Haines City Travel Guide
Plan a perfect vacation in the beautiful Haines City, Florida with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, what to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Haines City
- List of Places to Visit in Haines City
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Haines City
- Best Things to Do in Haines City: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Haines City
- Food and Drink Scene of Haines City
- Where to Stay in Haines City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Haines City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Haines City
- Best Time to Visit Haines City
- Do’s and Don’ts of Haines City
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Haines City: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Haines City
- Where to Go Next from Haines City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Haines City
Welcome to Haines City, a charming city in the heart of Polk County, Inland Florida, United States. With its warm weather year-round and stunning natural beauty, Haines City is a perfect destination for any nature lover.
Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures like hiking and biking, or prefer to soak up the local history and culture, Haines City has something to offer everyone. Read on to discover our comprehensive travel guide to the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Haines City.
List of Places to Visit in Haines City
Make the most of your trip to Haines City with a visit to these top-rated attractions:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- The Ridge Scenic Highway: A scenic drive that takes you past orange groves, lakes, and historical landmarks.
- Ridge Art Association and Gallery: A nonprofit organization that promotes local artists and hosts art exhibitions and events.
- The Haines City Historical Museum: A museum that takes you through the history of Haines City.
- Polk County History Center: Located in nearby Bartow, this museum showcases the history of Polk County.
Natural Attractions of Haines City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Lake Eva Park: A lush park with a lake, playground, and picnic areas.
- Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park: Home to stunning natural beauty, including wetlands, pine forests, and hiking trails.
- Southern Dunes Golf Course: An award-winning golf course with scenic views.
- Bok Tower Gardens: Located in nearby Lake Wales, this national historic landmark boasts stunning gardens, a bell tower, and carillon music.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Haines City
For those who love to hike or bike, Haines City offers an array of natural beauty to discover on foot or by bicycle.
- Lake Eva Trail: A 1.85-mile trail around Lake Eva, ideal for walking or biking.
- Catfish Creek Trail: A 6.3-mile trail that takes you through the beautiful natural landscapes of the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve.
Best Things to Do in Haines City: Activities and Tours
- Hangar 15 Airsoft: A unique indoor airsoft arena where players can battle it out.
- Balmoral Resort Florida: A stunning resort that offers numerous fun activities for the family, such as an outdoor water park with slides and splash areas, as well as an arcade hall.
- Polk County Farm Tour: A guided tour that takes you through the farmlands of Polk County, providing an insider’s look at the everyday life of farmers.
- Lake Hatchineha Airboat Rides: Explore the natural beauty of Haines City by taking an airboat tour of Lake Hatchineha.
Week-Long Itinerary for Haines City
Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your trip to Haines City for a week:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Lake Eva Park and have a picnic lunch |
| 2 | Visit The Ridge Scenic Highway and Ridge Art Association and Gallery |
| 3 | Spend the day hiking or biking along the Catfish Creek Trail |
| 4 | Take a farm tour of Polk County, then relax at the Balmoral Resort |
| 5 | Discover the history of Haines City at the Historical Museum and Polk County History Center |
| 6 | Take an airboat tour of Lake Hatchineha |
| 7 | Spend the day golfing at Southern Dunes Golf Course and end the night with carillon music at Bok Tower Gardens |
Food and Drink Scene of Haines City
Haines City offers plenty of delicious local dishes and refreshing beverages to enjoy during your stay.
Must-Try Dishes
- Orange juice: Florida is famous for its oranges, so make sure to try the freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Gator tail: A unique delicacy, gator tail is a must-try for adventurous foodies.
- Key lime pie: Sweet and tangy, Florida’s most famous dessert is a must-have.
Local Beverages
- Swamp Head Brewery: Try some of the craft beers made at this Gainesville brewery.
- Takara Sake USA: Visit the only sake brewery in the Southeast, located in nearby Berkeley.
Where to Stay in Haines City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate: A luxurious resort set on 36 holes of golf course.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Wales: A cozy hotel with a fitness room and free breakfast.
- Staybridge Suites Lakeland West: A comfortable hotel ideal for families, with outdoor pool access and a 24-hour fitness center.
What to Buy in Haines City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Citrus fruit: Florida is famously known for its oranges, so take home some fresh citrus as a delicious souvenir.
- Seafoam candy: A popular sweet treat made with honey and saltwater taffy, a regional favorite.
- Orange blossom honey: A sweet, delicate honey only produced in Florida, perfect for sweetening up your tea or yogurt.
Local Culture and Customs of Haines City
Haines City is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from various countries across the globe. In general, the locals are friendly and welcoming to visitors.
It’s worth noting that the climate in Haines City is humid subtropical, with long, hot summers and mild winters. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for the weather.
Best Time to Visit Haines City
The best time to visit Haines City is between November and April when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-90s, with high humidity.
Do’s and Don’ts of Haines City
Do:
- Explore nature by hiking or biking the area’s scenic trails.
- Try the local cuisine, from orange juice to gator tail.
- Visit Haines City’s cultural landmarks, like the Historical Museum and Polk County History Center.
Don’t:
- Litter in the parks or natural areas.
- Swim in the lakes without checking for alligators.
- Visit outdoor attractions during peak summer temperatures.
Safety and Health
Safety in Haines City
Haines City is a generally safe place to visit, but exercise caution and take all necessary precautions, like locking rental vehicles and staying aware of your surroundings.
Health in Haines City
You shouldn’t need any vaccinations to visit Haines City, but take care of your skin in Florida’s hot sun with appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
Getting to Haines City: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Haines City
- Orlando International Airport: Approximately 45 minutes away from Haines City by car.
- Tampa International Airport: Approximately 1 hour away from Haines City by car.
Bus Stations Near Haines City
- Winter Haven Citrus Connection: Services Winter Haven and some of the surrounding areas.
- Polk County Mass Transit: Provides transportation within Polk County.
Other Options
- Car rental: Renting a car is an excellent way to explore the Haines City area at your own pace.
- Taxis: Several taxi companies operate in the Haines City area.
How to Get Around in Haines City
The easiest way to get around Haines City is by car, but if you don’t have access to one, there are a few other options:
- Bike rental: Several local shops rent bikes by the hour or day, an excellent option for exploring the scenic trails.
- Public transportation: Polk County Mass Transit provides transportation within Polk County.
Where to Go Next from Haines City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Don’t miss these nearby destinations and excursions from Haines City:
- Lake Wales: A charming town known for its historic downtown and Bok Tower Gardens.
- Orlando: The theme park capital of the world, located about an hour away from Haines City.
- Tampa: Home to Busch Gardens and a variety of museums and cultural attractions.
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your next vacation to beautiful Haines City. Whether you’re interested in exploring nature, discovering the history and culture of the area, or just relaxing in the sun, Haines City has something for everyone.
