Wauchula, roughly 50 miles east of Bradenton and 40 miles south of Lakeland, is the county seat of Hardee County and home to a quaint downtown, popular community events, and family-friendly parks along Florida’s famed Peace River.
At Paynes Creek Historic State Park, visitors can learn about the lives of pioneers and Seminoles in the 1800s and enjoy a host of outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, fishing, birding, and paddling along the Peace River Paddling Trail. From the state park, paddlers can launch a kayak or canoe for a leisurely journey downriver to Peace River Park just outside downtown Wauchula.
Wauchula’s downtown restaurants offer a variety of dining styles and cuisines, from Tex-Mex and Peruvian fusion at Main Plaza Bistro to surf and turf at Java Café to classic Italian fare at Giovanni’s Main Street Kitchen.
Unique attractions in the area include Solomon’s Castle, a three-story, 12,000-square-foot home built of aluminum newspaper printing plates located 20 miles southwest of town. At Pioneer Park in nearby Zolfo Springs, visitors can camp, see the museum, and grab a bite at the Pioneer Restaurant down the street.
Wauchula is also home to the Center for Great Apes sanctuary for rescued orangutans and chimpanzees. Though not open to the general public, the center offers memberships that allow for private tours and access to members-only events.
Plan your trip to Hardee County.
WATERWAYS
Paddle Florida’s famed Peace River.
FAMILY FUN
Check out family-friendly events and attractions.
CULTURE & HISTORY
Learn about the area’s pioneer history.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Explore the parks and preserves.
DINING
Grab a bite on Main Street.
SHOPPING
Shop clothing and more at Wauchula’s boutiques.
PLACES TO STAY
Plan a camping adventure or hotel stay.
