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Wellington is a village of about 62,000 people in Palm Beach County, Florida, about 15 miles west of West Palm Beach on the edge of the Everglades. Developed from farmland from the 1970s onward and incorporated in 1996, it is best known as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World, with horse farms, polo fields and show grounds spread across the village.
From January to March, riders from around the world compete at Wellington International during the Winter Equestrian Festival, one of the largest and longest horse shows anywhere, while the National Polo Center hosts top-level polo including the U.S. Open Polo Championship. Many events are free or low cost to watch.
Nature lovers can walk the boardwalks of the Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marsh and Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, both good for spotting wading birds and alligators. The Wellington Amphitheater hosts free concerts and movies. Palm Beach, the Atlantic beaches and Lion Country Safari are all within a short drive.
A major equestrian showground, formerly known as the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, with large arenas, stands and hospitality areas. It hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival and big Saturday night grand prix events. General admission is often free or low cost; check the schedule online.
A polo club with several fields that hosts top international polo during the winter season, including the U.S. Open Polo Championship. Sunday matches draw crowds for brunch, divot stomping at halftime and people-watching. Buy tickets ahead for big matches; the season runs roughly January to April.
One of the largest and longest-running horse shows in the world, held over about three months each winter at Wellington International, with thousands of riders and horses competing in show jumping and hunter classes. Saturday Night Lights grand prix evenings are the highlight. Dress for cool nights.
A large restored wetland preserve on the western side of Wellington, with a boardwalk, trails and dikes for walking, biking and horseback riding. Look for herons, egrets, ibis, wood storks and alligators. Go early or late in the day, and bring water and sun protection.
A small wetland sanctuary with a boardwalk over marshes and ponds, home to wading birds, turtles, otters and alligators that can often be seen up close. It is a great spot for photographers, especially in the winter months. Free to visit, with parking at the entrance off Wellington Trace.
An outdoor amphitheater at the Wellington Town Center beside Lake Wellington, hosting free concerts, movie nights, food truck evenings and community festivals. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and arrive early for popular shows. Check the village calendar for upcoming events, especially in the cooler months.
A waterfront promenade around the Wellington Town Center on Lake Wellington, with walking paths, a playground, benches and views across the water, next to the amphitheater and community center. It is a pleasant spot for an evening stroll. Restaurants and shops are a short drive away.
A large indoor regional shopping mall with department stores, brand shops, restaurants and a food court, popular as a cool break on hot or rainy days. It sits at the eastern edge of the village near State Road 7. Parking is free, and there are many restaurants in the surrounding shopping centers.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Julia Rubinic, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Dee.lite, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: formulanone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Dee.lite, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: formulanone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: formulanone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Pantagruel68, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Allen Lubitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Allen Lubitz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Pantagruel68, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
