An Exploration Destination
Make memories and uncover new destinations by exploring all that Winter Haven offers its guests and residents! Being a premier family destination, Winter Haven brings the whole family together to encouter new experiences and places. Take the family to Bok Tower Gardens, a soul-nourishing paradise where you will see the historical marble and coquina rock tower surrounded by 700 acres of groves, flowers, meadows, endangered plants and protected lands. If plant life doesn't interest you, but wildlife does, take a stroll through Circle B Bar Reserve for the chance to see bald eagels, hundereds of gators, turtles, birds, rabits and much more. Dry land is fun, but you certainly can't forget to explore our famous Chain of Lakes by boat, paddleboard, kayak, sup, canoe, pontoon and more.
A trip to Winter Haven wouldn't be complete without visiting the famous, "built for kids," destination; LEGOLAND Florida Resort. LEGOLAND offers families an interesting themed experience like nowhere else! With over 50 rides, a water park, interactive attractions, restaurants and shops LEGOLAND is tailor-made for families with children age 2 - 12. In Spring 2019, LEGOLAND added the new LEGO MOVIE WORLD which offers three new rides, including the Master of Flight which is one-of-a-kind ride with a full-dome virtual screen, giving the sensational feeling of flying through Bricksburg on Emmets Triple Decker Couch. This attraction is the first of it's kind at a major theme park in the United State that embeds a 180 degree turn in the ride experience. They have also partnered with Winter Haven's local brewing company, Grove Roots Brewing Co., in 2019 to bring adult guests refreshing alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the park. LEGOLAND continues to expand their imaginative plans for the future of this theme park so families from around the world can continue to enjoy its amenities!
The great outdoors experience in Winter Haven is special, but we do offer indoor excursions as well. Winter Haven is known as the Water Ski Capitol of the world, so taking a trip down memory lane at the Water Ski Hall of Fame is a must. You can also take a theatrical adventure at Theatre Winter Haven and The Ritz. Theatre Winter Haven is a nationally award winning community theatre that takes guests to the streets of broadway with their excellent productions! In 2019, they announced their new partnership with The Ritz Theatre to bring a new level of theatrical excellence to the Winter Haven community. To enjoy visual arts you can visit the Arts Ensemble Education Foundation Outer Space Gallery, Sidestreet Studio/Sidestreet Art Beat, Ridge Art Association or Polk Museum of Art.
For a full exploration list of Winter Haven, click here!
A trip to Winter Haven wouldn't be complete without visiting the famous, "built for kids," destination; LEGOLAND Florida Resort. LEGOLAND offers families an interesting themed experience like nowhere else! With over 50 rides, a water park, interactive attractions, restaurants and shops LEGOLAND is tailor-made for families with children age 2 - 12. In Spring 2019, LEGOLAND added the new LEGO MOVIE WORLD which offers three new rides, including the Master of Flight which is one-of-a-kind ride with a full-dome virtual screen, giving the sensational feeling of flying through Bricksburg on Emmets Triple Decker Couch. This attraction is the first of it's kind at a major theme park in the United State that embeds a 180 degree turn in the ride experience. They have also partnered with Winter Haven's local brewing company, Grove Roots Brewing Co., in 2019 to bring adult guests refreshing alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the park. LEGOLAND continues to expand their imaginative plans for the future of this theme park so families from around the world can continue to enjoy its amenities!
The great outdoors experience in Winter Haven is special, but we do offer indoor excursions as well. Winter Haven is known as the Water Ski Capitol of the world, so taking a trip down memory lane at the Water Ski Hall of Fame is a must. You can also take a theatrical adventure at Theatre Winter Haven and The Ritz. Theatre Winter Haven is a nationally award winning community theatre that takes guests to the streets of broadway with their excellent productions! In 2019, they announced their new partnership with The Ritz Theatre to bring a new level of theatrical excellence to the Winter Haven community. To enjoy visual arts you can visit the Arts Ensemble Education Foundation Outer Space Gallery, Sidestreet Studio/Sidestreet Art Beat, Ridge Art Association or Polk Museum of Art.
For a full exploration list of Winter Haven, click here!
