Arcadia, an hour east of Sarasota in Southwest Florida, is the place to go for all kinds of adventures, from rodeos to airboat rides to hunting fossils on the Peace River.
Here in the county seat of DeSoto County, visitors can experience the wild side of Florida with a variety of family-friendly canoeing, camping, and fossil-hunting adventures along with the scenic and gently flowing river that lives up to its name, as well as airboat tours, horseback riding tours, and swamp buggy rides that take outdoor excitement to another level. Outdoor enthusiasts will also want to check out the hiking and equestrian trails at the 5,000-acre Peace River State Forest.
Arcadia’s long history is evident within the picturesque Arcadia Historic District and the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, the oldest rodeo in Florida. In addition to rodeo events, the fully covered Mosaic Arena, the largest venue in the region, hosts concerts, agricultural expos, and other popular events such as Monster Jam throughout the year. Visitors can also find plenty to see and do in town and downtown, from antiquing and shopping at farm stands and markets to seeing concerts at the Historic Heard Opera House.
Arcadia’s restaurants offer a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. At Mary Margaret’s Tea & Biscuit, situated at the center of the shopping district, guests are transported back to Victorian times with an elegant selection of desserts, teas, and sandwiches. Nav-A-Gator, located along the Peace River, is a one-stop destination for delicious food, live music, river tours and marina activities, and souvenir shopping.
Plan your trip at Visit DeSoto.
WATERWAYS
Explore the iconic Peace River.
FAMILY FUN
Check out kid-friendly activities and attractions.
MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Visit the museum and listen to live music.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Paddle the river, go for an airboat ride, and explore the parks.
BEACHES
Arcadia is about an hour’s drive from several Gulf beaches.
ACCESSIBILITY
Check out the area’s accessible attractions and places to stay.
DINING
Enjoy seafood al fresco, barbecue, and English-style pastries and tea.
SHOPPING
Pick up fresh citrus from a grove farm stand and browse the antique shops downtown.
SPORTS
Tee off on the sunny greens of Arcadia.
PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES
Bring your dog along to the river and pet-friendly restaurants
PLACES TO STAY
Choose from hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
