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Get Your Fun on in Haines City, Florida: The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Haines City is cheap to visit, and almost everything worth doing in it is free or close to it. The parks, the lakes and the trails all cost nothing at all. Picking your own citrus and drinking a glass of fresh-squeezed juice cost very little either. What you actually pay for is the theme parks, and every single one of those is somewhere else entirely. Base here.

Looking for a vacation built on the outdoors? Haines City, Florida is the answer. This charming city sits in Polk County, a short drive from Orlando and the Tampa Bay area. With a population of around 20,000, Haines City is one of the more populous cities in the area and it offers more to see and do than you would guess.

Strolling the city’s parks, getting close to the wildlife, or eating well. Haines City covers all three. With hiking, golfing and plenty for kids, this city works for families, couples and solo travelers alike. So pack the bags and go, because Haines City, Florida rewards the trip.

Key Takeaways

• Haines City offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking adventures, golfing opportunities, and plenty of activities for kids.
• The city is known for its natural beauty and wildlife encounters, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
• With its proximity to Orlando and the Tampa Bay area, Haines City is a convenient and accessible vacation destination.

A Stroll Through Haines City

Haines City. The charming little town in South Polk County, a short hop from Winter Haven, Lakeland and Orlando. For a taste of old Florida towns, this is the place.

Take a stroll down Highway 27 and the reason becomes obvious. The historic buildings and quaint shops do the work. Stop at Betty B Trenton Park and look at the scenery.

But there is more. Haines City also holds Lake Eva Community Park, where you can eat a picnic, play basketball, or get into the pool.

Feeling adventurous? Head over to Orlando Paintball Experience and let something out. Or, for something more laid-back, tour the local orange groves instead.

And do not forget the Haines City Community Theater. Catch a show and support the local arts scene while you are at it.

Haines City works for anyone after a relaxed few days in a charming Florida town. So what are you waiting for? Get out there.

Fun At The Parks

You are in Haines City and you want to have some fun. Luckily there are plenty of parks in the area to work through.

First, Lake Eva Community Park. This park runs basketball and tennis courts alongside a playground for the little ones. There are picnic areas throughout, so pack a lunch and make a day of it. And there is free Wi-Fi, though it is worth downloading the maps before you go so you do not get lost in the park’s 30 acres.

For something more rustic, head to Lake Kissimmee State Park. This park runs plenty of trails alongside a sandy beach for swimming. And for fishing, Lake Kissimmee is known for its large catfish. Bring your own gear.

For a genuinely unusual park, check out Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. This park holds over 8,000 acres of protected land, wetlands and sandhill habitats among it. There are trails throughout and picnic areas for a break.

Whichever park you pick, Haines City will fill the day. So grab the sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get outside.

Wildlife Encounters

Haines City is good ground for wildlife. The city holds a genuine range of it, deer and squirrels and bald eagles and ospreys among the birds. And there are fish in the lakes.

The best way to see the wildlife is a walk through the parks and nature reserves. Keep your eyes peeled and it turns up on its own.

For something closer, head to Lake Eva Park. Rent a paddleboat or a kayak and work the lake with the wildlife around you.

For something more adventurous, take a guided tour of the local wildlife. The guides know what they are looking at and they will get you closer than you would manage alone.

Haines City is strong country for a wildlife lover. Watching from a distance or getting close, both work here.

Foodie’s Paradise

Food lovers are in for a treat in Haines City, Florida. The city runs a genuinely diverse spread for its size.

For fresh oranges, pasta, marinara sauces, jellies, jams, salsas, fruit juices or strawberry milkshakes, you will find them at Ridge Island Groves. This family-owned fruit store has been running for over 50 years and it is the stop for anyone who cares about food.

In the mood for BBQ? Head over to Sonny’s BBQ. This restaurant has been serving BBQ since 1968 and it knows what it is doing.

For a more unusual meal, check out the food trucks at Ridge Island Groves. They serve creative, casual fare and the setting is half the reason to go.

For a refreshing drink, stop at Ridge Island Groves for fresh-squeezed orange juice. The oranges are grown on the property, which is the whole point.

Haines City is better on food than its size suggests. BBQ, fresh fruit, or a milkshake, all three are covered. So come hungry and eat some of the best food Florida has.

Hiking Adventures

Haines City is good hiking ground. With the parks and nature reserves around it, there is plenty of country to work through.

Lake Louisa State Park Trail

For a scenic hike, the Lake Louisa State Park Trail is the pick. This trail takes you through open Florida landscape full of wildflowers and past Dixie and Bear Lakes on the way to the much larger Lake Louisa. It is out-and-back, so you can walk the whole thing or turn round whenever you like. And it takes hikers, cyclists, equestrians and dogs, so the dog comes too. With a 4.0 rating and over 150 reviews, it is a known quantity.

Ridge Audubon Center

The Ridge Audubon Center is where you go for birdwatching. With over 200 species recorded, something will be moving. The trails are well-maintained and easy going, which makes it work for families with young children. And there is a guided tour if you want the wildlife explained.

