Things To Do & Attractions In Dade City FL - Visit Florida

Dade City, 40 miles north of Tampa, is a city full of rolling hills and Old Florida charm, from its many historic buildings and cultural sites to its antique stores and Southern-style eateries.  As the county seat of Pasco County, known as Florida’s Sports Coast, Dade City offers a host of family-friendly attractions and festivals, outdoor adventures, golf resorts, and sports events.

In Dade City’s historic downtown, visitors will find a variety of antique stores, boutique shops, and independent restaurants. Local favorite eateries include Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant, the Farmhouse Market & Cafe, Angel Tea Room & Heavenly Treasures Gift Shop, and award-winning Kafe Kokopelli, which is housed in a building constructed by Ford Motor Company in 1916. History buffs can learn about the area’s past at the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum and the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, and the self-guided Historic Dade City Walking Tour brings participants on a journey to see dozens of the town’s historic buildings. In January, the downtown area fills with vendors and amusements during the annual Dade City Kumquat Festival.

Outdoor adventurers will find no shortage of places to explore in Dade City and the surrounding areas. The paved, 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail offers virtually uninterrupted long rides for experienced cyclists as well as a wheelchair- and stroller-friendly surface for young families and users with disabilities. At Withlacoochee River Park, visitors can explore the scenic river, camp, fish, and hike 13 miles of trails. Just east of Dade City, the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, which protects a total of 560,000 acres of flatlands, wetlands, and ridges, has opportunities for birding, biking, horseback riding, paddling, fishing, and camping.

Families of all ages will enjoy seeing the area’s kid-friendly attractions, including the 47-acre Giraffe Ranch, adjacent to Green Swamp, where guests can go on a safari and feed some of the park’s animal residents. For high-flying excitement, TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park has adventure courses for everyone in the family and even a “Little Lemur’s Course” for kids ages 1-6. Some of Pasco County’s popular sporting events can be found at Little Everglades Ranch, host of the Savage Race, Rugged Maniac, and the Florida Cyclocross Championship.

Plan your trip to Florida’s Sports Coast.

 

FAMILY FUN

Go on a safari, glide between the treetops, and visit with farm animals.

• Giraffe Ranch
• TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park
• Old McMickey’s Farm
• More family-friendly activities and attractions

MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Learn about the town’s history and catch a movie at the drive-in.

• Historic Dade City Walking Tour
• Pioneer Florida Museum and Village
• Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum
• Dade City Center for the Arts
• Joy-Lan Drive-In Theater & Swap Shop

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Hit the trails, spot birds, go fishing, and visit the parks.

• Birding
• Fishing and charters
• Hiking and biking trails
• Agritourism
• City parks
• Water activities
• Scalloping

WATERWAYS

Head to the river for fishing, paddling, and boating.

• Withlacoochee River
• Lake Pasadena

ACCESSIBILITY

Visit the area’s accessible parks and attractions.

• Withlacoochee State Trail
• Pioneer Florida Museum and Village

DINING

Sample the local fare, from Southern-style comfort food to tea-room sweets and sandwiches.

• Bars
• Breweries
• Restaurants

SHOPPING

See the more than 50 shops and restaurants in Dade City.

• Dade City antique stores
• More places to shop in Dade City
• Places to sho in Pasco County

SPORTS

Hit the links and explore the area’s exciting sports scene.

• Golf courses and resorts
• All sports

PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

Four-legged family members can join in the fun at Dade City’s dog-friendly businesses and parks.

• Price Park
• Joy-Lan Drive In Theatre & Swap Shop
• Dogs’ Day in Dade City

PLACES TO STAY

Book a stay at a hotel, RV campground, or vacation rental.

• Hampton Inn Dade City-Zephyrhills
• Dade City Resort
• More places to stay