10 Things to Do in Wellington, FL in Polo Season

Quick answer: The best things to do in Wellington, Florida during polo season include catching a live match at the National Polo Center, visiting the Winter Equestrian Festival, exploring the Green Market, hiking the Environmental Preserve, birding at Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, shopping at The Mall at Wellington Green, watching live music at the Amphitheater, playing golf, taking a boat day in nearby Boca Raton, and eating through Wellington's seasonal food festivals.

Polo season in Wellington runs roughly from late December through early May every year. And when it kicks off, this quiet Palm Beach County village transforms into something else entirely. Think champagne brunches on the sidelines, world-class equestrian competitions running almost daily, and a population that swells with seasonal visitors from all over the globe.

But here's the thing most people miss. Wellington is not a one-trick pony (pun fully intended). Beyond the polo fields, there are nature preserves, local markets, golf courses, and some surprisingly good food events packed into a few short months. Plus, the South Florida coast is only about 30 minutes east, which opens up a whole different set of options.

Here are 10 things to do in Wellington, Florida, that go beyond just the ponies.

1. Watch a Live Polo Match at the National Polo Center

This is the obvious one, but it deserves the top spot because the experience really does live up to the hype. The Palm Beach Polo Season for 2026-2027 runs from December 27, 2026, to May 2, 2027, at the National Polo Center on 120th Avenue South in Wellington.

Matches happen weekly and often daily. There are general admission options and box seats for a more premium feel. The Sunday brunch with veranda seating and a field-side view has become one of the signature experiences.

What to know before going:

• Dress is smart casual (think sundresses and linen, not jeans and sneakers)
• Tickets are available through the National Polo Center website
• Arrive early on Sundays for brunch seating

2. Catch the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington International

If polo gets the headlines, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is the year-round horse lover's dream. WEF runs from January 6 to April 4, 2027, at Wellington International on Equestrian Club Drive, and it is the longest-running and largest equestrian event in the world.

The festival covers show jumping, hunter competitions, and equitation across 13 weeks. Saturday Night Lights pairs elite Grand Prix competition with live music, food vendors, pony rides, and family entertainment. There is also a free shuttle to the venue, which is a nice touch since parking can get hectic on event days.

Pro tip: Wellington International operates cashless, so leave the cash at home and bring a card.

3. Explore the Wellington Green Market

Running on Saturdays from about October through April, the Green Market sets up near the Wellington Amphitheater on Forest Hill Boulevard. Vendors sell everything from locally harvested produce and handmade salsa to baked goods, local honey, jewelry, and handicrafts.

It is pet-friendly, admission is free, and there is plenty of free parking. The market usually runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it tends to draw a mix of locals and seasonal visitors. A surprisingly laid-back Saturday morning activity that pairs well with brunch at a nearby spot afterward.

4. Hit the Trails at Wellington Environmental Preserve

For anyone who needs a reset from the social whirlwind of polo season, this is the place. The Wellington Environmental Preserve is a peaceful 410-acre rainwater storage area featuring nature trails, a boardwalk, seven learning stations, an observation tower, a butterfly garden, and a 3.6-mile equestrian trail.

The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, and it is completely free. It sits adjacent to the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, so there is plenty of room to explore. The paved trails also make it a solid option for families with strollers or young kids on bikes.

5. Go Birding at Peaceful Waters Sanctuary

This 26-acre wetlands sanctuary tucked inside Village Park flies under the radar, but local birders and nature photographers know it well. Visitors can spot egrets, cranes, roseate spoonbills, and white pelicans along the boardwalk trails.

It is smaller and more intimate than the Environmental Preserve, which actually works in its favor. The boardwalk puts visitors right on the edge of the water, close enough to get some really good wildlife shots. No entrance fee either.

6. Shop at The Mall at Wellington Green

The Mall at Wellington Green is South Florida's premier shopping destination, and during polo season it gets a bump from the influx of seasonal visitors with money to spend. The mall anchors a large retail zone with both major retailers and smaller boutique shops worth poking around.

It is the kind of place that fills an afternoon easily, especially on a rainy day when outdoor plans get scrapped.

7. Catch a Show at Wellington Amphitheater

The Wellington Amphitheater on Forest Hill Boulevard hosts free concerts, movie nights, and community events on a regular basis. The 1,500-seat outdoor venue sits right next to the Green Market area, so visitors can easily combine the two on a weekend.

During polo season (which overlaps with peak "season" in general), the event lineup tends to be stronger. Check the Village of Wellington's events calendar for the latest schedule.

8. Tee Off at a Championship Golf Course

Wellington and the broader Palm Beach area are a magnet for golfers, particularly during the winter months when most courses up north are buried in snow. The Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club features two championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye and Ron Garl/Jerry Pate, along with eight polo fields and multiple clubhouses.

Other well-liked options in the Wellington area include:

• Binks Forest Golf Club on Binks Forest Drive
• Okeeheelee Golf Course on Forest Hill Boulevard
• Madison Green Country Club on Crestwood Boulevard
• Wycliffe Golf & Country Club

Most public and semi-private courses get busy during the season, so booking tee times in advance is strongly recommended.

9. Take a Boat Day on the Boca Raton Intracoastal

Here is where the trip gets really good. Wellington is only about 30 miles from Boca Raton, roughly a 35-minute drive depending on the route. And the Boca Raton Intracoastal Waterway offers one of the best half-day escapes in all of South Florida.

Most boat outings cruise the scenic Intracoastal past waterfront homes and The Boca Raton's iconic pink tower, with a popular swim stop at the shallow Lake Boca Raton sandbar. Rentals are available by the hour, half day, or full day, with options for both self-operated boats and captained charters.

Boca Raton Boat Rental offers a fleet of luxury yachts and boats that depart right from the Intracoastal, with half-day and full-day options built for exactly this kind of day trip.

For visitors already in Wellington for polo, a boat day adds a completely different flavor to the trip. Polo in the morning, waterfront in the afternoon. That is a solid South Florida day.

10. Eat Your Way Through Wellington's Seasonal Food Events

Wellington puts on some genuinely good food events during the season. Two standouts:

• Bacon & Bourbon Fest at the Village of Wellington Town Center Promenade. Exactly what it sounds like, and exactly as fun as it sounds.
• Taste of Wellington along Lake Wellington at the Town Center Promenade. Local restaurant tastings, live music, and family activities.

Both events pull a big local crowd and give visitors a taste of what the community actually eats and drinks beyond the polo scene.

Quick-Reference Table

FAQs

When is polo season in Wellington, Florida?

Polo season in Wellington typically runs from late December through early May. For the 2026-2027 season, the Palm Beach Polo Season at the National Polo Center is scheduled from December 27, 2026, to May 2, 2027.

What are the best free things to do in Wellington, Florida during polo season?

The Wellington Environmental Preserve, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, the Green Market on Saturdays, and free concerts at the Wellington Amphitheater are all completely free. They make great additions to a polo season trip without adding to the budget.

How far is Wellington, Florida, from Boca Raton?

Wellington is approximately 30 miles west of Boca Raton, which is about a 35-minute drive. That makes it easy to combine a Wellington polo weekend with a boat day on the Boca Raton Intracoastal Waterway.

Is Wellington, Florida worth visiting outside of polo season?

Wellington stays active year-round with parks, golf courses, shopping, and dining. But the energy peaks during polo season (December through April), when the equestrian events, food festivals, and seasonal markets all overlap. That window is the best time to visit.