Lake Eva Community Park

Lake Eva Community Park is the popular spot for hiking and picnicking. The park runs several trails, from a leisurely stroll through to something harder. You can also rent a paddleboat or kayak and get onto the lake. And for something more adventurous, the zipline course or the ropes course. Nobody runs out of things to do here.

Circle B Bar Reserve

The Circle B Bar Reserve is the pick for hiking enthusiasts. The reserve holds over 1,200 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat, which is a lot of ground. Hike the trails and you see alligators, birds and a good deal else. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, so beginners are fine. With a 4.5 rating and over 1,000 reviews, it is the popular choice.

Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area

The Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area is the quieter find in Haines City. With over 8,000 acres of wilderness, you can walk for hours without repeating yourself. The trails are well-maintained and easy going, which suits families with children. And you can fish or boat on the lake as well.

So, grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure. With so many hiking trails to choose from, you’ll never run out of things to do in Haines City.

Events And Festivities

Haines City knows how to have a good time. There are events and festivities through the year and something is usually on.

• Haines City Farmers Market: If you’re a fan of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music, then you’ll love the Haines City Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Railroad Park, this market has everything you need to stock up on healthy and delicious goodies.
• Polk County Fair: The Polk County Fair is a must-visit for anyone who loves carnival rides, fried food, and live entertainment. Held in February at the Polk County Fairgrounds, this event is a great way to spend a day with your family and friends.
• Independence Day Celebration: Haines City knows how to celebrate the 4th of July in style! The Independence Day Celebration includes a parade, live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky.
• Haines City Arts Festival: If you’re an art lover, then you won’t want to miss the Haines City Arts Festival. Held in November at Lake Eva Park, this festival features the work of local and national artists, as well as live music, food trucks, and children’s activities.
• Winterfest: Haines City may not get snow, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the winter season! Winterfest is a fun-filled event that includes ice skating, snow slides, a snowman building contest, and more.

Whatever time of year you visit Haines City, something is happening. So grab friends and family and go.

Golfing In The City

Looking for a fun and challenging round of golf? Haines City, Florida has the courses. There is a genuine choice here.

One of the most popular courses in the area is the Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club. With 18 scenic holes playing about 7,200 yards, this course has been open since the early ’90s. It was built to resemble the links-style courses traditional overseas, in England and Ireland in particular. So if you have ever wanted to play like a pro across the pond, here is the chance.

But do not worry if that is more challenge than you were after. There are plenty of other courses to choose from, and seasoned pro or complete beginner, there is one for you in Haines City.

And the scenery is the other reason. Many of the courses are ringed by greenery and long views, which makes the round easier to lose an afternoon in.

So grab the clubs and tee off in Haines City. You will not be disappointed.

The citrus is why this town is here at all. Polk County grew oranges before it grew anything else, and Ridge Island Groves still lets you pick your own and drink the juice on the spot. The lakes came with the landscape. The parks were built around them. Everything else, the theme parks and the airboats and the outlet shopping, belongs to somewhere down the road.

Theater And Productions

For entertainment and culture, Haines City has you covered. The Haines City Community Theater is where to start.

The atmosphere at the Haines City Community Theater is lively. The actors and crew are genuinely passionate about what they do, and it shows from the first minute.

One of the better things about the Haines City Community Theater is the price. Tickets are usually around 15 dollars, which is a fraction of what the same evening costs elsewhere.

The Haines City Community Theater is the stop for anyone who loves theater, or who simply wants a good evening out.

Activities For Kids

You might think Haines City is only a retirement community, and there is plenty here for kids as well. Legoland through to the outdoors, Haines City covers the young adventurer.

First, Legoland Florida. This theme park is the one for any Lego-loving kid, with over 50 rides, shows and attractions in it.

For something more active, Haines City has the outdoors covered. Basketball courts are scattered across the city, so grab a ball and shoot some hoops. And there are several swimming pools in Haines City for cooling off from the Florida heat.

For the more adventurous kids, there are plenty of outdoor options. Ridge Island Groves is a good place to walk and see the natural side of Haines City. And Lake Eva Community Park has a playground, picnic areas and a splash pad for the little ones.

Whatever the kids are into, Haines City has something for them. So pack up the family and go.

Fishing in Haines City

Looking for something relaxing in Haines City? Try fishing. Haines City holds some of the best fishing spots in Florida, with largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and more in the water.

One of the most popular spots for fishing in Haines City is Lake Marion Creek. This scenic waterway holds a genuine range of species.

For a more structured day, book a guided fishing tour with one of Haines City’s operators. They know where the fish are.

However you fish in Haines City, follow the local regulations and practice catch-and-release where you can. It matters here.

So grab the gear and head out to one of Haines City’s fishing spots for a relaxed day on the water. You never know what comes up.

Exploring Nearby Attractions

So you have had your fill of Haines City and you want something new. There are plenty of nearby attractions to work through.

First, Bok Tower Gardens. This attraction is a short drive from Haines City and it runs gardens, a 205-foot singing tower and good birdwatching. It is where you go to slow down.

