Haines City Travel Guide

Haines City FL, is a small town in the central Florida region, often called the 'City in the Heart of Florida'. While Haines isn't a beachfront city, there are plenty of great things to do here -- partly the reason why the past few years have seen Haines grow in popularity with travelers.

Haines City has lots to offer in terms of restaurants, bars, sports, nature, and theme parks. Part of Haines' charm is that it boasts so much to do without the bustling crowds of larger Floridian cities.

Things to Do in Haines City

For fun time with the whole family and friends, visit the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, which is a wonderful place for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. No cars are allowed into the park, so the area is particularly unspoiled and beautiful; there are also no facilities here so go prepared with water and snacks.

Another activitity with kids is Captain Fred’s Airboat Nature Tour, an tour on an airboat where little ones can learn all about the creatures living in Florida. Explore the swamps and remember to bring a fully charged camera and you might just see baby alligators!

Looking to practise your swing? Haines City is home to a number of golf courses like the Diamondback Golf Course and the Southern Dunes Golf Club which have optimal green and service. Elsewhere, Haines City is great for antique shopping, so for a hidden treasure or a unique sovenir, head to one of the malls.

For the adults in the group, treat yourselves to one of the wineries in the area to learn about the winemaking process, the pairing process, and of course -- the drinking process! Most wineries offer tours too, so visitors can see the local grapes and learn about the conditions needed for the perfect bottle.

Best Places to Stay in Haines City

The best areas to stay in Haines City are close to the state park and around Calabay Parc where there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and facilities close by. Vacation rentals in Haines City tend to be popular, ranging from luxurious villas for large families, fully equipped 4 bedroom 3 bathroom houses, and apartments with a private pool and air conditioning. Some vacation rentals even come with a games room and private pool amenities.

Best Time to Visit Haines City

The best time to visit Haines City is between May and October when there's the least amount of rain and the weather is best for outdoor activities. The temperature sits above 70 degrees all year round, but May to October reaches 85 degrees. July is hotter but the heat comes with humidity and rain.