishing, agriculture, and a strong western heritage.
Explore With Us!
Though we may explore further than this map, these are the main cities and towns in Central Florida that we focus on at Explore Central Florida.
Keep reading our articles to explore more of Central Florida!