Shopping
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No destination is complete without ample options for shopping and Winter Haven has endless offerings! Small businesses are a huge part of the Winter Haven community and have a large presence in our area. As you stroll our lovely downtown, you will find a multitude of opportunities to shop in local antique shops, clothing stores, as well as stores that meet more specific desires like the Bike Shop, Carlton's Music Center, Andy Thornals and more. Winter Haven also, of course, has chain retail stores such as Belk, TJ Max and more. Whether you are looking for a special Winter Haven keepsake from our walkable downtown or a general shopping experience, Winter Haven is the perfect place to have a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Click here to shop 'til you drop! |
Eat & Drink
Any place that you visit, there will be places for you to eat great food and enjoy delicious drinks. What sets Winter Haven a part is the fact that you can have all of those things while you take in gorgeous sunsets, breezy evenings, lakeside views or views of our newly renovated downtown core. Some residents joke that downtown is our very own "EPCOT World Showcase" in terms of the dining options which include Italian cuisine, Louisiana inspired menus, southern BBQ, locally owned coffee shops, Thai food, sushi, Japanese inspire menus, American favorites, Mexican, bakeries, healthy smoothies and so much more.
You can't forget to pair your dinner with a great drink from any of our restaurants, bars or our very own craft brewery. Aptly described as Winter Haven's backyard party, Grove Roots Brewing Co. is Winter Haven's first and only craft brewery. Grove Roots' theme pays homage to our citrus industry past, but with modern twist. Whether you are a craft beer aficionado or someone that just likes live music, delectable food trucks, trivia nights, craft business markets and a safe space for family members of all ages to enjoy, Grove Roots is a great stop on your visit to our community or your regular Sunday Funday. Winter Haven also has it's first taproom, Union Taproom in downtown. Union Taproom is a family oriented taproom, featuring 40 self pour taps including an ever-changing variety of craft beer, ciders, wine, cold-brew coffee, and kombucha. Winter Haven is the destination to eat, drink and be merry!
Click here to access a long list of the incredible dining options we have in Winter Haven!
You can't forget to pair your dinner with a great drink from any of our restaurants, bars or our very own craft brewery. Aptly described as Winter Haven's backyard party, Grove Roots Brewing Co. is Winter Haven's first and only craft brewery. Grove Roots' theme pays homage to our citrus industry past, but with modern twist. Whether you are a craft beer aficionado or someone that just likes live music, delectable food trucks, trivia nights, craft business markets and a safe space for family members of all ages to enjoy, Grove Roots is a great stop on your visit to our community or your regular Sunday Funday. Winter Haven also has it's first taproom, Union Taproom in downtown. Union Taproom is a family oriented taproom, featuring 40 self pour taps including an ever-changing variety of craft beer, ciders, wine, cold-brew coffee, and kombucha. Winter Haven is the destination to eat, drink and be merry!
Click here to access a long list of the incredible dining options we have in Winter Haven!
Rest
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Winter Haven is no "bedroom community," by any means! But for those who are just passing through or staying for a visit, we have wonderful motels, hotels, vacation rentals and campgrounds for you to rest your head. Unlike any other city, our accommodations range from being "built for kids," as well as having destinations for the visitor who just needs a simple room for the night.
In 2019, the Marriott by Courtyard Winter Haven was unveiled, offering hotel rooms, meeting spaces and catering opportunities. Coming in Spring 2020, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will be adding yet another accommodation to Winter Haven with the opening of the Pirate Hotel that will be located right outside of the entrance to the park. Whether you want a "built for kids" experience or an accommodating, centrally located hotel, we have a great list of options for you. Make plans to stay here in Winter Haven by clicking here! |
Theatre
Winter Haven is full of opportunities to be exposed to rich art and cultural experiences. Whether you are looking for theater, comedy, music or art galleries, we've got you covered! From award winning productions at the Theatre Winter Haven to live music at Gram Parsons Derry Down to sculptures in downtown to music filling the streets from downtown restaurants, Winter Haven is a center for thriving fine art and culture.
Disney's The Little Mermaid
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Theatre Winter Haven, located on Cypress Gardens Boulevard, is an award winning theatre that continues to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors with its talented actors, experienced staff and exceptional productions. Annually, they transport you to the streets of Broadway with musicals, plays and special performances. They also offer programming that includes 55+ acting troupe, a children's theatre academy, dance classes and a community choir.
