Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Haines City, FL

Located in Central Florida, Haines City is nestled amidst rolling sandy hills, lakes, and expansive citrus farms. This locale features a vibrant social calendar that surpasses that of many larger towns. Numerous annual events are hosted at the picturesque Lake Eva Park.

For those visiting outside of the summer season, a visit to a local fruit farm is highly recommended, with Ridge Island Groves serving as an excellent starting point.

The name of this farm originates from the chain of sandy hills known as the Lake Wales Ridge. In addition to providing ideal soil conditions for fruit cultivation, the ridge showcases some of Florida’s most stunning rural vistas.

One way to experience this landscape is along the Ridge Scenic Highway, which begins in Haines City and travels south through a charming representation of “Old Florida.”

1. Lake Eva Community Park

Source: VisitCentralFL / Flickr

In my view, the picturesque Lake Eva Community Park serves as the heart of Haines City, particularly for individuals who appreciate its expansive open spaces, natural beauty, and numerous amenities.

The park offers an array of standard amenities, such as a public pool, fitness equipment, a splash pad, tennis and basketball courts, along with walking trails.

Lake Eva adds to the park’s appeal, featuring a beach area, scenic viewing benches, a boat launch, and an extended fishing dock.

The park is also home to a modern live event center that accommodates over 1,300 guests.

Later in this article, I will highlight a selection of annual events in Haines City, all set against the backdrop of this beautiful park.

2. The Ridge Scenic Highway

Haines City is situated on the crest of the Lake Wales Ridge, which extends approximately 100 miles along Central Florida’s backbone.

This ridge consists of rounded sand formations that were isolated due to glaciation and fluctuations in ocean levels. The resulting landscape is unique compared to other areas in the state.

The undulating terrain provides magnificent views of the low-lying surroundings, while the ample agricultural activity along the ridge, particularly in citrus production around Haines City, is noteworthy.

This creates a countryside reminiscent of “Old Florida,” and I find the ideal method of exploration is via the Ridge Scenic Highway, which spans 38.7 miles along US 17, commencing in Haines City.

3. Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park

To immerse oneself in the Lake Wales Ridge and discover this landscape on foot, I recommend visiting this state park located southwest of Haines City.

The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve encompasses over 8,000 acres, with a manageable segment situated on the eastern shore of Lake Pierce.

Here, you will find six miles of hiking trails and seven miles of equestrian pathways traversing a steep sandy environment. The white sugar sand can be loose, which presents some climbing challenges.

In addition to a rigorous physical workout, visitors can observe communities of rare vegetation, such as the pygmy fringe tree, scrub plum, and cutthroat grass.

4. Haines City Theatre

Haines City features a robust community theater group that has been performing for over 40 years.

Since 2014, the Haines City Theatre has been located at Lake Eva Park, occupying the former municipal library building.

In alignment with the principles of community theater, this non-profit organization offers high-quality productions of well-known musicals, comedies, and dramas. During my visit, they were showcasing The Sound of Music.

Moreover, the theater allows participants to cultivate their skills both on stage and backstage. Observe the regular fundraising events held throughout Haines City.

5. Egg City Diner

Two local dining establishments stand next to each other in Haines City, featuring Manny’s Original Chophouse and a classic 50s-style diner.

Egg City Diner is adorned with two-tone leatherette seating, portraits of 50s icons like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, as well as nostalgic memorabilia, including a jukebox and a motorcycle.

The menu is brimming with indulgent, traditional dishes, including old-fashioned pancakes, four-egg omelets, biscuits & gravy, stuffed French toast, and an array of lunch options.

If you find yourself here for breakfast, I would highly recommend the City Mush, a generous bowl of grits topped with sausage gravy, bacon, cheese, and scrambled eggs.

6. LEGOLAND Florida

Source: Rob Hainer / shutterstock

Located in nearby Winter Haven, LEGOLAND Florida is just a short distance away and often serves as a base for families visiting this park.

Currently part of a resort including three parks, LEGOLAND Florida replaced the former Cypress Gardens theme park, which operated from 1936 to 2009.

The magnificent botanical gardens, cultivated nearly a century ago, continue to be a central feature of the new theme park.

Additionally, there is a variety of carnival-style rides and games suited for children up to approximately 12 years old. A unique attraction is the daily water ski show at Pirates’ Cove, a long-standing tradition inherited from Cypress Gardens.

7. Fantasy of Flight

Source: Michel Curi / Flickr

Since 1995, Fantasy of Flight has become one of Central Florida’s premier attractions related to aviation, situated in a hangar at an airfield in Polk City, conveniently close to Haines City.

The main highlights include the restored aircraft, which showcase various eras of aviation advancement. Among the notable exhibits are a World War II-era P-51 Mustang long-range fighter escort and a German V-1 flying bomb.

In addition to its remarkable collection, the museum offers numerous interactive exhibits, with all areas featuring historical documentation regarding each aircraft’s background, performance, as well as their operational history.

