Cherry Pocket in Lake Wales: An Old Florida Fish Camp on Lake Pierce
Waterfront dining, local history, cabins, boat tours, and more at one of Polk County’s most unique destinations
If you’re looking for a place in Polk County that still feels like Old Florida, Cherry Pocket in Lake Wales is worth knowing about.
Located at 3100 Canal Road along the shores of Lake Pierce, Cherry Pocket has been part of the Lake Wales area since around 1940. Over the years, it has grown from a traditional Florida fish camp into a waterfront destination offering food, drinks, lodging, boating, and plenty of character.
More Than a Waterfront Restaurant
Cherry Pocket is probably best known for its restaurant and full bar, serving seafood, steaks, burgers, and other casual Florida favorites.
The waterfront location is a major part of the experience. Guests can sit near Lake Pierce, watch boats come and go, and enjoy a setting that feels very different from the newer commercial areas found throughout Central Florida.
You can even arrive by boat, with docks located directly behind the property.
Cabins and RV Accommodations
Cherry Pocket is also a working fish camp with accommodations available on site.
The property includes cabins that can be rented for overnight stays, along with RV sites and other lodging around the property. Some of the cabins offer views toward Lake Pierce, making it possible to turn a visit into a weekend stay rather than just stopping in for lunch or dinner.
Airboat and Pontoon Tours
One of the more interesting things about Cherry Pocket is the ability to get directly out onto the water.
Airboat tours depart from the property and explore the surrounding lakes and waterways, giving visitors a chance to see a different side of Central Florida.
For anyone looking for something a little quieter, pontoon boat tours are also available.
It makes Cherry Pocket an easy place to combine lunch or dinner with an outdoor activity without having to drive somewhere else afterward.
Recent Updates Around the Property
Although Cherry Pocket maintains its Old Florida atmosphere, the property has also received a number of improvements in recent years.
During our recent visit, we checked out a game room featuring pool tables and its own bar area.
There is also a newer saloon-style space with a gift shop inside, along with additional outdoor areas around the property.
The updates give visitors more to explore while still keeping the laid-back fish camp character that Cherry Pocket is known for.
A Unique Lake Wales Destination
Central Florida continues to grow quickly, and places like Cherry Pocket stand out because they offer something completely different from the newer restaurants and developments appearing throughout the region.
Whether you stop in for a meal, grab a drink by the water, take an airboat ride, rent a cabin, or simply explore the property, Cherry Pocket offers a glimpse of the Florida that existed long before much of Polk County looked the way it does today.
If you live in Lake Wales, Haines City, Winter Haven, or elsewhere in Polk County, it is an easy local destination worth checking out.
Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood
3100 Canal Road
Lake Wales, FL 33898
