Table of contents
When to arrive
Check-in opens on the morning of December 15 2026.
Please plan your journey so that you arrive after participant check-in has officially opened.
Please do not arrive early. The venue will be preparing for the celebration and will not be able to receive participants before the official arrival time unless prior arrangements have been made for staff or approved volunteers.
✈️ Nearest airports
Flying is one of the easiest ways to reach Winter Solstice.
The celebration will take place at:
Retreats by the Lake
2819 Tiger Lake Road
Lake Wales, FL 33898
Located along the peaceful shores of Tiger Lake in Central Florida, the venue is accessible from both the Orlando and Tampa areas. We recommend comparing flights and ground transportation options before booking, as driving times may vary depending on traffic, weather, and your arrival time.
A rental car, prearranged shuttle, taxi, or rideshare service will be required for the final portion of your journey.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport is generally the most convenient airport for international and domestic travelers attending Winter Solstice.
- Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes from the venue, depending on traffic.
- Offers a wide selection of international and domestic flights.
- Rental cars, taxis, Uber, Lyft, and other ground transportation services are available at the airport.
- Participants sharing similar arrival times may wish to coordinate rides to reduce costs.
When reserving transportation, use the complete venue address:
Retreats by the Lake, 2819 Tiger Lake Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport is another practical option and may offer more convenient or affordable flights from certain cities.
- Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours from the venue, depending on traffic.
- Offers domestic and international flight connections.
- Rental cars, taxis, Uber, Lyft, and private transportation services are available.
- Allow additional travel time during afternoon rush hour and holiday periods.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Orlando Sanford International Airport may be useful for participants traveling on regional, charter, or low-cost airlines.
- Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours from the venue.
- Smaller than Orlando International Airport and often easier to navigate.
- Rental cars and limited taxi or rideshare services are available.
- Transportation availability may be more limited during late-night arrivals, so advance reservations are recommended.
Lakeland International Airport (LAL)
Lakeland International Airport is geographically closer to Lake Wales, but it currently offers fewer commercial flight options than Orlando or Tampa.
Participants who find a suitable flight into Lakeland may enjoy a shorter final drive. Please confirm current routes, schedules, rental car availability, and ground transportation before booking.
🚌 Major train and bus stations
Traveling by train or intercity bus can be a comfortable alternative for participants arriving from other parts of Florida or the southeastern United States.
Public transportation does not travel directly to Retreats by the Lake. You will still need to arrange a rental car, taxi, rideshare, private transfer, or pickup for the final part of your journey.
🚆 Amtrak at Winter Haven Station
The closest major Amtrak station is located in Winter Haven:
Winter Haven Amtrak Station
1800 7th Street SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Winter Haven is the recommended Amtrak arrival point for most participants traveling by train.
- Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from the venue, depending on the route and traffic.
- Served by Amtrak routes connecting several cities throughout Florida and the eastern United States.
- Ground transportation should be arranged in advance.
- Rideshare availability may vary, particularly early in the morning or late at night.
- Explore in Google Maps
Please confirm your train’s current schedule, baggage policy, and arrival time directly with Amtrak before traveling.
🚍 Greyhound and FlixBus in Lake Wales
Greyhound and FlixBus may offer service to a roadside stop in Lake Wales:
Lake Wales — Citgo
20500 US Highway 27
Lake Wales, FL 33853
- This is a bus stop rather than a full-service terminal.
- Amenities may be limited.
- Confirm the exact boarding and arrival location printed on your ticket.
- Arrange your transportation from the bus stop to Retreats by the Lake in advance.
- Explore in Google Maps
🚍Winter Haven Transportation Center
Some intercity and regional bus services may also arrive at:
Winter Haven Transportation Center
555 Avenue E NW
Winter Haven, FL 33880
From Winter Haven, you will need to arrange a taxi, rideshare, private transfer, or pickup to the venue.
Because routes and stop locations can change, always verify the details shown on your ticket before beginning your journey.
🚙 Driving to Retreats by the Lake
Participants traveling by car should enter the complete address into their navigation app:
Retreats by the Lake
2819 Tiger Lake Road
Lake Wales, FL 33898
Before departing:
- Download the route for offline use in case cellular service is limited.
- Fill your gas tank before approaching the venue.
- Allow extra time for traffic, road construction, weather, and holiday travel.
- Follow official Winter Solstice signs and volunteer instructions once you arrive.
- Do not rely exclusively on the venue name; use the complete street address.
Parking and unloading instructions will be shared closer to the event.