8. Ridge Island Groves

Source: Ridge Island Groves / Facebook

Despite the myriad changes that have occurred over the past fifty years, Central Florida continues to be a significant producer of citrus fruit, with Haines City positioned at its heart, maintaining its role in the local economic landscape.

Ridge Island Groves operates as a U-Pick farm, inviting visitors to don hats, gloves, and carry baskets to explore the groves. Seasonal offerings include citrus, blueberries, and peaches.

The farm welcomes guests from October through June, providing in-depth farm tours every Monday through Saturday.

Visitors also have the opportunity to sample some of the freshest orange juice, as well as pre-picked fruits, marmalade, and various locally sourced products. A particular highlight is the soft-serve ice cream, which comes in delightful fruit flavors such as orange, peach, and blueberry.

9. LEGOLAND Florida Water Park

A multi-park ticket provides access to a LEGO-themed water park, previously known as Splash Island, which first opened at Cypress Gardens in 2005.

Now extensively redesigned, LEGOLAND Florida Water Park features enough attractions to keep children entertained throughout the day. Highlights include a wave pool, various water slides, a build-a-raft lazy river, and the expansive Joker Soaker interactive playground.

One particularly enjoyable feature is the Creative Cove, where children can engage in building and racing their own LEGO boats. Additionally, little ones below the age of six are sure to enjoy the DUPLO Splash Safari, equipped with smaller slides and large interactive DUPLO characters.

10. Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida

During my visit to the area, this theme park dedicated to the children’s program, Peppa Pig, had just been inaugurated at LEGOLAND Florida.

Targeted at preschoolers, Peppa Pig immerses guests in the world of Peppa Pig, George Pig, Daddy Pig, Mummy Pig, Rebecca Rabbit, and their friends.

The park is comprised of a series of themed play zones, performances, rides, and splash pads. One aspect I particularly appreciated is that parents/caregivers are often encouraged to participate alongside the children.

One such activity is Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour, which leads through forested areas and snowy mountains, featuring tricycles for younger riders.

11. Ribs on the Ridge

Every February, Lake Eva Park hosts one of the largest BBQ festivals in Central Florida. Officially endorsed by the Florida BBQ Association, Ribs on the Ridge has established itself as an annual highlight for over a decade.

This festival recognizes both amateur backyard BBQ teams and professional smokers, fostering a high level of competition, as it serves as a qualifier for premier national contests.

Notable competitions include the historic American Royal in Kansas City, MO, and the Jack Daniels Invitational in Lynchburg, TN, known as the “Superbowl of BBQ competitions.”

For newcomers like myself, Ribs on the Ridge offers an opportunity to explore vendor tents, engage with experts, and discover products to enhance the BBQ experience.

12. Manny’s Original Chophouse

Source: Manny’s Original Chophouse / Facebook

Manny’s Original Chophouse is another strong contender in the Central Florida dining scene. Renowned for its delicious cuisine, efficient service, and top-notch steaks, BBQ ribs, and seafood, this establishment is part of an expanding local chain.

Visitors should be prepared for substantial portions at this location. Fresh-baked yeast rolls served alongside come with a delightful cinnamon butter.

The decor, characterized by a rustic and inviting feel, includes a multitude of neon signs adorning nearly every surface and an ever-expanding collection of license plates from across the United States and beyond.

13. Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club

Source: southerndunes.com

Featuring 18 captivating holes that extend approximately 7,200 yards, Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club has been in operation since the early ‘90s. Its design, characterized by rolling terrain and expansive greens, reflects the traditional links style.

Distinct from most other courses in Florida, Southern Dunes showcases stunning natural topography, with a variation in elevation exceeding 100 feet.

In addition to the undulating fairways and multi-tiered greens, strategically placed sand and water hazards contribute to a memorable golfing experience.

The driving range is an excellent way to warm up and features TopTracer technology, enhancing practice sessions with additional fun.

14. Ironman 70.3 Florida

Haines City concludes the year with an exhilarating Ironman triathlon, set in Lake Eva and the surrounding countryside.

The lake segment features a distinctive M-Dot configuration, while the cycling and running portions occur amidst rolling orange groves and pine forests.

Whether participating or spectating, this event offers excitement for all. Spectators can choose locations along the route or enjoy the finish area on the great lawn.

More than 2,000 athletes participate, covering distances of 1.2 miles swimming, 56 miles cycling, and 13.1 miles running.

15. Thunder on the Ridge

Haines City hosts the largest fireworks display in Polk County to celebrate the 4th of July. My personal favorite among the city’s annual events, Thunder on the Ridge unfolds at Lake Eva Park and dates back to 1998.

The fireworks are scheduled for after sunset, but the festivities commence earlier at 3:00 PM with a variety of activities.

Attendees can enjoy live music throughout the afternoon and evening, paired with cold beverages, food vendors, craft stalls, and a diverse array of activities for children.

During my visit, food and drink options included chili dogs, BBQ offerings, nachos, kettle corn, freshly squeezed lemonade, and shaved ice.