For something more adventurous, check out Fantasy of Flight. This aviation-themed attraction sits in nearby Polk City with a collection of vintage aircraft, flight simulators and a hot air balloon ride.

And there is Universal Orlando. It is further away, and this world-famous theme park is worth the drive. Thrilling roller coasters through to the Harry Potter experiences, and the list does not run out.

Relaxation or heart-pumping excitement, there are nearby attractions for both from Haines City. Pick one and go.

Parking And Transportation

Parking, the bane of every driver’s existence. But do not worry, because Haines City has it handled. There is plenty of it.

Driving to Haines City, you will most likely take US-17. This highway runs through the heart of the city, which makes finding anything straightforward.

And if you would rather not drive, there are other options. A taxi or an Uber will get you around without much trouble.

Parking and transportation in Haines City are genuinely easy. With plenty of free parking and easy access to US-17, getting around is not something you need to plan for.

Citrus Delights

Citrus fans are in the right place. With its subtropical climate, Haines City grows some of the juiciest oranges and lemons you will taste.

Start the citrus run at one of the orange groves in the area. Take a tour and the history comes with it.

For lemons, head to the local farmers’ market and pick up a bag of them. They will earn their place in the kitchen.

And speaking of the kitchen, make something with them. Orange chicken through to lemon meringue pie, the possibilities are wide open.

But the citrus does not stop there. There is the annual Florida Orange Festival, with live music, carnival rides and the fruit itself at the middle of it.

Citrus lover or someone simply after something different, Haines City has it. Do not miss the fruit while you are here.

The Sandhill Experience

Ready for something genuinely unusual in Haines City? The Sandhill Experience. This attraction offers a one-of-a-kind look at the beautiful sandhills of Florida.

What exactly is a sandhill? It is a distinct ecosystem, characterized by sandy soil, sparse vegetation and rolling ground.

At the Sandhill Experience you start with a guided tour of the sandhills themselves. The guide knows the ground and leads you across it.

But that is not all. The Sandhill Experience also runs outdoor activities to fill the rest of the day. Take a hike through it.

For something more adventurous, try sandboarding. It is like snowboarding, on sand, and it is exactly as odd as that sounds. The Sandhill Experience rents the boards, so you can get down the hills like a pro.

And when you need a break, head to the Sandhill Cafe for food and drinks. Sit on the outdoor patio and let the afternoon go.

The Sandhill Experience is the unusual stop in Haines City. It is a good way to get outdoors and see a landscape you will not find elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems in Haines City that tourists often miss out on?

Haines City has its share of popular attractions, and a few quieter ones that most visitors drive straight past. One is the Lake Lowery Nature Preserve, with hiking trails, fishing spots and good birdwatching. Another is Ridge Island Groves, where you pick your own citrus and drink the juice on the spot.

Are there any quirky events or festivals that take place in Haines City?

Yes, there are plenty of quirky events and festivals in Haines City through the year. One is the Haines City Ribs on the Ridge BBQ Festival, with BBQ, live music and activities for the whole family. Another is the Haines City Pumpkin Patch Festival, where you pick a pumpkin, take a hayride and eat too much.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Haines City?

Haines City works well for outdoor enthusiasts. Fish at Lake Eva or Lake Lowery, hike at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, or play a round at the Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club. And for something more adrenaline-pumping, ziplining at the Ridge Island Groves or an airboat ride at the Wild Florida Airboats.

Where can I find the best local food in Haines City?

Haines City runs a good spread of local eateries. For authentic Cuban food, the Cuban Delights Cafe. For BBQ, Big Tom’s Diner. And for something sweet, the Cherry Pocket Steak and Seafood Shak and its famous key lime pie.

What are some unique shopping experiences in Haines City?

For unusual shopping in Haines City, the Ridge Art Association Gallery and Gift Shop is the one. You can browse and buy one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists. The other is the Green Marketplace, with organic produce, handmade crafts and other eco-friendly goods.

What are some must-visit attractions in Haines City for families with kids?

For families with kids, Haines City has plenty. Lake Eva Community Park takes a picnic, some fishing or an hour on the playground. Ridge Island Groves runs a citrus picking experience that is fun and educational at the same time. And for something genuinely different, the Safari Wilderness Ranch, where a guided safari tour gets you close to exotic animals.

Frequently asked questions about Haines City, Florida

Which Haines City park is worth walking?

Lake Eva Community Park, which is right in town and takes a leisurely walk or something harder. There is paddleboat and kayak rental on the lake, and a zipline and ropes course if the walking is not enough for you. 30 acres, flat, with free Wi-Fi. It is the easy answer for an afternoon.

How far are the state parks from Haines City?

All of them are a drive rather than a walk. Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Louisa State Park and the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve all sit out in different directions from town. Pick one and give it the day. Do not try to string two of them together.

Which Haines City festival is worth planning around?

Ribs on the Ridge, the BBQ festival, if you want the town at its loudest. The Pumpkin Patch Festival runs in the fall with hayrides and the rest of it. And the citrus festival is the one that actually explains the place, because oranges are why anybody built here. Check the dates before booking.

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