In April of 2019, Theatre Winter Haven announced it's partnership with another crown jewel of Winter Haven arts, The Ritz Theatre. For the first time in history, both theaters will be combing their efforts to bring the community the highest level of entertainment. Polk State College also stages many excellent performances and musical productions, along with student-created visual arts that are showcased throughout the year. Check out information on their upcoming shows at polk.edu. |
Music
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Winter Haven's musical history boats hometown artists like Jim Stafford and Gram Parsons, and its present day also includes young artists making their mark. From open mic nights to concerts, Gram Parson's Derry Down gives everyone a chance to be a part of Winter Haven's musical soul. Once a teen night club in the 1960's, this restored venue is once again giving young musicians an opportunity to hone their craft.
Opened in 1964, Gram Parsons Derry Down is a historic building that has been reimagined, by a local non profit organization Main Street Winter Haven, into a popular venue for aspiring & experienced musicians to share their talents with the Winter Haven community. Visit gpderrydown.com for more information on upcoming shows and events. In addition to Gram Parsons Derry Down, many of our downtown restaurants and bars host live music Thursday - Sunday or special musical concerts and festivals. There are also opportunities for YOU to fill our downtown with music! Located in front of Potthast Studios and the Winter Haven Library are two beautifully painted pianos, placed there so that anyone strolling downtown can stop and play a tune. |
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Art
One of the highlights of a trip downtown is the modern murals peeking through the alleyways and sides of buildings. Some of these are from local artists and others were commissioned to internationally-recognized artists. The City of Winter Haven's cultural art advisory committee commissioned local artists to paint all of the electrical boxes in downtown Winter Haven in 2017. Because of all of the amazing art, our downtown canvas is a favorite for family and engagement photo sessions.
The Downtown stage has gotten significantly bigger with the brand-new addition of South Central Park! South Central Park is the park located between 5th Street SW and 4th Street SW with grassy areas surrounded by beautiful brick pavers, swinging benches, nighttime lighting features and ample parking. An interactive information kiosk located in the park assists guests enjoying our walkable downtown. With this new park, our events, festivals, art shows, car shows, farmer's markets and family events have dramatically enhanced! Main Street Winter Haven presents many of our downtown events such as Octoberfest, Art Walk, Craft Beer Crawl and Holidays on Central (formerly Carols in the Park) in December. Annually, the Chamber of Commerce presents CommunityFest which is a FREE family festival with games, food and entertainment. Our downtown core is teeming with art, music and events just for you.
The fun activities and art don't stop in downtown Winter Haven. Ridge Art Association is Winter Haven's premier gallery and hosts public receptions for artists, competitions, classes and festivals throughout the year. The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art in Lakeland offers a captivating collection of contemporary art, showcasing local and international artists in a dynamic and inviting space. Bok Tower Gardens is also another local favorite which offers a visual artistic experience that displays the work of local artists.
The Downtown stage has gotten significantly bigger with the brand-new addition of South Central Park! South Central Park is the park located between 5th Street SW and 4th Street SW with grassy areas surrounded by beautiful brick pavers, swinging benches, nighttime lighting features and ample parking. An interactive information kiosk located in the park assists guests enjoying our walkable downtown. With this new park, our events, festivals, art shows, car shows, farmer's markets and family events have dramatically enhanced! Main Street Winter Haven presents many of our downtown events such as Octoberfest, Art Walk, Craft Beer Crawl and Holidays on Central (formerly Carols in the Park) in December. Annually, the Chamber of Commerce presents CommunityFest which is a FREE family festival with games, food and entertainment. Our downtown core is teeming with art, music and events just for you.
The fun activities and art don't stop in downtown Winter Haven. Ridge Art Association is Winter Haven's premier gallery and hosts public receptions for artists, competitions, classes and festivals throughout the year. The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art in Lakeland offers a captivating collection of contemporary art, showcasing local and international artists in a dynamic and inviting space. Bok Tower Gardens is also another local favorite which offers a visual artistic experience that displays the work of local artists.
Show Us How You
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