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.
MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Learn about the town’s history and catch a movie at the drive-in.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Hit the trails, spot birds, go fishing, and visit the parks.
WATERWAYS
Head to the river for fishing, paddling, and boating.
ACCESSIBILITY
Visit the area’s accessible parks and attractions.
DINING
Sample the local fare, from Southern-style comfort food to tea-room sweets and sandwiches.
SHOPPING
See the more than 50 shops and restaurants in Dade City.
SPORTS
Hit the links and explore the area’s exciting sports scene.
PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES
Four-legged family members can join in the fun at Dade City’s dog-friendly businesses and parks.
PLACES TO STAY
Book a stay at a hotel, RV campground, or vacation rental.
