Things To Do
in Winter Haven
Winter Haven is a charming city located in central Florida known for its many lakes, which offer opportunities for boating and fishing. The city is also home to the popular LEGOLAND Florida Resort, a theme park with numerous rides and attractions. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing in the city's mild winter climate.
With its vibrant downtown area and cultural attractions like art galleries and theaters, Winter Haven is a welcoming destination for tourists and a great place to live.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Legoland Florida Resort, where you can explore the rides and attractions designed for all ages. Don't forget to check out the Miniland USA and enjoy the creative Lego structures.
Grab lunch at one of the on-site restaurants before heading back for more rides. Be sure to enjoy some of the water attractions if the weather permits.
After a fun-filled day, unwind at your hotel or find a local restaurant for dinner. A stroll around nearby Lake Eloise can wrap up your day nicely.
Spend the morning at the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens, exploring the lush landscapes and listening to the stunning carillon. The mild winter weather makes it ideal for a peaceful stroll.
After your garden visit, head to the nearby Lake Wales Ridge State Forest for some hiking. Enjoy nature and keep an eye out for local wildlife along the trails.
Finish the day with a relaxing dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Enjoy the sunset views over the water while dining.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Mild winters with plenty of sunshine, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to escape colder climates.
- Various outdoor recreational opportunities, including lakes, parks, and golf courses.
- A lower cost of living compared to many urban areas in Florida, which can be appealing to retirees and families.
- A close-knit community with a friendly atmosphere, promoting a sense of belonging.
- Proximity to major attractions in Central Florida, such as Disney World and other theme parks.
- Hot and humid summers, which may be uncomfortable for some residents.
- Potential for seasonal storms and hurricanes, requiring preparedness and insurance considerations.
- Limited public transportation options, making it necessary to own a vehicle.
- Some areas may have less access to high-end shopping and dining compared to larger cities.
- Challenges with job opportunities in certain sectors, potentially leading to limited professional growth.
Best Activities in Winter Haven
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful chain of lakes by kayaking, fishing, or taking a scenic boat tour.
Visit the information center to gather ideas for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing in the Winter Haven area.
Experience the beauty of nature and wildlife through hiking trails, birdwatching, and photography at Circle B Bar Reserve.
Tours
Uncover the best of Winter Haven with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Winter Haven
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular theme park with beautiful views and photo opportunities, especially around the lake and iconic structures made of Lego bricks.
Scenic lake with stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset, offering great photo opportunities of the water and surrounding landscapes.
Historic botanical gardens with picturesque backdrops, unique plant life, and lovely photo spots, particularly in the garden and by the water features.
Food in Winter Haven
Winter Haven Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Florida delicacy, gator tail is often deep-fried and served with a zesty dipping sauce. For an authentic taste, head to Harborside Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and waterfront views.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the refreshing and tangy citrus flavors of the Key Lime Pie, a quintessential Florida dessert. Try the best versions at Andy's Igloo, a local landmark known for its classic diner experience.
Experience the Cuban influence with a mouthwatering Cuban sandwich, typically filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. Look no further than Puerto Rican Latin Grill for an authentic rendition.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Winter Haven better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a bustling market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local treats such as kettle corn, homemade jams, and freshly squeezed juices. Open every Saturday, it's a food lover's paradise.
Experience a diverse range of cuisines at the regular food truck rallies held in Winter Haven. From gourmet burgers to tacos and creative fusion dishes, the rallies are a great way to sample local street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Winter Haven, it is important to maintain a respectful distance from others and be mindful of personal space when interacting with people.
Being on time is highly valued in Winter Haven, so it is important to be punctual for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Winter Haven is a diverse community, so it is important to show respect for people of different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Winter Haven with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Winter Haven
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Winter Haven, United States, especially in the service industry. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and for services such as haircuts, massages, and taxi rides.
In Winter Haven, United States, cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment apps are widely accepted for making payments. Major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are commonly used. Many businesses also accept contactless payments and digital wallets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Winter Haven.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it a great time for outdoor activities.
Hot and humid weather, perfect for enjoying the nearby lakes and water activities.
Cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage, ideal for scenic walks and outdoor events.
Mild winters with occasional cold spells, making it a good time to visit local attractions without the crowds.
Winter Haven at Night
Hiking in Winter Haven
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large natural area that offers several miles of trails through wetland and upland ecosystems, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Features multiple trails with diverse ecosystems, including pine forests and scrub habitat, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
Offers a variety of trails for hiking, showcasing Florida's diverse wildlife and natural scenery.
A state park with several miles of trails through beautiful hardwood swamps and palm hammocks, great for hiking and nature walks.
A network of paved trails ideal for hiking, biking, and jogging, offering scenic views of the area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Winter Haven through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Winter Haven by plane.
Orlando International Airport is the primary airport serving Orlando, Florida, and is located approximately 45 miles from Winter Haven.
Tampa International Airport is located approximately 40 miles southwest of Winter Haven and serves the Tampa Bay area.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is situated around 60 miles from Winter Haven, providing access to the Sarasota and Bradenton areas.
Orlando Sanford International Airport is located approximately 55 miles northeast of Winter Haven, serving the central Florida region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority racial group in Winter Haven, predominantly made up of non-Hispanic whites.
A significant demographic group that includes individuals of various ethnic backgrounds who identify as Hispanic or Latino.
A sizeable demographic group includes both African Americans and individuals of African descent from other regions.
A smaller demographic group that includes individuals of various Asian ethnicities.
Individuals who identify as belonging to two or more racial groups.
Includes individuals from various other racial backgrounds not specified in the major categories.
The Soul of Winter Haven
Discover the essence of Winter Haven through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Winter Haven, often played at local schools and community centers, with many youth and adult leagues.
Known for its rich history in baseball, Winter Haven hosts various youth leagues and tournaments, as well as spring training for professional teams.
Soccer enjoys a growing popularity, with several clubs and recreational leagues catering to different age groups.
American football has a strong presence in the community, with schools and recreational leagues engaging youth and adults alike.
With access to pools and lakes, swimming is a favored activity, both recreationally and competitively.
Winter Haven features several golf courses, making it a popular sport for residents looking for leisure and competition.
Tennis facilities and clubs are prevalent, offering opportunities for players of all skill levels to participate.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Winter Haven.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Winter Haven's traditional cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices. Thai Haven, for instance, provides a variety of plant-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find accommodating menus at several eateries in Winter Haven. Be sure to inquire about gluten-free options at Texas Saloon, which caters to various dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Winter Haven with these cultural adventures.
